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Halder S, Basu S, Lal S, Ganti AK, Batra SK, Seshacharyulu P. Targeting the EGFR signaling pathway in cancer therapy: What's new in 2023? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:305-324. [PMID: 37243489 PMCID: PMC10330690 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2218613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently amplified, overexpressed, and mutated in multiple cancers. In normal cell physiology, EGFR signaling controls cellular differentiation, proliferation, growth, and survival. During tumorigenesis, mutations in EGFR lead to increased kinase activity supporting survival, uncontrolled proliferation, and migratory functions of cancer cells. Molecular agents targeting the EGFR pathway have been discovered, and their efficacy has been demonstrated in clinical trials. To date, 14 EGFR-targeted agents have been approved for cancer treatments. AREAS COVERED This review describes the newly identified pathways in EGFR signaling, the evolution of novel EGFR-acquired and innate resistance mechanisms, mutations, and adverse side effects of EGFR signaling inhibitors. Subsequently, the latest EGFR/panEGFR inhibitors in preclinical and clinical studies have been summarized. Finally, the consequences of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors and EGFR inhibitors have also been discussed. EXPERT OPINION As new mutations are threatened against EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), we suggest the development of new compounds targeting specific mutations without inducing new mutations. We discuss potential future research on developing EGFR-TKIs specific for exact allosteric sites to overcome acquired resistance and reduce adverse events. The rising trend of EGFR inhibitors in the pharma market and their economic impact on real-world clinical practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushanta Halder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Soumi Basu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Shobhit Lal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Apar K. Ganti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases
- Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Parthasarathy Seshacharyulu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
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Novel imino-thiazoloquinoxaline derivatives against renal cell carcinoma: less radiation-damaging approach. Med Chem Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-023-03036-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
AbstractRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most fatal tumor in the urinary system. Resistance development and unmet effective responses, request new anticancer agents with better therapeutic index. Ten new imino-thiazolo-quinoxaline derivatives (5a-j) were synthesized and preliminary evaluated for downregulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) activity taking sorafenib as a reference drug. Compounds 5d & 5h showed potent inhibition to VEGFR-2 activity at IC50 89.35 nM & 60.64 nM, respectively, then they both were further evaluated in-vitro against urinary bladder cancer cell line T-24 taking sorafenib as a reference drug. Compound 5h displayed nearly anticancer activity to sorafenib against T-24 cell line in all concentrations tested except at concentration 10 µM where it highly suppressed cell viability to 6.71 % compared to 15.15% of sorafenib. Compound 5h was then evaluated for its ameliorative efect against radiation induced renal tissue injury. Assessment of pro-angiogenic (VEGFR-2), pro-fibrotic (transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)) and apoptotic (caspase-3) markers, as well as histopathological examinations were performed on kidney of irradiated mice. Results showed ability of compound 5h to downregulate VEGFR-2 activity and its cytotoxic effect against RCC, in addition to mitigation of radiation induced renal tissue injury. Ethyl imino-thiazoloquinoxaline carboxylate derivative 5h showed a potential cytotoxic activity against RCC and could be considered a promosing alleviative candidate when employed post radiotherapy regimen.
Graphical Abstract
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Shishido K, Reinders A, Asuthkar S. Epigenetic regulation of radioresistance: insights from preclinical and clinical studies. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:1359-1375. [PMID: 36524403 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2158810] [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: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oftentimes, radiation therapy (RT) is ineffective due to the development of radioresistance (RR). However, studies have shown that targeting epigenetic modifiers to enhance radiosensitivity represents a promising direction of clinical investigation. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the mechanisms by which epigenetic modifiers alter radiosensitivity through dysregulation of MAPK-ERK and AKT-mTOR signaling. Finally, we discuss the clinical directions for targeting epigenetic modifiers and current radiology techniques used in the clinic. METHODOLOGY We searched PubMed and ScienceDirect databases from April 4th, 2022 to October 18th, 2022. We examined 226 papers related to radioresistance, epigenetics, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. 194 papers were selected for this review. Keywords used for this search include, 'radioresistance,' 'radiosensitivity,' 'radiation,' 'radiotherapy,' 'particle radiation,' 'photon radiation,' 'epigenetic modifiers,' 'MAPK,' 'AKT,' 'mTOR,' 'cancer,' and 'PI3K.' We examined 41 papers related to clinical trials on the aforementioned topics. Outcomes of interest were safety, overall survival (OS), dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), progression-free survival (PFS), and maximum tolerated dose (MTD). EXPERT OPINION Current studies focusing on epigenetic mechanisms of RR strongly support the use of targeting epigenetic modifiers as adjuvants to standard cancer therapies. To further the success of such treatments and their clinical benefit , both preclinical and clinical studies are needed to broaden the scope of known radioresistant mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Shishido
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, IL, United States of America
| | - Alexis Reinders
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, IL, United States of America
| | - Swapna Asuthkar
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, IL, United States of America
