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Zou J, Wang Y, Xu J, Li J, Wang T, Zhang Y, Bai Y. A Retrospective Study of Trifluridine/Tipiracil with Fruquintinib in Patients with Chemorefractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. J Clin Med 2023; 13:57. [PMID: 38202064 PMCID: PMC10779919 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010057] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS-102) and fruquintinib are novel antitumor agents for patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We conducted a retrospective study to explore the clinical efficacy and drug toxicities of combination therapy with TAS-102 and fruquintinib in real-life clinical practice. METHODS Between March 2021 and February 2023, patients at two different centers with mCRC who failed two or more lines of prior therapy and received TAS-102 in combination with fruquintinib were recruited. RESULTS In total, 32 mCRC patients were included in the analysis. The objective response rate (ORR) and the disease control rate (DCR) were 9.4% and 75%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 6.3 (95% CI: 5.3-7.3) and 13.5 (95% CI: 9.5-17.5) months, respectively. Patients without liver metastasis or peritoneal metastasis obtained better median PFS (7.1 m vs. 5.6 m, p = 0.03 and 6.3 m vs. 3.4 m, p = 0.04), and OS (15.2 m vs. 10.4 m, p = 0.01 and 13.6 m vs. 7.1 m, p = 0.03), respectively. Other clinicopathological features, including age, tumor site, KRAS status, dosage of fruquintinib, and treatment line, did not affect the clinical efficacy of TAS-102 combined with fruquintinib. The most common grade three-four toxicities were neutropenia (46.9%), anemia (21.9%), diarrhea (15.6%), nausea (12.5%), and hand-foot syndrome rash (12.5%). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that TAS-102 combined with fruquintinib has promising clinical efficacy and manageable safety for refractory mCRC patients in a real-world clinical setting. Further prospective trials are warranted to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayun Zou
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China; (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China;
| | - Jiayu Xu
- Department of VIP In-Patient Ward, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China;
| | - Jinna Li
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China; (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Tianzhuo Wang
- The First Clinical College, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China;
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China; (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Yibo Bai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
- Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang 110004, China
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Lavacchi D, Roviello G, Guidolin A, Romano S, Venturini J, Caliman E, Vannini A, Giommoni E, Pellegrini E, Brugia M, Pillozzi S, Antonuzzo L. Evaluation of Fruquintinib in the Continuum of Care of Patients with Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065840. [PMID: 36982913 PMCID: PMC10051170 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065840] [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: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has the continuum of care as the treatment paradigm. To date, trifluridine/tipiracil, a biochemically modulated fluoropyrimidine, and regorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, remain the main options for the majority of patients who progressed to standard doublet- or triplet-based chemotherapies, although a tailored approach could be indicated in certain circumstances. Being highly selective for vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1, -2 and -3, fruquintinib demonstrated a strong anti-tumor activity in preclinical models and received approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in 2018 for the treatment of patients with chemo-refractory mCRC. The approval was based on the results of the phase III FRESCO trial. Then, in order to overcome geographic differences in clinical practice, the FRESCO-2 trial was conducted in the US, Europe, Japan, and Australia. In a heavily pretreated patient population, the study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating an advantage of fruquintinib over a placebo in overall survival (OS). Here, we review the clinical development of fruquintinib and its perspectives in gastrointestinal cancers. Then, we discuss the introduction of fruquintinib in the continuum of care of CRC paying special attention to unmet needs, including the identification of cross-resistant and potentially susceptible populations, evaluation of radiological response, and identification of novel biomarkers of clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lavacchi
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Guidolin
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Romano
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Jacopo Venturini
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Enrico Caliman
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Agnese Vannini
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Giommoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Pellegrini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Brugia
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Pillozzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Antonuzzo
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Cesare S, Tiziano L, Elena L, Alessandro RF, Luca V, Annarosa A. Transcriptomic data of Bevacizumab-adapted colorectal adenocarcinoma cells HCT-116. Data Brief 2023; 48:109069. [PMID: 37066085 PMCID: PMC10090242 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A bioinformatic approach was applied to evaluate the effect of treatment with Bevacizumab on the gene expression profile of colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. The transcriptomic profile of Bevacizumab-adapted HCT-116 (Bev/A) colorectal adenocarcinoma cells was determined and compared with that of the corresponding control cell line by Agilent microarray analysis. Raw data were preprocessed, normalized, filtered, and subjected to a differential expression analysis using standard R/Bioconductor packages (i.e., limma, RankProd). As consequence of Bevacizumab adaptation, 166 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) emerged, most of them (123) resulted downregulated and 43 overexpressed. The list of statistically significant dysregulated genes was used as an input for functional overrepresentation analysis using ToppFun web tool. Such analysis pointed at cell adhesion, cell migration, extracellular matrix organization and angiogenesis as the main dysregulated biological process involved in Bevacizumab-adaptation of HCT116 cells. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis was performed using GSEA, searching for enriched terms within the Hallmarks (H), Canonical Pathways (CP), and Gene Ontology (GO) gene sets. GO terms that showed significant enrichment included: transportome, vascularization, cell adhesion and cytoskeleton, extra cellular matrix (ECM), differentiation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammation and immune response. Raw and normalized microarray data were deposited in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) public repository with accession number GSE221948.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sala Cesare
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Lottini Tiziano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Lastraioli Elena
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Complex Dynamics Study Centre (CSDC), University of Florence, 50100 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Visentin Luca
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Torino, Italy
| | - Arcangeli Annarosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Complex Dynamics Study Centre (CSDC), University of Florence, 50100 Florence, Italy
- Corresponding author.
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Jackson TL, Slakter J, Buyse M, Wang K, Dugel PU, Wykoff CC, Boyer DS, Gerometta M, Baldwin ME, Price CF. A randomized controlled trial of OPT-302, a VEGF-C/D inhibitor for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmology 2023; 130:588-597. [PMID: 36754174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is driven by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF)-A, -C and -D, which promote angiogenesis and vascular permeability. Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF-A drugs are the standard of care, but these do not inhibit VEGF-C and -D, which may explain why many patients fail to respond fully. This trial aimed to test the safety and efficacy of OPT-302, a biologic inhibitor of VEGF-C and -D, in combination with the anti-VEGF-A inhibitor ranibizumab. DESIGN Dose-ranging, phase 2b, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS Participants with treatment-naïve nAMD were enrolled from 109 sites across Europe, Israel, and USA. METHODS Participants were randomized to six, 4-weekly, intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg OPT-302, 2.0 mg OPT-302, or sham; plus intravitreal 0.5 mg ranibizumab. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was mean change in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes (comparing baseline to week 24) were the proportion of participants gaining or losing ≥15 ETDRS BCVA letters; area under the ETDRS BCVA over time curve; change in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) central subfield thickness (CST); and change in intra-retinal fluid and sub-retinal fluid on SD-OCT. RESULTS Of 366 participants recruited 1st December 2017 to 30th November 2018, 122, 123 and 121 were randomized to 0.5 mg OPT-302, 2.0 mg OPT-302 or sham respectively. Mean (± standard deviation) visual acuity gain in the 2.0 mg OPT-302 group was significantly superior to sham (+14.2 ± 11.61 versus +10.8 ± 11.52 letters; p=0.01). The 0.5 mg OPT-302 group was not significantly different to sham (+9.44 ± 11.32 letters; p=0.83). Compared to sham, the secondary BCVA outcomes favored the 2.0 mg OPT-302 group, with structural outcomes favoring both OPT-302 dosage groups. Adverse events were similar across groups, with 16 (13.3%), 7 (5.6%) and 10 (8.3%) participants in the lower dose, higher dose and sham group developing at least one serious adverse event. Two unrelated deaths both occurred in the sham arm. CONCLUSIONS Significantly superior vision gain was observed with OPT-302 2.0 mg combination therapy, versus standard of care, with favorable safety (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03345082).
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy L Jackson
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Jason Slakter
- The Digital Angiographic Reading Center (DARC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Marc Buyse
- International Drug Development Institute (IDDI), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Kun Wang
- International Drug Development Institute (IDDI), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Pravin U Dugel
- Retinal Consultants of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - David S Boyer
- Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group, Beverly Hills, California, USA
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5
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Xiang Z, Deng X, He W, Yang Q, Ni L, Dehghan Shasaltaneh M, Maghsoudloo M, Yang G, Wu J, Imani S, Wen Q. Treatment of malignant pleural effusion in non-small cell lung cancer with VEGF-directed therapy. Ann Med 2022; 54:1357-1371. [PMID: 35543207 PMCID: PMC9103356 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2071977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical regulator of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Bevacizumab (BEV) and apatinib (APA) are novel VEGF blockers that inhibit lung cancer cell proliferation and the development of pleural effusion. METHODS In this study, we established Lewis lung cancer (LLC) xenograft mouse models to compare the therapeutic effect of APA and BEV in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) against MPE. The anti-tumour and anti-angiogenic effects of this combination therapy were evaluated by 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging, TUNEL assay and Immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The triple drug combination significantly prolonged the overall survival of the tumour-bearing mice by reducing MPE and glucose metabolism and was more effective in lowering VEGF/soluble VEGFR-2 levels in the serum and pleural exudates compared to either of the monotherapies. Furthermore, CDDP + APA + BEV promoted in vivo apoptosis and decreased microvessel density. CONCLUSIONS Mechanistically, LLC-induced MPE was inhibited by targeting the VEGF-MEK/ERK pathways. Further studies are needed to establish the synergistic therapeutic effect of these drugs in NSCLC patients with MPE.KEY MESSAGESCombined treatment of MPE with apatinib, bevacizumab and cisplatin can prolong the survival time of mice, reduce the content of MPE, decrease the SUVmax of thoracic tumour tissue, down-regulate the content of VEGF and sVEGFR-2 in serum and pleural fluid, and promote the apoptosis of tumour cells. Angiogenesis and MPE formation can be inhibited by down-regulation of HIF-1α, VEGF, VEGFR-2, MEK1 and MMP-2 molecular signalling pathway proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangqiang Xiang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Phase 1 Clinical Trial Center, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, China
| | - Xiangyu Deng
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wenfeng He
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Laichao Ni
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | | | - Mazaher Maghsoudloo
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gang Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, Anyue Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Ziyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ziyang, China
| | - Jingbo Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China. The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Saber Imani
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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6
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Yaung SJ, Ju C, Gattam S, Nicholas A, Sommer N, Bendell JC, Hurwitz HI, Lee JJ, Casey F, Price R, Palma JF. Plasma-Based Measurements of Tumor Heterogeneity Correlate with Clinical Outcomes in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092240. [PMID: 35565368 PMCID: PMC9105064 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sequencing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from liquid biopsies may better assess tumor heterogeneity than limited sampling of tumor tissue. Here, we explore ctDNA-based heterogeneity and its correlation with treatment outcome in STEAM, which assessed efficacy and safety of concurrent and sequential FOLFOXIRI-bevacizumab (BEV) vs. FOLFOX-BEV for first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. We sequenced 146 pre-induction and 89 post-induction patient plasmas with a 198-kilobase capture-based assay, and applied Mutant-Allele Tumor Heterogeneity (MATH), a traditionally tissue-based calculation of allele frequency distribution, on somatic mutations detected in plasma. Higher levels of MATH, particularly in the post-induction sample, were associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS). Patients with high MATH vs. low MATH in post-induction plasma had shorter PFS (7.2 vs. 11.7 months; hazard ratio, 3.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.85−5.63; log-rank p < 0.0001). These results suggest ctDNA-based tumor heterogeneity may have potential prognostic value in metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J. Yaung
- Roche Sequencing Solutions, Inc., Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA; (J.J.L.); (F.C.); (J.F.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-925-523-8824
| | - Christine Ju
- Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA; (C.J.); (S.G.)
| | - Sandeep Gattam
- Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA; (C.J.); (S.G.)
| | - Alan Nicholas
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (A.N.); (N.S.); (H.I.H.); (R.P.)
| | - Nicolas Sommer
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (A.N.); (N.S.); (H.I.H.); (R.P.)
| | - Johanna C. Bendell
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN 37203, USA;
| | - Herbert I. Hurwitz
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (A.N.); (N.S.); (H.I.H.); (R.P.)
| | - John J. Lee
- Roche Sequencing Solutions, Inc., Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA; (J.J.L.); (F.C.); (J.F.P.)
| | - Fergal Casey
- Roche Sequencing Solutions, Inc., Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA; (J.J.L.); (F.C.); (J.F.P.)
| | - Richard Price
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (A.N.); (N.S.); (H.I.H.); (R.P.)
| | - John F. Palma
- Roche Sequencing Solutions, Inc., Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA; (J.J.L.); (F.C.); (J.F.P.)
