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Bailey S, Ferraresso M, Alonso-Crisostomo L, Ward D, Smith S, Nicholson JC, Saini H, Enright AJ, Scarpini CG, Coleman N, Murray MJ. Targeting oncogenic microRNAs from the miR-371~373 and miR-302/367 clusters in malignant germ cell tumours causes growth inhibition through cell cycle disruption. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1451-1461. [PMID: 37789102 PMCID: PMC10628203 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02453-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MiR-371~373 and miR-302/367 cluster over-expression occurs in all malignant germ cell tumours (GCTs), regardless of age (paediatric/adult), site (gonadal/extragonadal), or subtype [seminoma, yolk sac tumour (YST), embryonal carcinoma (EC)]. Six of eight microRNAs from these clusters contain the seed sequence 'AAGUGC', determining mRNA targeting. Here we sought to identify the significance of these observations by targeting these microRNAs functionally. METHODS We targeted miR-371~373 and/or miR-302/367 clusters in malignant GCT cell lines, using CRISPR-Cas9, gapmer primary miR-302/367 transcript inhibition, and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) or locked nucleic acid (LNA)-DNA inhibition targeting miR-302a-d-3p, and undertook relevant functional assays. RESULTS MiR-302/367 cluster microRNAs made the largest contribution to AAGUGC seed abundance in malignant GCT cells, regardless of subtype (seminoma/YST/EC). Following the unsuccessful use of CRISPR-Cas9, gapmer, and PNA systems, LNA-DNA-based targeting resulted in growth inhibition in seminoma and YST cells. This was associated with the de-repression of multiple mRNAs targeted by AAGUGC seed-containing microRNAs, with pathway analysis confirming predominant disruption of Rho-GTPase signalling, vesicle organisation/transport, and cell cycle regulation, findings corroborated in clinical samples. Further LNA-DNA inhibitor studies confirmed direct cell cycle effects, with an increase of cells in G0/G1-phase and a decrease in S-phase. CONCLUSION Targeting of specific miR-371~373 and miR-302/367 microRNAs in malignant GCTs demonstrated their functional significance, with growth inhibition mediated through cell cycle disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Bailey
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Marta Ferraresso
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK
| | | | - Dawn Ward
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Stephen Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK
| | - James C Nicholson
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Harpreet Saini
- EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Anton J Enright
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Cinzia G Scarpini
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Nicholas Coleman
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK.
- Department of Histopathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
| | - Matthew J Murray
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK.
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
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2
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Shamash J, Ng K. Balancing efficacy with long-term side-effects: can we safely de-escalate therapy for germ cell tumors? Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2023; 23:127-134. [PMID: 36648077 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2023.2162042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The success in the management of germ cell tumors has encouraged researchers to pay more attention on long-term side effects and other survivorship issues. The de-escalation of treatment is intended to reduce side effects but must be balanced against any compromise of efficacy. Cisplatin-based therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for germ cell tumors. However, they can result in acute and long-term side effects, including ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and increased risk of second malignancies. AREAS COVERED This review discusses approaches of de-escalation including biomarker-directed treatment using microRNAs, surveillance for immature teratoma, the use of carboplatin monotherapy for seminoma, and the option of non-cisplatin-based approaches in relapsed germ cell tumors. EXPERT OPINION While the results with the current standard options in terms of cancer control are very good, the price being paid in terms of long-term side effects is considerable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenrick Ng
- Medical Oncology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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3