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Beauvais DM, Nelson SE, Adams KM, Stueven NA, Jung O, Rapraeger AC. Plasma membrane proteoglycans syndecan-2 and syndecan-4 engage with EGFR and RON kinase to sustain carcinoma cell cycle progression. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102029. [PMID: 35569509 PMCID: PMC9190016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a causal factor in carcinoma, yet many carcinoma patients are resistant to EGFR inhibitors. Potential insight into this resistance stems from prior work that showed EGFR in normal epithelial cells docks to the extracellular domain of the plasma membrane proteoglycan syndecan-4 (Sdc4) engaged with α3β1 and α6β4 integrins. We now report that this receptor complex is modified by the recruitment of syndecan-2 (Sdc2), the Recepteur d'Origine Nantais (RON) tyrosine kinase, and the cellular signaling mediator Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1 (ABL1) in triple-negative breast carcinoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, where it contributes to EGFR kinase-independent proliferation. Treatment with a peptide mimetic of the EGFR docking site in the extracellular domain of Sdc4 (called SSTNEGFR) disrupts the entire complex and causes a rapid, global arrest of the cell cycle. Normal epithelial cells do not recruit these additional receptors to the adhesion mechanism and are not arrested by SSTNEGFR. Although EGFR docking with Sdc4 in the tumor cells is required, cell cycle progression does not depend on EGFR kinase. Instead, progression depends on RON kinase, activated by its incorporation into the complex. RON activates ABL1, which suppresses p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and prevents a p38-mediated signal that would otherwise arrest the cell cycle. These findings add to the growing list of receptor tyrosine kinases that support tumorigenesis when activated by their association with syndecans at sites of matrix adhesion and identify new potential targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- DeannaLee M Beauvais
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Scott E Nelson
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kristin M Adams
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Noah A Stueven
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Oisun Jung
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Alan C Rapraeger
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
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The dogma of Cetuximab and Radiotherapy in head and neck cancer – A dawn to dusk journey. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2022; 34:75-81. [PMID: 35356388 PMCID: PMC8958314 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cetuximab is routinely used in the radical treatment of head and neck cancers. Results of many important studies are out now and are not encouraging. Routine use of Cetuximab in this setting has to be re-evaluated again.
Since the introduction of Cetuximab as a biological molecule against Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), its use in the cancers of head and neck region is widely explored. With the recognition that EGFR expression is associated with radioresistance and poor prognosis, incorporation of an anti-EGFR agent along with Radiotherapy (RT) is a logical and attractive option. Cetuximab in combination with RT as Bio-Radiotherapy (BRT) is considered one of the standard treatment modalities in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancers (LA-HNSCC). Many important phase-III clinical trials were undertaken simultaneously, where the use of Cetuximab BRT was tested in various clinical scenarios with different hypothesis. With the studies still ongoing and the results awaited, its use was continued in clinical practice. Today the results are out and definitely not encouraging. After the initial success, Cetuximab has miserably failed to win over cisplatin based chemoradiation which is the current standard of care in LA-HNSCC. Hence, it is the need of the hour to re-evaluate and define the present role of Cetuximab in the definitive management of LA-HNSCC in the light of the latest clinical evidence..
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Ouellette MM, Zhou S, Yan Y. Cell Signaling Pathways That Promote Radioresistance of Cancer Cells. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12030656. [PMID: 35328212 PMCID: PMC8947583 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12030656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) is a standard treatment for solid tumors and about 50% of patients with cancer, including pediatric cancer, receive RT. While RT has significantly improved the overall survival and quality of life of cancer patients, its efficacy has still been markedly limited by radioresistance in a significant number of cancer patients (intrinsic or acquired), resulting in failure of the RT control of the disease. Radiation eradicates cancer cells mainly by causing DNA damage. However, radiation also concomitantly activates multiple prosurvival signaling pathways, which include those mediated by ATM, ATR, AKT, ERK, and NF-κB that promote DNA damage checkpoint activation/DNA repair, autophagy induction, and/or inhibition of apoptosis. Furthermore, emerging data support the role of YAP signaling in promoting the intrinsic radioresistance of cancer cells, which occurs through its activation of the transcription of many essential genes that support cell survival, DNA repair, proliferation, and the stemness of cancer stem cells. Together, these signaling pathways protect cancer cells by reducing the magnitude of radiation-induced cytotoxicity and promoting radioresistance. Thus, targeting these prosurvival signaling pathways could potentially improve the radiosensitivity of cancer cells. In this review, we summarize the contribution of these pathways to the radioresistance of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel M. Ouellette
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - Sumin Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - Ying Yan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Palmer JD, Prasad RN, Fabian D, Wei L, Yildiz VO, Tan Y, Grecula J, Welliver M, Williams T, Elder JB, Raval R, Blakaj D, Haglund K, Bazan J, Kendra K, Arnett A, Beyer S, Liebner D, Giglio P, Puduvalli V, Chakravarti A, Wuthrick E. Phase I study of trametinib in combination with whole brain radiation therapy for brain metastases. Radiother Oncol 2022; 170:21-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Vigneux G, Pirkkanen J, Laframboise T, Prescott H, Tharmalingam S, Thome C. Radiation-Induced Alterations in Proliferation, Migration, and Adhesion in Lens Epithelial Cells and Implications for Cataract Development. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:29. [PMID: 35049738 PMCID: PMC8772889 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The lens of the eye is one of the most radiosensitive tissues. Although the exact mechanism of radiation-induced cataract development remains unknown, altered proliferation, migration, and adhesion have been proposed as factors. Lens epithelial cells were exposed to X-rays (0.1-2 Gy) and radiation effects were examined after 12 h and 7 day. Proliferation was quantified using an MTT assay, migration was measured using a Boyden chamber and wound-healing assay, and adhesion was assessed on three extracellular matrices. Transcriptional changes were also examined using RT-qPCR for a panel of genes related to these processes. In general, a nonlinear radiation response was observed, with the greatest effects occurring at a dose of 0.25 Gy. At this dose, a reduction in proliferation occurred 12 h post irradiation (82.06 ± 2.66%), followed by an increase at 7 day (116.16 ± 3.64%). Cell migration was increased at 0.25 Gy, with rates 121.66 ± 6.49% and 232.78 ± 22.22% greater than controls at 12 h and 7 day respectively. Cell adhesion was consistently reduced above doses of 0.25 Gy. Transcriptional alterations were identified at these same doses in multiple genes related to proliferation, migration, and adhesion. Overall, this research began to elucidate the functional changes that occur in lens cells following radiation exposure, thereby providing a better mechanistic understanding of radiation-induced cataract development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graysen Vigneux
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (G.V.); (S.T.)