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7
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Ranasinghe R, Mathai M, Zulli A. A synopsis of modern - day colorectal cancer: Where we stand. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188699. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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8
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Cho SM, Kim Y, Jung Y, Ko M, Marko-Varga G, Kwon HJ. Development of Novel VEGFR2 Inhibitors Originating from Natural Product Analogues with Antiangiogenic Impact. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15858-15867. [PMID: 34730352 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A novel natural small molecule, voacangine (Voa), has been discovered as a potent antiangiogenic compound. Notably, Voa directly binds the kinase domain of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and thereby inhibits downstream signaling. Herein, we developed synthetic small molecules based on the unique chemical structure of Voa that directly and specifically target and modulate the kinase activity of VEGFR2. Among these Voa structure analogues, Voa analogue 19 (V19) exhibited increased antiangiogenic potency against VEGF-induced VEGFR2 phosphorylation without cytotoxic effects. Moreover, treatment with V19 resulted in significant tumor cell death in a mouse xenograft model. In conclusion, this new VEGFR2 modulator, inspired from the rigid scaffold of a natural compound, Voa, is presented as a potent candidate in the development of new antiangiogenic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Min Cho
- Chemical Genomics Global Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonghyo Kim
- Chemical Genomics Global Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.,Clinical Protein Science & Imaging, Biomedical Centre, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, BMC D13, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Yooju Jung
- Chemical Genomics Global Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjeong Ko
- Chemical Genomics Global Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyorgy Marko-Varga
- Chemical Genomics Global Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.,Clinical Protein Science & Imaging, Biomedical Centre, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, BMC D13, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ho Jeong Kwon
- Chemical Genomics Global Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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9
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Lau D, Wadhwa H, Sudhir S, Chang ACC, Jain S, Chandra A, Nguyen AT, Spatz JM, Pappu A, Shah SS, Cheng J, Safaee MM, Yagnik G, Jahangiri A, Aghi MK. Role of c-Met/β1 integrin complex in the metastatic cascade in breast cancer. JCI Insight 2021; 6:138928. [PMID: 34003803 PMCID: PMC8262466 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.138928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastases cause 90% of human cancer deaths. The metastatic cascade involves local invasion, intravasation, extravasation, metastatic site colonization, and proliferation. Although individual mediators of these processes have been investigated, interactions between these mediators remain less well defined. We previously identified a complex between receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met and β1 integrin in metastases. Using cell culture and in vivo assays, we found that c-Met/β1 complex induction promoted intravasation and vessel wall adhesion in triple-negative breast cancer cells, but did not increase extravasation. These effects may have been driven by the ability of the c-Met/β1 complex to increase mesenchymal and stem cell characteristics. Multiplex transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulated Wnt and hedgehog pathways after c-Met/β1 complex induction. A β1 integrin point mutation that prevented binding to c-Met reduced intravasation. OS2966, a therapeutic antibody disrupting c-Met/β1 binding, decreased breast cancer cell invasion and mesenchymal gene expression. Bone-seeking breast cancer cells exhibited higher levels of c-Met/β1 complex than parental controls and preferentially adhered to tissue-specific matrix. Patient bone metastases demonstrated higher c-Met/β1 complex than brain metastases. Thus, the c-Met/β1 complex drove intravasation of triple-negative breast cancer cells and preferential affinity for bone-specific matrix. Pharmacological targeting of the complex may have prevented metastases, particularly osseous metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl Lau
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Harsh Wadhwa
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sweta Sudhir
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Saket Jain
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ankush Chandra
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alan T Nguyen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jordan M Spatz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ananya Pappu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sumedh S Shah
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Justin Cheng
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael M Safaee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Garima Yagnik
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Arman Jahangiri
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Manish K Aghi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
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10
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Cerrito MG, Grassilli E. Identifying Novel Actionable Targets in Colon Cancer. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050579. [PMID: 34065438 PMCID: PMC8160963 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the fourth cause of death from cancer worldwide, mainly due to the high incidence of drug-resistance toward classic chemotherapeutic and newly targeted drugs. In the last decade or so, the development of novel high-throughput approaches, both genome-wide and chemical, allowed the identification of novel actionable targets and the development of the relative specific inhibitors to be used either to re-sensitize drug-resistant tumors (in combination with chemotherapy) or to be synthetic lethal for tumors with specific oncogenic mutations. Finally, high-throughput screening using FDA-approved libraries of “known” drugs uncovered new therapeutic applications of drugs (used alone or in combination) that have been in the clinic for decades for treating non-cancerous diseases (re-positioning or re-purposing approach). Thus, several novel actionable targets have been identified and some of them are already being tested in clinical trials, indicating that high-throughput approaches, especially those involving drug re-positioning, may lead in a near future to significant improvement of the therapy for colon cancer patients, especially in the context of a personalized approach, i.e., in defined subgroups of patients whose tumors carry certain mutations.
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Ottaiano A, Scala S, Santorsola M, Trotta AM, D'Alterio C, Portella L, Clemente O, Nappi A, Zanaletti N, De Stefano A, Avallone A, Granata V, Notariello C, Luce A, Lombardi A, Picone C, Petrillo A, Perri F, Tatangelo F, Di Mauro A, Albino V, Izzo F, Rega D, Pace U, Di Marzo M, Chiodini P, De Feo G, Del Prete P, Botti G, Delrio P, Caraglia M, Nasti G. Aflibercept or bevacizumab in combination with FOLFIRI as second-line treatment of mRAS metastatic colorectal cancer patients: the ARBITRATION study protocol. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2021; 13:1758835921989223. [PMID: 33854566 PMCID: PMC8010802 DOI: 10.1177/1758835921989223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The intensive study of predictive factors has strongly ameliorated the therapeutic flow-chart of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) by allowing the selection of patients who benefit from specific therapies. For instance, in mRAS (mutated RAS) mCRC patients, anti-EGFR drugs (cetuximab and panitumumab) are not recommended; in this group of patients, the use of anti-angiogenic drugs (bevacizumab and aflibercept) is predominant. However, at progression to standard bevacizumab-based first-line chemotherapy, still to date, there are no studies to guide oncologists in the choice of the best second-line anti-angiogenic drug (bevacizumab beyond progression versus aflibercept). Methods: ARBITRATION is a prospective, observational study assessing efficacy differences between second-line fluorouracil/irinotecan (FOLFIRI)/bevacizumab versus FOLFIRI/aflibercept at progression to fluoropyrimidines, oxaliplatin and bevacizumab in mRAS mCRC patients. A test power of 80%, a median survival of 9 months from second-line treatment start and a hazard ratio of 0.67 between the two schedules were the basis for statistical design. The final sample will be 220 patients (110 per treatment). The significance will be verified with a two-tailed log-rank test with an alpha value of the I-type error of 5%. Time-to-outcome will be described by Kaplan–Meier curves and prognostic factors studied through multivariable analyses based on the Cox model. Secondary objectives include safety, responses’ duration and progression-free survival. A translational research will be conducted to measure several angiogenic proteins in patients’ serum before starting the therapy in order to evidence any angiogenic factor patterns related to outcome. Discussion: We present a large, prospective, observational study aiming to answer two scientific questions: (1) outcome differences between second-line treatments with FOLFIRI/bevacizumab beyond progression versus FOLFIRI/aflibercept in mRAS mCRC patients, (2) angiogenic factors’ patterns that could associate with efficacy and help oncologists to apply best the therapeutic anti-angiogenic strategies. Trial registration: The ARBITRATION trial (version 0.0, 13 April 2020) has been registered into the clinicaltrials.gov registry on 20 May 2020 with identifier NCT04397601.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Ottaiano
- Innovative Therapies for Abdominal Metastases Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", via M. Semmola, Naples, Campania 80131, Italy
| | - Stefania Scala
- Functional Genomics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Santorsola
- Innovative Therapies for Abdominal Metastases Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Trotta
- Functional Genomics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Crescenzo D'Alterio
- Functional Genomics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Portella
- Functional Genomics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Ottavia Clemente
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Nappi
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Zanaletti
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso De Stefano
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Avallone
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Granata
- Department of Radiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Notariello
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Amalia Luce
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy Biogem Scarl, Institute of Genetic Research, Laboratory of Precision and Molecular Oncology, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Angela Lombardi
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy Biogem Scarl, Institute of Genetic Research, Laboratory of Precision and Molecular Oncology, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Carmine Picone
- Department of Radiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Petrillo
- Department of Radiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Perri
- Head and Neck Cancer Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Fabiana Tatangelo
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Annabella Di Mauro
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Vittorio Albino
- Hepatobiliary Surgical Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Izzo
- Hepatobiliary Surgical Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Rega
- Colorectal Cancer Surgery Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Ugo Pace
- Colorectal Cancer Surgery Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Di Marzo
- Colorectal Cancer Surgery Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Chiodini
- Medical Statistics Unit, University of Campania, Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianfranco De Feo
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Del Prete
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Delrio
- Colorectal Cancer Surgery Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy Biogem Scarl, Institute of Genetic Research, Laboratory of Precision and Molecular Oncology, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Nasti