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Constâncio V, Tavares NT, Henrique R, Jerónimo C, Lobo J. MiRNA biomarkers in cancers of the male reproductive system: are we approaching clinical application? Andrology 2022; 11:651-667. [PMID: 35930290 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific cancer types face specific clinical management challenges. Owing to their stability, robustness and fast, easy, and cost-effective detection, microRNAs (miRNAs) are attractive candidate biomarkers to the clinic. OBJECTIVES Based on a comprehensive review of the relevant literature in the field, we explore the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers to answer relevant clinical dilemmas inherent to cancers of the male reproductive tract (prostate (PCa), testis (TGCTs) and penis (PeCa)) and identify some of the challenges/limitations hampering their widely application. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We conclude that the use of miRNAs as biomarkers is at different stages for these distinct cancer types. While for TGCTs, miRNA-371a-3p is universally accepted to fill in important clinicals gaps and is moving fast towards clinical implementation, for PCa almost no overlap of miRNAs exists between studies, denoting the absence of a consistent miRNA biomarker, and for PeCa the field of miRNAs has just recently started, with only a few studies attempting to explore their clinical usefulness. CONCLUSION Technological advances influencing miRNA detection and quantification will be instrumental to continue to move forward with implementation of miRNAs in the clinic as biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment monitoring and follow-up. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Constâncio
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal.,Doctoral Programme in Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-513, Portugal
| | - Nuno Tiago Tavares
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-513, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-513, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-513, Portugal
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Ye F, Feldman DR, Valentino A, So R, Bromberg M, Khan S, Funt SA, Sheinfeld J, Solit DB, Pessin MS, Peerschke EI. Analytical Validation and Performance Characteristics of Molecular Serum Biomarkers, miR-371a-3p and miR-372-3p, for Male Germ Cell Tumors, in a Clinical Laboratory Setting. J Mol Diagn 2022; 24:867-877. [PMID: 35934321 PMCID: PMC9379668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection of serum embryonic miRNAs miR-371a-3p and miR-372-3p has been proposed to aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and management of patients with testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs). This study describes the analytical validation and performance of a laboratory-developed test to detect these miRNA targets by stem loop real-time quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) in serum from patients with GCTs. The assay was standardized using an exogenous spike-in control of nonhuman miRNA from Caenorhabditis elegans (cel-miR-39-3p) to assess extraction efficiency, and an endogenous housekeeping miRNA, miR-30b-5p, to control for miRNA normalization. miRNA results were expressed as relative expression level, using the comparative threshold cycle method (2ΔΔCT). Analytical sensitivity of miR-371a-3p and miR-372-3p was 12.5 and 1.25 copies/μL, respectively. Clinical accuracy was evaluated using GCT patients with (n = 34) and without (n = 17) active disease. Positive/negative cutoffs and indeterminate findings were established on the basis of results from healthy volunteers (n = 25) and assay precision. miR-371a-3p and miR-372-3p exhibited a sensitivity of 81.8% and 87.5%, respectively, and a specificity of 100% and 94%, respectively, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.93 and 0.95, respectively. Taken together, RT-qPCR testing for serum miR-371a-3p and miR-372-3p represents a robust, sensitive, and specific clinical assay to aid in the clinical management of patients with GCT.
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Li N, Chen XJ, Zeng YH, Zeng LP, Hu K, Chen LJ. Silencing of lncRNA CRNDE attenuates nonsmall-cell lung cancer progression by mediating the miR-455-3p/HDAC2 axis. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2022; 38:749-760. [PMID: 35611803 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonsmall-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is one of the deadliest malignancies in the world. LncRNAs are confirmed to be involved in the progression of NSCLC. Meanwhile, lncRNA CRNDE is known to be upregulated in NSCLC; however, the mechanism by which CRNDE regulates the tumourigenesis of NSCLC remains unclear. To test the function of CRNDE in NSCLC, cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were investigated by colony formation and Transwell assays, respectively. qPCR and Western blotting were applied to test gene and protein levels. In addition, the relationship among CRNDE, miR-455-3p, and HDAC2 was explored by dual-luciferase and RIP assays. The data revealed that the expression of CRNDE was upregulated in NSCLC tissues, while miR-455-3p was downregulated. CRNDE