| | - Jake Pirkkanen
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (H.P.)
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Taylor Laframboise
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (H.P.)
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Hallie Prescott
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (H.P.)
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (G.V.); (S.T.)
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (H.P.)
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Nuclear Innovation Institute, 620 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0, Canada
| | - Christopher Thome
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (G.V.); (S.T.)
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (H.P.)
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Nuclear Innovation Institute, 620 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0, Canada
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Phosphorylation of TRIP13 at Y56 induces radiation resistance but sensitizes head and neck cancer to cetuximab. Mol Ther 2022; 30:468-484. [PMID: 34111559 PMCID: PMC8753291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy, a mainstay of treatment for head and neck cancer, is not always curative due to the development of treatment resistance; additionally, multi-institutional trials have questioned the efficacy of concurrent radiation with cetuximab, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor. We unraveled a mechanism for radiation resistance; that is, radiation induces EGFR, which phosphorylates TRIP13 (thyroid hormone receptor interactor 13) on tyrosine 56. Phosphorylated (phospho-)TRIP13 promotes non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair to induce radiation resistance. NHEJ is the main repair pathway for radiation-induced DNA damage. Tumors expressing high TRIP13 do not respond to radiation but are sensitive to cetuximab or cetuximab combined with radiation. Suppression of phosphorylation of TRIP13 at Y56 abrogates these effects. These findings show that EGFR-mediated phosphorylation of TRIP13 at Y56 is a vital mechanism of radiation resistance. Notably, TRIP13-pY56 could be used to predict the response to radiation or cetuximab and could be explored as an actionable target.
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Hashemi R, Farahi M, Bagheri R, Iranshahi M, Torabinejad S, Gharedaghi S, Soleymanifard S. In vitro Study of Radiosensitivity Effects of Galbanic Acid on Ovarian Tumor Cells (OVCAR-3 Cell Line). Nat Prod Commun 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x211046068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Radiotherapy ranks among the most important procedures in ovarian cancer therapy. However, radioresistance is becoming more prevalent and is one of the main causes of poor clinical outcomes. To overcome this problem, radiosensitizers may be used. The present study aimed to evaluate the radiosensitizing properties of galbanic acid (GBA) on ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Materials and methods: OVCAR-3 cells, an ovarian cancer cell line, were treated with increasing concentrations of GBA (5, 10, 20, and 40 μg/mL) for 24, 48, and 72 h to determine its half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Cell viability was assessed by alamar Blue assay. The cells treated with 10 μg/mL GBA for 24 h were exposed to increasing doses of radiation (1, 2, and 4 Gy) and the survival fraction was investigated by clonogenic assay. Results: Assessment of cell viability indicated that GBA caused toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, GBA pretreatment significantly improved the radiosensitivity of the cells, and survival fraction data indicated synergy between GBA and radiation. Conclusion: Taken together, the current findings highlight GBA as a potent radiosensitizing agent; however, further research is required to determine the molecular mechanisms of the observed effect both in vitro and in vivo. It is also suggested that the radiosensitization effect of GBA on other cell types should be studied in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raziyeh Hashemi
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Farahi
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ramin Bagheri
- Cancer Molecular Pathology Research Center, Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Iranshahi
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sepehr Torabinejad
- Department of Genetics, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Gharedaghi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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DNA Damage Response in Glioblastoma: Mechanism for Treatment Resistance and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 27:379-385. [PMID: 34570452 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Glioblastoma (GBM) is an intrinsically treatment-resistant tumor and has been shown to upregulate DNA damage response (DDR) components after treatment. DNA damage response signaling mediates treatment resistance by promoting cell cycle arrest in order to allow for DNA damage repair and avoid mitotic catastrophe. Therefore, targeting the DDR pathway is an attractive strategy to combat treatment resistance in GBM. In this review, we discuss the different DDR pathways and then summarize the current preclinical evidence for DDR inhibitors in GBM, as well as completed and ongoing clinical trials.
