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Chen Q, Tang L, Liu N, Han F, Guo L, Guo S, Wang J, Liu H, Ye Y, Zhang L, Liu L, Wang P, Li Y, He Q, Yang X, Tang Q, Li Y, Liang Y, Sun X, Xie C, Mo Y, Guo Y, Sun R, Mo H, Cao K, Guo X, Zeng M, Mai H, Ma J. Famitinib in combination with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a phase 1, open-label, dose-escalation Study. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2018; 38:66. [PMID: 30382933 PMCID: PMC6235389 DOI: 10.1186/s40880-018-0330-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Famitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor against multiple targets, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2/3, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and stem cell factor receptor (c-kit). Previous studies have demonstrated anti-tumour activities of famitinib against a wide variety of advanced-stage solid cancers. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of famitinib with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We also evaluated the feasibility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (D-CEUS) as a predictor of early tumour response to famitinib and to correlate functional parameters with clinical efficacy. METHODS The trial was conducted in subjects with stage III or IVa-b NPC using a 3 + 3 design of escalating famitinib doses. Briefly, subjects received 2 weeks of famitinib monotherapy followed by 7 weeks of famitinib plus CCRT. D-CEUS of the neck lymph nodes was performed at day 0, 8 and 15 after famitinib was administered before starting concurrent chemoradiotherapy. End points included safety, tolerability and anti-tumour activity. RESULTS Twenty patients were enrolled (six each for 12.5, 16.5 and 20 mg and two for 25 mg). Two patients in the 25 mg cohort developed dose-limiting toxicities, including grade 4 thrombocytopenia and grade 3 hypertension. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were leukopenia, neutropenia and radiation mucositis. D-CEUS tests showed that more than 60% of patients achieved a perfusion parameter response after 2 weeks taking famitinib alone, and the parameter response was associated with disease improvement. In the famitinib monotherapy stage, three patients (15%) showed partial responses. The complete response rate was 65% at the completion of treatment and 95% 3 months after the treatment ended. After a median follow-up of 44 months, the 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and distant metastasis-free survival were 70% and 75%, respectively. Subjects with a decrease of perfusion parameter response, such as peak intensity decreased at least 30% after 1 week of famitinib treatment, had higher 3-year PFS (90.9% vs. 44.4%, 95% CI 73.7%-100% vs. 11.9%-76.9%, P < 0.001) than those with an increase or a reduction of less than 30%. CONCLUSIONS The recommended famitinib dose for phase II trial is 20 mg with CCRT for patients with local advanced NPC. D-CEUS is a reliable and early measure of efficacy for famitinib therapies. Further investigation is required to confirm the effects of famitinib plus chemoradiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Linquan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Na Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Feng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Ling Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Shanshan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Huai Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, P. R. China
| | - Yanfang Ye
- Department of Science and Education, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
| | - Liting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Pan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yingqin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Qingmei He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Qingnan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - YuJing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - XueSong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Chuanmiao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Imaging, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yunxian Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Imaging, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Ying Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Clinical Trial Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Rui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Haoyuan Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Kajia Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Musheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Haiqiang Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China. .,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
| | - Jun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
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Curtarelli RB, Gonçalves JM, dos Santos LGP, Savi MG, Nör JE, Mezzomo LAM, Rodríguez Cordeiro MM. Expression of Cancer Stem Cell Biomarkers in Human Head and Neck Carcinomas: a Systematic Review. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2018; 14:769-784. [DOI: 10.1007/s12015-018-9839-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Jiang F, Hu W, Zhang B, Xu J, Shui Y, Zhou X, Ren X, Chen X, Shen L, Wei Q. Changes in c-Kit expression levels during the course of radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Biomed Rep 2016; 5:437-442. [PMID: 27699010 DOI: 10.3892/br.2016.757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In the era of intensity-modulated radiotherapy, distant metastasis is currently the main cause of treatment failure for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Additional therapeutic strategies are required to control the metastasis and improve survival. One strategy is targeted therapy, for example against c-Kit. In the current study, the frequency of c-Kit expression was determined immunohistochemically in 106 NPC patients. c-Kit expression changes during the course of radiation therapy were detected in 41 cases via weekly biopsy. Twelve cases (11.3%) had c-Kit expression scores of 3+ and 16 (15.1%) had scores of 2+. Thus, c-Kit overexpression (2+ or 3+) was observed in 28 (26.4%) patients. There were 35 (33.0%) and 43 (40.6%) patients with c-Kit expression scores of 1+ and 0, respectively. Furthermore, a trend of decreased c-Kit expression was observed after commencing radiotherapy according to the 41 NPC patients who were biopsied weekly. Therefore, c-Kit overexpression was identified to be common in NPC, and evaluating c-Kit as a therapeutic target for metastatic NPC via c-Kit overexpression subsequent to first line treatment may be of interest. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate a trend of decreased c-Kit expression during the course of radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Wei Hu
