The effect of zoledronic acid and osteoprotegerin on growth of human lung cancer in the tibias of nude mice

The road of NSCLC stem cells toward bone metastases

Despite advancement in therapeutic options, Non-Small Cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a lethal disease mostly due to late diagnosis at metastatic phase and drug resistance. Bone is one of the more frequent sites for NSCLC metastatization. A defined subset of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that possess motile properties, mesenchymal features and tumor initiation potential are defined as metastasis initiating cells (MICs). A better understanding of the mechanisms supporting MIC dissemination and interaction with bone microenvironment is fundamental to design novel rational therapeutic option for long lasting efficient treatment of NSCLC. In this review we will summarize findings about bone metastatic process initiated by NSCLC MICs. We will review how MICs can reach bone and interact with its microenvironment that supports their extravasation, seeding, dormancy/proliferation. The role of different cell types inside the bone metastatic niche, such as endothelial cells, bone cells, hematopoietic stem cells and immune cells will be discussed in regards of their impact in dictating the success of metastasis establishment by MICs. Finally, novel therapeutic options to target NSCLC MIC-induced bone metastases, increasing the survival of patients, will be presented.

Canine Thyroid Cancer: Molecular Characterization and Cell Line Growth in Nude Mice

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy in dogs. Dogs and humans are similar in the spontaneous development of thyroid cancer and metastasis to lungs; however, thyroid cancer has a higher incidence of metastasis in dogs. This study developed a preclinical nude mouse model of canine thyroid cancer using a canine thyroid adenocarcinoma cell line (CTAC) and measured the expression of important invasion and metastasis genes in spontaneous canine thyroid carcinomas and CTAC cells. CTAC cells were examined by electron microscopy. Short tandem repeat analysis was performed for both the original neoplasm and CTAC cells. CTAC cells were transduced with luciferase and injected subcutaneously and into the tail vein. Tumors and metastases were monitored using bioluminescent imaging and confirmed with gross necropsy and histopathology. Invasion and metastasis genes were characterized in 8 follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs), 4 C-cell thyroid carcinomas, 3 normal thyroids, and CTAC cells. CTAC cells grew well as xenografts in the subcutis, and they resembled the primary neoplasm. Metastasis to the kidney and lung occurred infrequently following subcutaneous and tail vein injection of CTAC cells. STR analysis confirmed that CTAC cells were derived from the original neoplasm and were of canine origin. Finally, 24 genes were differentially expressed in spontaneous canine thyroid carcinomas, CTAC, and normal thyroids. This study demonstrated the usefulness of a nude mouse model of experimental canine thyroid carcinoma and identified potential molecular targets of canine follicular and C-cell thyroid carcinoma.

Humanized bone facilitates prostate cancer metastasis and recapitulates therapeutic effects of zoledronic acid in vivo

Advanced prostate cancer (PCa) is known for its high prevalence to metastasize to bone, at which point it is considered incurable. Despite significant effort, there is no animal model capable of recapitulating the complexity of PCa bone metastasis. The humanized mouse model for PCa bone metastasis used in this study aims to provide a platform for the assessment of new drugs by recapitulating the human-human cell interactions relevant for disease development and progression. The humanized tissue-engineered bone construct (hTEBC) was created within NOD-scid IL2rgnull (NSG) mice and was used for the study of experimental PC3-Luc bone metastases. It was confirmed that PC3-Luc cells preferentially grew in the hTEBC compared with murine bone. The translational potential of the humanized mouse model for PCa bone metastasis was evaluated with two clinically approved osteoprotective therapies, the non-species-specific bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA) or the human-specific antibody Denosumab, both targeting Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-Β Ligand. ZA, but not Denosumab, significantly decreased metastases in hTEBCs, but not murine femora. These results highlight the importance of humanized models for the preclinical research on PCa bone metastasis and indicate the potential of the bioengineered mouse model to closely mimic the metastatic cascade of PCa cells to human bone. Eventually, it will enable the development of new effective antimetastatic treatments.

[The mechanism of anti-RANKL antibody in the treatment of metabolic bone diseases including osteoporosis - possible applications of anti-RANKL antibody to the treatment of cancer patients]

Discovery of RANKL (receptor activator of NF-κB ligand) gave a great impact on identification of the mechanisms regulating osteoclast differentiation and function, establishment of research field bridging bone and mineral research and immunology (osteoimmunology), and development of a fully human anti-RANKL monoclonal neutralizing antibody (denosumab). Denosumab has been clinically available for treatment of osteoporosis and cancer-induced bone diseases in the US, Europe and many countries including Japan. Denosumab is a so-called blockbuster of which sales amount was 3.9 billion US dollars in 2017. Because RANKL is the absolute factor for osteoclast differentiation, anti-RANKL antibody is very effective and its application is good news for many patients. Recent topics are the identification of importance of RANKL on osteoblasts in regulation of osteogenesis and the demonstration of RANKL-RANK (the receptor of RANKL) dual signaling in coupling between bone resorption and bone formation. RANKL reverse signaling that we had hypothesized was demonstrated at last. In this review I describe the mechanism of anti-RANKL antibody in the treatment of metabolic bone diseases including osteoporosis. I also suggest possible applications of anti-RANKL antibody to the treatment of cancer patients.

