Chemoprevention in lung carcinogenesis--an overview

Curcumin mimics of potential chemoprevention with NQO1 induction properties

Chemoprevention is one of the accessible strategies for preventing, delaying or reversing cancer processing utilizing chemical intervention of carcinogenesis. NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a xenobiotic metabolizing cytosolic enzyme/protein with important functional properties towards oxidation stress, supporting its ability in detoxification/chemoprotective role. A set of 3,5-diylidene-4-piperidones (as curcumin mimics) bearing alkyl sulfonyl group were synthesized with potential NQO1 induction properties. Compounds 5ab (R = 2-MeOC6H4, R' = Me) and 5ac (R = 2-MeOC6H4, R' = Et) are the most promising agents synthesized (% induction of NQO1 = 51.562, 45.793) relative to that of 4'-bromoflavone (4'-BF, reference standard) at 10 µM. LPS-induced iNOS production in RAW264.7 macrophages of the most promising agents discovered (5ab and 5ac) displayed concentration-dependent with comparable activities to the reference anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin. Molecular modeling studies (including QSAR, molecular docking and molecular dynamics) were accessed supporting the observed biological profiles.

ATM/CHK/p53 Pathway Dependent Chemopreventive and Therapeutic Activity on Lung Cancer by Pterostilbene

Among the many stilbenoids found in a variety of berries, resveratrol and pterostilbene are of particular interest given their potential for use in cancer therapeutics and prevention. We purified four stilbenoids from R. undulatum and found that pterostilbene inhibits cancer cell proliferation more efficiently than rhapontigenin, piceatannol and resveratrol. To investigate the underlying mechanism of this superior action of pterostilbene on cancer cells, we utilized a reverse-phase protein array followed by bioinformatic analysis and found that the ATM/CHK pathway is modified by pterostilbene in a lung cancer cell line. Given that ATM/CHK signaling requires p53 for its biological effects, we hypothesized that p53 is required for the anticancer effect of pterostilbene. To test this hypothesis, we used two molecularly defined precancerous human bronchial epithelial cell lines, HBECR and HBECR/p53i, with normal p53 and suppressed p53 expression, respectively, to represent premalignant states of squamous lung carcinogenesis. Pterostilbene inhibited the cell cycle more efficiently in HBECR cells compared to HBECR/p53i cells, suggesting that the presence of p53 is required for the action of pterostilbene. Pterostilbene also activated ATM and CHK1/2, which are upstream of p53, in both cell lines, though pterostilbene-induced senescence was dependent on the presence of p53. Finally, pterostilbene more effectively inhibited p53-dependent cell proliferation compared to the other three stilbenoids. These results strongly support the potential chemopreventive effect of pterostilbene on p53-positive cells during early carcinogenesis.

Screening for lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography: concerns about the application in low-risk individuals

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has been increasingly accepted as an efficient screening method for high-risk individuals to reduce lung cancer mortality. However, there remains a gap of knowledge in the practical implementation of screening on a larger scale, especially for low-risk individuals. The aim of this study is to initiate discussion through an evidence-based analysis and provide valuable suggestions on LDCT screening for lung cancer in clinical practice. Among previously published randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) is the only one demonstrating positive results in a high-risk population of old age and heavy smokers. It is also shown that the potential harms include false-positive findings, radiation exposure etc., but its magnitude is uncertain. In the meantime, the current risk stratification system is inadequate, and is difficult to define selection criteria. Thus, the efficacy of LDCT in lung cancer screening needs to be confirmed in future trials, and the procedure should not be proposed to individuals without comparable risk to those in the NLST. Furthermore, there is a lack of evidence to support the expansion of LDCT screening to low-risk individuals. Therefore, recommendation of LDCT screening for these patients could be premature in clinical practice although some of them might be missed based on current definition of risk factors. Further studies and advances in risk assessment tools are urgently needed to address the concerns about lung cancer screening in order to improve the outcomes of lung cancer.

