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Barateiro LGRP, de Oliveira Cavagna R, Dos Reis MB, de Paula FE, Teixeira GR, Moreno DA, Bonatelli M, Santana I, Saggioro FP, Neder L, Stavale JN, Malheiros SMF, Garcia-Rivello H, Christiansen S, Nunes S, da Costa MJG, Pinheiro J, Júnior CA, Mançano BM, Reis RM. Somatic mutational profiling and clinical impact of driver genes in Latin-Iberian medulloblastomas: Towards precision medicine. Neuropathology 2024. [PMID: 38736183 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most prevalent malignant brain tumor in children, known for its heterogeneity and treatment-associated toxicity, and there is a critical need for new therapeutic targets. We analyzed the somatic mutation profile of 15 driver genes in 69 Latin-Iberian molecularly characterized medulloblastomas using the Illumina TruSight Tumor 15 panel. We classified the variants based on their clinical impact and oncogenicity. Among the patients, 66.7% were MBSHH, 13.0% MBWNT, 7.3% MBGrp3, and 13.0% MBGrp4. Among the 63 variants found, 54% were classified as Tier I/II and 31.7% as oncogenic/likely oncogenic. We observed 33.3% of cases harboring at least one mutation. TP53 (23.2%, 16/69) was the most mutated gene, followed by PIK3CA (5.8%, 4/69), KIT (4.3%, 3/69), PDGFRA (2.9%, 2/69), EGFR (1.4%, 1/69), ERBB2 (1.4%, 1/69), and NRAS (1.4%, 1/69). Approximately 41% of MBSHH tumors exhibited mutations, TP53 (32.6%) being the most frequently mutated gene. Tier I/II and oncogenic/likely oncogenic TP53 variants were associated with relapse, progression, and lower survival rates. Potentially actionable variants in the PIK3CA and KIT genes were identified. Latin-Iberian medulloblastomas, particularly the MBSHH, exhibit higher mutation frequencies than other populations. We corroborate the TP53 mutation status as an important prognostic factor, while PIK3CA and KIT are potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Gustavo Ramos Teixeira
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | - Murilo Bonatelli
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Iara Santana
- Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | - Luciano Neder
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Medical School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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2
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Doumat G, Daher D, Zerdan MB, Nasra N, Bahmad HF, Recine M, Poppiti R. Drug Repurposing in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: Old Solutions for New Problems. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:704-719. [PMID: 36661704 PMCID: PMC9858415 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in 2022. The majority (80%) of lung cancer cases belong to the non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) subtype. Despite the increased screening efforts, the median five-year survival of metastatic NSCLC remains low at approximately 3%. Common treatment approaches for NSCLC include surgery, multimodal chemotherapy, and concurrent radio and chemotherapy. NSCLC exhibits high rates of resistance to treatment, driven by its heterogeneity and the plasticity of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Drug repurposing offers a faster and cheaper way to develop new antineoplastic purposes for existing drugs, to help overcome therapy resistance. The decrease in time and funds needed stems from the availability of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs to be repurposed. This review provides a synopsis of the drug-repurposing approaches and mechanisms of action of potential candidate drugs used in treating NSCLC, including but not limited to antihypertensives, anti-hyperlipidemics, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-diabetics, and anti-microbials.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Doumat
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Darine Daher
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Morgan Bou Zerdan
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Nasri Nasra
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Aleppo, Aleppo 15310, Syria
| | - Hisham F. Bahmad
- The Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA
| | - Monica Recine
- The Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Robert Poppiti
- The Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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3
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Rossi M, Talbot J, Piris P, Grand ML, Montero MP, Matteudi M, Agavnian-Couquiaud E, Appay R, Keime C, Williamson D, Buric D, Bourgarel V, Padovani L, Clifford SC, Ayrault O, Pasquier E, André N, Carré M. Beta-blockers disrupt mitochondrial bioenergetics and increase radiotherapy efficacy independently of beta-adrenergic receptors in medulloblastoma. EBioMedicine 2022; 82:104149. [PMID: 35816899 PMCID: PMC9283511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medulloblastoma is the most frequent brain malignancy of childhood. The current multimodal treatment comes at the expense of serious and often long-lasting side effects. Drug repurposing is a strategy to fast-track anti-cancer therapy with low toxicity. Here, we showed the ability of β-blockers to potentiate radiotherapy in medulloblastoma with bad prognosis. Methods Medulloblastoma cell lines, patient-derived xenograft cells, 3D spheroids and an innovative cerebellar organotypic model were used to identify synergistic interactions between β-blockers and ionising radiations. Gene expression profiles of β-adrenergic receptors were analysed in medulloblastoma samples from 240 patients. Signaling pathways were explored by RT-qPCR, RNA interference, western blotting and RNA sequencing. Medulloblastoma cell bioenergetics were evaluated by measuring the oxygen consumption rate, the extracellular acidification rate and superoxide production. Findings Low concentrations of β-blockers significantly potentiated clinically relevant radiation protocols. Although patient biopsies showed detectable expression of β-adrenergic receptors, the ability of the repurposed drugs to potentiate ionising radiations did not result from the inhibition of the canonical signaling pathway. We highlighted that the efficacy of the combinatorial treatment relied on a metabolic catastrophe that deprives medulloblastoma cells of their adaptive bioenergetics capacities. This led to an overproduction of superoxide radicals and ultimately to an increase in ionising radiations-mediated DNA damages. Interpretation These data provide the evidence of the efficacy of β-blockers as potentiators of radiotherapy in medulloblastoma, which may help improve the treatment and quality of life of children with high-risk brain tumours. Funding This study was funded by institutional grants and charities.