The anti-tumor effect of RANKL inhibition in malignant solid tumors - A systematic review

At present, accumulating evidence suggests that inhibition of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) does not only induce an increase in bone mass and strength, but also has anti-tumor effects. Denosumab, an antibody targeting RANKL, is used to treat osteoporosis and to prevent skeletal related events (SREs) in patients with bone metastases originating from solid tumors. However, expression of RANKL and its receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) is not solely restricted to cells involved in homeostasis of the bone and RANKL-RANK signalling appears to play a substantial role in many other processes in the body like mammary physiology, mammary tumorigenesis and the immune system. In pre-clinical models, RANKL inhibition has been shown to reduce skeletal tumor burden and distant metastases as well as to decrease mammary carcinogenesis. Clinically, RANKL inhibition improves bone-metastasis free survival in patients with prostate cancer and disease-free survival in patients with breast cancer. In addition, RANKL treatment may form a preventative strategy in patients at high risk for malignancies of the breast. Current clinical studies are evaluating the effect of denosumab on survival, the immune system and other biomarkers into a greater extent. To that purpose, a systematic review of the literature was performed and a narrative review synthesized, describing the present pre-clinical and clinical evidence of an anti-tumor effect of RANKL inhibition and the potential role of the immune system as one of the underlying mechanisms.

Intra-iliac Artery Injection for Efficient and Selective Modeling of Microscopic Bone Metastasis

Intra-iliac artery (IIA) injection is an efficient approach to introduce metastatic lesions of various cancer cells in animals. Compared to the widely used intra-cardiac and intra-tibial injections, IIA injection brings several advantages. First, it can deliver a large quantity of cancer cells specifically to hind limb bones, thereby providing spatiotemporally synchronized early-stage colonization events and allowing robust quantification and swift detection of disseminated tumor cells. Second, it injects cancer cells into the circulation without damaging the local tissues, thereby avoiding inflammatory and wound-healing processes that confound the bone colonization process. Third, IIA injection causes very little metastatic growth in non-bone organs, thereby preventing animals from succumbing to other vital metastases, and allowing continuous monitoring of indolent bone lesions. These advantages are especially useful for the inspection of progression from single cancer cells to multi-cell micrometastases, which has largely been elusive in the past. When combined with cutting-edge approaches of biological imaging and bone histology, IIA injection can be applied to various research purposes related to bone metastases.

Feline Mammary Cancer

Feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) is similar to human breast cancer in the late age of onset, incidence, histopathologic features, biological behavior, and pattern of metastasis. Therefore, FMC has been proposed as a relevant model for aggressive human breast cancer. The goals of this study were to develop a nude mouse model of FMC tumor growth and metastasis and to measure the expression of genes responsible for lymphangiogenesis, angiogenesis, tumor progression, and lymph node metastasis in FMC tissues and cell lines. Two primary FMC tissues were injected subcutaneously, and 6 FMC cell lines were injected into 3 sites (subcutaneous, intratibial, and intracardiac) in nude mice. Tumors and metastases were monitored using bioluminescent imaging and characterized by gross necropsy, radiology, and histopathology. Molecular characterization of invasion and metastasis genes in FMC was conducted using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 6 primary FMC tissues, 2 subcutaneous FMC xenografts, and 6 FMC cell lines. The histologic appearance of the subcutaneous xenografts resembled the primary tumors. No metastasis was evident following subcutaneous injection of tumor tissues and cell lines, whereas lung, brain, liver, kidney, eye, and bone metastases were confirmed following intratibial and intracardiac injection of FMC cell lines. Finally, 15 genes were differentially expressed in the FMC tissues and cell lines. The highly expressed genes in all samples were PDGFA, PDGFB, PDGFC, FGF2, EGFR, ERBB2, ERBB3, VEGFD, VEGFR3, and MYOF. Three genes ( PDGFD, ANGPT2, and VEGFC) were confirmed to be of stromal origin. This investigation demonstrated the usefulness of nude mouse models of experimental FMC and identified molecular targets of FMC progression and metastasis.

