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Battuello P, Corti G, Bartolini A, Lorenzato A, Sogari A, Russo M, Di Nicolantonio F, Bardelli A, Crisafulli G. Mutational signatures of colorectal cancers according to distinct computational workflows. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae249. [PMID: 38783705 PMCID: PMC11116831 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor mutational signatures have gained prominence in cancer research, yet the lack of standardized methods hinders reproducibility and robustness. Leveraging colorectal cancer (CRC) as a model, we explored the influence of computational parameters on mutational signature analyses across 230 CRC cell lines and 152 CRC patients. Results were validated in three independent datasets: 483 endometrial cancer patients stratified by mismatch repair (MMR) status, 35 lung cancer patients by smoking status and 12 patient-derived organoids (PDOs) annotated for colibactin exposure. Assessing various bioinformatic tools, reference datasets and input data sizes including whole genome sequencing, whole exome sequencing and a pan-cancer gene panel, we demonstrated significant variability in the results. We report that the use of distinct algorithms and references led to statistically different results, highlighting how arbitrary choices may induce variability in the mutational signature contributions. Furthermore, we found a differential contribution of mutational signatures between coding and intergenic regions and defined the minimum number of somatic variants required for reliable mutational signature assignment. To facilitate the identification of the most suitable workflows, we developed Comparative Mutational Signature analysis on Coding and Extragenic Regions (CoMSCER), a bioinformatic tool which allows researchers to easily perform comparative mutational signature analysis by coupling the results from several tools and public reference datasets and to assess mutational signature contributions in coding and non-coding genomic regions. In conclusion, our study provides a comparative framework to elucidate the impact of distinct computational workflows on mutational signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Battuello
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Piazza Nizza 44, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Genomics of Cancer and Targeted Therapies Unit, IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Corti
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Piazza Nizza 44, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142 - km 3.95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Alice Bartolini
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142 - km 3.95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Annalisa Lorenzato
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Piazza Nizza 44, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Alberto Sogari
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Piazza Nizza 44, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Genomics of Cancer and Targeted Therapies Unit, IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariangela Russo
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Piazza Nizza 44, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Genomics of Cancer and Targeted Therapies Unit, IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Di Nicolantonio
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Piazza Nizza 44, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142 - km 3.95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Alberto Bardelli
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Piazza Nizza 44, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Genomics of Cancer and Targeted Therapies Unit, IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Crisafulli
- Genomics of Cancer and Targeted Therapies Unit, IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
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2
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Gu Y, Wang Z, Wang Y. Bispecific antibody drug conjugates: Making 1+1>2. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1965-1986. [PMID: 38799638 PMCID: PMC11119582 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibody‒drug conjugates (BsADCs) represent an innovative therapeutic category amalgamating the merits of antibody‒drug conjugates (ADCs) and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs). Positioned as the next-generation ADC approach, BsADCs hold promise for ameliorating extant clinical challenges associated with ADCs, particularly pertaining to issues such as poor internalization, off-target toxicity, and drug resistance. Presently, ten BsADCs are undergoing clinical trials, and initial findings underscore the imperative for ongoing refinement. This review initially delves into specific design considerations for BsADCs, encompassing target selection, antibody formats, and the linker-payload complex. Subsequent sections delineate the extant progress and challenges encountered by BsADCs, illustrated through pertinent case studies. The amalgamation of BsAbs with ADCs offers a prospective solution to prevailing clinical limitations of ADCs. Nevertheless, the symbiotic interplay among BsAb, linker, and payload necessitates further optimizations and coordination beyond a simplistic "1 + 1" to effectively surmount the extant challenges facing the BsADC domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Gu
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhijia Wang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu 610212, China
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3