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Venkateshulu S, Br KK. A Study Comparing Acute Toxicities of Cetuximab and Cisplatin in Patients Undergoing Definitive Chemoradiation With Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Carcinoma Head and Neck. Cureus 2021; 13:e16505. [PMID: 34430119 PMCID: PMC8375004 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To study the acute toxicities of weekly cetuximab used concurrently with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) versus weekly cisplatin with concurrent IMRT in locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Materials and methods Fifty eligible patients were randomly assigned to study group (cetuximab group) and control group (cisplatin group) to receive cetuximab 400 mg/m2 intravenously one week prior to the start of RT followed by 250 mg/m2/week, or weekly cisplatin intravenously 40 mg/m2, during RT. RT dose received was 70Gy in 35 fractions with 2Gy/fraction in both the arms with IMRT technique. Patients are reviewed every week and Patients were evaluated for acute toxicities according to radiation therapy oncology group (RTOG) toxicity scoring criteria and toxicities grade was reported. Results The incidence of acute toxicities like oral mucositis, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, and leukopenia were much less in cetuximab arm and statistically significant difference was observed as compared to cisplatin arm. and no major systemic toxicities were encountered in the cetuximab arm. Conclusion Weekly cetuximab with concurrent radiotherapy in locally advanced HNSCC is a promising regimen with well tolerable toxicity profile. Larger prospective randomized studies with a longer duration of follow-up with direct comparison of both the regimens are needed for strong evaluation of efficacy and toxicity profile.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kiran Kumar Br
- Radiation Oncology, Bangalore Medical college and Research Institute, Bangalore, IND
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Aggarwal N, Yadav J, Chhakara S, Janjua D, Tripathi T, Chaudhary A, Chhokar A, Thakur K, Singh T, Bharti AC. Phytochemicals as Potential Chemopreventive and Chemotherapeutic Agents for Emerging Human Papillomavirus-Driven Head and Neck Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Prospects. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:699044. [PMID: 34354591 PMCID: PMC8329252 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.699044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) usually arises from squamous cells of the upper aerodigestive tract that line the mucosal surface in the head and neck region. In India, HNC is common in males, and it is the sixth most common cancer globally. Conventionally, HNC attributes to the use of alcohol or chewing tobacco. Over the past four decades, portions of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive HNC are increasing at an alarming rate. Identification based on the etiological factors and molecular signatures demonstrates that these neoplastic lesions belong to a distinct category that differs in pathological characteristics and therapeutic response. Slow development in HNC therapeutics has resulted in a low 5-year survival rate in the last two decades. Interestingly, HPV-positive HNC has shown better outcomes following conservative treatments and immunotherapies. This raises demand to have a pre-therapy assessment of HPV status to decide the treatment strategy. Moreover, there is no HPV-specific treatment for HPV-positive HNC patients. Accumulating evidence suggests that phytochemicals are promising leads against HNC and show potential as adjuvants to chemoradiotherapy in HNC. However, only a few of these phytochemicals target HPV. The aim of the present article was to collate data on various leading phytochemicals that have shown promising results in the prevention and treatment of HNC in general and HPV-driven HNC. The review explores the possibility of using these leads against HPV-positive tumors as some of the signaling pathways are common. The review also addresses various challenges in the field that prevent their use in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Aggarwal
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Joni Yadav
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Suhail Chhakara
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Divya Janjua
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Tanya Tripathi
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Apoorva Chaudhary
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Arun Chhokar
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Kulbhushan Thakur
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Tejveer Singh
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Alok Chandra Bharti
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Current Multimodality Treatments Against Brain Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102875. [PMID: 33036276 PMCID: PMC7600559 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Brain metastasis (BM) is generally one of poor prognostic factors in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. However, because of longer control of extra-cranial disease by the recent introduction of molecular target therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor, the incidence of BM has been recently increasing and to progress the treatment of BM is one of urgent medical unmet needs. Although the pivotal clinical trials usually excluded patients with BM, BM subgroup data from the prospective and retrospective series have been gradually accumulated. To select the appropriate strategy, individual patient and tumor characteristics (e.g., Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), systemic cancer burden, the number/size/location of BM) are important information. Among the local treatments, the technology of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRT) has been especially advanced and its adaptation has been expanded. The combination of SRT with molecular target therapy and/or immune checkpoint inhibitor would be promising to further enhance the efficacy without increased toxicity. Abstract In patients with renal cell carcinoma, brain metastasis is generally one of the poor prognostic factors. However, the recent introduction of molecular target therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor has remarkably advanced the systemic treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma and prolonged the patients’ survival. The pivotal clinical trials of those agents usually excluded patients with brain metastasis. The incidence of brain metastasis has been increasing in the actual clinical setting because of longer control of extra-cranial disease. Brain metastasis subgroup data from the prospective and retrospective series have been gradually accumulated about the risk classification of brain metastasis and the efficacy and safety of those new agents for brain metastasis. While the local treatment against brain metastasis includes neurosurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and conventional whole brain radiation therapy, the technology of stereotactic radiosurgery has been especially advanced, and the combination with systemic therapy such as molecular target therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor is considered promising. This review summarizes recent progression of multimodality treatment of brain metastasis of renal cell carcinoma from literature data and explores the future direction of the treatment.