Animal Models of Bone Metastasis

Bone is one of the most common sites of cancer metastasis in humans and is a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Bone metastases are considered incurable and result in pain, pathologic fracture, and decreased quality of life. Animal models of skeletal metastases are essential to improve the understanding of the molecular pathways of cancer metastasis and growth in bone and to develop new therapies to inhibit and prevent bone metastases. The ideal animal model should be clinically relevant, reproducible, and representative of human disease. Currently, an ideal model does not exist; however, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the available models will lead to proper study design and successful cancer research. This review provides an overview of the current in vivo animal models used in the study of skeletal metastases or local tumor invasion into bone and focuses on mammary and prostate cancer, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and miscellaneous tumors that metastasize to bone.

RANKL inhibition blocks osteolytic lesions and reduces skeletal tumor burden in models of non-small-cell lung cancer bone metastases

INTRODUCTION

Bone metastasis is a serious complication in patients with lung cancer, occurring in up to 40% of patients. Tumor cell-mediated osteolysis occurs ultimately through induction of RANK ligand (RANKL) within the bone stroma although this hypothesis has not been tested extensively in the setting of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). By using two novel NSCLC bone metastasis mouse models, we examined the effects of RANKL inhibition on osteolysis and tumor progression.

METHODS

We treated mice bearing skeletal NSCLC tumors with osteoprotegerin-Fc (OPG-Fc) to assess whether osteoclast inhibition through RANKL inhibition would affect bone metastases at early or late stages of bone colonization. Progression of skeletal tumor was determined by radiography, longitudinal bioluminescent imaging, and histological analyses.

RESULTS

OPG-Fc reduced development and progression of radiographically evident osteolytic lesions and also significantly reduced skeletal tumor progression in both NSCLC bone metastasis models. In the H1299 human NSCLC bone metastasis model, OPG-Fc plus docetaxel in combination resulted in significantly greater inhibition of skeletal tumor growth compared with either single agent alone. The observed ability of RANKL inhibition to reduce NSCLC osteolytic bone destruction or skeletal tumor burden was associated with decreases in tumor-associated osteoclasts.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that RANKL is required for the development of tumor-induced osteolytic bone destruction caused by NSCLC cells in vivo. RANKL inhibition also reduced skeletal tumor burden, presumably through the indirect mechanism of blocking tumor-induced osteoclastogenesis and resultant production of growth factors and calcium from the bone microenvironment. RANKL inhibition also provided an additive benefit to docetaxel treatment by augmenting the reduction of tumor burden.

Canine prostate cancer cell line (Probasco) produces osteoblastic metastases in vivo

BACKGROUND

In 2012, over 240,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and over 28,000 died from the disease. Animal models of prostate cancer are vital to understanding its pathogenesis and developing therapeutics. Canine models in particular are useful due to their similarities to late-stage, castration-resistant human disease with osteoblastic bone metastases. This study established and characterized a novel canine prostate cancer cell line that will contribute to the understanding of prostate cancer pathogenesis.

METHODS

A novel cell line (Probasco) was derived from a mixed breed dog that had spontaneous prostate cancer. Cell proliferation and motility were analyzed in vitro. Tumor growth in vivo was studied by subcutaneous, intratibial, and intracardiac injection of Probasco cells into nude mice. Tumors were evaluated by bioluminescent imaging, Faxitron radiography, µCT, and histology. RT-PCR and genome-wide DNA copy number profiling were used to characterize the cell line.

RESULTS

The Probasco cells grew in vitro (over 75 passages) and were tumorigenic in nude mice. Probasco cells expressed high levels of BMP2, CDH1, MYOF, FOLH1, RUNX2, and SMAD5 modest CXCL12, SLUG, and BMP, and no PTHrP mRNA. Following intracardiac injection, Probasco cells metastasized primarily to the appendicular skeleton, and both intratibial and intracardiac injections produced osteoblastic tumors in bone. Comparative genomic hybridization demonstrated numerous DNA copy number aberrations throughout the genome, including large losses and gains in multiple chromosomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The Probasco prostate cancer cell line will be a valuable model to investigate the mechanisms of prostate cancer pathogenesis and osteoblastic bone metastases.

Tumor microenvironment regulates metastasis and metastasis genes of mouse MMTV-PymT mammary cancer cells in vivo

Metastasis is the primary cause of death in breast cancer patients, yet there are challenges to modeling this process in vivo. The goal of this study was to analyze the effects of injection site on tumor growth and metastasis and gene expression of breast cancer cells in vivo using the MMTV-PymT breast cancer model (Met-1 cells). Met-1 cells were injected into 5 sites (subcutaneous, mammary fat pad, tail vein, intracardiac, and intratibial), and tumors and metastases were monitored using bioluminescent imaging and confirmed with gross necropsy and histopathology. Met-1 tumors were analyzed based on morphology and changes in gene expression in each tissue microenvironment. There were 6 permissible sites of Met-1 tumor growth (mammary gland, subcutis, lung, adrenal gland, ovary, bone). Met-1 cells grew faster in the subcutis compared to mammary fat pad tumors (highest Ki-67 index). Morphologic differences were evident in each tumor microenvironment. Finally, 7 genes were differentially expressed in the Met-1 tumors in the 6 sites of growth or metastasis. This investigation demonstrates that breast cancer progression and metastasis are regulated by not only the tumor cells but also the experimental model and unique molecular signals from the tumor microenvironment.