- Innovative Therapies for Abdominal Metastases Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
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12
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Zhao Y, Wang K, Zheng Y, Zeng X, Lim YC, Liu T. Co-delivery of Salinomycin and Curcumin for Cancer Stem Cell Treatment by Inhibition of Cell Proliferation, Cell Cycle Arrest, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Front Chem 2021; 8:601649. [PMID: 33520933 PMCID: PMC7843432 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.601649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant cancer is a devastating disease often associated with a poor clinical prognosis. For decades, modern drug discoveries have attempted to identify potential modulators that can impede tumor growth. Cancer stem cells however are more resistant to therapeutic intervention, which often leads to treatment failure and subsequent disease recurrence. Here in this study, we have developed a specific multi-target drug delivery nanoparticle system against breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Therapeutic agents curcumin and salinomycin have complementary functions of limiting therapeutic resistance and eliciting cellular death, respectively. By conjugation of CD44 cell-surface glycoprotein with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles that are loaded with curcumin and salinomycin, we investigated the cellular uptake of BCSCs, drug release, and therapeutic efficacy against BCSCs. We determined CD44-targeting co-delivery nanoparticles are highly efficacious against BCSCs by inducing G1 cell cycle arrest and limiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition. This curcumin and salinomycin co-delivery system can be an efficient treatment approach to target malignant cancer without the repercussion of disease recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Kaikai Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuanlin Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaobao Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yi Chieh Lim
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tianqing Liu
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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13
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Yang SH, Wang XL, Cai J, Wang SH. Diagnostic Value of Circulating PIGF in Combination with Flt-1 in Early Cervical Cancer. Curr Med Sci 2020; 40:973-978. [PMID: 33123910 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-020-2269-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The utility of placental growth factor (PlGF) and its receptor VEGFR-1 (Flt-1) as biomarkers for cervical cancer has not been clarified yet. To address this issue, we investigated the levels of soluble PlGF (sPlGF) and soluble Flt-1 (sFlt-1) in the serum from patients with early cervical cancer, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and controls in this study. sPlGF and sFlt-1 were detected in 44 preoperative patients with cervical cancer, 18 cases with CIN, and 20 controls by ELISA. It was found that both sPlGF and sFlt-1 were significantly increased in the cervical cancer group as compared with those in CIN and control groups. sPlGF presented a high diagnostic ability of cervical cancer, with a sensitivity of 61.36% and a specificity of 89.47%; and sFlt-1 with a sensitivity of 50.00% and a specificity of 92.11%. Importantly, the combined use of sPlGF and sFlt-1 could increase the diagnostic rate of cervical cancer, with a sensitivity of 70.45% and a specificity of 92.11%. These results indicated that both sPlGF and sFlt-1 in circulation can serve as possible valuable diagnostic biomarkers for cervical cancer, and the combined use of them can be more valuable to diagnose the patients with early cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Hua Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jing Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Shao-Hai Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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14
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Ntellas P, Mavroeidis L, Gkoura S, Gazouli I, Amylidi AL, Papadaki A, Zarkavelis G, Mauri D, Karpathiou G, Kolettas E, Batistatou A, Pentheroudakis G. Old Player-New Tricks: Non Angiogenic Effects of the VEGF/VEGFR Pathway in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3145. [PMID: 33121034 PMCID: PMC7692709 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis has long been considered to facilitate and sustain cancer growth, making the introduction of anti-angiogenic agents that disrupt the vascular endothelial growth factor/receptor (VEGF/VEGFR) pathway an important milestone at the beginning of the 21st century. Originally research on VEGF signaling focused on its survival and mitogenic effects towards endothelial cells, with moderate so far success of anti-angiogenic therapy. However, VEGF can have multiple effects on additional cell types including immune and tumor cells, by directly influencing and promoting tumor cell survival, proliferation and invasion and contributing to an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the effects of the VEGF/VEGFR pathway on non-endothelial cells and the resulting implications of anti-angiogenic agents that include direct inhibition of tumor cell growth and immunostimulatory functions. Finally, we present how previously unappreciated studies on VEGF biology, that have demonstrated immunomodulatory properties and tumor regression by disrupting the VEGF/VEGFR pathway, now provide the scientific basis for new combinational treatments of immunotherapy with anti-angiogenic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Ntellas
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (P.N.); (L.M.); (S.G.); (I.G.); (A.-L.A.); (A.P.); (G.Z.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Leonidas Mavroeidis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (P.N.); (L.M.); (S.G.); (I.G.); (A.-L.A.); (A.P.); (G.Z.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Stefania Gkoura
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (P.N.); (L.M.); (S.G.); (I.G.); (A.-L.A.); (A.P.); (G.Z.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioanna Gazouli
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (P.N.); (L.M.); (S.G.); (I.G.); (A.-L.A.); (A.P.); (G.Z.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Anna-Lea Amylidi
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (P.N.); (L.M.); (S.G.); (I.G.); (A.-L.A.); (A.P.); (G.Z.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexandra Papadaki
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (P.N.); (L.M.); (S.G.); (I.G.); (A.-L.A.); (A.P.); (G.Z.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - George Zarkavelis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (P.N.); (L.M.); (S.G.); (I.G.); (A.-L.A.); (A.P.); (G.Z.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Davide Mauri
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (P.N.); (L.M.); (S.G.); (I.G.); (A.-L.A.); (A.P.); (G.Z.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Georgia Karpathiou
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of St-Etienne, 42055 Saint Etienne, France;
| | - Evangelos Kolettas
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
- Biomedical Research Division, Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology, 45115 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Anna Batistatou
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - George Pentheroudakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (P.N.); (L.M.); (S.G.); (I.G.); (A.-L.A.); (A.P.); (G.Z.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
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15
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Ko JH, Kwon HS, Kim B, Min G, Shin C, Yang SW, Lee SW, Lee Y, Hong D, Kim YS. Preclinical Efficacy and Safety of an Anti-Human VEGFA and Anti-Human NRP1 Dual-Targeting Bispecific Antibody (IDB0076). Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060919. [PMID: 32560565 PMCID: PMC7356919 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although bevacizumab (Avastin®) has been approved as an antiangiogenic agent against some cancers, the efficacy is transient and unsatisfactory in other cancers most likely owing to the presence of alternative proangiogenic factors. Therefore, simultaneous blocking of several proangiogenic factors may be a promising strategy for antiangiogenic cancer therapeutics. Accordingly, neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is an attractive target because it serves as a multifunctional receptor for the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family. Here, we aimed to generate and test an anti-VEGFA and anti-NRP1 dual-targeting bispecific antibody (named as IDB0076) by genetic fusion of an NRP1-targeting peptide to the C-terminus of the bevacizumab heavy chain. Similar to the parental antibody (bevacizumab), IDB0076 suppressed VEGFA-induced migration of human endothelial cells. In contrast, IDB0076 inhibited endothelial-cell migration induced by other angiogenesis growth factors and manifested a more potent antitumor activity than that of bevacizumab in a murine tumor xenograft model. When toxicity was preliminarily evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys, IDB0076 showed no substantial adverse effects, e.g., the absence of noticeable nephrotoxicity, which has previously been documented for the combination therapy of bevacizumab and an anti-NRP1 antibody. Thus, VEGFA-and-NRP1 dual-targeting bispecific antibody IDB0076 may be a potent and safe anticancer agent worthy of further preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Hee Ko
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Hyuk-Sang Kwon
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Bomin Kim
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Gihong Min
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Chorong Shin
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Seok-Woo Yang
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Seong Wook Lee
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Youngmin Lee
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Dahae Hong
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82 31-219-2662
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16
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Zou G, Zhang X, Wang L, Li X, Xie T, Zhao J, Yan J, Wang L, Ye H, Jiao S, Xiang R, Shi Y. Herb-sourced emodin inhibits angiogenesis of breast cancer by targeting VEGFA transcription. Theranostics 2020; 10:6839-6853. [PMID: 32550907 PMCID: PMC7295066 DOI: 10.7150/thno.43622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-angiogenesis is an important and promising strategy in cancer therapy. However, the current methods using anti-vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) antibodies or inhibitors targeting VEGFA receptors are not as efficient as expected partly due to their low efficiencies in blocking VEGFA signaling in vivo. Until now, there is still no method to effectively block VEGFA production in cancer cells from the very beginning, i.e., from the transcriptional level. Here, we aimed to find bioactive small molecules to block VEGFA transcription. Methods: We screened our natural compound pool containing 330 small molecules derived from Chinese traditional herbs for small molecules activating the expression of seryl-tRNA synthetase (SerRS), which is a newly identified potent transcriptional repressor of VEGFA, by a cell-based screening system in MDA-MB-231 cell line. The activities of the candidate molecules on regulating SerRS and VEGFA expression were first tested in breast cancer cells. We next investigated the antiangiogenic activity in vivo by testing the effects of candidate drugs on the vascular development in zebrafish and by matrigel plug angiogenesis assay in mice. We further examined the antitumor activities of candidate drugs in two triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)-bearing mouse models. Furthermore, streptavidin-biotin affinity pull-down assay, coimmunoprecipitation assays, docking analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation were performed to identify the direct targets of candidate drugs. Results: We identified emodin that could greatly increase SerRS expression in TNBC cells, consequently reducing VEGFA transcription. Emodin potently inhibited vascular development of zebrafish and blocked tumor angiogenesis in TNBC-bearing mice, greatly improving the survival. We also identified nuclear receptor corepressor 2 (NCOR2) to be the direct target of emodin. Once bound by emodin, NCOR2 got released from SerRS promoter, resulting in the activation of SerRS expression and eventually the suppression of VEGFA transcription. Conclusion: We discovered a herb-sourced small molecule emodin with the potential for the therapy of TNBC by targeting transcriptional regulators NCOR2 and SerRS to suppress VEGFA transcription and tumor angiogenesis.