- National Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Bicheng Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Yongjie Shui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhou
- National Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqiu Ren
- National Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Xiaozhong Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Li Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China; National Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Qichun Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China; National Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
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Inhibition of Mast Cell-Derived Histamine Decreases Human Cholangiocarcinoma Growth and Differentiation via c-Kit/Stem Cell Factor-Dependent Signaling. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2015; 186:123-33. [PMID: 26597881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is composed of numerous cells, including mast cells (MCs). MCs release histamine, which increases CCA progression and angiogenesis. Cholangiocytes secrete stem cell factor, which functions via the MC growth factor receptor c-Kit. Here, we show that cholangiocytes express histidine decarboxylase and its inhibition reduces CCA growth. MC recruitment in the tumor microenvironment increased CCA growth. MC infiltration and MC markers were detected by toluidine blue staining and real-time PCR in human biopsies and in tumors from athymic mice treated with saline, histamine, histidine decarboxylase inhibitor, or cromolyn sodium. Tumor growth, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)/extracellular matrix (ECM) markers were measured in mice treated with cromolyn sodium. In vitro, human CCA cells were treated with MC supernatant fluids before evaluating angiogenesis and EMT/ECM expression. Migration assays were performed with CCA cells treated with the stem cell factor inhibitor. MC supernatant fluids increased CCA histidine decarboxylase, vascular endothelial growth factor, and MC/EMT/ECM expression that decreased with pretreatment of cromolyn sodium. MCs were found in human biopsies. In mice treated with cromolyn sodium, MC infiltration and tumor growth decreased. Inhibition of CCA stem cell factor blocked MC migration and MC/EMT/ECM in CCA. MCs migrate into CCA tumor microenvironment via c-Kit/stem cell factor and increase tumor progression, angiogenesis, EMT switch, and ECM degradation.
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Zhang JW, Qin T, Hong SD, Zhang J, Fang WF, Zhao YY, Yang YP, Xue C, Huang Y, Zhao HY, Ma YX, Hu ZH, Huang PY, Zhang L. Multiple oncogenic mutations related to targeted therapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CANCER 2015; 34:177-83. [PMID: 25963410 PMCID: PMC4593383 DOI: 10.1186/s40880-015-0011-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An increasing number of targeted drugs have been tested for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, targeted therapy-related oncogenic mutations have not been fully evaluated. This study aimed to detect targeted therapy-related oncogenic mutations in NPC and to determine which targeted therapy might be potentially effective in treating NPC. METHODS By using the SNaPshot assay, a rapid detection method, 19 mutation hotspots in 6 targeted therapy-related oncogenes were examined in 70 NPC patients. The associations between oncogenic mutations and clinicopathologic factors were analyzed. RESULTS Among 70 patients, 12 (17.1%) had mutations in 5 oncogenes: 7 (10.0%) had v-kit Hardy-Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KIT) mutation, 2 (2.8%) had epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, 1 (1.4%) had phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) mutation, 1 (1.4%) had Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutation, and 1 (1.4%) had simultaneous EGFR and v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) mutations. No significant differences were observed between oncogenic mutations and clinicopathologic characteristics. Additionally, these oncogenic mutations were not associated with tumor recurrence and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Oncogenic mutations are present in NPC patients. The efficacy of targeted drugs on patients with the related oncogenic mutations requires further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Wei Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Tao Qin
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Shao-Dong Hong
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Jing Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Wen-Feng Fang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Yuan-Yuan Zhao
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Yun-Peng Yang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Cong Xue
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Yan Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Hong-Yuan Zhao
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Yu-Xiang Ma
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Zhi-Huang Hu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Pei-Yu Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China.