Genes associate with abnormal bone cell activity in bone metastasis

Bone is one of the most frequent sites of metastasis in patients with malignancies. Up to 90 % of patients with multiple myeloma, and 60 % to 75 % patients with prostate cancer and breast cancer develop bone metastasis at the later stages of their diseases. Bone metastases are responsible for tremendous morbidity in patients with cancer, including severe bone pain, pathologic fractures, spinal cord and nerve compression syndromes, life-threatening hypercalcemia, and increased mortality. Multiple factors produced by tumor cells or produced by the bone marrow microenvironment in response to tumor cells play important roles in activation of osteoclastic bone resorption and modulation of osteoblastic activity in patients with bone metastasis. In this chapter, we will review the genes that play important roles in bone destruction, tumor growth, and osteoblast activity in bone metastasis and discuss the potential therapies targeting the products of these genes to block both bone destruction and tumor growth.

Combined zoledronic acid and meloxicam reduced bone loss and tumour growth in an orthotopic mouse model of bone-invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is common in cats and humans and invades oral bone. We hypothesized that the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, meloxicam, with the bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid (ZOL), would inhibit tumour growth, osteolysis and invasion in feline OSCC xenografts in mice. Human and feline OSCC cell lines expressed COX-1 and COX-2 and the SCCF2 cells had increased COX-2 mRNA expression with bone conditioned medium. Luciferase-expressing feline SCCF2Luc cells were injected beneath the perimaxillary gingiva and mice were treated with 0.1 mg kg(-1) ZOL twice weekly, 0.3 mg kg(-1) meloxicam daily, combined ZOL and meloxicam, or vehicle. ZOL inhibited osteoclastic bone resorption at the tumour-bone interface. Meloxicam was more effective than ZOL at reducing xenograft growth but did not affect osteoclastic bone resorption. Although a synergistic effect of combined ZOL and meloxicam was not observed, combination therapy was well-tolerated and may be useful in the clinical management of bone-invasive feline OSCC.

Zoledronic acid but not somatostatin analogs exerts anti-tumor effects in a model of murine prostatic neuroendocrine carcinoma of the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Since neuroendocrine (NE) cells play an important role in the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), target therapy to NE cells should be considered for treating CRPC. We investigated the effects zoledronic acid (ZOL) and two somatostatin analogs (octreotide: SMS, and pasireotide: SOM) on an NE allograft (NE-10) and its cell line (NE-CS), which were established from the prostate of the LPB-Tag 12T-10 transgenic mouse.

METHODS

We examined the in vivo effects of ZOL, SMS and SOM as single agents and their combinations on subcutaneously inoculated NE-10 allografts and the in vitro effects on NE-CS cells. Apoptosis and cell cycle activity were assessed by immunohistochemistry using TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and a Ki-67 antibody, respectively.

RESULTS

In vivo growth of NE-10 tumors treated with ZOL, ZOL plus SMS, or ZOL plus SOM was significantly inhibited compared to the control as a consequence of induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. ZOL induced time- and dose-dependent inhibition of in vitro proliferation of NE-CS cells, but the somatostatin analogs (SMS and SOM) did not. ZOL also inhibited migration of NE-CS cells. These effects were caused by inhibition of Erk1/2 phosphorylation via impairment of prenylation of Ras.

CONCLUSIONS

ZOL, but not SMS or SOM, induced apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation and migration through impaired prenylation of Ras in NE carcinoma models. Our findings support the possibility that ZOL could be used in the early phase for controlling NE cells, which may trigger progression to CRPC.

Impact of chemotherapy on hypercalcemia in breast and lung cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

Hypercalcemia is mainly caused by bone resorption due to either secretion of cytokines including parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) or bone metastases. However, hypercalcemia may occur in patients with or without bone metastases. The present study aimed to describe the effect of chemotherapy treatment, regimens and doses on calcium levels among breast and lung cancer patients with hypercalcemia.

METHODS

We carried a review of medical records of breast and lung cancer patients hospitalized in years 2003 and 2009 at Penang General Hospital, a public tertiary care center in Penang Island, north of Malaysia. Patients with hypercalcemia (defined as a calcium level above 10.5 mg/dl) at the time of cancer diagnosis or during cancer treatment had their medical history abstracted, including presence of metastasis, chemotherapy types and doses, calcium levels throughout cancer treatment, and other co-morbidity. The mean calcium levels at first hospitalization before chemotherapy were compared with calcium levels at the end of or at the latest chemotherapy treatment. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test for categorical data, logistic regression test for categorical variables, and Spearman correlation test, linear regression and the paired sample t tests for continuous data.