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17
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Das SK, Maji S, Wechman SL, Bhoopathi P, Pradhan AK, Talukdar S, Sarkar D, Landry J, Guo C, Wang XY, Cavenee WK, Emdad L, Fisher PB. MDA-9/Syntenin (SDCBP): Novel gene and therapeutic target for cancer metastasis. Pharmacol Res 2020; 155:104695. [PMID: 32061839 PMCID: PMC7551653 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The primary cause of cancer-related death from solid tumors is metastasis. While unraveling the mechanisms of this complicated process continues, our ability to effectively target and treat it to decrease patient morbidity and mortality remains disappointing. Early detection of metastatic lesions and approaches to treat metastases (both pharmacological and genetic) are of prime importance to obstruct this process clinically. Metastasis is complex involving both genetic and epigenetic changes in the constantly evolving tumor cell. Moreover, many discrete steps have been identified in metastatic spread, including invasion, intravasation, angiogenesis, attachment at a distant site (secondary seeding), extravasation and micrometastasis and tumor dormancy development. Here, we provide an overview of the metastatic process and highlight a unique pro-metastatic gene, melanoma differentiation associated gene-9/Syntenin (MDA-9/Syntenin) also called syndecan binding protein (SDCBP), which is a major contributor to the majority of independent metastatic events. MDA-9 expression is elevated in a wide range of carcinomas and other cancers, including melanoma, glioblastoma multiforme and neuroblastoma, suggesting that it may provide an appropriate target to intervene in metastasis. Pre-clinical studies confirm that inhibiting MDA-9 either genetically or pharmacologically profoundly suppresses metastasis. An additional benefit to blocking MDA-9 in metastatic cells is sensitization of these cells to a second therapeutic agent, which converts anti-invasion effects to tumor cytocidal effects. Continued mechanistic and therapeutic insights hold promise to advance development of truly effective therapies for metastasis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Santanu Maji
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Stephen L Wechman
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Praveen Bhoopathi
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Anjan K Pradhan
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sarmistha Talukdar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Joseph Landry
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Chunqing Guo
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Xiang-Yang Wang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Webster K Cavenee
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
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18
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Zhou Q, Perakis SO, Ulz P, Mohan S, Riedl JM, Talakic E, Lax S, Tötsch M, Hoefler G, Bauernhofer T, Pichler M, Gerger A, Geigl JB, Heitzer E, Speicher MR. Cell-free DNA analysis reveals POLR1D-mediated resistance to bevacizumab in colorectal cancer. Genome Med 2020; 12:20. [PMID: 32087735 PMCID: PMC7036260 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-020-0719-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against soluble VEGFA, is an approved and commonly administered anti-angiogenic drug in patients with metastasized colorectal cancer (mCRC). The survival benefit of anti-VEGF therapy in mCRC patients is limited to a few months, and acquired resistance mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we employed whole-genome sequencing of plasma DNA to evaluate the tumor genome of patients undergoing treatment with bevacizumab to determine novel aberrations associated with resistance. Methods Using longitudinal plasma analyses, we studied the evolution of tumor genomes in a mCRC cohort (n = 150) and conducted analyses of CRC cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (n = 619) to identify associations between genomic aberrations and clinical features. We employed whole-genome sequencing to identify the most frequently occurring focal somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs). Using the TCGA data as a comparative and supporting dataset, we defined the minimally amplified overlapping region and studied the mechanistic consequences of copy number gain of the involved genes in this segment. In addition, we established an in vitro cell model and conducted downstream gene expression and cell viability assays to confirm our findings from the patient dataset. Results We observed a recurrent focal amplification (8.7% of cases) on chromosome 13q12.2. Analysis of CRC cases from the TCGA database suggested that this amplicon is associated with more advanced stages. We confirmed that this 13q12.2 amplicon frequently emerges later during the clinical course of disease. After defining the minimally amplified region, we observed that the amplification and expression of one gene, POLR1D, impacted cell proliferation and resulted in upregulation of VEGFA, an important regulator of angiogenesis which has been implicated in the resistance to bevacizumab treatment. In fact, in several patients, we observed the emergence of this 13q12.2 amplicon under bevacizumab treatment, which was invariably associated with therapy resistance. Conclusions Non-invasive analyses of cell-free DNA from patients undergoing treatment with bevacizumab enabled the tracking of evolving tumor genomes and helped identify a recurrent focal SCNA of clinical relevance. Here, we describe a novel resistance mechanism against a widely applied treatment in patients with mCRC which will impact the clinical management of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhou
- Institute of Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Samantha O Perakis
- Institute of Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Peter Ulz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Present address: Freenome, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sumitra Mohan
- Institute of Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Present address: Cancer Research UK-Manchester Institute, Manchester, UK
| | - Jakob M Riedl
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Emina Talakic
- Division of General Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sigurd Lax
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital Graz II, Graz, Austria.,Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Martin Tötsch
- Institute of Pathology, General Hospital Hochsteiermark, Leoben, Austria
| | - Gerald Hoefler
- Institute of Pathology, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Bauernhofer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Pichler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Armin Gerger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jochen B Geigl
- Institute of Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ellen Heitzer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Liquid Biopsies for Early Detection of Cancer, Graz, Austria
| | - Michael R Speicher
- Institute of Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria. .,BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
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19
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Ramezani S, Vousooghi N, Joghataei MT, Chabok SY. The Role of Kinase Signaling in Resistance to Bevacizumab Therapy for Glioblastoma Multiforme. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2020; 34:345-354. [PMID: 31411929 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2018.2651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant primary brain tumor and is characterized by vascular hyperplasia, necrosis, and high cell proliferation. Despite current standard therapies, including surgical resection and chemoradiotherapy, GBM patients survive for only about 15 months after diagnosis. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an antiangiogenesis medication for recurrent GBM-bevacizumab-which has improved progression-free survival in GBM patients. Although bevacizumab has resulted in significant early clinical benefit, it inescapably predisposes tumor to relapse that can be represented as an infiltrative phenotype. Fundamentally, bevacizumab antagonizes the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), which is consistently released on both endothelial cells (ECs) and GBM cells. Actually, VEGFA inhibition on the ECs leads to the suppression of vascular progression, permeability, and the vasogenic edema. However, the consequence of the VEGFA pathway blockage on the GBM cells remains controversial. Nevertheless, a piece of evidence supports the relationship between bevacizumab application and compensatory activation of kinase signaling within GBM cells, leading to a tumor cell invasion known as the main mechanism of bevacizumab-induced tumor resistance. A complete understanding of kinase responses associated with tumor invasion in bevacizumab-resistant GBMs offers new therapeutic opportunities. Thus, this study aimed at presenting a brief overview of preclinical and clinical data of the tumor invasion and resistance induced by bevacizumab administration in GBMs, with a focus on the kinase responses during treatment. The novel therapeutic strategies to overcome this resistance by targeting protein kinases have also been summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ramezani
- 1Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.,2Guilan Road Trauma Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Nasim Vousooghi
- 3Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,4Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,5Research Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Joghataei
- 6Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,7Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Yousefzadeh Chabok
- 1Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.,2Guilan Road Trauma Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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20
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Atzori MG, Ceci C, Ruffini F, Trapani M, Barbaccia ML, Tentori L, D'Atri S, Lacal PM, Graziani G. Role of VEGFR-1 in melanoma acquired resistance to the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 24:465-475. [PMID: 31758648 PMCID: PMC6933379 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐1 (VEGFR‐1) is a tyrosine kinase receptor frequently expressed in melanoma. Its activation by VEGF‐A or placental growth factor (PlGF) promotes tumour cell survival, migration and invasiveness. Moreover, VEGFR‐1 stimulation contributes to pathological angiogenesis and induces recruitment of tumour‐associated macrophages. Since melanoma acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) has been associated with activation of pro‐angiogenic pathways, we have investigated VEGFR‐1 involvement in vemurafenib resistance. Results indicate that human melanoma cells rendered resistant to vemurafenib secrete greater amounts of VEGF‐A and express higher VEGFR‐1 levels compared with their BRAFi‐sensitive counterparts. Transient VEGFR‐1 silencing in susceptible melanoma cells delays resistance development, whereas in resistant cells it increases sensitivity to the BRAFi. Consistently, enforced VEGFR‐1 expression, by stable gene transfection in receptor‐negative melanoma cells, markedly reduces sensitivity to vemurafenib. Moreover, melanoma cells expressing VEGFR‐1 are more invasive than VEGFR‐1 deficient cells and receptor blockade by a specific monoclonal antibody (D16F7 mAb) reduces extracellular matrix invasion triggered by VEGF‐A and PlGF. These data suggest that VEGFR‐1 up‐regulation might contribute to melanoma progression and spreading after acquisition of a drug‐resistant phenotype. Thus, VEGFR‐1 inhibition with D16F7 mAb might be a suitable adjunct therapy for VEGFR‐1 positive tumours with acquired resistance to vemurafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Ceci
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Trapani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Lucio Tentori
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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21
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VEGFR-1 Regulates EGF-R to Promote Proliferation in Colon Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225608. [PMID: 31717527 PMCID: PMC6888064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways in tumor growth is well established. EGF induces VEGF production in cancer cells, and the paracrine VEGF activates vascular endothelial cells to promote tumor angiogenesis and thus supports tumor cell growth in an angiogenesis-dependent manner. In this study, we found angiogenesis-independent novel crosstalk between the VEGF and the EGF pathways in the regulation of colon cancer cell proliferation. Stimulation of colon cancer cells with VEGF-A and placental growth factor (PlGF) activated VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) and increased proliferation activity in an autocrine EGF/EGF receptor (EGF-R)-dependent manner. Mechanistically, VEGFR-1 interacted with and stabilized EGF-R, leading to increased EGF-R protein levels and prolonged its expression on cell surface plasma membrane. In contrast, VEGFR-1 blockade by a neutralizing antibody and an antagonistic peptide of VEGFR-1 suppressed the complex formation of VEGFR-1 and EGF-R and decreased EGF-R expression via a lysosome-dependent pathway, resulting in the suppression of proliferation activity. Our results indicated that VEGFR-1 regulated EGF-R expression to promote proliferation activity in a cell-autonomous-dependent manner.
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22
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Ottaiano A, Capozzi M, Tafuto S, De Stefano A, De Divitiis C, Romano C, Avallone A, Nasti G. Folfiri-Aflibercept vs. Folfiri-Bevacizumab as Second Line Treatment of RAS Mutated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in Real Practice. Front Oncol 2019; 9:766. [PMID: 31456948 PMCID: PMC6700318 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There are no clinical studies comparing the efficacy of bevacizumab vs.aflibercept in association with folfiri in RAS mutated (RAS-M) metastatic colorectal cancer patients (mCRC) pretreated with folfox and bevacizumab. Patients and Methods: Consecutive RAS-M unresectable mCRC patients progressing to first-line folfox/bevacizumab were treated with 12 cycles of folfiri/bevacizumab (arm A) or folfiri/aflibercept (arm B) at Oncologist discretion. Differences in overall survival between the two schedules were analyzed. Responses and toxicities were described with RECIST and NCI-CTC v4.0, respectively. Results: Seventy-four patients were treated from January 2014 to January 2018; 31 with arm A, 43 with arm B. Among clinical factors there was a predominance of more extended disease (>2 metastatic sites) in arm B (26/43 [60.5%] vs. 10/31 [32.2%] arm A; p = 0.0414). Fifty-nine patients were evaluable for response: arm A, 5 PR (Partial Response), 15 SD (Stable Disease), 8 PD (Progressive Disease); arm B, 5 PR, 16 SD, 10 PD. There were no grade 4 toxic events. Duration of first-line chemotherapy was significantly shorter in patients treated in arm B (12 pts <6 months, 16 pts ≥6, and <12, 15 pts ≥12) vs. arm A (1 pts <6 months, 14 pts ≥6, and <12, 16 pts ≥12) (p = 0.0210); these patients were excluded from survival analysis to avoid prognostic interferences. No maintenance treatment with aflibercept was done in arm B while in arm A bevacizumab with or without fluorouracil and folinic acid were allowed. Median OS were 8.9 months in arm A vs. 12.1 months in arm B (+3.2 months; p = 0.9331, HR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.57–1.84). Six-months survivals were 65% in arm A and 80% in arm B. Conclusions: Folfiri/bevacizumab and folfiri/aflibercept are equally effective second-line therapies in RAS-M mCRC patients. Although not significant, folfiri/aflibercept was associated with a lower risk of death particularly during the 6-months induction phase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Capozzi
- Clinical and Experimental Abdominal Oncology of the National Cancer Institute of Naples, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Tafuto
- Clinical and Experimental Abdominal Oncology of the National Cancer Institute of Naples, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso De Stefano
- Clinical and Experimental Abdominal Oncology of the National Cancer Institute of Naples, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara De Divitiis
- Clinical and Experimental Abdominal Oncology of the National Cancer Institute of Naples, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Romano
- Clinical and Experimental Abdominal Oncology of the National Cancer Institute of Naples, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Avallone
- Clinical and Experimental Abdominal Oncology of the National Cancer Institute of Naples, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Nasti
- SSD Innovative Therapy for Abdominal Metastases, Naples, Italy
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23
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Cigarette Smoke Induced Lung Barrier Dysfunction, EMT, and Tissue Remodeling: A Possible Link between COPD and Lung Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:2025636. [PMID: 31341890 PMCID: PMC6613007 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2025636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer, closely related to smoking, are major lung diseases affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The generated gas mixture of smoking is proved to contain about 4,500 components such as carbon monoxide, nicotine, oxidants, fine particulate matter, and aldehydes. These components were considered to be the principle factor driving the pathogenesis and progression of pulmonary disease. A large proportion of lung cancer patients showed a history of COPD, which demonstrated that there might be a close relationship between COPD and lung cancer. In the early stages of smoking, lung barrier provoked protective response and DNA repair are likely to suppress these changes to a certain extent. In the presence of long-term smoking exposure, these mechanisms seem to be malfunctioned and lead to disease progression. The infiltration of inflammatory cells to mucosa, submucosa, and glandular tissue caused by inhaled cigarette smoke is responsible for the destruction of matrix, blood supply shortage, and epithelial cell death. Conversely, cancer cells have the capacity to modulate the proliferation of epithelial cells and produce of new vascular networks. Comprehension understanding of mechanisms responsible for both pathologies is necessary for the prevention and treatment of COPD and lung cancer. In this review, we will summarize related articles and give a glance of possible mechanism between cigarette smoking induced COPD and lung cancer.