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Tang WH, Sun W, Long GX. Concurrent cisplatin or cetuximab with radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e21785. [PMID: 32899005 PMCID: PMC7478598 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000021785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concurrent cisplatin with radiotherapy (CRT) or concurrent cetuximab with radiotherapy (BRT) improves outcomes in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) compared with radiotherapy alone. Nevertheless, a detailed comparison between CRT and BRT in locally advanced HNSCC is required due to inconclusive results. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane databases, and EMBASE. Studies that evaluated CRT vs BRT in locally advanced HNSCC were included. The primary outcome that was overall survival (OS), whereas the secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional control (LRC), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate prognosis. All the analyses were performed using Stata Statistical Software 12.0. RESULTS Twenty-three studies, with a total of 8701 patients, were considered eligible and included in this meta-analysis. Our results revealed that patients treated with CRT had longer OS (HR = 0.51, 95%CI, 0.41-0.64, P < .001), PFS (HR = 0.37, 95%CI, 0.23-0.60, P < .001), LRC (HR = 0.46, 95%CI, 0.37-0.57, P < .001), and DMFS (HR = 0.56, 95%CI, 0.40-0.77, P < .001) than those treated with BRT. Furthermore, the results of the subgroup analyses were consistent with the primary analysis. CONCLUSIONS CRT has a better OS, PFS, LRC, and DMFS than BRT in locally advanced HNSCC, and should be the preferred treatment for patients with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hua Tang
- Department of Oncology, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Guo-Xian Long
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Booth L, West C, Hoff DV, Dent P. GZ17-6.02 and Doxorubicin Interact to Kill Sarcoma Cells via Autophagy and Death Receptor Signaling. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1331. [PMID: 32983965 PMCID: PMC7492267 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
GZ17-6.02 (602) is presently under phase I clinical evaluation (NCT03775525). We defined the mechanisms by which it interacted with a standard of care therapeutic doxorubicin to kill sarcoma cells. Doxorubicin and 602 interacted to rapidly activate ATM and c-MET, inactivate mTOR, AKT, and p70 S6K, enhance the expression of Beclin1 and reduce the levels of K-RAS and N-RAS. This was followed later by the drugs interacting to reduce expression of MCL-1, BCL-XL, and HDAC6. Knock down of ATM prevented the drugs alone or in combination inactivating mTOR or activating ULK1. Knock down of c-MET significantly enhanced [doxorubicin + 602] lethality. Knock down of ATM and to a greater extent ULK1, Beclin1, or ATG5 significantly reduced killing by 602 alone or when combined with doxorubicin. Expression of an activated mTOR mutant suppressed killing, autophagosome formation and prevented autophagic flux. In the absence of Beclin1, knock down of CD95, or FADD, or over-expression of c-FLIP-s or BCL-XL abolished tumor cell killing. We conclude that 602 and doxorubicin interact to increase autophagosome formation and autophagic flux as well as causing elevated death receptor signaling resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and tumor cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Booth
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Cameron West
- Genzada Pharmaceuticals, Sterling, KS, United States
| | - Daniel Von Hoff
- Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGEN), Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Paul Dent
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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17
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Khan M, Zhao Z, Arooj S, Liao G. Impact of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) Combined With Radiation Therapy for the Management of Brain Metastases From Renal Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1246. [PMID: 32793497 PMCID: PMC7390930 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Targeted therapy has transformed the outcome for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Their efficacy and safety have also been demonstrated in brain metastatic RCC. Preclinical evidence suggests synergism of radiation and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Consequently, several studies have compared their efficacy in the treatment of RCC brain metastases to the era of brain management with surgery/radiation only. Objectives: We seek to systematically review and meta-analyze the results of those studies that involved comparative intervention groups of brain management; TKIs, and never used TKIs. Methods and Materials: Online databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched for comparative studies. Overall survival as the primary outcome of interest, and local brain control, distant control, and adverse events as secondary outcomes of interest were recorded for meta-analysis. Hazard ratios were pooled together using Review Manager 5.3. Fixed effects or random effects model were adopted according to the level of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis included studies that involved SRS as the local treatment of management. Results: Overall 7 studies (n = 897) were included for meta-analysis. TKI use was associated with better survival (HR 0.60 [0.52, 0.69], p < 0.00001) and local brain control (HR 0.34 [0.11, 0.98], p = 0.05). SRS subgroup also revealed significantly better survival (HR 0.61 [0.44, 0.83], p = 0.002) and local brain control (HR 0.19 [0.08, 0.45], p = 0.0002). Distant brain control (HR 0.95 [0.67, 1.35], p = 0.79) and brain progression free survival were unaffected (HR 0.94 [0.56, 1.56], p = 0.80). Only one study (n = 376) reported significantly greater 12-months cumulative incidence of radiation necrosis with TKI use within 30 days of SRS (10.9 vs. 6.4%, p = 0.04). Conclusions: TKIs use in combination with SRS is safe and effective for treating RCC brain metastases. Larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Khan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhihong Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical Medicine Centre, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sumbal Arooj
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Guixiang Liao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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18
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Wang H, Li X, Peng R, Wang Y, Wang J. Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 71:21-32. [PMID: 32629077 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Survival improvement of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) benefits from systemic therapy and metastasis-directed local therapy. Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR), as a new efficient metastasis-directed local therapy with a systematic impact, plays a vital role in CRLM multidisciplinary treatment. SABR leads to a dramatic immunological change in the tumor microenvironment (TME) via differential activation of cytoprotective and cytotoxic pathways in malignant and non-malignant cells, in addition to direct tumor cell death. The synergy of SABR and immunotherapy might increase the abscopal response rate of out-field lesions by targeting different steps of the immune-mediated response, in addition to direct intratumoral cell death. The clinical treatment and efficacy of SABR, its influence on TME, and potential molecular underpinnings of which are the topic of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xuemin Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ran Peng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yuxia Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