RESULTS

Of a total 1,023 of breast cancer and 814 lung cancer patients identified, 292 had hypercalcemia at first hospitalization or during cancer treatment (174 breast and 118 lung cancer patients). About a quarter of these patients had advanced stage cancers: 26.4% had mild hypercalcemia (10.5-11.9 mg/dl), 55.5% had moderate (12-12.9 mg/dl), and 18.2% severe hypercalcemia (13-13.9; 14-16 mg/dl). Chemotherapy lowered calcium levels significantly both in breast and lung cancer patients with hypercalcemia; in particular with chemotherapy type 5-flurouracil+epirubicin+cyclophosphamide (FEC) for breast cancer, and gemcitabine+cisplatin in lung cancer.

CONCLUSION

Chemotherapy decreases calcium levels in breast and lung cancer cases with hypercalcemia at cancer diagnosis, probably by reducing PTHrP levels.

RANKL inhibition combined with tamoxifen treatment increases anti-tumor efficacy and prevents tumor-induced bone destruction in an estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer bone metastasis model

Tumor cells in bone can induce the activation of osteoclasts, which mediate bone resorption and release of growth factors and calcium from the bone matrix, resulting in a cycle of tumor growth and bone breakdown. Targeting the bone microenvironment by the inhibition of RANKL, an essential mediator of osteoclast function, not only prevents tumor-induced osteolysis but also decreases skeletal tumor burden in preclinical models. The inhibition of skeletal tumor progression after the inhibition of osteoclasts is via interruption of the "vicious cycle" of tumor/bone interactions. The majority of breast cancer patients at risk for bone metastases harbor estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) tumors. We developed a mouse model for ER+ breast cancer bone metastasis and evaluated the effect of RANKL inhibition on tumor-induced osteolysis and skeletal tumor growth both alone and in combination with tamoxifen. Luciferase-labeled MCF-7 cells (MCF-7Luc) formed metastatic foci in the hind limbs following intracardiac injection and caused mixed osteolytic/osteoblastic lesions. RANKL inhibition by OPG-Fc treatment blocked osteoclast activity and prevented tumor-induced osteolysis, as well as caused a marked decrease in skeletal tumor burden. Tamoxifen as a single agent reduced MCF-7Luc tumor growth in the hind limbs. In a combination experiment, OPG-Fc plus tamoxifen resulted in significantly greater tumor growth inhibition than either single agent alone. Histologic analysis revealed a decrease in the proliferation of tumor cells by both single agents, which was enhanced in the combination treatment. Upon treatment with OPG-Fc alone or in combination with tamoxifen, there was a complete absence of osteolytic lesions, demonstrating the ability of RANKL inhibition to prevent skeletal related morbidity in an ER+ model. The combination approach of targeting osteoclasts and the bone microenvironment by RANKL inhibition and the tumor directly via hormonal therapy may provide additional benefit to reducing skeletal tumor progression in ER+ breast cancer patients.

Bisphosphonates regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis and pro-osteoclastic expression in MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells

Bisphosphonates are well established in the management of cancer-induced skeletal complications. Recent studies suggest that nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs) promote the apoptosis of cancer cells as well as osteoclasts in bone metastatic sites. To investigate whether N-BPs exhibit a direct antitumor effect on osteoclasts, the current study investigated the effects of zoledronic acid (ZOL) on MG-63 cells in vitro. MG-63 cells were treated with ZOL. The inhibitory effect of ZOL on the growth of MG-63 cells was measured by MTT assay. ZOL-induced apoptosis of the MG-63 cells was examined by Hoechst 33258 staining, electron microscopy, Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide staining. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting analysis were employed to assess the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). The MTT assay showed that ZOL induced a distinct dose- and time-dependent reduction of cell viability with an IC(50) value of 52.37±1.0 μM for 72 h. Flow cytometric analysis further revealed that the cell apoptosis was induced by arrest of the cell cycle in the G(1) phase. RT-PCR and western blot analysis demonstrated that ZOL upregulated OPG expression. These results suggest that ZOL has direct effects on osteosarcoma cell growth and apoptosis. Increased OPG expression is an indirect effect, possibly via changes in the local microenvironment.