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24
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Ruff MW, Kizilbash SH. Glioblastoma with bilateral extraocular muscle infiltration preceded by evidence of vascular tropism. J Clin Neurosci 2018; 61:277-278. [PMID: 30472340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We present a case of bilateral synchronous orbital muscle infiltration of extra-neural glioblastoma metastases with evidence of focal treatment response. The orbital infiltration was preceded by evidence of leptomeningeal disease, and followed by further symptomatic perineural spread of tumor along the second and third division of the trigeminal nerve and into the masticator space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Ruff
- Division of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, United States; Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, United States.
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25
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Lacal PM, Graziani G. Therapeutic implication of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) targeting in cancer cells and tumor microenvironment by competitive and non-competitive inhibitors. Pharmacol Res 2018; 136:97-107. [PMID: 30170190 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) is a tyrosine kinase receptor for VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and placental growth factor (PlGF) ligands that is expressed in endothelial, myelomonocytic and tumor cells. VEGF-B and PlGF exclusively bind to VEGFR-1, whereas VEGF-A also binds to VEGFR-2. At variance with VEGFR-2, VEGFR-1 does not play a relevant role in physiological angiogenesis in the adult, while it is important in tumor-associated angiogenesis. VEGFR-1 and PlGF are expressed in a variety of tumors, promote invasiveness and contribute to resistance to anti-VEGF-A therapy. The currently approved antiangiogenic therapies for the treatment of a variety of solid tumors hamper VEGF-A signaling mediated by both VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-1 [i.e., the monoclonal antibody (mAb) anti-VEGF-A bevacizumab, the chimeric molecule aflibercept and several small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors] or exclusively by VEGFR-2 (i.e., the mAb anti-VEGFR-2 ramucirumab). However, molecules that interfere with VEGF-A/VEGFR-2 signaling determine severe adverse effects due to inhibition of physiological angiogenesis and their efficacy is hampered by tumor infiltration of protumoral myeloid cells. Blockade of VEGFR-1 may exert anti-tumor activity by multiple mechanisms: a) inhibition of tumor-associated angiogenesis; b) reduction of myeloid progenitor mobilization and tumor infiltration by VEGFR-1 expressing M2 macrophages, which contribute to tumor progression and spreading; c) inhibition of invasiveness, vasculogenic mimicry and survival of VEGFR-1 positive tumor cells. As a consequence of these properties, molecules targeting VEGFR-1 are expected to produce less adverse effects and to counteract resistance towards anti-VEGF-A therapies. More interestingly, selective VEGFR-1 inhibition might enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we will examine the experimental evidence available so far that supports targeting VEGFR-1 signal transduction pathway for cancer treatment by competitive inhibitors that prevent growth factor interaction with the receptor and non-competitive inhibitors that hamper receptor activation without affecting ligand binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Miguel Lacal
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, Via Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy.
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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26
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Tomida C, Yamagishi N, Nagano H, Uchida T, Ohno A, Hirasaka K, Nikawa T, Teshima-Kondo S. Antiangiogenic agent sunitinib induces epithelial to mesenchymal transition and accelerates motility of colorectal cancer cells. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION 2018; 64:250-254. [PMID: 28954991 DOI: 10.2152/jmi.64.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Although vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-R)-targeted antiangiogenic agents are important treatment for a number of human malignancies, there is accumulating evidence that the therapies may promote disease progression, such as invasion and metastasis. How tumors become to promote their evasiveness remains fully uncertain. One of possible mechanisms for the adaptation may be a direct effect of VEGF-R inhibitors on tumor cells expressing VEGF-R. To elucidate a direct effect of VEGF-R-targeting drug (sunitinib), we established a human colorectal cancer cell model adapted to sunitinib. The sunitinib-conditioned cells showed a significant increase in cellular motility and migration activities, compared to the vehicle-treated control cells. Consistent with the phenotype, the sunitinib-conditioned cells decreased the expression levels of E-cadherin (an epithelial marker), while significantly increased the levels of Slug and Zeb1 (mesenchymal markers). Expression profiles of VEGF-R in the sunitinib-conditioned cells showed that only neuropilin-1 (NRP1) expression was significantly increased among all VEGF-R tested. Blockade of NRP1 using its antagonist clearly repressed the migration activation in sunitinib-conditioned cells, but not in the control cells. These results suggest that inhibition of VEGF-R on colorectal cancer cells can drive the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, leading to activation of cell motility in an NRP1-dependent manner. J. Med. Invest. 64: 250-254, August, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Tomida
- Department of Physiological Nutrition, Institute of Medical Nutrition, University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Naoko Yamagishi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University
| | - Hikaru Nagano
- Department of Physiological Nutrition, Institute of Medical Nutrition, University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Takayuki Uchida
- Department of Physiological Nutrition, Institute of Medical Nutrition, University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Ayako Ohno
- Department of Physiological Nutrition, Institute of Medical Nutrition, University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Katsuya Hirasaka
- Graduate school of Fisheries Science and Environmental Studies, Nagasaki University
| | - Takeshi Nikawa
- Department of Physiological Nutrition, Institute of Medical Nutrition, University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Shigetada Teshima-Kondo
- Department of Physiological Nutrition, Institute of Medical Nutrition, University of Tokushima Graduate School
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27
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Ruff MW, Bhargav AG, Raghunathan A. A case of epidural glioblastoma metastasis presenting with a cervical myelopathy, torticollis, and L'hermitte's phenomenon. Brain Tumor Pathol 2018; 35:181-185. [PMID: 29744614 DOI: 10.1007/s10014-018-0319-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Extraneural glioblastoma metastases are exceedingly rare, though previously described in the literature. Activating mutations in the BRAF kinase gene (V600E) are present in a minority of glioblastoma patients. Here, we describe a case of systemic metastases of a clonal subpopulation of BRAF V600E mutated glioblastoma in a patient previously treated with surgery, radiation, temozolomide and bevacizumab. The patient presented with a subacute cervical myelopathy during adjuvant treatment. He underwent emergent surgical decompression of an epidural spine metastasis. Analysis of the metastatic tumor demonstrated clonal expansion of a BRAF V600E subpopulation. Though rare, systemic metastasis of glioblastoma should be considered in patients presenting with subacute complaints in line with a mass lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Ruff
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Adip G Bhargav
- Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Aditya Raghunathan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
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28
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Ruhl R, Rana S, Kelley K, Espinosa-Diez C, Hudson C, Lanciault C, Thomas CR, Liana Tsikitis V, Anand S. microRNA-451a regulates colorectal cancer proliferation in response to radiation. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:517. [PMID: 29720118 PMCID: PMC5932766 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4370-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death. The biologic response of CRC to standard of care adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation are poorly understood. MicroRNAs (miRs) have been shown to affect CRC progression and metastasis. Therefore, we hypothesized that specific miRs modulate CRC response to chemoradiation. METHODS In this study, we used miR expression profiling and discovered a set of microRNAs upregulated rapidly in response to either a single 2 Gy dose fraction or a 10 Gy dose of γ-radiation in mouse colorectal carcinoma models. We used gain and loss-of-function studies in 2D and 3Dcell proliferation assays and colony formation assays to understand the role of the top miR candidate from our profiling. We used Student's T-tests for simple comparisons and two-factor ANOVA for evaluating significance. RESULTS The most upregulated candidate at early time points in our signature, miR-451a inhibited tumor cell proliferation and attenuated surviving fraction in longer-term cultures. Conversely, inhibition of miR-451a increased proliferation, tumorsphere formation, and surviving fraction of tumor cells. Using a bioinformatics approach, we identified four genes, CAB39, EMSY, MEX3C, and EREG, as targets of miR-451a. Transfection of miR-451a decreased both mRNA and protein levels of these targets. Importantly, we found miR-451a expression was high and CAB39, EMSY levels were low in a small subset of rectal cancer patients who had a partial response to chemoradiation when compared to patients that had no response. Finally, analysis of a TCGA colorectal cancer dataset revealed that CAB39 and EMSY are upregulated at the protein level in a significant number of CRC patients. Higher levels of CAB39 and EMSY correlated with poorer overall survival. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data indicates miR-451a is induced by radiation and may influence colorectal carcinoma proliferation via CAB39 and EMSY pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ruhl
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Shushan Rana
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Katherine Kelley
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Cristina Espinosa-Diez
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Clayton Hudson
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Christian Lanciault
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Charles R Thomas
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - V Liana Tsikitis
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Sudarshan Anand
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA. .,Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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Becherirat S, Valamanesh F, Karimi M, Faussat AM, Launay JM, Pimpie C, Therwath A, Pocard M. Discontinuous Schedule of Bevacizumab in Colorectal Cancer Induces Accelerated Tumor Growth and Phenotypic Changes. Transl Oncol 2018; 11:406-415. [PMID: 29459325 PMCID: PMC5832744 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiangiogenics administration in colorectal cancer patients seemed promising therapeutic approach. Inspite of early encouraging results, it however gave only modest clinical benefits. When AAG was administered with discontinuous schedule, the disease showed acceleration in certain cases. Though resistance to AAG has been extensively studied, it is not documented for discontinuous schedules. To simulate clinical situations, we subjected a patient-derived CRC subcutaneous xenograft in mice to three different protocols: 1) AAG (bevacizumab) treatment for 30 days (group A) (group B was the control), 2) bevacizumab treatment for 50 days (group C) and bevacizumab for 30 days and 20 without treatment (group D), and 3) bevacizumab treatment for 70 days (group E) and 70 days treatment with a drug-break period between day 30 and 50 (group F). The tumor growth was monitored, and at sacrifice, the vascularity of tumors was measured and the proangiogenic factors quantified. Tumor phenotype was studied by quantifying cancer stem cells. Interrupting bevacizumab during treatment accelerated tumor growth and revascularization. A significant increase of proangiogenic factors was observed when therapy was stopped. On withdrawal of bevacizumab, as also after the drug-break period, the plasmatic VEGF increased significantly. Similarly, a notable increase of CSCs after the withdrawal and drug-break period of bevacizumab was observed (P<.01). The present study indicates that bevacizumab treatment needs to be maintained because discontinuous schedules tend to trigger tumor regrowth, and increase tumor resistance and CSC heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Becherirat
- INSERM U965 CART: Carcinomatosis Angiogenesis and Translational Research, University of Paris 7-Diderot, Lariboisière Hospital, 8 rue Guy Patin 75475, Paris Cedex 10, France.
| | - Fatemeh Valamanesh
- INSERM U965 CART: Carcinomatosis Angiogenesis and Translational Research, University of Paris 7-Diderot, Lariboisière Hospital, 8 rue Guy Patin 75475, Paris Cedex 10, France
| | - Mojgan Karimi
- INSERM U965 CART: Carcinomatosis Angiogenesis and Translational Research, University of Paris 7-Diderot, Lariboisière Hospital, 8 rue Guy Patin 75475, Paris Cedex 10, France
| | - Anne-Marie Faussat
- Cytometry platform IFR 65, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital Saint Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marie Launay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inserm U942, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Cynthia Pimpie
- INSERM U965 CART: Carcinomatosis Angiogenesis and Translational Research, University of Paris 7-Diderot, Lariboisière Hospital, 8 rue Guy Patin 75475, Paris Cedex 10, France
| | - Amu Therwath
- INSERM U965 CART: Carcinomatosis Angiogenesis and Translational Research, University of Paris 7-Diderot, Lariboisière Hospital, 8 rue Guy Patin 75475, Paris Cedex 10, France
| | - Marc Pocard
- INSERM U965 CART: Carcinomatosis Angiogenesis and Translational Research, University of Paris 7-Diderot, Lariboisière Hospital, 8 rue Guy Patin 75475, Paris Cedex 10, France.