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19
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Wu C, Williams TM, Robb R, Webb A, Wei L, Chen W, Mikhail S, Ciombor KK, Cardin DB, Timmers C, Krishna SG, Arnold M, Harzman A, Abdel-Misih S, Roychowdhury S, Bekaii-Saab T, Wuthrick E. Phase I Trial of Trametinib with Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:3117-3125. [PMID: 32253228 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-4193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is critical to the development of colorectal cancers, and KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations foster resistance to radiation. We performed a phase I trial to determine the safety of trametinib, a potent MEK1/2 inhibitor, with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemoradiation therapy (CRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with stage II/III rectal cancer were enrolled on a phase I study with 3+3 study design, with an expansion cohort of 9 patients at the MTD. Following a 5-day trametinib lead-in, with pre- and posttreatment tumor biopsies, patients received trametinib and CRT, surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Trametinib was given orally daily at 3 dose levels: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg. CRT consisted of infusional 5-FU 225 mg/m2/day and radiation dose of 28 daily fractions of 1.8 Gy (total 50.4 Gy). The primary endpoint was to identify the MTD and recommended phase II dose. IHC staining for phosphorylated ERK (pERK) and genomic profiling was performed on the tumor samples. RESULTS Patients were enrolled to all dose levels, and 18 patients were evaluable for toxicities and responses. Treatment was well tolerated, and there was one dose-limiting toxicity of diarrhea, which was attributed to CRT rather than trametinib. At the 2 mg dose level, 25% had pathologic complete response. IHC staining confirmed dose-dependent decrease in pERK with increasing trametinib doses. CONCLUSIONS The combination of trametinib with 5-FU CRT is safe and well tolerated, and may warrant additional study in a phase II trial, perhaps in a RAS/RAF-mutant selected population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Wu
- Emory University, Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | | | - Ryan Robb
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Amy Webb
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lai Wei
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Wei Chen
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | | | - Dana B Cardin
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Cynthia Timmers
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | | | - Mark Arnold
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Alan Harzman
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
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20
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Iida M, Harari PM, Wheeler DL, Toulany M. Targeting AKT/PKB to improve treatment outcomes for solid tumors. Mutat Res 2020; 819-820:111690. [PMID: 32120136 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2020.111690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase AKT, also known as protein kinase B (PKB), is the major substrate to phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and consists of three paralogs: AKT1 (PKBα), AKT2 (PKBβ) and AKT3 (PKBγ). The PI3K/AKT pathway is normally activated by binding of ligands to membrane-bound receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) as well as downstream to G-protein coupled receptors and integrin-linked kinase. Through multiple downstream substrates, activated AKT controls a wide variety of cellular functions including cell proliferation, survival, metabolism, and angiogenesis in both normal and malignant cells. In human cancers, the PI3K/AKT pathway is most frequently hyperactivated due to mutations and/or overexpression of upstream components. Aberrant expression of RTKs, gain of function mutations in PIK3CA, RAS, PDPK1, and AKT itself, as well as loss of function mutation in AKT phosphatases are genetic lesions that confer hyperactivation of AKT. Activated AKT stimulates DNA repair, e.g. double strand break repair after radiotherapy. Likewise, AKT attenuates chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. These observations suggest that a crucial link exists between AKT and DNA damage. Thus, AKT could be a major predictive marker of conventional cancer therapy, molecularly targeted therapy, and immunotherapy for solid tumors. In this review, we summarize the current understanding by which activated AKT mediates resistance to cancer treatment modalities, i.e. radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and RTK targeted therapy. Next, the effect of AKT on response of tumor cells to RTK targeted strategies will be discussed. Finally, we will provide a brief summary on the clinical trials of AKT inhibitors in combination with radiochemotherapy, RTK targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Iida
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin in Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - P M Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin in Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - D L Wheeler
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin in Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - M Toulany
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tuebingen, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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21
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Feliu J, Garcia-Carbonero R, Capdevila J, Guasch I, Alonso-Orduna V, Lopez C, Garcia-Alfonso P, Castanon C, Sevilla I, Cerezo L, Conill C, Quintana-Angel B, Sanchez ME, Ghanem I, Martin-Richard M, Lopez-Gomez M, Leon A, Caro M, Fernandez T, Maurel J. VITAL phase 2 study: Upfront 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin-C, panitumumab and radiotherapy treatment in nonmetastatic squamous cell carcinomas of the anal canal (GEMCAD 09-02). Cancer Med 2019; 9:1008-1016. [PMID: 31851776 PMCID: PMC6997048 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim VITAL, a phase II single‐arm study, aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of panitumumab addition to 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), mitomycin‐C (MMC) and radiotherapy (RT) in patients with localized squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCAC). Methods Adult, treatment‐naïve SCCAC patients (Stage T2‐T4, any N, M0) and ECOG‐PS ≤2, received panitumumab (6 mg/kg, day 1 and Q2W; 8 weeks), 5‐FU (1000 mg/m2/d, days 1‐4 and 29‐32), MMC (10 mg/m2, days 1 and 29) and RT 45 Gy (1.8 Gy/fraction) to the primary tumor and mesorectal, iliac and inguinal lymph nodes, plus 10‐15 Gy