Effects of parathyroid hormone-related protein and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α in Jurkat T-cells on tumor formation in vivo and expression of apoptosis regulatory genes in vitro

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, but their effects on T-cells have not been well studied. Here we analyzed the functions of PTHrP and MIP-1α on T-cell growth and death both in vitro and in vivo by overexpressing either factor in human Jurkat T-cells. PTHrP or MIP-1α did not affect Jurkat cell growth in vitro, but PTHrP increased their sensitivity to apoptosis. Importantly, PTHrP and MIP-1α decreased both tumor incidence and growth in vivo. To investigate possible mechanisms, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) arrays and real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assays were performed. Both PTHrP and MIP-1α increased the expression of several factors including signal transducer and activator of transcription 4, tumor necrosis factor α, receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand and death-associated protein kinase 1, and decreased the expression of inhibitor of DNA binding 1, interferon γ and CD40 ligand in Jurkat cells. In addition, MIP-1α also increased the expression of transcription factor AP-2α and PTHrP increased expression of the vitamin D3 receptor. These data demonstrate that PTHrP and MIP-1α exert a profound antitumor effect presumably by increasing the sensitivity to apoptotic signals through modulation of transcription and apoptosis factors in T-cells.

Zoledronic acid reduces bone loss and tumor growth in an orthotopic xenograft model of osteolytic oral squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common form of oral cancer. Destruction and invasion of mandibular and maxillary bone frequently occurs and contributes to morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that the bisphosphonate drug zoledronic acid (ZOL) would inhibit tumor-induced osteolysis and reduce tumor growth and invasion in a murine xenograft model of bone-invasive oral SCC (OSCC) derived from an osteolytic feline OSCC. Luciferase-expressing OSCC cells (SCCF2Luc) were injected into the perimaxillary subgingiva of nude mice, which were then treated with 100 μg/kg ZOL or vehicle. ZOL treatment reduced tumor growth and prevented loss of bone volume and surface area but had no effect on tumor invasion. Effects on bone were associated with reduced osteolysis and increased periosteal new bone formation. ZOL-mediated inhibition of tumor-induced osteolysis was characterized by reduced numbers of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts at the tumor-bone interface, where it was associated with osteoclast vacuolar degeneration. The ratio of eroded to total bone surface was not affected by treatment, arguing that ZOL-mediated inhibition of osteolysis was independent of effects on osteoclast activation or initiation of bone resorption. In summary, our results establish that ZOL can reduce OSCC-induced osteolysis and may be valuable as an adjuvant therapy in OSCC to preserve mandibular and maxillary bone volume and function.

Arming a replicating adenovirus with osteoprotegerin reduces the tumor burden in a murine model of osteolytic bone metastases of breast cancer

Most patients with advanced breast cancer develop osteolytic bone metastases, which have numerous complications. Because current therapies are not curative, new treatments are needed. Conditionally replicating adenoviruses (CRAds) are anticancer agents designed to infect and lyse tumor cells. However, in spite of their promise as selective cancer therapeutics, replicating adenoviruses have shown limited efficacy in the clinical setting. We hypothesized that a CRAd armed with osteoprotegerin (OPG) would eradicate bone metastases of breast cancer both directly, by oncolysis, and indirectly, by inhibiting osteoclastic bone resorption and thus reducing the tumor burden. We constructed an armed CRAd (Ad5-Δ24-sOPG-Fc-RGD) by replacing viral E3B genes with a fusion of the ligand-binding domains of OPG and the Fc portion of human IgG1. Conditional replication was conferred by a 24-base pair deletion within E1A (Δ24), which prevents the binding of E1A to the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor/cell cycle regulator protein and limits replication in normal cells. Enhanced infection of cells expressing low levels of the primary Ad5 receptor was conferred by incorporating an RGD peptide sequence into the fiber knob to mediate binding to α_v integrins. After characterization of the armed CRAd, we demonstrated that infection of breast cancer cells by Ad-Δ24-sOPG-Fc-RGD both killed the infected cells by oncolysis and inhibited the formation of osteoclasts in an in vitro co-culture model. In a murine model of osteolytic bone metastases of breast cancer, the CRAd armed with sOPG-Fc reduced tumor burden in the bone and inhibited osteoclast formation more effectively than an unarmed CRAd.

Musculoskeletal molecular imaging: a comprehensive overview

Molecular imaging permits non-invasive visualization and measurement of molecular and cell biology in living subjects, thereby complementing conventional anatomical imaging. Herein, we review the emerging application of molecular imaging for the study of musculoskeletal biology. Utilizing mainly bioluminescence and fluorescence techniques, molecular imaging has enabled in-vivo studies of (i) the activity of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and hormones, (ii) the mechanisms of pathological cartilage and bone destruction, (iii) skeletal gene and cell therapy with and without biomaterial support, and (iv) the cellular processes in osteolysis and osteomyelitis. In these applications, musculoskeletal molecular imaging demonstrated feasibility for research in a myriad of musculoskeletal conditions ranging from bone fracture and arthritis to skeletal cancer. Importantly, these advances herald great potential for innovative clinical imaging in orthopedics, rheumatology, and oncology.