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30
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Kanska J, Aspuria PJP, Taylor-Harding B, Spurka L, Funari V, Orsulic S, Karlan BY, Wiedemeyer WR. Glucose deprivation elicits phenotypic plasticity via ZEB1-mediated expression of NNMT. Oncotarget 2018; 8:26200-26220. [PMID: 28412735 PMCID: PMC5432250 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose is considered the primary energy source for all cells, and some cancers are addicted to glucose. Here, we investigated the functional consequences of chronic glucose deprivation in serous ovarian cancer cells. We found that cells resistant to glucose starvation (glucose-restricted cells) demonstrated increased metabolic plasticity that was dependent on NNMT (Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) expression. We further show that ZEB1 induced NNMT, rendered cells resistant to glucose deprivation and recapitulated metabolic adaptations and mesenchymal gene expression observed in glucose-restricted cells. NNMT depletion reversed metabolic plasticity in glucose-restricted cells and prevented de novo formation of glucose-restricted colonies. In addition to its role in glucose independence, we found that NNMT was required for other ZEB1-induced phenotypes, such as increased migration. NNMT protein levels were also elevated in metastatic and recurrent tumors compared to matched primary carcinomas, while normal ovary and fallopian tube tissue had no detectable NNMT expression. Our studies define a novel ZEB1/NNMT signaling axis, which elicits mesenchymal gene expression, as well as phenotypic and metabolic plasticity in ovarian cancer cells upon chronic glucose starvation. Understanding the causes of cancer cell plasticity is crucial for the development of therapeutic strategies to counter intratumoral heterogeneity, acquired drug resistance and recurrence in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Kanska
- Women's Cancer Program at the Samuel Oschin Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Paul-Joseph P Aspuria
- Women's Cancer Program at the Samuel Oschin Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Barbie Taylor-Harding
- Women's Cancer Program at the Samuel Oschin Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Lindsay Spurka
- Genomics Core, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Vincent Funari
- Genomics Core, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Sandra Orsulic
- Women's Cancer Program at the Samuel Oschin Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Beth Y Karlan
- Women's Cancer Program at the Samuel Oschin Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - W Ruprecht Wiedemeyer
- Women's Cancer Program at the Samuel Oschin Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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31
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Ibrahim S, Girault A, Ohresser M, Lereclus E, Paintaud G, Lecomte T, Raoul W. Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting the IL-17/IL-17RA Axis: An Opportunity to Improve the Efficiency of Anti-VEGF Therapy in Fighting Metastatic Colorectal Cancer? Clin Colorectal Cancer 2018; 17:e109-e113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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32
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Tomida C, Yamagishi N, Nagano H, Uchida T, Ohno A, Hirasaka K, Nikawa T, Teshima-Kondo S. VEGF pathway-targeting drugs induce evasive adaptation by activation of neuropilin-1/cMet in colon cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2018. [PMID: 29532881 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-angiogenic therapies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGF-R) are important treatments for a number of human malignancies, including colorectal cancers. However, there is increasing evidence that VEGF/VEGF-R inhibitors promote the adaptive and evasive resistance of tumor cells to the therapies. The mechanism by which the cancer cells become resistant remains unclear. One potential mechanism is that VEGF/VEGF-R blockers directly act on tumor cells independently of anti-angiogenic effects. In this study, the direct effects of an anti-VEGF antibody (bevacizumab) and a VEGF-R tyrosine kinase inhibitor (sunitinib) on the evasive adaptation of colon cancer cells were compared. HCT116 and RKO human colon cancer cell lines were chronically exposed (3 months) to bevacizumab or sunitinib in vitro to establish bevacizumab- and sunitinib-adapted cells, respectively. Transwell migration and invasion assays, western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, co-immunoprecipitation analysis, cell survival assays and ELISAs were conducted to analyze the adapted cells. Compared with the control vehicle-treated cells, the two cell models exhibited increased migration and invasion activities to different degrees and through different mechanisms. The bevacizumab-adapted cells, but not in the sunitinib-adapted cells, exhibited redundantly increased expression levels of VEGF/VEGF-R family members, including VEGF-A, placental growth factor, VEGF-C, VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R3. In addition, the phosphorylation levels of VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R3 were increased in the bevacizumab-adapted cells compared with the control cells. Thus, the inhibition of VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R3 decreased the evasive activities of the cells, suggesting that they remained dependent on redundant VEGF/VEGF-R signaling. By contrast, the sunitinib-adapted cells exhibited increased neuropilin-1 (NRP1) expression levels compared with the control cells. In the sunitinib-adapted cells, NRP1 interacted with phosphorylated cMet, and the cMet activation was dependent on NRP1. Thus, NRP1 or cMet blockade suppressed the evasive activation of the sunitinib-adapted cells. These results suggest that the sunitinib-adapted cells switched from a VEGF-R-dependent pathway to an alternative NRP1/cMet-dependent one. The findings of the present study indicate that VEGF/VEGF-R inhibitors directly act on colon cancer cells and activate their evasive adaptation via different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Tomida
- Department of Physiological Nutrition, Institute of Medical Nutrition, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Naoko Yamagishi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Hikaru Nagano
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Osaka Prefecture University Graduate School, Habikino, Osaka 583-8555, Japan
| | - Takayuki Uchida
- Department of Physiological Nutrition, Institute of Medical Nutrition, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Ayako Ohno
- Department of Physiological Nutrition, Institute of Medical Nutrition, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Katsuya Hirasaka
- Graduate School of Fisheries Science and Environmental Studies, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nikawa
- Department of Physiological Nutrition, Institute of Medical Nutrition, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Shigetada Teshima-Kondo
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Osaka Prefecture University Graduate School, Habikino, Osaka 583-8555, Japan
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Graziani G, Ruffini F, Tentori L, Scimeca M, Dorio AS, Atzori MG, Failla CM, Morea V, Bonanno E, D'Atri S, Lacal PM. Antitumor activity of a novel anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 monoclonal antibody that does not interfere with ligand binding. Oncotarget 2018; 7:72868-72885. [PMID: 27655684 PMCID: PMC5341950 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) is a tyrosine kinase transmembrane receptor that has also a soluble isoform containing most of the extracellular ligand binding domain (sVEGFR-1). VEGF-A binds to both VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-1, whereas placenta growth factor (PlGF) interacts exclusively with VEGFR-1. In this study we generated an anti-VEGFR-1 mAb (D16F7) by immunizing BALB/C mice with a peptide that we had previously reported to inhibit angiogenesis and endothelial cell migration induced by PlGF. D16F7 did not affect binding of VEGF-A or PlGF to VEGFR-1, thus allowing sVEGFR-1 to act as decoy receptor for these growth factors, but it hampered receptor homodimerization and activation. D16F7 inhibited both the chemotactic response of human endothelial, myelomonocytic and melanoma cells to VEGFR-1 ligands and vasculogenic mimicry by tumor cells. Moreover, D16F7 exerted in vivo antiangiogenic effects in a matrigel plug assay. Importantly, D16F7 inhibited tumor growth and was well tolerated by B6D2F1 mice injected with syngeneic B16F10 melanoma cells. The antitumor effect was associated with melanoma cell apoptosis, vascular abnormalities and decrease of both monocyte/macrophage infiltration and myeloid progenitor mobilization. For all the above, D16F7 may be exploited in the therapy of metastatic melanoma and other tumors or pathological conditions involving VEGFR-1 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Ruffini
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucio Tentori
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa S Dorio
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cristina M Failla
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Morea
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania D'Atri
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pedro M Lacal
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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34
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EFFICACY OF INTRAVITREAL AFLIBERCEPT IN MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 1 IS LINKED TO THE OCULAR ANGIOGENIC PROFILE. Retina 2018; 37:2226-2237. [PMID: 28002269 PMCID: PMC5732636 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000001424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate intravitreal aflibercept in macular telangiectasia Type 1 (MacTel 1) patients and measure their ocular angiogenic profile. METHODS Eight subjects with MacTel 1 refractory to bevacizumab, ranibizumab, or laser therapy and switched to aflibercept were included. Best-corrected visual acuity, central macular thickness, and cystic areas quantified on optical coherence tomography B-scans were assessed during 12 months. Perifoveal capillary densities were measured on optical coherence tomography angiography. Aqueous humor was sampled from six patients and eight control subjects undergoing cataract extraction. Growth factors were quantified using a multiarray immunoassay. RESULTS Over 12 months, patients received 6.6 ± 1.4 (range, 5-8) intravitreal aflibercept injections. Twelve months after switching to aflibercept, best-corrected visual acuity increased by ≥5 letters in 5 of 8 patients, compared with preaflibercept levels. Mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 79.6 (∼20/50) to 88.0 (∼20/35) Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters (P = 0.042), and central macular thickness decreased from 434 ± 98 μm to 293 ± 59 μm (P = 0.014). Compared with control subjects, the profile of angiogenic factors in MacTel 1 eyes revealed no difference in vascular endothelial growth factor-A levels but significantly higher levels of placental growth factor (P = 0.029), soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sFlt-1; P = 0.013), vascular endothelial growth factor-D (P = 0.050), and Tie-2 (P = 0.019). Placental growth factor levels inversely correlated with both superficial and deep capillary plexus densities on optical coherence tomography angiography (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION The clinical response to aflibercept coupled to the angiogenic profile of MacTel 1 eyes support the implication of the placental growth factor/Flt-1 pathway in MacTel 1.