knockdown inhibited the viability, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells or epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR)-mutant NSCLC cells. Moreover, inhibition of miR-455-3p exhibited the opposite effect. CRNDE bound with miR-455-3p, and HDAC2 was found to be targeted by miR-455-3p. Meanwhile, miR-455-3p downregulation reversed the effect of CRNDE knockdown on NSCLC cell function. Furthermore, miR-455-3p notably inhibited the growth and invasion of NSCLC cells via downregulation of HDAC2. Knockdown of CRNDE attenuated NSCLC progression via modulation of the miR-455-3p/HDAC2 axis. Thus, those findings might provide a novel strategy against NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.,Medical College, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, Hunan Province, China.,Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Maternal and Child Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yun-Hui Zeng
- Medical College, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, Hunan Province, China
| | - Li-Ping Zeng
- Medical College, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ke Hu
- Medical College, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, Hunan Province, China
| | - Li-Jun Chen
- Medical College, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, Hunan Province, China
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6
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Myklebust MP, Søviknes AM, Halvorsen OJ, Thor A, Dahl O, Ræder H. MicroRNAs in Differentiation of Embryoid Bodies and the Teratoma Subtype of Testicular Cancer. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2022; 19:178-193. [PMID: 35181587 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are the most frequent tumour type among young, adult men. TGCTs can be efficiently treated, but metastases of the teratoma subtype, for which there are no circulating biomarkers, represent a challenge. MATERIALS AND METHODS Global microRNA expression in teratoma tissue and embryoid bodies was assessed using next-generation sequencing. Levels of microRNAs identified as potential biomarkers were obtained from serum of patients with teratoma and matched healthy men. RESULTS We identified miR-222-5p, miR-200a-5p, miR-196b-3p and miR-454-5p as biomarker candidates from the tumour tissue and embryoid body screening but the expression of these microRNAs was very low in serum and not statistically different between patients and controls. miR-375-3p was highly expressed, being highest in patients with teratoma (p=0.012) but the levels of expression in serum from these patients and healthy controls overlapped. miR-371a-3p was not expressed in serum from patients with pure teratoma, only in patients with mixed tumours. CONCLUSION The microRNA profiles of the teratoma subtype of TGCT and embryoid bodies were obtained and assessed for candidate circulating biomarkers, but none with high sensitivity and specificity for teratoma were identified in our study. We conclude that neither the proposed teratoma marker miR-375-3p nor miR-371a-3p are suitable as circulating teratoma markers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Mette Søviknes
- Center for Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ole Johan Halvorsen
- Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anna Thor
- Department of Urology and CLINTEC Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olav Dahl
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Helge Ræder
- Center for Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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7
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Jezierska M, Gawrychowska A, Stefanowicz J. Diagnostic, Prognostic and Predictive Markers in Pediatric Germ Cell Tumors—Past, Present and Future. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:278. [PMID: 35204369 PMCID: PMC8871072 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are a heterogenous group of neoplasms in children and young adults, in which serum tumor markers have been demonstrated to be highly sensitive diagnostic and monitoring tools. The known "old" serum biomarkers, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human choriogonadotropin (β-hCG) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), have some limitations in sensitivity and specificity. MIRNAs from the miR-371~373 (chromosomal locus 19q13.41) and miR-302/367 (4q25) clusters are universally over-expressed in malignant GCT tissue samples. The levels of miRNAs from these clusters are elevated in the serum. They seem to be highly sensitive and specific in malignant GCTs diagnosis and disease assessment during treatment and follow-up. The aim of our review was to present the role of serum tumor markers in the clinical staging, treatment monitoring and follow-up of pediatric patients with GCTs and show new possibilities. The serum levels of miRNAs seem to be a new, promising essential tool in the clinical management of GCTs.