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4
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STAT3 in medulloblastoma: a key transcriptional regulator and potential therapeutic target. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:10635-10652. [PMID: 35716286 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07694-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood accounting for about 60% of all pediatric embryonal tumors. Despite improvements in the overall survival rate, this tumor still lacks an efficient, reliable, and less toxic therapeutic approach. Characterization of the molecular mechanisms involved in medulloblastoma initiation and progression is a crucial step for the development of effective therapies. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 is a convergence point for several signaling cascades that are implicated in medulloblastoma tumorigenesis. Accumulated evidence has revealed the pivotal role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in medulloblastoma pathogenesis such as proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression as well as maintenance, drug resistance, and recurrence. In this review, we focus on the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in medulloblastoma tumorigenesis and discuss the recent advances of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 inhibition as a promising developed strategy for medulloblastoma therapy.
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5
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Al Dahhan NZ, Cox E, Nieman BJ, Mabbott DJ. Cross-translational models of late-onset cognitive sequelae and their treatment in pediatric brain tumor survivors. Neuron 2022; 110:2215-2241. [PMID: 35523175 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric brain tumor treatments have a high success rate, but survivors are at risk of cognitive sequelae that impact long-term quality of life. We summarize recent clinical and animal model research addressing pathogenesis or evaluating candidate interventions for treatment-induced cognitive sequelae. Assayed interventions encompass a broad range of approaches, including modifications to radiotherapy, modulation of immune response, prevention of treatment-induced cell loss or promotion of cell renewal, manipulation of neuronal signaling, and lifestyle/environmental adjustments. We further emphasize the potential of neuroimaging as a key component of cross-translation to contextualize laboratory research within broader clinical findings. This cross-translational approach has the potential to accelerate discovery to improve pediatric cancer survivors' long-term quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Z Al Dahhan
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Cox
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brian J Nieman
- Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donald J Mabbott
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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6
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Saker Z, Rizk M, Bahmad HF, Nabha SM. Targeting Angiogenic Factors for the Treatment of Medulloblastoma. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:864-886. [PMID: 35412196 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-00981-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most frequent pediatric brain tumor. Despite conventional therapy, MB patients have high mortality and morbidity rates mainly due to the incomplete understanding of the molecular and cellular processes involved in development of this cancer. Similar to other solid tumors, MB demonstrated high endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenic activity, wherein new blood vessels arise from the pre-existing vasculature, a process named angiogenesis. MB angiogenesis is considered a hallmark for MB development, progression, and metastasis emphasizing its potential target for antitumor therapy. However, angiogenesis is tightly regulated by a set of angiogenic factors making it a complex process to be targeted. Although agents targeting these factors and their receptors are early in development, the potential for their targeting may translate into improvement in the clinical care for MB patients. In this review, we focus on the most potent angiogenic factors and their corresponding receptors, highlighting their basic properties and expression in MB. We describe their contribution to MB tumorigenesis and angiogenesis and the potential therapeutic targeting of these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa Saker
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mahdi Rizk
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hisham F Bahmad
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, USA.
| | - Sanaa M Nabha
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.