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Papagerakis S, Pannone G, Zheng L, About I, Taqi N, Nguyen NPT, Matossian M, McAlpin B, Santoro A, McHugh J, Prince ME, Papagerakis P. Oral epithelial stem cells - implications in normal development and cancer metastasis. Exp Cell Res 2014; 325:111-29. [PMID: 24803391 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Oral mucosa is continuously exposed to environmental forces and has to be constantly renewed. Accordingly, the oral mucosa epithelium contains a large reservoir of epithelial stem cells necessary for tissue homeostasis. Despite considerable scientific advances in stem cell behavior in a number of tissues, fewer studies have been devoted to the stem cells in the oral epithelium. Most of oral mucosa stem cells studies are focused on identifying cancer stem cells (CSC) in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) among other head and neck cancers. OSCCs are the most prevalent epithelial tumors of the head and neck region, marked by their aggressiveness and invasiveness. Due to their highly tumorigenic properties, it has been suggested that CSC may be the critical population of cancer cells in the development of OSCC metastasis. This review presents a brief overview of epithelium stem cells with implications in oral health, and the clinical implications of the CSC concept in OSCC metastatic dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Papagerakis
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Giuseppe Pannone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Li Zheng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Imad About
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, ISM UMR 7287, 13288, Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - Nawar Taqi
- Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nghia P T Nguyen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Margarite Matossian
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Blake McAlpin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Angela Santoro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Jonathan McHugh
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mark E Prince
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Petros Papagerakis
- Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center for Organogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Gourzones C, Klibi-Benlagha J, Friboulet L, Jlidi R, Busson P. Cellular Interactions in Nasopharyngeal Carcinomas. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-5947-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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The Evolving Role of Systemic Therapy in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Current Strategies and Perspectives. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-5947-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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9
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Gourzones C, Barjon C, Busson P. Host-tumor interactions in nasopharyngeal carcinomas. Semin Cancer Biol 2012; 22:127-36. [PMID: 22249142 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2012.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Revised: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 01/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Like other human solid tumors, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a tissue and a systemic disease as much as a cell disease. Tumor cell population in NPC is highly heterogeneous. Heavy infiltration by non-malignant leucocytes results at least in part from the production of abundant inflammatory cytokines by the malignant epithelial cells. There is indirect evidence that interactions between stromal and malignant cells contribute to tumor development. Peripheral blood samples collected from NPC patients contain multiple products derived from the tumor, including cytokines, non-cytokine tumor proteins, tumor exosomes and viral nucleic acids. These products represent a potential source of biomarkers for assessment of tumor aggressiveness, indirect exploration of cellular interactions and monitoring of tumor response to therapeutic agents. Most NPC patients are immunocompetent with evidence of active humoral and cellular immune responses against EBV-antigens at the systemic level. Tumor development is facilitated by local immunosuppressive factors which are not fully understood. Local accumulation of regulatory T-cells is probably one important factor. At least two NPC tumor products are suspected to contribute to their expansion, the cytokine CCL20 and the tumor exosomes carrying galectin 9. In the future, new therapeutic modalities will probably aim at breaking immune tolerance or at blocking cellular interactions critical for tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Gourzones
- Université Paris-Sud-11, CNRS-UMR 8126 and Institut de cancérologie Gustave Roussy, 39 rue Camille Desmoulins, F-94805 Villejuif, France
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10
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Sayed SI, Dwivedi RC, Katna R, Garg A, Pathak KA, Nutting CM, Rhys-Evans P, Harrington KJ, Kazi R. Implications of understanding cancer stem cell (CSC) biology in head and neck squamous cell cancer. Oral Oncol 2011; 47:237-43. [PMID: 21382740 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2011.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2010] [Revised: 02/05/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world. Effective therapeutic modalities such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and combinations of each are used in the management of this disease. Efforts are ongoing throughout the world to improve early detection and prevention of HNSCCs. Often, treatment fails to obtain total cancer cure and this is more likely with advanced stage disease. In recent years it appears that one of the key determinants of treatment failure may be the presence of cancer stem cells (CSC) that 'escape' currently available therapies. CSCs form a minute portion of the total tumour burden but may play a disproportionately important role in determining outcomes. Molecular mechanisms which underlie the genesis of CSCs are yet not fully understood and their detection within the total tumour bulk remains a challenge. Specific markers like Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), CD44 and Bmi-1 have shown early promising results both in CSC detection and in guiding treatment protocols. CSCs have been shown to be relatively resistant to standard treatment modalities. It is hoped that developing robust in vitro and in vivo experimental models of CSCs might provide a means of devising more effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail I Sayed
- ENT Dept., Grant Medical College, B.R. Ambedkar Road, Byculla, Mumbai 8, India.