boost dose to the primary tumor and affected lymph nodes. The primary objective was disease free survival rate (DFS) at 3‐years (expected 3‐year DFS rate: 73.7 ± 12%). Results Fifty‐eight patients (31 women; median age: 59 years; ECOG‐PS 0‐1:98%; TNM II [29%] (T2 or T3/N0/M0)/IIIA (T1‐T3/N1/M0 or T4/N0/M0) [21%]/IIIB (T4/N1/M0 or any T/N2 or N3/M0) [47%]/nonevaluable [4%]) were included. The median follow‐up was 45 months. The 3‐year DFS rate was 61.1% (95% CI: 47.1, 72.4). The 3‐year overall survival rate was 78.4% (95% CI: 65.1, 87.1). Eighteen patients (31.0%) required a colostomy within 2 years posttreatment. Grade 3‐4 toxicities were experienced by 53 (91%) patients. Most common grade 3‐4 treatment‐related events were radiation skin injury (40%) and neutropenia (24%). No toxic deaths occurred. Improved efficacy in colostomy‐free survival and complete response rate was observed in human papilloma virus positive patients. Conclusions Panitumumab addition to MMC‐5FU regimen in SCCAC patients increases toxicity and does not improve patients’ outcomes. RT plus MMC‐5FU remains the standard of care for localized SCCAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Feliu
- Department of Medical Oncology, CIBERONC, Catedra UAM-AMGEN, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocio Garcia-Carbonero
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla, Spain.,Department of Medical Oncology, imas12, UCM, CNIO, CIBERONC, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaume Capdevila
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Guasch
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Althaia-Manresa, Manresa, Spain
| | - Vicente Alonso-Orduna
- Department of Medical Oncology, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Aragon, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carlos Lopez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Pilar Garcia-Alfonso
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Maranon, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Castanon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Virgen Blanca, Leon, Spain
| | - Isabel Sevilla
- Investigacion Clinica y Traslacional en Cancer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas de Malaga (IBIMA), Hospitales Universitarios Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, Malaga, Spain
| | - Laura Cerezo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carles Conill
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Begona Quintana-Angel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Maria E Sanchez
- Department of Oncology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ismael Ghanem
- Department of Medical Oncology, CIBERONC, Catedra UAM-AMGEN, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Martin-Richard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Lopez-Gomez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Leon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Monica Caro
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ICO Badalona, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Teresa Fernandez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Son Llatzer, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Joan Maurel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic, Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapeutics in Solid Tumours Group, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Ouellette MM, Yan Y. Radiation‐activated prosurvival signaling pathways in cancer cells. PRECISION RADIATION ONCOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/pro6.1076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michel M. Ouellette
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha Nebraska USA
| | - Ying Yan
- Department of Radiation OncologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha Nebraska USA
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Alexandru O, Sevastre AS, Castro J, Artene SA, Tache DE, Purcaru OS, Sfredel V, Tataranu LG, Dricu A. Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor and Ionizing Radiation in High Grade Glioma Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194663. [PMID: 31547056 PMCID: PMC6802357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of high grade gliomas (HGGs) has remained elusive due to their high heterogeneity and aggressiveness. Surgery followed by radiotherapy represents the mainstay of treatment for HGG. However, the unfavorable location of the tumor that usually limits total resection and the resistance to radiation therapy are the major therapeutic problems. Chemotherapy with DNA alkylating agent temozolomide is also used to treat HGG, despite modest effects on survival. Disregulation of several growth factor receptors (GFRs) were detected in HGG and receptor amplification in glioblastoma has been suggested to be responsible for heterogeneity propagation through clonal evolution. Molecularly targeted agents inhibiting these membrane proteins have demonstrated significant cytotoxicity in several types of cancer cells when tested in preclinical models. Platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) and associated signaling were found to be implicated in gliomagenesis, moreover, HGG commonly display a Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) autocrine pathway that is not present in normal brain tissues. We have previously shown that both the susceptibility towards PDGFR and the impact of the PDGFR inactivation on the radiation response were different in different HGG cell lines. Therefore, we decided to extend our investigation, using two other HGG cell lines that express PDGFR at the cell surface. Here, we investigated the effect of PDGFR inhibition alone or in combination with gamma radiation in 11 and 15 HGG cell lines. Our results showed that while targeting the PDGFR represents a good means of treatment in HGG, the combination of receptor inhibition with gamma radiation did not result in any discernable difference compared to the single treatment. The PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathways are the major signaling pathways emerging from the GFRs, including PDGFR. Decreased sensitivity to radiation-induced cell death are often associated with redundancy in these pro-survival signaling pathways. Here we found that Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), or c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) inactivation induced radiosensitivity in HGG cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Alexandru
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania.
| | - Ani-Simona Sevastre
- Department of Pharmacological Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania.
| | - Juan Castro
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital, Z1:00, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Stefan-Alexandru Artene
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania.
| | - Daniela Elise Tache
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania.
| | - Oana Stefana Purcaru
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania.
| | - Veronica Sfredel
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania.
| | - Ligia Gabriela Tataranu
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Bagdasar-Arseni" Emergency Hospital, Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Anica Dricu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania.