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Hu Z, Wu Z, Liu W, Ning Y, Liu J, Ding W, Fan J, Cai S, Li Q, Li W, Yang X, Dou Y, Wang W, Peng W, Lu F, Zhuang X, Qin T, Kang X, Feng C, Xu Z, Lv Q, Wang Q, Wang C, Wang X, Wang Z, Wang J, Jiang J, Wang B, Mills GB, Ma D, Gao Q, Li K, Chen G, Chen X, Sun C. Proteogenomic insights into early-onset endometrioid endometrial carcinoma: predictors for fertility-sparing therapy response. Nat Genet 2024; 56:637-651. [PMID: 38565644 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01703-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma remains a public health concern with a growing incidence, particularly in younger women. Preserving fertility is a crucial consideration in the management of early-onset endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEEC), particularly in patients under 40 who maintain both reproductive desire and capacity. To illuminate the molecular characteristics of EEEC, we undertook a large-scale multi-omics study of 215 patients with endometrial carcinoma, including 81 with EEEC. We reveal an unexpected association between exposome-related mutational signature and EEEC, characterized by specific CTNNB1 and SIGLEC10 hotspot mutations and disruption of downstream pathways. Interestingly, SIGLEC10Q144K mutation in EEECs resulted in aberrant SIGLEC-10 protein expression and promoted progestin resistance by interacting with estrogen receptor alpha. We also identified potential protein biomarkers for progestin response in fertility-sparing treatment for EEEC. Collectively, our study establishes a proteogenomic resource of EEECs, uncovering the interactions between exposome and genomic susceptibilities that contribute to the development of primary prevention and early detection strategies for EEECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Hu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Zimeng Wu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yan Ning
- Department of Pathology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jingbo Liu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Wencheng Ding
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Junpeng Fan
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Shuyan Cai
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Qinlan Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Wenting Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohang Yang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Yingyu Dou
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Wenju Peng
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Funian Lu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Xucui Zhuang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Tianyu Qin
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Kang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Chenzhao Feng
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Zhiying Xu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Qiaoying Lv
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Chao Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zhiqi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital; Peking University People's Hospital, Xicheng District, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jianliu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital; Peking University People's Hospital, Xicheng District, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, P. R. China
| | - Beibei Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | | | - Ding Ma
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
| | - Kezhen Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.
| | - Chaoyang Sun
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
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Ciardiello D, Mauri G, Sartore-Bianchi A, Siena S, Zampino MG, Fazio N, Cervantes A. The role of anti-EGFR rechallenge in metastatic colorectal cancer, from available data to future developments: A systematic review. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 124:102683. [PMID: 38237253 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Despite recent molecular and immunological advancements, prognosis of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients remains poor. In this context, several retrospective and phase II studies suggested that after failure of an upfront anti-EGFR based regimen, a subset of patients can still benefit from further anti-EGFR blockade. Several translational studies involving circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis demonstrated that cancer clones harboring mutations driving anti-EGFR resistance, which can arise under anti-EGFR agents selective pressure, often decay after anti-EGFR discontinuation potentially restoring sensitivity to this therapeutic strategy. Accordingly, several retrospective analyses and a recent prospective trial demonstrated that ctDNA RAS and BRAF wild-type mCRC patients are those benefitting the most from anti-EGFR rechallenge. Indeed, in molecularly selected patients, anti-EGFR rechallenge strategy achieved up to 30 % response rate, with a progression free survival longer than 4 months and an overall survival longer than 1 year, which favorably compared with other standard therapeutic options available for heavily pretreated patients. Anti-EGFR is also well tolerated with no unexpected toxicities compared to the upfront setting. However, several open questions remain to be addressed towards a broader applicability of anti-EGFR strategy in the everyday clinical practice such as the identification of the best rechallenge regimen, the right placement in mCRC therapeutic algorithm, the best ctDNA screening panel. In our systematic review, we revised available data from clinical trials assessing anti-EGFR rechallenge activity in chemo-refractory mCRC patients, discussing as well potential future scenarios and development to implement this therapeutic approach. Particularly, we discussed the role of ctDNA as a safe, timely and comprehensive tool to refine patient's selection and the therapeutic index of anti-EGFR rechallenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Ciardiello
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology, IEO, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Mauri
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy; Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy; IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Sartore-Bianchi