NOD/SCID mouse model of canine T-cell lymphoma with humoral hypercalcaemia of malignancy: cytokine gene expression profiling and in vivo bioluminescent imaging

Lymphoma is a malignant neoplasm arising from B or T lymphocytes. In dogs, one-third of lymphomas are highly aggressive multicentric T-cell lymphomas that are often associated with humoral hypercalcaemia of malignancy (HHM). There are no cell lines or animal models to investigate the pathogenesis of T-cell lymphoma and HHM in dogs. We developed the first xenograft model by injecting lymphoma cells from an Irish Wolfhound intraperitoneally into NOD/SCID mice. The mice developed multicentric lymphoma along with HHM and increased parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) as occurs in dogs with T-cell lymphoma. Using cytokine complementary DNA arrays, we identified genes that have potential implications in the pathogenesis of T-cell lymphoma. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of T-cell lymphoma samples from hypercalcaemic canine patients showed that PTHrP likely plays a central role in the pathogenesis of HHM and that hypercalcaemia is the result of a combinatorial effect of different hypercalcaemic factors. Finally, we monitored in vivo tumour progression and metastases in the mouse model by transducing the lymphoma cells with a lentiviral vector that encodes a luciferase-yellow fluorescent protein reporter and showed that in vivo trafficking patterns in this model were similar to those seen in dogs. This unique mouse model will be useful for translational research in lymphoma and for investigating the pathogenesis of T-cell lymphoma and HHM in the dog.

In vivo bioluminescence imaging in an experimental mouse model for dendritic cell based immunotherapy against malignant glioma

The value of bioluminescence imaging (BLI) for experimental cancer models has become firmly established. We applied BLI to the GL261 glioma model in the context of dendritic cell (DC) immunotherapy. Initial validation revealed robust linear correlations between in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro luciferase activity measurements. Ex vivo BLI demonstrated midline crossing and leakage of tumor cells. Orthotopically challenged mice followed with BLI showed an initial adaptation phase, after which imaging data correlated linearly with stereologically determined tumor dimensions. Transition from healthy to moribund state corresponded with an increasing in vivo flux but the onset of neurological deficit was clearly delayed compared to the onset of in vivo flux increase. BLI was implemented in prophylactic immunotherapy and imaging data were prognostic for therapy outcome. Three distinct response patterns were detected. Our data underscore the feasibility of in vivo BLI in an experimental immunotherapeutic setting in the GL261 glioma model.

Systemic osteoprotegerin gene therapy restores tumor-induced bone loss in a therapeutic model of breast cancer bone metastasis

Enhanced production of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and its binding to RANK on the osteoclasts have been associated with osteolysis in breast cancer bone metastasis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a decoy receptor that prevents RANKL-RANK interaction. This study determined the effects of sustained expression of OPG using a recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector in mouse model of osteolytic breast cancer. Bone metastasis was established by intracardiac injection of the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-435. Following this, mice were administered a one-time intramuscular injection of rAAV encoding either OPG.Fc (OPG) or green fluorescent protein (GFP). Mice were killed 1 month later and the effects of therapy on tumor growth and bone remodeling were evaluated. Bioluminescence imaging showed significant reduction of tumor growth in bone of OPG.Fc-treated mice. Micro-computed tomography (microCT) analysis and histomorphometry of the tibia indicated significant protection of trabecular and cortical bones after OPG.Fc therapy. Despite the prevention of bone loss and tumor growth in bone, OPG.Fc therapy failed to provide long-term survival. OPG.Fc-treated mice developed more bone than age-matched normal mice, indicating a requirement for regulated transgene expression. Results of this study indicate the potential of rAAV-OPG therapy for reducing morbidity and mortality in breast cancer patients with osteolytic bone damage.

A novel bioluminescent mouse model and effective therapy for adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma

Adult T-cell /lymphomaleukemia (ATLL) is caused by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). Approximately 80% of ATLL patients develop humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM), a life-threatening complication leading to a poor prognosis. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha) are important factors in the pathogenesis of HHM in ATLL and the expression of PTHrP can be activated by nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). NF-kappaB is constitutively activated in ATLL cells and is essential for leukemogenesis including transformation of lymphocytes infected by HTLV-1. Our goal was to evaluate the effects of NF-kappaB disruption by a proteasomal inhibitor (PS-341) and osteoclastic inhibition by zoledronic acid (Zol) on the development of ATLL and HHM using a novel bioluminescent mouse model. We found that PS-341 decreased cell viability, increased apoptosis, and down-regulated PTHrP expression in ATLL cells in vitro. To investigate the in vivo efficacy, nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice were xenografted with ATLL cells and treated with vehicle control, PS-341, Zol, or a combination of PS-341 and Zol. Bioluminescent imaging and tumor cell count showed a significant reduction in tumor burden in mice from all treatment groups. All treatments also significantly reduced the plasma calcium concentrations. Zol treatment increased trabecular bone volume and decreased osteoclast parameters. PS-341 reduced PTHrP and MIP-1 alpha expression in tumor cells in vivo. Our results indicate that both PS-341 and Zol are effective treatments for ATLL and HHM, which are refractory to conventional therapy.