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35
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Van Cutsem E, Joulain F, Hoff PM, Mitchell E, Ruff P, Lakomý R, Prausová J, Moiseyenko VM, van Hazel G, Cunningham D, Arnold D, Schmoll HJ, Ten Tije AJ, McKendrick J, Kröning H, Humblet Y, Grávalos C, Le-Guennec S, Andria M, Dochy E, Vishwanath RL, Macarulla T, Tabernero J. Aflibercept Plus FOLFIRI vs. Placebo Plus FOLFIRI in Second-Line Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: a Post Hoc Analysis of Survival from the Phase III VELOUR Study Subsequent to Exclusion of Patients who had Recurrence During or Within 6 Months of Completing Adjuvant Oxaliplatin-Based Therapy. Target Oncol 2017; 11:383-400. [PMID: 26706237 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-015-0402-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this post hoc analysis of the VELOUR study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00561470) was to investigate the treatment effect of adding aflibercept to second-line infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who had failed any prior oxaliplatin-containing regimen. Adjuvant rapid relapsers (ARR), who were enrolled directly following relapse during or within 6 months of completion of oxaliplatin-containing adjuvant chemotherapy (N = 124, including 17 patients who also received bevacizumab as part of their adjuvant therapy), were excluded from the original VELOUR intention-to-treat (ITT) population (N = 1226). After exclusion of the ARR, overall survival (OS) in the ITT minus ARR (ITT-ARR) population (N = 1102) was longer in the aflibercept plus FOLFIRI arm than in the placebo plus FOLFIRI arm [hazard ratio (HR) 0.78, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.68-0.90; median survival difference 1.87 months]. In the subgroup of patients assigned to the prior bevacizumab stratum at randomization, OS was numerically longer in the aflibercept plus FOLFIRI arm than in the placebo plus FOLFIRI arm (HR 0.81; 95 % CI 0.63-1.04; median survival difference 2.14 months). Comparison of the post hoc analysis results with the primary analysis from VELOUR suggests that the inclusion of the directly enrolled ARR may have understated the aflibercept treatment benefit for both bevacizumab-pretreated and bevacizumab-naïve patients in the strictly second-line setting although no definitive conclusion may be inferred. The benefit associated with the addition of aflibercept to second-line FOLFIRI in patients with mCRC was observed whatever the timing of first-line disease progression. There were no unexpected safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Van Cutsem
- Digestive Oncology, University Hospitals Gasthuisberg/Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | - Paulo M Hoff
- Centro De Oncologia, Hospital Sirio Libanes, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edith Mitchell
- Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paul Ruff
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Radek Lakomý
- Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Vladimir M Moiseyenko
- Scientific Research Institute of Oncology n.a. N.N.Petrov, St-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Guy van Hazel
- University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Dirk Arnold
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tumor Biology Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Hendrik Kröning
- Schwerpunktpraxis für Hämatologie und Onkologie, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Cristina Grávalos
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Teresa Macarulla
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Tabernero
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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36
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Mastri M, Rosario S, Tracz A, Frink RE, Brekken RA, Ebos JML. The Challenges of Modeling Drug Resistance to Antiangiogenic Therapy. Curr Drug Targets 2017; 17:1747-1754. [PMID: 26648063 DOI: 10.2174/1389450117666151209123544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance remains an ongoing challenge for the majority of patients treated with inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, a key regulator of tumor angiogenesis. Preclinical models have played a significant role in identifying multiple complex mechanisms of antiangiogenic treatment failure. Yet questions remain about the optimal methodology to study resistance that may assist in making clinically relevant choices about alternative or combination treatment strategies. The origins of antiangiogenic treatment failure may stem from the tumor vasculature, the tumor itself, or both together, and preclinical methods that define resistance are diverse and rarely compared. We performed a literature search of the preclinical methodologies used to examine resistance to VEGF pathway inhibitors and identified 109 papers from more than 400 that use treatment failure as the starting point for mechanistic study. We found that definitions of resistance are broad and inconsistent, involve only a small number of reagents, and derive mostly from in vitro and in vivo methodologies that often do not represent clinically relevant disease stages or progression. Together, this literature analysis highlights the challenges of studying inhibitors of the tumor microenvironment in the preclinical setting and the need for improved methodology to assist in qualifying (and quantifying) treatment failure to identify mechanisms that will help predict alternative strategies in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - John M L Ebos
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 142631, USA
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Rossi A, Latiano TP, Parente P, Chiarazzo C, Limosani F, Di Maggio G, Maiello E. The potential role of nintedanib in treating colorectal cancer. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2017.1346086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rossi
- Oncology Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pia Latiano
- Oncology Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Paola Parente
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Cinzia Chiarazzo
- Oncology Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Filomena Limosani
- Pharmacy Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Maggio
- Oncology Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Evaristo Maiello
- Oncology Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
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38
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Tumor angiogenesis and vascular normalization: alternative therapeutic targets. Angiogenesis 2017; 20:409-426. [PMID: 28660302 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-017-9562-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 865] [Impact Index Per Article: 123.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Tumor blood vessels are a key target for cancer therapeutic management. Tumor cells secrete high levels of pro-angiogenic factors which contribute to the creation of an abnormal vascular network characterized by disorganized, immature and permeable blood vessels, resulting in poorly perfused tumors. The hypoxic microenvironment created by impaired tumor perfusion can promote the selection of more invasive and aggressive tumor cells and can also impede the tumor-killing action of immune cells. Furthermore, abnormal tumor perfusion also reduces the diffusion of chemotherapeutic drugs and radiotherapy efficiency. To fight against this defective phenotype, the normalization of the tumor vasculature has emerged as a new therapeutic strategy. Vascular normalization, by restoring proper tumor perfusion and oxygenation, could limit tumor cell invasiveness and improve the effectiveness of anticancer treatments. In this review, we investigate the mechanisms involved in tumor angiogenesis and describe strategies used to achieve vascular normalization.
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Simon T, Gagliano T, Giamas G. Direct Effects of Anti-Angiogenic Therapies on Tumor Cells: VEGF Signaling. Trends Mol Med 2017; 23:282-292. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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40
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Panta S, Yamakuchi M, Shimizu T, Takenouchi K, Oyama Y, Koriyama T, Kojo T, Hashiguchi T. Low grade inflammation inhibits VEGF induced HUVECs migration in p53 dependent manner. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 483:803-809. [PMID: 27998768 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.12.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In the course of studying crosstalk between inflammation and angiogenesis, high doses of pro-inflammatory factors have been reported to induce apoptosis in cells. Under normal circumstances also the pro-inflammatory cytokines are being released in low doses and are actively involved in cell signaling pathways. We studied the effects of low grade inflammation in growth factor induced angiogenesis using tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNFα) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) respectively. We found that low dose of TNFα can inhibit VEGF induced angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Low dose of TNFα induces mild upregulation and moreover nuclear localization of tumor suppressor protein 53 (P53) which causes decrease in inhibitor of DNA binding-1 (Id1) expression and shuttling to the cytoplasm. In absence of Id1, HUVECs fail to upregulate β3-integrin and cell migration is decreased. Connecting low dose of TNFα induced p53 to β3-integrin through Id1, we present additional link in cross talk between inflammation and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushil Panta
- Department of Laboratory and Vascular Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan
| | - Munekazu Yamakuchi
- Department of Laboratory and Vascular Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan; Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan.
| | - Toshiaki Shimizu
- Department of Laboratory and Vascular Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan
| | - Kazunori Takenouchi
- Department of Laboratory and Vascular Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan
| | - Yoko Oyama
- Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Toyoyasu Koriyama
- Department of Laboratory and Vascular Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan; Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kojo
- Department of Laboratory and Vascular Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan; Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Teruto Hashiguchi
- Department of Laboratory and Vascular Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan; Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan.
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41
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Tomida C, Aibara K, Yamagishi N, Yano C, Nagano H, Abe T, Ohno A, Hirasaka K, Nikawa T, Teshima-Kondo S. The malignant progression effects of regorafenib in human colon cancer cells. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION 2017; 62:195-8. [PMID: 26399347 DOI: 10.2152/jmi.62.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
A number of anti-angiogenic drugs targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGF-R) have developed and enabled significant advances in cancer therapy including colorectal cancer. However, acquired resistance to the drugs occurs, leading to disease progression, such as invasion and metastasis. How tumors become the resistance and promote their malignancy remains fully uncertain. One of possible mechanisms for the resistance and the progression may be the direct effect of VEGF-R inhibitors on tumor cells expressing VEGF-R. We investigated here the direct effect of a VEGF-R-targeting agent, regorafenib, which is the first small molecule inhibitor of VEGF-Rs for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer, on phenotype changes in colon cancer HCT116 cells. Treatment of cells with regorafenib for only 2 days activated cell migration and invasion, while vehicle-treated control cells showed less activity. Intriguingly, chronic exposure to regorafenib for 90 days dramatically increased migration and invasion activities and induced a resistance to hypoxia-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that loss of VEGF signaling in cancer cells may induce the acquired resistance to VEGF/VEGF-R targeting therapy by gaining two major malignant phenotypes, apoptosis resistance and activation of migration/invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Tomida
- Department of Physiological Nutrition, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School
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Baba H, Baba Y, Uemoto S, Yoshida K, Saiura A, Watanabe M, Maehara Y, Oki E, Ikeda Y, Matsuda H, Yamamoto M, Shimada M, Taketomi A, Unno M, Sugihara K, Ogata Y, Eguchi S, Kitano S, Shirouzu K, Saiki Y, Takamori H, Mori M, Hirata T, Wakabayashi G, Kokudo N. Changes in expression levels of ERCC1, DPYD, and VEGFA mRNA after first-line chemotherapy of metastatic colorectal cancer: results of a multicenter study. Oncotarget 2016; 6:34004-13. [PMID: 26372896 PMCID: PMC4741821 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous study showed that administering oxaliplatin as first-line chemotherapy increased ERCC1 and DPD levels in liver colorectal cancers (CRCs) metastases. Second, whether the anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody bevacizumab alters tumoral VEGFA levels is unknown. We conducted this multicenter observational study to validate our previous findings on ERCC1 and DPD, and clarify the response of VEGFA expression to bavacizumab administration. 346 CRC patients with liver metastases were enrolled at 22 Japanese institutes. Resected liver metastases were available for 175 patients previously treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (chemotherapy group) and 171 receiving no previous chemotherapy (non-chemotherapy group). ERCC1, DPYD, and VEGFA mRNA levels were measured by real-time RT-PCR. ERCC1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in the chemotherapy group than in the non-chemotherapy group (P = 0.033), and were significantly correlated (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.42; P < 0.0001). VEGFA expression level was higher in patients receiving bevacizumab (n = 51) than in those who did not (n = 251) (P = 0.007). This study confirmed that first-line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy increases ERCC1 and DPYD expression levels, potentially enhancing chemosensitivity to subsequent therapy. We also found that bevacizumab induces VEGFA expression in tumor cells, suggesting a biologic rationale for extending bevacizumab treatment beyond first progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shinji Uemoto
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yoshida
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Gifu Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Akio Saiura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Maehara
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eiji Oki
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Ikeda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Matsuda
- Department of Surgery, Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital and Atomic-bomb Survivors Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masakazu Yamamoto
- Department of Surgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Shimada
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Akinobu Taketomi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Michiaki Unno
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kenichi Sugihara
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Ogata
- Department of Surgery, Kurume University Medical Center, Kurume, Japan
| | - Susumu Eguchi
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Seigo Kitano
- Department of Gastroenterological and Pediatric Surgery, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Oita, Japan
| | - Kazuo Shirouzu
- Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | | | - Hiroshi Takamori
- Department of Surgery, Saiseikai Kumamoto Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masaki Mori
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Hirata
- Department of Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Go Wakabayashi
- Department of Surgery, Iwate Medical University, School of Medicine, Morioka, Japan
| | - Norihiro Kokudo
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
Tumour metastasis, the movement of tumour cells from a primary site to progressively colonize distant organs, is a major contributor to the deaths of cancer patients. Therapeutic goals are the prevention of an initial metastasis in high-risk patients, shrinkage of established lesions and prevention of additional metastases in patients with limited disease. Instead of being autonomous, tumour cells engage in bidirectional interactions with metastatic microenvironments to alter antitumour immunity, the extracellular milieu, genomic stability, survival signalling, chemotherapeutic resistance and proliferative cycles. Can targeting of these interactions significantly improve patient outcomes? In this Review preclinical research, combination therapies and clinical trial designs are re-examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia S Steeg