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Preclinical evaluation of sunitinib as single agent or in combination with chemotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Invest New Drugs 2010; 29:1123-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s10637-010-9451-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2010] [Accepted: 05/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Ashida A, Takata M, Murata H, Kido K, Saida T. Pathological activation of KIT in metastatic tumors of acral and mucosal melanomas. Int J Cancer 2009; 124:862-8. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.24048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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13
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Hu ZY, Zhu XF, Zhong ZD, Sun J, Wang J, Yang D, Zeng YX. ApoG2, a novel inhibitor of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, induces apoptosis and suppresses tumor growth in nasopharyngeal carcinoma xenografts. Int J Cancer 2008; 123:2418-29. [PMID: 18712728 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.23752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant tumor in South China. It has been reported that overexpression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins in NPC has caused the lack of long-term efficacy of conventional therapies. Apogossypolone (ApoG2), a novel small-molecule inhibitor of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, has been discovered as the optimized derivative of gossypol. In this study, we found that in NPC cells, ApoG2 totally blocked the antiapoptotic function of Bcl-2 family proteins without affecting the expression levels of these proteins. ApoG2 selectively inhibited proliferation of 3 NPC cell lines (C666-1, CNE-1 and CNE-2) that highly expressed the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. This inhibitory activity was associated with release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and apoptosis of sensitive NPC cells. However, ApoG2 had no obvious inhibitory effect on NPC cell line HONE-1, which expressed antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL at a low level. We further found that ApoG2 effectively suppressed tumor growth of NPC xenografts in nude mice and enhanced the antitumor effect of CDDP (cisplatin) on NPC cells in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of CD31 decreased after ApoG2 treatment, which suggested inhibition of angiogenesis in NPC xenografts. Our findings strongly suggest that ApoG2 may serve as a novel inhibitor of Bcl-2 family proteins and, by targeting these proteins, may become a promising drug for the treatment of NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe-Yu Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Graziano A, d'Aquino R, Tirino V, Desiderio V, Rossi A, Pirozzi G. The stem cell hypothesis in head and neck cancer. J Cell Biochem 2008; 103:408-12. [PMID: 17546610 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.21436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are tumoral cells which have stem features such as self-renewal, high migration capacity, drug resistance, high proliferation abilities. In the last 10 years the pathological meaning and the existence of CSCs have been matter of discussion and a large number of articles have been published about the role that these cells play in the development and maintenance of the tumors. Head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide: early diagnosis of high-risk premalignant lesions are high priorities for reducing deaths due to head and neck cancer. In the last years the CSCs hypothesis has been faced also for head and neck cancer, with the aim of a better comprehension of the tumor biology and an early diagnosis. The evidence that the development of a tumor comes from a small number of cells with stem-like characteristic, could bring too to the identification of therapies against these cellular target, fundamental for maintenance and progression of the lesion. Here, a literature review has been reported about the detection of supposed CSCs in head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Graziano
- SHRO and Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Charfi S, Khabir A, Ayadi L, Mseddi M, Makni H, Gorbel A, Daoud J, Frikha M, Jlidi R, Busson P, Boudawara TS. Expression de c-kit dans les carcinomes nasopharyngés nord africains, corrélations avec l'âge et LMP1. Cancer Radiother 2007; 11:247-51. [PMID: 17689127 DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2007.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2007] [Revised: 06/21/2007] [Accepted: 06/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the level and prognostic significance of c-kit expression in the two age groups of North African nasopharyngeal carcinomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective study of 99 NPC specimens from Tunisian patients was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical data were correlated with Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 expression and pathological, clinical and survival parameters. RESULTS c-kit was detected in 79% of the cases for patients under 30 years of age (juvenile form) but in only 56% of specimens in patients over 30 years (P=0.039) and was significantly over-expressed for patients with lymph node involvement (P=0.015). LMP1 score was 5.78 (+/-1.84) for c-kit negative tumors compared to 8,23 (+/-2.39) for c-kit positive tumors (P=0.002). Multivariate analysis including age, lymph nodes involvement and LMP1 expression as co-variables, showed that only age (P=0.027) and LMP1 expression (P=0.005) were significantly correlated to the c-kit expression. CONCLUSION c-kit is highly expressed in the juvenile form of North African nasopharyngeal carcinomas. There is a significant association between LMP1 and c-kit expression. The contrasted levels of C-kit expression in the two age groups strengthen the hypothesis that these clinical forms result from distinct oncogenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Charfi