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7
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Bahmad HF, Demus T, Moubarak MM, Daher D, Alvarez Moreno JC, Polit F, Lopez O, Merhe A, Abou-Kheir W, Nieder AM, Poppiti R, Omarzai Y. Overcoming Drug Resistance in Advanced Prostate Cancer by Drug Repurposing. Med Sci (Basel) 2022; 10:medsci10010015. [PMID: 35225948 PMCID: PMC8883996 DOI: 10.3390/medsci10010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men. Common treatments include active surveillance, surgery, or radiation. Androgen deprivation therapy and chemotherapy are usually reserved for advanced disease or biochemical recurrence, such as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), but they are not considered curative because PCa cells eventually develop drug resistance. The latter is achieved through various cellular mechanisms that ultimately circumvent the pharmaceutical’s mode of action. The need for novel therapeutic approaches is necessary under these circumstances. An alternative way to treat PCa is by repurposing of existing drugs that were initially intended for other conditions. By extrapolating the effects of previously approved drugs to the intracellular processes of PCa, treatment options will expand. In addition, drug repurposing is cost-effective and efficient because it utilizes drugs that have already demonstrated safety and efficacy. This review catalogues the drugs that can be repurposed for PCa in preclinical studies as well as clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F. Bahmad
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (J.C.A.M.); (F.P.); (R.P.); (Y.O.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-786-961-0216
| | - Timothy Demus
- Division of Urology, Columbia University, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (T.D.); (A.M.N.)
| | - Maya M. Moubarak
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon; (M.M.M.); (W.A.-K.)
- CNRS, IBGC, UMR5095, Universite de Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Darine Daher
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon;
| | - Juan Carlos Alvarez Moreno
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (J.C.A.M.); (F.P.); (R.P.); (Y.O.)
| | - Francesca Polit
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (J.C.A.M.); (F.P.); (R.P.); (Y.O.)
| | - Olga Lopez
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Ali Merhe
- Department of Urology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon; (M.M.M.); (W.A.-K.)
| | - Alan M. Nieder
- Division of Urology, Columbia University, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (T.D.); (A.M.N.)
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Robert Poppiti
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (J.C.A.M.); (F.P.); (R.P.); (Y.O.)
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Yumna Omarzai
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (J.C.A.M.); (F.P.); (R.P.); (Y.O.)
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
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8
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Shen Q, Liu X, Li W, Zhao X, Li T, Zhou K, Zhou J. Emerging Role and Mechanism of circRNAs in Pediatric Malignant Solid Tumors. Front Genet 2022; 12:820936. [PMID: 35116058 PMCID: PMC8804321 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.820936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNAs with covalent closed-loop structures and are widely distributed in eukaryotes, conserved and stable as well as tissue-specific. Malignant solid tumors pose a serious health risk to children and are one of the leading causes of pediatric mortality. Studies have shown that circRNAs play an important regulatory role in the development of childhood malignant solid tumors, hence are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for tumors. This paper reviews the biological characteristics and functions of circRNAs as well as the research progress related to childhood malignant solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyang Shen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of ENT, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- *Correspondence: Jianfeng Zhou, ; Kai Zhou,
| | - Jianfeng Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Jianfeng Zhou, ; Kai Zhou,
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9
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EZH2 as a new therapeutic target in brain tumors: Molecular landscape, therapeutic targeting and future prospects. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112532. [PMID: 34906772 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are responsible for high mortality and morbidity worldwide. The brain tumor treatment depends on identification of molecular pathways involved in progression and malignancy. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has obtained much attention in recent years in field of cancer therapy due to its aberrant expression and capacity in modulating expression of genes by binding to their promoter and affecting methylation status. The present review focuses on EZH2 signaling in brain tumors including glioma, glioblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymomas, medulloblastoma and brain rhabdoid tumors. EZH2 signaling mainly participates in increasing proliferation and invasion of cancer cells. However, in medulloblastoma, EZH2 demonstrates tumor-suppressor activity. Furthermore, EZH2 can regulate response of brain tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Various molecular pathways can function as upstream mediators of EZH2 in brain tumors including lncRNAs and miRNAs. Owing to its enzymatic activity, EZH2 can bind to promoter of target genes to induce methylation and affects their expression. EZH2 can be considered as an independent prognostic factor in brain tumors that its upregulation provides undesirable prognosis. Both anti-tumor agents and gene therapies such as siRNA have been developed for targeting EZH2 in cancer therapy.