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy; Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy; Division of Clinical Research and Innovation, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Salvatore Siena
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy; Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Zampino
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology, IEO, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Fazio
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology, IEO, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Andres Cervantes
- Department of Medical Oncology, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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5
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Germani MM, Vetere G, Giordano M, Ciracì P, Capone I, Tamborini E, Conca E, Busico A, Pietrantonio F, Piva VM, Boccaccino A, Simionato F, Bortolot M, Manca P, Lonardi S, Conca V, Borelli B, Carullo M, Del Re M, Fontanini G, Rossini D, Cremolini C. Molecular screening with liquid biopsy for anti-EGFR retreatment in metastatic colorectal cancer: preliminary data from the randomized phase 2 PARERE trial. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1307545. [PMID: 38406172 PMCID: PMC10889120 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1307545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Retreatment with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies is a promising strategy in patients with RAS/BRAF wild-type (wt) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who achieved benefit from previous anti-EGFR exposure upon exclusion of mutations in RAS/BRAF genes according to circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis by means of liquid biopsy (LB). This treatment approach is now being investigated in the randomized phase II trial PARERE (NCT04787341). We here present preliminary findings of molecular screening. Methods Patients with RAS/BRAFV600E wt mCRC according to tissue genotyping who benefited from previous anti-EGFR-based treatment (fluoropyrimidines, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and antiangiogenics) and then experienced disease progression to EGFR targeting were eligible for screening in the PARERE trial. The next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel Oncomine™ was employed for ctDNA testing. Results A total of 218 patients underwent LB, and ctDNA sequencing was successful in 201 of them (92%). RAS/BRAFV600E mutations were found in 68 (34%) patients and were mainly subclonal (median variant allele fraction [VAF] for KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutant clones: 0.52%, 0.62%, and 0.12%, respectively; p = 0.01), with KRASQ61H being the most frequently detected (31%). Anti-EGFR-free intervals did not predict ctDNA molecular status (p = 0.12). Among the 133 patients with RAS/BRAFV600E wt tumors according to LB, 40 (30%) harbored a mutation in at least another gene potentially implied in anti-EGFR resistance, mainly with subclonal expression (median VAF, 0.56%). In detail, alterations in PIK3CA, FBXW7, GNAS, MAP2K, ERBB2, BRAF (class I and II non-BRAFV600E), SMAD, EGFR, AKT1, and CTNNB1 occurred in 13%, 8%, 7%, 3%, 2%, 2%, 1%, 1%, 1%, and 1% cases, respectively. Co-mutations were detected in 13 (33%) out of 40 patients. Conclusions This is the largest prospective cohort of mCRC patients screened with LB for anti-EGFR retreatment in a randomized study. ctDNA genotyping reveals that at least one out of three patients candidate for retreatment should be excluded from this therapy, and other potential drivers of anti-EGFR resistance are found in approximately one out of three patients with RAS/BRAFV600E wt ctDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Maria Germani
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Vetere
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mirella Giordano
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Ciracì
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Iolanda Capone
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tamborini
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Conca
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Adele Busico
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Pietrantonio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Vittoria Matilde Piva
- Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology - Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Boccaccino
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Martina Bortolot
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Department of Oncology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC), Udine, Italy
| | - Paolo Manca
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Lonardi
- Oncology Unit 3, Veneto Institute of Oncology - Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
| | - Veronica Conca
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Beatrice Borelli
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Carullo
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marzia Del Re
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriella Fontanini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniele Rossini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Cremolini
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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6
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Patelli G, Mauri G, Tosi F, Amatu A, Bencardino K, Bonazzina E, Pizzutilo EG, Villa F, Calvanese G, Agostara AG, Stabile S, Ghezzi S, Crisafulli G, Di Nicolantonio F, Marsoni S, Bardelli A, Siena S, Sartore-Bianchi A. Circulating Tumor DNA to Drive Treatment in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4530-4539. [PMID: 37436743 PMCID: PMC10643999 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