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8
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Marandino L, Vogl UM. Mediastinal germ cell tumours: where we are and where we are going-a narrative review. Mediastinum 2022; 6:7. [PMID: 35340835 PMCID: PMC8841536 DOI: 10.21037/med-21-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this review, we summarize the current state of the art of primary mediastinal germ cell tumours (PMGCTs) and we highlight challenges and future research directions for this disease. BACKGROUND PMGCTs account for 1-3% of all germ cell malignancies and for 15% of adult anterior mediastinal cancers. In 60-70% of cases PMGCTs are represented by nonseminomatous germ cell tumours (GCTs), and in 30-40% of cases by seminomas. Even if PMGCTs share histological and biochemical characteristics with gonadal GCTs, they have peculiar clinical and biological features. Nonseminomatous PMGCTs have a poor prognosis, with a 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of 40-50% after platinum-based chemotherapy and surgery, and a long-term OS of only 10% after salvage treatment. Due to the rarity of this disease, no level 1 evidence is available from randomised trials for PMGCTs. The combination of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) or etoposide, ifosfamide and cisplatin (VIP) for 4 cycles are recommended as first line treatment options for nonseminomatous PMGCTs. Surgery of the residual disease after chemotherapy is fundamental in the treatment of nonseminomatous PMGCTs. PMGCTs have high TP53 pathway gene alterations, while targetable gene alterations are rarely identified, thus challenging the advance of precision medicine in this field. METHODS We performed a narrative review of international literature published in English on PMGCTs, focusing the attention on clinical trials, international guidelines and translational studies. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of patients with PMGCTs is challenging and should be performed in experienced centers. International collaborations should become a priority to ensure optimal patient management. Clinical investigation of new therapeutic options remains an important unmet clinical need, and inclusion of patients in clinical trials should be encouraged. Liquid biopsy is a new promising strategy in PMGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marandino
- Service of medical oncology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Ursula Maria Vogl
- Service of medical oncology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Hulsker CCC, Kranendonk MEG, Eleveld TF, Gillis AJM, van de Ven CP, van Eijkelenburg NKA, van der Kaaij NP, van der Steeg AFW, Looijenga LHJ. Recurrence of a Mediastinal Germ-Cell Tumor as a Somatic-Type Malignancy: A Complex Case Report. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179310. [PMID: 34502216 PMCID: PMC8431270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and case: An adolescent male presented with a second mediastinal tumor 1.5 years after treatment of a proven malignant germ-cell tumor in that location. The differential diagnosis included a recurrent germ-cell tumor or a non-germ cell malignancy. Serum tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) were negative. The first biopsy was not informative, and the second biopsy gave a broad differential diagnosis including secondary non-germ cell malignancy using histology and immunohistochemistry. DNA methylation profiling, RNA sequencing, and targeted microRNA371a-3p profiling was subsequently performed, without a supportive result. After resection of the tumor the definitive diagnosis yielded two secondary non-germ cell malignancies in the form of a leiomyosarcoma and a solitary neuro endocrine carcinoma (NEC). In spite of the differences between the molecular profiles of the initial germ-cell tumor, the leiomyosarcoma and large-cell NEC are clonally related, as determined by the presence of identical chromosomal breakpoints. The copy number profiles suggest an initial polyploidization step, followed by various independent chromosomal gains and losses. This case demonstrates that germ-cell tumors must be evaluated carefully, including molecularly, in which the non-germ cell malignancy is negative for miR-371a-3p, both in tissue as well as in serum, in contrast to the primary tumor. We conclude that the patient presented with a primary type II mediastinal GCT and, a year and a half later, followed by a leiomyosarcoma and a large-cell NEC presenting as two secondary somatic-type malignancies clonally related to the original GCT. Conclusions: Malignant germ-cell tumors are known to recur as a somatic-type malignancy in very rare cases. This case report illustrates the challenges faced in defining the nature and clonality of the secondary somatic-type malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline C. C. Hulsker
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.E.G.K.); (T.F.E.); (A.J.M.G.); (C.P.v.d.V.); (N.K.A.v.E.); (A.F.W.v.d.S.); (L.H.J.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mariëtte E. G. Kranendonk
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.E.G.K.); (T.F.E.); (A.J.M.G.); (C.P.v.d.V.); (N.K.A.v.E.); (A.F.W.v.d.S.); (L.H.J.L.)
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas F. Eleveld
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.E.G.K.); (T.F.E.); (A.J.M.G.); (C.P.v.d.V.); (N.K.A.v.E.); (A.F.W.v.d.S.); (L.H.J.L.)
| | - Ad J. M. Gillis
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.E.G.K.); (T.F.E.); (A.J.M.G.); (C.P.v.d.V.); (N.K.A.v.E.); (A.F.W.v.d.S.); (L.H.J.L.)
| | - Cornelis P. van de Ven
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.E.G.K.); (T.F.E.); (A.J.M.G.); (C.P.v.d.V.); (N.K.A.v.E.); (A.F.W.v.d.S.); (L.H.J.L.)
| | - Natasha K. A. van Eijkelenburg
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.E.G.K.); (T.F.E.); (A.J.M.G.); (C.P.v.d.V.); (N.K.A.v.E.); (A.F.W.v.d.S.); (L.H.J.L.)
| | - Niels P. van der Kaaij
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Alida F. W. van der Steeg
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.E.G.K.); (T.F.E.); (A.J.M.G.); (C.P.v.d.V.); (N.K.A.v.E.); (A.F.W.v.d.S.); (L.H.J.L.)
| | - Leendert H. J. Looijenga
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.E.G.K.); (T.F.E.); (A.J.M.G.); (C.P.v.d.V.); (N.K.A.v.E.); (A.F.W.v.d.S.); (L.H.J.L.)