Detection and minimally invasive treatment of early squamous lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The majority of patents presenting with NSCLC have advanced disease, which precludes curative treatment. Early detection and treatment might result in the identification of more patients with early central lung cancer and improve survival. In addition, the study of early lung cancer improves understanding of lung carcinogenesis and might also reveal new treatment targets for advanced lung cancer. Bronchoscopic investigation of the central airways can reveal both early central lung cancer in situ (stage 0) and other preinvasive lesions such as dysplasia. In the current review we discuss the detection of early squamous lung cancer, the natural history of preinvasive lesions and whether biomarkers can be used to predict progression to cancer. Finally we will review the staging and management of preinvasive lung cancer lesions and the different therapeutic modalities that are available.

Prevention of cigarette smoke-induced lung tumors in mice by budesonide, phenethyl isothiocyanate, and N-acetylcysteine

Lung cancer is the most important cause of death among neoplastic diseases worldwide, and cigarette smoke (CS) is the major risk factor for cancer. Complementarily to avoidance of exposure to CS, chemoprevention will lower the risk of cancer in passive smokers, ex-smokers, and addicted current smokers who fail to quit smoking. Unfortunately, chemoprevention clinical trials have produced disappointing results to date and, until recently, a suitable animal model evaluating CS carcinogenicity was not available. We previously demonstrated that mainstream CS induces a potent carcinogenic response when exposure of mice starts at birth. In the present study, neonatal mice (strain H) were exposed to CS for 120 consecutive days, starting at birth. The chemopreventive agents budesonide (2.4 mg/kg diet), phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC, 1,000 mg/kg diet), and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC, 1,000 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally according to various protocols. The experiment was stopped after 210 days. Exposure to CS resulted in a high incidence and multiplicity of benign lung tumors and in significant increases of malignant lung tumors and other histopathological alterations. All three chemopreventive agents, administered to current smokers after weaning, were quite effective in protecting both male and female mice from CS pulmonary carcinogenicity. When given to ex-smokers after withdrawal of exposure to CS, the protective capacity of budesonide was unchanged, while PEITC lost part of its cancer chemopreventive activity. In conclusion, the proposed experimental model provides convincing evidence that it is possible to prevent CS-induced lung cancer by means of dietary and pharmacological agents.

Down-regulation of 14-3-3 isoforms and annexin A5 proteins in lung adenocarcinoma induced by the tobacco-specific nitrosamine NNK in the A/J mouse revealed by proteomic analysis

The tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is a potent lung carcinogen in the A/J mouse model. Here we identified and validated, using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) coupled with mass spectrometry and immunoblotting, proteins that are differentially expressed in the lungs of mice treated with NNK versus vehicle control treatment. We also determined whether protein levels in the lungs of NNK-treated mice could be further modulated by the chemopreventive agent 1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate (p-XSC). The proteins identified in this study are SEC14-like 3, dihydropyrimidinase-like 2, proteasome subunit alpha type 5, annexin A5, 14-3-3 protein isoforms (theta, epsilon, sigma, and zeta), Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor alpha, myosin light polypeptide 6, tubulin-alpha-1, vimentin, Atp5b protein, alpha-1-antitrypsin, and Clara cell 10 kDa protein (CC10). Among those proteins, we demonstrated for the first time that 14-3-3 isoforms (theta, epsilon, and sigma) and annexin A5 were significantly down-regulated in mouse lung adenocarcinoma induced by NNK and were recovered by p-XSC. These proteins are involved in a variety of biological functions that are critical in lung carcinogenesis. Identification of these proteins in surrogate tissue in future studies would be highly useful in early detection of lung adenocarcinoma and clinical chemoprevention trials.

Chemoprevention of lung carcinogenesis in addicted smokers and ex-smokers

Chemoprevention of lung carcinogenesis is one approach to controlling the epidemic of lung cancer caused by cigarette smoking. The target for chemoprevention should be the activities of the multiple carcinogens, toxicants, co-carcinogens, tumour promoters and inflammatory compounds in cigarette smoke. At present there are many agents, both synthetic and naturally occurring, that prevent lung tumour development in well-established animal models. It seems likely that logically constructed mixtures of these agents, developed from the ground up, will be necessary for the prevention of lung carcinogenesis.