- Laboratoire d'anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques, CHU Habib-Bourguiba, Sfax, Tunisie
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Gil da Costa RM, Matos E, Rema A, Lopes C, Pires MA, Gärtner F. CD117 immunoexpression in canine mast cell tumours: correlations with pathological variables and proliferation markers. BMC Vet Res 2007; 3:19. [PMID: 17711582 PMCID: PMC2077863 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-3-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2007] [Accepted: 08/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cutaneous mast cell tumours are one of the most common neoplasms in dogs and show a highly variable biologic behaviour. Several prognosis tools have been proposed for canine mast cell tumours, including histological grading and cell proliferation markers. CD117 is a receptor tyrosine kinase thought to play a key role in human and canine mast cell neoplasms. Normal (membrane-associated) and aberrant (cytoplasmic, focal or diffuse) CD117 immunoexpression patterns have been identified in canine mast cell tumours. Cytoplasmic CD117 expression has been found to correlate with higher histological grade and with a worsened post-surgical prognosis. This study addresses the role of CD117 in canine mast cell tumours by studying the correlations between CD117 immunoexpression patterns, two proliferation markers (Ki67 and AgNORs) histological grade, and several other pathological variables. Results Highly significant (p < 0,001) correlations were found between CD117 immunostaining patterns and histological grade, cell proliferation markers (Ki67, AgNORs) and tumoral necrosis. Highly significant (p < 0,001) correlations were also established between the two cellular proliferation markers and histological grade, tumour necrosis and epidermal ulceration. A significant correlation (p = 0.035) was observed between CD117 expression patterns and epidermal ulceration. No differences were observed between focal and diffuse cytoplasmic CD117 staining patterns concerning any of the variables studied. Conclusion These findings highlight the key role of CD117 in the biopathology of canine MCTs and confirm the relationship between aberrant CD117 expression and increased cell proliferation and higher histological grade. Further studies are needed to unravel the cellular mechanisms underlying focal and diffuse cytoplasmic CD117 staining patterns, and their respective biopathologic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui M Gil da Costa
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Matos
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Rema
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Célia Lopes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria A Pires
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Fátima Gärtner
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
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Tan EL, Selvaratnam G, Kananathan R, Sam CK. Quantification of Epstein-Barr virus DNA load, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, transforming growth factor-beta1 and stem cell factor in plasma of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2006; 6:227. [PMID: 16995954 PMCID: PMC1592111 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-6-227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2006] [Accepted: 09/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common epithelial neoplasm among the Chinese populations in Southern China and South East Asia. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is known to be an important etiologic agent of NPC and the viral gene products are frequently detected in NPC tissues along with elevated antibody titres to the viral proteins (VCA and EA) in a majority of patients. Elevated plasma EBV DNA load is regarded as an important marker for the presence of the disease and for the monitoring of disease progression. However, other serum/plasma parameters such as the levels of certain interleukins and growth factors have also been implicated in NPC. The objectives of the present study are, 1) to investigate the correlations between plasma EBV DNA load and the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, TGF-β1 and SCF (steel factor) and 2) to relate these parameters to the stages of NPC and the effect of treatment. Methods A total of 78 untreated NPC patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 51 were followed-up after treatment. The remaining patients had irregular or were lost to follow-up. Plasma EBV DNA was quantified using real-time quantitative PCR. The levels of plasma interleukins and growth factors were quantified using ELISA. Results A significant decrease in EBV DNA load was detected in plasma of untreated NPC patients (1669 ± 637 copies/mL; n = 51) following treatment (57 ± 37 copies/mL, p < 0.05); n = 51). Plasma EBV DNA load was shown to be a good prognosticator for disease progression and clinical outcome in five of the follow-up patients. A significant difference in IL-6 levels was noted between the untreated patients (164 ± 37 pg/mL; n = 51) and following treatment (58 ± 16 pg/mL, p < 0.05; n = 51). Positive correlations between EBV DNA load and IL-10 (r(49) = 0.535, p < 0.01), between IL6 and IL-10 (r(49) = 0.474, p < 0.01) and between TGF and SCF (r(49) = 0.464, p < 0.01) were observed in patients following treatment. None of the parameters tested including IgA-VCA were associated with tumour stages. Conclusion We conclude that among the parameters investigated, EBV DNA load and IL-6 levels were promising markers for the presence of NPC and for the assessment of treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eng-lai Tan
- School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - G Selvaratnam
- NCI Cancer Hospital, Jalan BBN 2/1, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - R Kananathan
- NCI Cancer Hospital, Jalan BBN 2/1, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Choon-kook Sam
- NPC Laboratory, Institute of Postgraduate Studies, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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