In the evolving molecular treatment landscape of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), the identification of druggable alterations is pivotal to achieve the best therapeutic opportunity for each patient. Because the number of actionable targets is expanding, there is the need to timely detect their presence or emergence to guide the choice of different available treatment options. Liquid biopsy, through the analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), has proven safe and effective as a complementary method to address cancer evolution while overcoming the limitations of tissue biopsy. Even though data are accumulating regarding the potential for ctDNA-guided treatments applied to targeted agents, still major gaps in knowledge exist as for their application to different areas of the continuum of care. In this review, we recapitulate how ctDNA information could be exploited to drive different targeted treatment strategies in mCRC patients, by refining molecular selection before treatment by addressing tumor heterogeneity beyond tumor tissue biopsy; longitudinally monitoring early-tumor response and resistance mechanisms to targeted agents, potentially leading to tailored, molecular-driven, therapeutic options; guiding the molecular triage towards rechallenge strategies with anti-EGFR agents, suggesting the best time for retreatment; and providing opportunities for an "enhanced rechallenge" through additional treatments or combos aimed at overcoming acquired resistance. Besides, we discuss future perspectives concerning the potential role of ctDNA to fine-tune investigational strategies such as immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Patelli
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
- IFOM ETS – The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Mauri
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
- IFOM ETS – The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Tosi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Amatu
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Katia Bencardino
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Erica Bonazzina
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Elio Gregory Pizzutilo
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Villa
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Calvanese
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Giuseppe Agostara
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Stabile
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Ghezzi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Federica Di Nicolantonio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Silvia Marsoni
- IFOM ETS – The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Bardelli
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Siena
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Sartore-Bianchi
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
- Division of Clinical Research and Innovation, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
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7
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Cano AV, Gitschlag BL, Rozhoňová H, Stoltzfus A, McCandlish DM, Payne JL. Mutation bias and the predictability of evolution. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220055. [PMID: 37004719 PMCID: PMC10067271 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Predicting evolutionary outcomes is an important research goal in a diversity of contexts. The focus of evolutionary forecasting is usually on adaptive processes, and efforts to improve prediction typically focus on selection. However, adaptive processes often rely on new mutations, which can be strongly influenced by predictable biases in mutation. Here, we provide an overview of existing theory and evidence for such mutation-biased adaptation and consider the implications of these results for the problem of prediction, in regard to topics such as the evolution of infectious diseases, resistance to biochemical agents, as well as cancer and other kinds of somatic evolution. We argue that empirical knowledge of mutational biases is likely to improve in the near future, and that this knowledge is readily applicable to the challenges of short-term prediction. This article is part of the theme issue 'Interdisciplinary approaches to predicting evolutionary biology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro V Cano
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bryan L Gitschlag
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Hana Rozhoňová
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Arlin Stoltzfus
- Office of Data and Informatics, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Rockville, MD 20899, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - David M McCandlish
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Joshua L Payne
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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8
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Peng M, Ying Y, Zhang Z, Liu L, Wang W. Reshaping the Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment at Different Stages with Chemotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092448. [PMID: 37173915 PMCID: PMC10177210 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamic tumor microenvironment, especially the immune microenvironment, during the natural progression and/or chemotherapy treatment is a critical frontier in understanding the effects of chemotherapy on pancreatic cancer. Non-stratified pancreatic cancer patients always receive chemotherapeutic strategies, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, predominantly according to their physical conditions and different disease stages. An increasing number of studies demonstrate that the pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment could be reshaped by chemotherapy, an outcome caused by immunogenic cell death, selection and/or education of preponderant tumor clones, adaptive gene mutations, and induction of cytokines/chemokines. These outcomes could in turn impact the efficacy of chemotherapy, making it range from synergetic to resistant and even tumor-promoting. Under chemotherapeutic impact, the metastatic micro-structures in the primary tumor may be built to leak tumor cells into the lymph or blood vasculature, and micro-metastatic/recurrent niches rich in immunosuppressive cells may be recruited by cytokines and chemokines, which provide housing conditions for these circling tumor cells. An in-depth understanding of how chemotherapy reshapes the tumor microenvironment may lead to new therapeutic strategies to block its adverse tumor-promoting effects and prolong survival. In this review, reshaped pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironments due to chemotherapy were reflected mainly in immune cells, pancreatic cancer cells, and cancer-associated fibroblast cells, quantitatively, functionally, and spatially. Additionally, small molecule kinases and immune checkpoints participating in this remodeling process caused by chemotherapy are suggested to be blocked reasonably to synergize with chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maozhen Peng