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10
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Bahmad HF, Daher D, Aljamal AA, Elajami MK, Oh KS, Alvarez Moreno JC, Delgado R, Suarez R, Zaldivar A, Azimi R, Castellano A, Sackstein R, Poppiti RJ. Repurposing of Anticancer Stem Cell Drugs in Brain Tumors. J Histochem Cytochem 2021; 69:749-773. [PMID: 34165342 PMCID: PMC8647630 DOI: 10.1369/00221554211025482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors in adults may be infrequent when compared with other cancer etiologies, but they remain one of the deadliest with bleak survival rates. Current treatment modalities encompass surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, increasing resistance rates are being witnessed, and this has been attributed, in part, to cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a subpopulation of cancer cells that reside within the tumor bulk and have the capacity for self-renewal and can differentiate and proliferate into multiple cell lineages. Studying those CSCs enables an increasing understanding of carcinogenesis, and targeting CSCs may overcome existing treatment resistance. One approach to weaponize new drugs is to target these CSCs through drug repurposing which entails using drugs, which are Food and Drug Administration-approved and safe for one defined disease, for a new indication. This approach serves to save both time and money that would otherwise be spent in designing a totally new therapy. In this review, we will illustrate drug repurposing strategies that have been used in brain tumors and then further elaborate on how these approaches, specifically those that target the resident CSCs, can help take the field of drug repurposing to a new level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F. Bahmad
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Darine Daher
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of
Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abed A. Aljamal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai
Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida
| | - Mohamad K. Elajami
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai
Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida
| | - Kei Shing Oh
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Juan Carlos Alvarez Moreno
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Ruben Delgado
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Richard Suarez
- Department of Pathology, Herbert Wertheim
College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Ana Zaldivar
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Roshanak Azimi
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Amilcar Castellano
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
- Department of Pathology, Herbert Wertheim
College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Robert Sackstein
- Department of Translational Medicine,
Translational Glycobiology Institute, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine,
Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Robert J. Poppiti
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
- Department of Pathology, Herbert Wertheim
College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
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11
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Raj D, Agrawal P, Gaitsch H, Wicks E, Tyler B. Pharmacological strategies for improving the prognosis of glioblastoma. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:2019-2031. [PMID: 34605345 PMCID: PMC8603465 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1948013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Treatments for brain cancer have radically evolved in the past decade due to a better understanding of the interplay between the immune system and tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). However, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains the most common and lethal CNS malignancy affecting adults.Areas covered: The authors review the literature on glioblastoma pharmacologic therapies with a focus on trials of combination chemo-/immunotherapies and drug delivery platforms from 2015 to 2021.Expert opinion: Few therapeutic advances in GBM treatment have been made since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the BCNU-eluting wafer, Gliadel, in 1996 and oral temozolomide (TMZ) in 2005. Recent advances in our understanding of GBM have promoted a wide assortment of new therapeutic approaches including combination therapy, immunotherapy, vaccines, and Car T-cell therapy along with developments in drug delivery. Given promising preclinical data, these novel pharmacotherapies for the treatment of GBM are currently being evaluated in various stages of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyaansh Raj
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Pranjal Agrawal
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hallie Gaitsch
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Elizabeth Wicks
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Betty Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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12
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Audi ZF, Saker Z, Rizk M, Harati H, Fares Y, Bahmad HF, Nabha SM. Immunosuppression in Medulloblastoma: Insights into Cancer Immunity and Immunotherapy. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2021; 22:83. [PMID: 34328587 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-021-00874-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common pediatric brain malignancy, with a 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of around 65%. The conventional MB treatment, comprising surgical resection followed by irradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy, often leads to impairment in normal body functions and poor quality of life, especially with the increased risk of recurrence and subsequent development of secondary malignancies. The development and progression of MB are facilitated by a variety of immune-evading mechanisms such as the secretion of immunosuppressive molecules, activation of immunosuppressive cells, inhibition of immune checkpoint molecules, impairment of adhesive molecules, downregulation of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, protection against apoptosis, and activation of immunosuppressive pathways. Understanding the tumor-immune relationship in MB is crucial for effective development of immune-based therapeutic strategies. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the immunological aspect of the brain, focusing on the current knowledge tackling the mechanisms of MB immune suppression and evasion. We also highlight several key immunotherapeutic approaches developed to date for the treatment of MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa F Audi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zahraa Saker
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mahdi Rizk
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hayat Harati
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Fares
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hisham F Bahmad
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL, USA.
| | - Sanaa M Nabha
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.
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