The activator protein-1 transcription factor in respiratory epithelium carcinogenesis

Respiratory epithelium cancers are the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The multistep natural history of carcinogenesis can be considered as a gradual accumulation of genetic and epigenetic aberrations, resulting in the deregulation of cellular homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that cross-talk between membrane and nuclear receptor signaling pathways along with the activator protein-1 (AP-1) cascade and its cofactor network represent a pivotal molecular circuitry participating directly or indirectly in respiratory epithelium carcinogenesis. The crucial role of AP-1 transcription factor renders it an appealing target of future nuclear-directed anticancer therapeutic and chemoprevention approaches. In the present review, we will summarize the current knowledge regarding the implication of AP-1 proteins in respiratory epithelium carcinogenesis, highlight the ongoing research, and consider the future perspectives of their potential therapeutic interest.

Lung cancer risk prediction: a tool for early detection

Although 45% of men and 39% of women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, it is difficult to predict which individuals will be affected. For some cancers, substantial progress in individual risk estimation has already been made. However, relatively few models have been developed to predict lung cancer risk beyond effects of age and smoking. This paper reviews published models for lung cancer risk prediction, discusses their potential contribution to clinical and research settings and suggests improvements to the risk modeling strategy for lung cancer. The sensitivity and specificity of existing cancer risk models is less than optimal. Improvement in individual risk prediction is important for selection of individuals for prevention or early detection interventions. In addition to smoking, factors related to occupational exposure, personal medical history and family history of cancer can add to the predictive power. A good risk prediction model is one that can identify a small fraction of the population in which a large proportion of the disease cases will occur. In the future, genetic and other biological markers are likely to be useful, although they will require rigorous evaluation. Validation is essential to establish the predictive effect and for ongoing monitoring of the model's continued relevance.

Fruit and vegetable consumption and lung cancer risk: Updated information from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)

The association of fruit and vegetable consumption and lung cancer incidence was evaluated using the most recent data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), applying a refined statistical approach (calibration) to account for measurement error potentially introduced by using food frequency questionnaire data. Between 1992 and 2000, detailed information on diet and life-style of 478,590 individuals participating in EPIC was collected. During a median follow-up of 6.4 years, 1,126 lung cancer cases were observed. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were applied for statistical evaluation. In the whole study population, fruit consumption was significantly inversely associated with lung cancer risk while no association was found for vegetable consumption. In current smokers, however, lung cancer risk significantly decreased with higher vegetable consumption; this association became more pronounced after calibration, the hazard ratio (HR) being 0.78 (95% CI 0.62-0.98) per 100 g increase in daily vegetable consumption. In comparison, the HR per 100 g fruit was 0.92 (0.85-0.99) in the entire cohort and 0.90 (0.81-0.99) in smokers. Exclusion of cases diagnosed during the first 2 years of follow-up strengthened these associations, the HR being 0.71 (0.55-0.94) for vegetables (smokers) and 0.86 (0.78-0.95) for fruit (entire cohort). Cancer incidence decreased with higher consumption of apples and pears (entire cohort) as well as root vegetables (smokers). In addition to an overall inverse association with fruit intake, the results of this evaluation add evidence for a significant inverse association of vegetable consumption and lung cancer incidence in smokers.

Development of novel cancer chemopreventive agents in Europe--neglected Cinderella or rising phoenix? A critical commentary. ESF Workshop on Cancer Chemoprevention, DKFZ, Heidelberg, September 18-20, 2005

Agents that prevent cancer, delay its onset, or revert premalignant conditions could have dramatic beneficial impacts on human health. Although there is an urgent need to develop cancer chemopreventive agents, researchers in the field suspect that this area of scientific endeavour in Europe leads a Cinderella existence, both in terms of perception of importance and research funding. In order to review current activities in this prevention field and to seek a consensus position, an exploratory workshop was held in September 2005 at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, Germany, sponsored mainly by the European Science Foundation (ESF), and also supported by the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) and the German Cancer Society (DKG). The 35 experts from European countries and the United States of America assessed state-of-the-art cancer chemoprevention research in Europe. The aims that the workshop organizers had pre-defined were: i) assessment of the usefulness of animal models for agent identification; ii) review of ongoing preclinical and clinical work on novel agents; iii) discussion of potential biomarkers predictive for cancer preventive efficacy; and finally iv) the potential role that European pharmaceutical industries could play in furthering chemopreventive agent development. Overall the workshop aimed at raising awareness among European clinical and laboratory researchers of the importance of the development of novel, efficacious and safe cancer preventive agents.