A novel canine lymphoma cell line: a translational and comparative model for lymphoma research

A novel canine lymphoma cell line, OSW, was established from the malignant pleural effusion of a dog with peripheral T-cell lymphoma. The immunoprofile as determined by flow cytometry was as follows: positive for CD45, CD49d, CD18, CD11a; weakly positive for CD11b, CD11c, CD11d; and negative for CD45RA, CD1a, CD1c, CD3, TCRalphabeta, TCRgammadelta, CD4, CD5, CD8a, CD8b, CD90(Thy1), CD21, MHCII, CD14(TUK4), CD34, and MPO. Immunocytochemistry of cytospin preparations was negative for cytoplasmic CD3, CD79a, and MPO, but was positive for CD20. The cell line had an oligoclonal T-cell receptor gamma (TCRgamma) gene rearrangement. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and single locus probe (SLP) analysis showed that there were copy number increases of loci on dog chromosome 13 (CFA 13), and copy number decreases were evident for regions of CFA 11, 22, 26, 30 and 32, which include several of the more common chromosomal aberrations reported previously in canine lymphoma. The OSW cell line grows rapidly in vitro and is tumorigenic as a xenograft in SCID/NOD mice. OSW represents one of only a few reported canine lymphoma cell lines and is the most thoroughly characterized. This cell line and xenograft represent significant in vitro and in vivo models, respectively, for comparative and translational lymphoma research.

The RANK/RANKL/OPG triad in cancer-induced bone diseases

The maintenance of skeletal integrity in a healthy individual requires a balanced regulation of the processes of bone formation, mediated by osteoblasts, and bone resorption, mediated by osteoclasts. This balanced process of bone remodeling becomes co-opted in the skeleton by tumor cells and this dramatically accelerates the process of remodeling and disrupts the normal equilibrium resulting in a spectrum of osteolytic to osteoblastic bone lesions. Certain tumor types, such as breast and prostate, frequently metastasize to the bone. It is now widely understood that the molecular triad--receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), its receptor RANK, and the endogenous soluble RANKL inhibitor, osteoprotegerin (OPG)--play direct and essential roles in the formation, function, and survival of osteoclasts. Osteoclastic bone resorption contributes to the majority of skeletal sequelae, or skeletal-related events (SREs), in patients with bone metastases. In addition, osteoclastic bone resorption also contributes to the establishment of tumors in the skeleton. Therefore, blocking osteoclast activity and differentiation via RANKL inhibition may not only provide a beneficial treatment for skeletal complications of malignancy, but may also prevent bone metastases. In this review, we will first describe the operative role of osteoclasts and the RANK/RANKL/OPG triad in the pathophysiology of cancer-induced bone diseases, specifically solid tumor metastases to the bone. Secondly, we will describe a therapeutic approach that specifically targets the RANKL molecule.

Anti-tumor effect of bisphosphonate (YM529) on non-small cell lung cancer cell lines

Background

YM529 is a newly developed nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate (BP) classified as a third-generation BP that shows a 100-fold greater potency against bone resorption than pamidronate, a second-generation BP. This agent is, therefore expected to be extremely useful clinically for the treatment of osteoporosis and hypercalcemia. Recently, YM529 as well as other third-generation BPs have also been shown to exert anti-tumor effects against various types of cancer cells both in vitro or/and in vivo. In this study, we investigate the anti-tumor effect of YM529 on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Direct anti-tumor effect of YM529 against 8 NSCLC cell lines (adenocarcinoma: H23, H1299, NCI-H1819, NCI-H2009, H44, A549, adenosquamous cell carcinoma: NCI-H125, squamous cell carcinoma: NCI-H157) were measured by MTS assay and calculated inhibition concentration 50 % (IC₅₀) values. YM529 induced apoptosis of NCI-H1819 was examined by DNA fragmentation of 2 % agarose gel electrophoresis and flowcytometric analysis (sub-G₁ method). We examined where YM529 given effect to apoptosis of NSCLC cells in signaling pathway of the mevalonate pathway by western blotting analysis.

Results

We found that there was direct anti-tumor effect of YM529 on 8 NSCLC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner and their IC₅₀ values were 2.1 to 7.9 μM and YM529 induced apoptosis and G₁ arrest cell cycle with dose-dependent manner and YM529 caused down regulation of phospholyration of ERK1/2 in signaling pathways of NSCLC cell line (NCI-H1819).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrate that YM529 showed direct anti-tumor effect on NSCLC cell lines in vitro, which supports the possibility that third-generation BPs including YM529 can be one of therapeutic options for NSCLC.