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ying Ying
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenquan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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9
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Parseghian CM, Sun R, Woods M, Napolitano S, Lee HM, Alshenaifi J, Willis J, Nunez S, Raghav KP, Morris VK, Shen JP, Eluri M, Sorokin A, Kanikarla P, Vilar E, Rehn M, Ang A, Troiani T, Kopetz S. Resistance Mechanisms to Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Therapy in RAS/RAF Wild-Type Colorectal Cancer Vary by Regimen and Line of Therapy. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:460-471. [PMID: 36351210 PMCID: PMC9870238 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.01423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Acquired resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor (EGFRi) therapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) has previously been explained by the model of acquiring new mutations in KRAS/NRAS/EGFR, among other MAPK-pathway members. However, this was primarily on the basis of single-agent EGFRi trials and little is known about the resistance mechanisms of EGFRi combined with effective cytotoxic chemotherapy in previously untreated patients. METHODS We analyzed paired plasma samples from patients with RAS/BRAF/EGFR wild-type metastatic CRC enrolled in three large randomized trials evaluating EGFRi in the first line in combination with chemotherapy and as a single agent in third line. The mutational signature of the alterations acquired with therapy was evaluated. CRC cell lines with resistance to cetuximab, infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin, and SN38 were developed, and transcriptional changes profiled. RESULTS Patients whose tumors were treated with and responded to EGFRi alone were more likely to develop acquired mutations (46%) compared with those treated in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy (9%). Furthermore, contrary to the generally accepted hypothesis of the clonal evolution of acquired resistance, we demonstrate that baseline resistant subclonal mutations rarely expanded to become clonal at progression, and most remained subclonal or disappeared. Consistent with this clinical finding, preclinical models with acquired resistance to either cetuximab or chemotherapy were cross-resistant to the alternate agents, with transcriptomic profiles consistent with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. By contrast, commonly acquired resistance alterations in the MAPK pathway do not affect sensitivity to cytotoxic chemotherapy. CONCLUSION These findings support a model of resistance whereby transcriptomic mechanisms of resistance predominate in the presence of active cytotoxic chemotherapy combined with EGFRi, with a greater predominance of acquired MAPK mutations after single-agent EGFRi. The proposed model has implications for prospective studies evaluating EGFRi rechallenge strategies guided by acquired MAPK mutations, and highlights the need to address transcriptional mechanisms of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M. Parseghian
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Ryan Sun
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Melanie Woods
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Stefania Napolitano
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Campania, Italy
| | - Hey Min Lee
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jumanah Alshenaifi
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jason Willis
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Shakayla Nunez
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kanwal P. Raghav
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Van K. Morris
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - John P. Shen
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Madhulika Eluri
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Alexey Sorokin
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Preeti Kanikarla
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Eduardo Vilar
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | | | - Teresa Troiani
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Campania, Italy
| | - Scott Kopetz
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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10
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Valenzuela G, Burotto M, Marcelain K, González-Montero J. Liquid biopsy to detect resistance mutations against anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:1654-1664. [PMID: 36187383 PMCID: PMC9516650 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i9.1654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of mortality worldwide, associated with a steadily growing prevalence. Notably, the identification of KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations has markedly improved targeted CRC therapy by affording treatments directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and other anti-angiogenic therapies. However, the survival benefit conferred by these therapies remains variable and difficult to predict, owing to the high level of molecular heterogeneity among patients with CRC. Although classification into consensus molecular subtypes could optimize response prediction to targeted therapies, the acquisition of resistance mutations to targeted therapy is, in part, responsible for the lack of response in some patients. However, the acquisition of such mutations can induce challenges in clinical practice. The utility of liquid biopsy to detect resistance mutations against anti-EGFR therapy has recently been described. This approach may constitute a new standard in the decision algorithm for targeted CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Valenzuela