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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Bhattacharya R, Ye XC, Wang R, Ling X, McManus M, Fan F, Boulbes D, Ellis LM. Intracrine VEGF Signaling Mediates the Activity of Prosurvival Pathways in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells. Cancer Res 2016; 76:3014-24. [PMID: 26988990 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-1605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The effects of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A/VEGF) and its receptors on endothelial cells function have been studied extensively, but their effects on tumor cells are less well defined. Studies of human colorectal cancer cells where the VEGF gene has been deleted suggest an intracellular role of VEGF as a cell survival factor. In this study, we investigated the role of intracrine VEGF signaling in colorectal cancer cell survival. In human colorectal cancer cells, RNAi-mediated depletion of VEGF decreased cell survival and enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapy. Unbiased reverse phase protein array studies and subsequent validation experiments indicated that impaired cell survival was a consequence of disrupted AKT and ERK1/2 (MAPK3/1) signaling, as evidenced by reduced phosphorylation. Inhibition of paracrine or autocrine VEGF signaling had no effect on phospho-AKT or phospho-ERK1/2 levels, indicating that VEGF mediates cell survival via an intracellular mechanism. Notably, RNAi-mediated depletion of VEGF receptor VEGFR1/FLT1 replicated the effects of VEGF depletion on phospho-AKT and phospho-ERK1/2 levels. Together, these studies show how VEGF functions as an intracrine survival factor in colorectal cancer cells, demonstrating its distinct role in colorectal cancer cell survival. Cancer Res; 76(10); 3014-24. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Bhattacharya
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Xiang-Cang Ye
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Xia Ling
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Madonna McManus
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Fan Fan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Delphine Boulbes
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lee M Ellis
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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Bhome R, Al Saihati H, Goh R, Bullock M, Primrose J, Thomas G, Sayan A, Mirnezami A. Translational aspects in targeting the stromal tumour microenvironment: from bench to bedside. NEW HORIZONS IN TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2016; 3:9-21. [PMID: 27275004 PMCID: PMC4888939 DOI: 10.1016/j.nhtm.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Solid tumours comprise, not only malignant cells but also a variety of stromal cells and extracellular matrix proteins. These components interact via an array of signalling pathways to create an adaptable network that may act to promote or suppress cancer progression. To date, the majority of anti-tumour chemotherapeutic agents have principally sought to target the cancer cell. Consequently, resistance develops because of clonal evolution, as a result of selection pressure during tumour expansion. The concept of activating or inhibiting other cell types within the tumour microenvironment is relatively novel and has the advantage of targeting cells which are genetically stable and less likely to develop resistance. This review outlines key players in the stromal tumour microenvironment and discusses potential targeting strategies that may offer therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Bhome
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Somers Cancer Research Building, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- University Surgery, South Academic Block, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - H.A. Al Saihati
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Somers Cancer Research Building, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - R.W. Goh
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Somers Cancer Research Building, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- School of Medicine, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - M.D. Bullock
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Somers Cancer Research Building, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- University Surgery, South Academic Block, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - J.N. Primrose
- University Surgery, South Academic Block, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - G.J. Thomas
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Somers Cancer Research Building, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - A.E. Sayan
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Somers Cancer Research Building, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - A.H. Mirnezami
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Somers Cancer Research Building, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- University Surgery, South Academic Block, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
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Sato Y, Matsusaka S, Suenaga M, Shinozaki E, Mizunuma N. Cetuximab could be more effective without prior bevacizumab treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Onco Targets Ther 2015; 8:3329-36. [PMID: 26648737 PMCID: PMC4648607 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s89241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cetuximab and bevacizumab reportedly improve the survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but their most effective sequence of administration is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the survival of patients with mCRC treated with cetuximab after bevacizumab failure with that of patients with mCRC without previous bevacizumab therapy. Patients and methods In total, 190 of 323 patients with mCRC treated with cetuximab from March 2006 to July 2013 were enrolled in our hospital for this retrospective study. Forty-seven patients were treated with cetuximab-based second-line therapy, 21 of whom had received prior bevacizumab; 143 patients were treated with cetuximab-based third-line therapy, 109 of whom had received prior bevacizumab. The Kaplan–Meier method with a log-rank test and Cox regression analysis were performed to evaluate the overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) of each group of patients. Results The median follow-up time was 11.8 months in patients who received second-line cetuximab-based chemotherapy and 13.7 months in those who received third-line cetuximab-based chemotherapy. Univariate analysis revealed that the median PFS was significantly longer in patients without prior bevacizumab therapy than in patients with prior bevacizumab therapy (second line, P=0.048; third line, P=0.0022). Multivariate analysis adjusted for baseline characteristics showed that third-line cetuximab-based chemotherapy with or without prior bevacizumab was significantly associated with PFS (P=0.014). Neither the presence nor the absence of prior bevacizumab administration was associated with overall survival. Conclusion Cetuximab could be more effective without prior bevacizumab. Prior bevacizumab use may decrease the efficacy of cetuximab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyoshi Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Matsusaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsukuni Suenaga
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiji Shinozaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Mizunuma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
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47
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Nicolazzo C, Massimi I, Lotti LV, Vespa S, Raimondi C, Pulcinelli FM, Gradilone A, Gazzaniga P. Impact of chronic exposure to bevacizumab on EpCAM-based detection of circulating tumor cells. Chin J Cancer Res 2015; 27:491-6. [PMID: 26543336 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.1000-9604.2015.04.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are often undetected through the immunomagnetic epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-based CellSearch(®) System in breast and colorectal cancer (CRC) patients treated with bevacizumab (BEV), where low CTC numbers have been reported even in patients with evidence of progression of disease. To date, the reasons for this discrepancy have not been clarified. This study was carried out to investigate the molecular and phenotypic changes in CRC cells after chronic exposure to BEV in vitro. METHODS The human CRC cell line WiDr was exposed to a clinically relevant dose of BEV for 3 months in vitro. The expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers and EpCAM isoforms was determined by western blotting and immunofluorescence. To evaluate the impact of EpCAM variant isoforms expression on CTC enumeration by CellSearch(®), untreated and treated colon cancer cells were spiked into 7.5 mL of blood from a healthy donor and enumerated by CellSearch(®). RESULTS Chronic exposure of CRC cell line to BEV induced decreased expression of EpCAM 40 kDa isoform and increased expression EpCAM 42 kDa isoform, together with a decreased expression of cytokeratins (CK), while no evidence of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in treated cells was observed. The recovery rate of cells through CellSearch(®) was gradually reduced in course of treatment with BEV, being 84%, 70% and 40% at 1, 2 and 3 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We hypothesize that BEV may prevent CellSearch(®) from capturing CTCs through altering EpCAM isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Nicolazzo
- 1 Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, 2 Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Isabella Massimi
- 1 Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, 2 Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Lavinia V Lotti
- 1 Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, 2 Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Simone Vespa
- 1 Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, 2 Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Cristina Raimondi
- 1 Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, 2 Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Maria Pulcinelli
- 1 Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, 2 Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Angela Gradilone
- 1 Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, 2 Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Paola Gazzaniga
- 1 Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, 2 Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
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48
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Ye X, Fan F, Bhattacharya R, Bellister S, Boulbes DR, Wang R, Xia L, Ivan C, Zheng X, Calin GA, Wang J, Lu X, Ellis LM. VEGFR-1 Pseudogene Expression and Regulatory Function in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells. Mol Cancer Res 2015; 13:1274-82. [PMID: 26041938 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-15-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED A large number of pseudogenes have been found to be transcribed in human cancers. However, only a few pseudogenes are functionally characterized. Here, we identified a transcribed pseudogene of VEGFR1, or fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1), in human colorectal cancer cells. Interestingly, this pseudogene (designated as FLT1P1) was found to be transcribed bidirectionally and functionally modulated cognate VEGFR1 protein expression in the cells. Mechanistically, expression of FLT1P1 antisense transcript not only inhibited the VEGFR1 expression, but also inhibited non-cognate VEGF-A expression through interaction with miR-520a. Perturbation of FLT1P1 expression by RNA interference (RNAi) markedly inhibited tumor cell proliferation and xenograft tumor growth. This study identifies FLT1P1 antisense as a critical regulator of VEGFR1 and VEGF-A expression in colorectal cancer cells, and highlights its role in regulation of the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. IMPLICATIONS The VEGFR1 pseudogene, FLT1P1, is a novel and functional regulator of VEGF signaling and its targeting could be an alternative strategy to modulate its cognate/target gene expression and downstream activity in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangcang Ye
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Fan Fan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Rajat Bhattacharya
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Seth Bellister
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Delphine R Boulbes
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ling Xia
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Cristina Ivan
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Xiaofeng Zheng
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Xiongbin Lu
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lee M Ellis
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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49
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Mésange P, Poindessous V, Sabbah M, Escargueil AE, de Gramont A, Larsen AK. Intrinsic bevacizumab resistance is associated with prolonged activation of autocrine VEGF signaling and hypoxia tolerance in colorectal cancer cells and can be overcome by nintedanib, a small molecule angiokinase inhibitor. Oncotarget 2015; 5:4709-21. [PMID: 25015210 PMCID: PMC4148093 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common tumor type with a high mortality rate, in part due to intrinsic drug resistance. Although bevacizumab, a VEGF-directed neutralizing antibody, is particularly active in this pathology, some patients never respond for reasons not well understood. We here wish to clarify the role of autocrine VEGF signaling in the response of CRC cells to angiogenesis inhibition. Our results show that CRC cells with intrinsic bevacizumab-resistance displayed pronounced upregulation of autocrine HIF-VEGF-VEGFR signaling in response to prolonged bevacizumab exposure whereas the same signaling pathway was downregulated in bevacizumab-sensitive xenografts. Importantly, both bevacizumab-sensitive and -resistant CRC xenografts were sensitive to nintedanib, a small molecule angiokinase inhibitor, which was associated with inhibition of mTORC1. In vitro studies revealed that bevacizumab-resistant cells displayed intrinsically higher HIF-VEGF signaling intensity and hypoxia tolerance compared to their bevacizumab-sensitive counterparts. Interestingly, although nintedanib showed comparable activity toward bevacizumab-sensitive cells under normoxia and hypoxia, the drug was three-fold more toxic to the resistant cells under hypoxia, suggesting that nintedanib attenuated the survival signaling that usually protects these cells from hypoxia-mediated cell death. In conclusion, our findings support a role for autocrine VEGF signaling in the survival of CRC cells to hypoxia and thus to angiogenesis inhibition. We further show that nintedanib, a small molecule angiokinase inhibitor, is active toward CRC models with intrinsic bevacizumab resistance supporting clinical trials of nintedanib in patients that do not respond to bevacizumab, alone or in combination with bevacizumab to increase angiogenesis inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Mésange
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U938, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Annette K Larsen
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U938, Paris, France; Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
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50
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Mezquita B, Pineda E, Mezquita J, Mezquita P, Pau M, Codony-Servat J, Martínez-Balibrea E, Mora C, Maurel J, Mezquita C. LoVo colon cancer cells resistant to oxaliplatin overexpress c-MET and VEGFR-1 and respond to VEGF with dephosphorylation of c-MET. Mol Carcinog 2015; 55:411-9. [DOI: 10.1002/mc.22289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Belén Mezquita
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques I. Laboratori de Genètica Molecular, IDIBAPS, Facultat de Medicina; Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
- Departament de Ciències Bàsiques; Universitat Internacional de Catalunya; Barcelona Spain
| | - Estela Pineda
- Medical Oncology Department; Hospital Clínic; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Jovita Mezquita
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques I. Laboratori de Genètica Molecular, IDIBAPS, Facultat de Medicina; Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Pau Mezquita
- Departament de Ciències Bàsiques; Universitat Internacional de Catalunya; Barcelona Spain
| | - Montserrat Pau
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques I. Laboratori de Genètica Molecular, IDIBAPS, Facultat de Medicina; Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Jordi Codony-Servat
- Medical Oncology Department; Hospital Clínic; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Eva Martínez-Balibrea
- Medical Oncology Service; Institut Català d'Oncologia-Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol; Badalona Spain
| | - Conchi Mora
- Departament de Medicina Experimental; Universitat de Lleida, Alcalde Rovira Roure; Lleida Spain
| | - Joan Maurel
- Medical Oncology Department; Hospital Clínic; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Cristóbal Mezquita
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques I. Laboratori de Genètica Molecular, IDIBAPS, Facultat de Medicina; Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
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