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10
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Di Fiore R, Suleiman S, Pentimalli F, O’Toole SA, O’Leary JJ, Ward MP, Conlon NT, Sabol M, Ozretić P, Erson-Bensan AE, Reed N, Giordano A, Herrington CS, Calleja-Agius J. Could MicroRNAs Be Useful Tools to Improve the Diagnosis and Treatment of Rare Gynecological Cancers? A Brief Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083822. [PMID: 33917022 PMCID: PMC8067678 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gynecological cancers pose an important public health issue, with a high incidence among women of all ages. Gynecological cancers such as malignant germ-cell tumors, sex-cord-stromal tumors, uterine sarcomas and carcinosarcomas, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, vulvar carcinoma and melanoma of the female genital tract, are defined as rare with an annual incidence of <6 per 100,000 women. Rare gynecological cancers (RGCs) are associated with poor prognosis, and given the low incidence of each entity, there is the risk of delayed diagnosis due to clinical inexperience and limited therapeutic options. There has been a growing interest in the field of microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs of ∼22 nucleotides in length, because of their potential to regulate diverse biological processes. miRNAs usually induce mRNA degradation and translational repression by interacting with the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of target mRNAs, as well as other regions and gene promoters, as well as activating translation or regulating transcription under certain conditions. Recent research has revealed the enormous promise of miRNAs for improving the diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of all major gynecological cancers. However, to date, only a few studies have been performed on RGCs. In this review, we summarize the data currently available regarding RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Di Fiore
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Center for Biotechnology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (J.C.-A.); Tel.: +356-2340-3871 (R.D.F.); +356-2340-1892 (J.C.-A.)
| | - Sherif Suleiman
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, I-80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Sharon A. O’Toole
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 8 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - John J. O’Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 8 Dublin, Ireland; (J.J.O.); (M.P.W.)
| | - Mark P. Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 8 Dublin, Ireland; (J.J.O.); (M.P.W.)
| | - Neil T. Conlon
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, 9 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.S.); (P.O.)
| | - Petar Ozretić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.S.); (P.O.)
| | - Ayse Elif Erson-Bensan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06810, Turkey;
| | - Nicholas Reed
- Beatson Oncology Centre, Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK;
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Center for Biotechnology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - C. Simon Herrington
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK;
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (J.C.-A.); Tel.: +356-2340-3871 (R.D.F.); +356-2340-1892 (J.C.-A.)
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Lobo J, Leão R, Jerónimo C, Henrique R. Liquid Biopsies in the Clinical Management of Germ Cell Tumor Patients: State-of-the-Art and Future Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052654. [PMID: 33800799 PMCID: PMC7961393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsies constitute a minimally invasive means of managing cancer patients, entailing early diagnosis, follow-up and prediction of response to therapy. Their use in the germ cell tumor field is invaluable since diagnostic tissue biopsies (which are invasive) are often not performed, and therefore only a presumptive diagnosis can be made, confirmed upon examination of the surgical specimen. Herein, we provide an overall review of the current liquid biopsy-based biomarkers of this disease, including the classical, routinely used serum tumor markers—the promising microRNAs rapidly approaching the introduction into clinical practice—but also cell-free DNA markers (including DNA methylation) and circulating tumor cells. Finally, and importantly, we also explore novel strategies and challenges for liquid biopsy markers and methodologies, providing a critical view of the future directions for liquid biopsy tests in this field, highlighting gaps and unanswered questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Leão
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (C.J.); (R.H.); Tel.: +351-22-225084000 (C.J. & R.H.); Fax: +351-22-5084199 (C.J. & R.H.)
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (C.J.); (R.H.); Tel.: +351-22-225084000 (C.J. & R.H.); Fax: +351-22-5084199 (C.J. & R.H.)
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