- Department of Basic and Clinical Oncology, University of Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital del Salvador, Santiago 7500922, Chile
| | - Mauricio Burotto
- Department of Oncology, Bradford-Hill Clinical Research Center, Santiago 8420383, Chile
| | - Katherine Marcelain
- Department of Basic and Clinical Oncology, University of Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Jaime González-Montero
- Department of Basic and Clinical Oncology, University of Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
- Department of Oncology, Bradford-Hill Clinical Research Center, Santiago 8420383, Chile
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11
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Vaquero J, Pavy A, Gonzalez-Sanchez E, Meredith M, Arbelaiz A, Fouassier L. Genetic alterations shaping tumor response to anti-EGFR therapies. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 64:100863. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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12
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Somarelli JA, DeGregori J, Gerlinger M, Heng HH, Marusyk A, Welch DR, Laukien FH. Questions to guide cancer evolution as a framework for furthering progress in cancer research and sustainable patient outcomes. Med Oncol 2022; 39:137. [PMID: 35781581 PMCID: PMC9252949 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01721-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
We appear to be faced with ‘two truths’ in cancer—one of major advances and successes and another one of remaining short-comings and significant challenges. Despite decades of research and substantial progress in treating cancer, most patients with metastatic cancer still experience great suffering and poor outcomes. Metastatic cancer, for the vast majority of patients, remains incurable. In the context of advanced disease, many clinical trials report only incremental advances in progression-free and overall survival. At the same time, the breadth and depth of new scientific discoveries in cancer research are staggering. These discoveries are providing increasing mechanistic detail into the inner workings of normal and cancer cells, as well as into cancer–host interactions; however, progress remains frustratingly slow in translating these discoveries into improved diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic interventions. Despite enormous advances in cancer research and progress in progression-free survival, or even cures, for certain cancer types—with earlier detection followed by surgical, adjuvant, targeted, or immuno- therapies, we must challenge ourselves to do even better where patients do not respond or experience evolving therapy resistance. We propose that defining cancer evolution as a separate domain of study and integrating the concept of evolvability as a core hallmark of cancer can help position scientific discoveries into a framework that can be more effectively harnessed to improve cancer detection and therapy outcomes and to eventually decrease cancer lethality. In this perspective, we present key questions and suggested areas of study that must be considered—not only by the field of cancer evolution, but by all investigators researching, diagnosing, and treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A Somarelli
- Department of Medicine, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - James DeGregori
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Marco Gerlinger
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.,St Bartholomew's Hospital Cancer Centre, London, UK
| | - Henry H Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Andriy Marusyk
- Department of Cancer Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Danny R Welch
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Kansas Medical Center and The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Frank H Laukien
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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13
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A modified fluctuation-test framework characterizes the population dynamics and mutation rate of colorectal cancer persister cells. Nat Genet 2022; 54:976-984. [PMID: 35817983 PMCID: PMC9279152 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01105-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Compelling evidence shows that cancer persister cells represent a major limit to the long-term efficacy of targeted therapies. However, the phenotype and population dynamics of cancer persister cells remain unclear. We developed a quantitative framework to study persisters by combining experimental characterization and mathematical modeling. We found that, in colorectal cancer, a fraction of persisters slowly replicates. Clinically approved targeted therapies induce a switch to drug-tolerant persisters and a temporary 7- to 50-fold increase of their mutation rate, thus increasing the number of persister-derived resistant cells. These findings reveal that treatment may influence persistence and mutability in cancer cells and pinpoint inhibition of error-prone DNA polymerases as a strategy to restrict tumor recurrence. A modified fluctuation test applied to colorectal cancer cells shows that EGFR/BRAF inhibitor-induced persisters slowly proliferate and have an increased mutation rate. Error-prone DNA polymerases are identified as potential targets to avoid tumor recurrence following treatment with these drugs.
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14
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Simón L, Sanhueza S, Gaete-Ramírez B, Varas-Godoy M, Quest AFG. Role of the Pro-Inflammatory Tumor Microenvironment in Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Transfer of Therapy Resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:897205. [PMID: 35646668 PMCID: PMC9130576 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.897205] [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: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in our understanding of cancer biology have contributed to generating different treatments to improve the survival of cancer patients. However, although initially most of the therapies are effective, relapse and recurrence occur in a large percentage of these cases after the treatment, and patients then die subsequently due to the development of therapy resistance in residual cancer cells. A large spectrum of molecular and cellular mechanisms have been identified as important contributors to therapy resistance, and more recently the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME) has been ascribed an important function as a source of signals generated by the TME that modulate cellular processes in the tumor cells, such as to favor the acquisition of therapy resistance. Currently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are considered one of the main means of communication between cells of the TME and have emerged as crucial modulators of cancer drug resistance. Important in this context is, also, the inflammatory TME that can be caused by several conditions, including hypoxia and following chemotherapy, among others. These inflammatory conditions modulate the release and composition of EVs within the TME, which in turn alters the responses of the tumor cells to cancer therapies. The TME has been ascribed an important function as a source of signals that modulate cellular processes in the tumor cells, such as to favor the acquisition of therapy resistance. Although generally the main cellular components considered to participate in generating a pro-inflammatory TME are from the immune system (for instance, macrophages), more recently other types of cells of the TME have also been shown to participate in this process, including adipocytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, cancer stem cells, as well as the tumor cells. In this review, we focus on summarizing available information relating to the impact of a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment on the release of EVs derived from both cancer cells and cells of the TME, and how these EVs contribute to resistance to cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Simón
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Program of Cell and Molecular Biology, Center for Studies on Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sofía Sanhueza
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Program of Cell and Molecular Biology, Center for Studies on Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Belén Gaete-Ramírez
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel Varas-Godoy
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile.,Centro Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrew F G Quest
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Program of Cell and Molecular Biology, Center for Studies on Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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15
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Mauri G, Vitiello PP, Sogari A, Crisafulli G, Sartore-Bianchi A, Marsoni S, Siena S, Bardelli A. Liquid biopsies to monitor and direct cancer treatment in colorectal cancer. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:394-407. [PMID: 35264786 PMCID: PMC9346106 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01769-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers worldwide. Despite recent improvements in treatment and prevention, most of the current therapeutic options are weighted by side effects impacting patients’ quality of life. Better patient selection towards systemic treatments represents an unmet clinical need. The recent multidisciplinary and molecular advancements in the treatment of CRC patients demand the identification of efficient biomarkers allowing to personalise patient care. Currently, core tumour biopsy specimens represent the gold-standard biological tissue to identify such biomarkers. However, technical feasibility, tumour heterogeneity and cancer evolution are major limitations of this single-snapshot approach. Genotyping circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) has been addressed as potentially overcoming such limitations. Indeed, ctDNA has been retrospectively demonstrated capable of identifying minimal residual disease post-surgery and post-adjuvant treatment, as well as spotting druggable molecular alterations for tailoring treatments in metastatic disease. In this review, we summarise the available evidence on ctDNA applicability in CRC. Then, we review ongoing clinical trials assessing how liquid biopsy can be used interventionally to guide therapeutic choice in localised, locally advanced and metastatic CRC. Finally, we discuss how its widespread could transform CRC patients’ management, dissecting its limitations while suggesting improvement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Mauri
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Paolo Vitiello
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Alberto Sogari
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Giovanni Crisafulli
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Andrea Sartore-Bianchi
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Salvatore Siena
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Bardelli
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy. .,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy.
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Brady SW, Gout AM, Zhang J. Therapeutic and prognostic insights from the analysis of cancer mutational signatures. Trends Genet 2022; 38:194-208. [PMID: 34483003 PMCID: PMC8752466 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The somatic mutations in each cancer genome are caused by multiple mutational processes, each of which leaves a characteristic imprint (or 'signature'), potentially caused by specific etiologies or exposures. Deconvolution of these signatures offers a glimpse into the evolutionary history of individual tumors. Recent work has shown that mutational signatures may also yield therapeutic and prognostic insights, including the identification of cell-intrinsic signatures as biomarkers of drug response and prognosis. For example, mutational signatures indicating homologous recombination deficiency are associated with poly(ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor sensitivity, whereas APOBEC-associated signatures are associated with ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase (ATR) inhibitor sensitivity. Furthermore, therapy-induced mutational signatures implicated in cancer progression have also been uncovered, including the identification of thiopurine-induced TP53 mutations in leukemia. In this review, we explore the various ways mutational signatures can reveal new therapeutic and prognostic insights, thus extending their traditional role in identifying disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Brady
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
| | - Alexander M Gout
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jinghui Zhang
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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