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24
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Dent P, Booth L, Poklepovic A, Hancock JF. Signaling alterations caused by drugs and autophagy. Cell Signal 2019; 64:109416. [PMID: 31520735 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionary conserved process that recycles cellular materials in times of nutrient restriction to maintain viability. In cancer therapeutics, the role of autophagy in response to multi-kinase inhibitors, alone or when combined with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors acts, generally, to facilitate the killing of tumor cells. Furthermore, the formation of autophagosomes and subsequent degradation of their contents can reduce the expression of HDAC proteins themselves as well as of other signaling regulatory molecules such as protein chaperones and mutated RAS proteins. Reduced levels of HDAC6 causes the acetylation and inactivation of heat shock protein 90, and, together with reduced expression of the chaperones HSP70 and GRP78, generates a strong endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. Prolonged intense ER stress signaling causes tumor cell death. Reduced expression of HDACs 1, 2 and 3 causes the levels of programed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) to decline and the expression of Class I MHCA to increase which correlates with elevated immunogenicity of the tumor cells in vivo. This review will specifically focus on the downstream implications that result from autophagic-degradation of HDACs, RAS and protein chaperones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Dent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
| | - Laurence Booth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Andrew Poklepovic
- Department of Biochemistry and Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - John F Hancock
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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25
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George TJ, Franke AJ, Chakravarthy AB, Das P, Dasari A, El-Rayes BF, Hong TS, Kinsella TJ, Landry JC, Lee JJ, Monjazeb AM, Jacobs SA, Raben D, Rahma OE, Williams TM, Wu C, Coleman CN, Vikram B, Ahmed MM. National Cancer Institute (NCI) state of the science: Targeted radiosensitizers in colorectal cancer. Cancer 2019; 125:2732-2746. [PMID: 31017664 PMCID: PMC6663584 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a major public health problem as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Of an estimated 140,000 newly diagnosed CRC cases in 2018, roughly one-third of these patients will have a primary tumor located in the distal large bowel or rectum. The current standard-of-care approach includes curative-intent surgery, often after preoperative (neoadjuvant) radiotherapy (RT), to increase rates of tumor down-staging, clinical and pathologic response, as well as improving surgical resection quality. However, despite advancements in surgical techniques, as well as sharpened precision of dosimetry offered by contemporary RT delivery platforms, the oncology community continues to face challenges related to disease relapse. Ongoing investigations are aimed at testing novel radiosensitizing agents and treatments that might exploit the systemic antitumor effects of RT using immunotherapies. If successful, these treatments may usher in a new curative paradigm for rectal cancers, such that surgical interventions may be avoided. Importantly, this disease offers an opportunity to correlate matched paired biopsies, radiographic response, and molecular mechanisms of treatment sensitivity and resistance with clinical outcomes. Herein, the authors highlight the available evidence from preclinical models and early-phase studies, with an emphasis on promising developmental therapeutics undergoing prospective validation in larger scale clinical trials. This review by the National Cancer Institute's Radiation Research Program Colorectal Cancer Working Group provides an updated, comprehensive examination of the continuously evolving state of the science regarding radiosensitizer drug development in the curative treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J George
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Aaron J Franke
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - A Bapsi Chakravarthy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Prajnan Das
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Arvind Dasari
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Theodore S Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Timothy J Kinsella
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital-Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jerome C Landry
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - James J Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Arta M Monjazeb
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California
| | - Samuel A Jacobs
- National Adjuvant Surgical and Bowel Project Foundation/NRG Oncology, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
| | - David Raben
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Osama E Rahma
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Terence M Williams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Christina Wu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - C Norman Coleman
- Clinical Radiation Oncology Branch, Radiation Research Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Bhadrasain Vikram
- Clinical Radiation Oncology Branch, Radiation Research Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mansoor M Ahmed
- Clinical Radiation Oncology Branch, Radiation Research Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Orlandi E, Licitra L. The day after De-ESCALaTE and RTOG 1016 trials results. Future Oncol 2019; 15:2069-2072. [PMID: 31238718 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2019-0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ester Orlandi
- Radiotherapy 1-2 Units, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Lisa Licitra
- Medical Oncology 3 Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan 20133, Italy.,University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Kiang JG, Olabisi AO. Radiation: a poly-traumatic hit leading to multi-organ injury. Cell Biosci 2019; 9:25. [PMID: 30911370 PMCID: PMC6417034 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-019-0286-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The range of radiation threats we face today includes everything from individual radiation exposures to mass casualties resulting from a terrorist incident, and many of these exposure scenarios include the likelihood of additional traumatic injury as well. Radiation injury is defined as an ionizing radiation exposure inducing a series of organ injury within a specified time. Severity of organ injury depends on the radiation dose and the duration of radiation exposure. Organs and cells with high sensitivity to radiation injury are the skin, the hematopoietic system, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, spermatogenic cells, and the vascular system. In general, acute radiation syndrome (ARS) includes DNA double strand breaks (DSB), hematopoietic syndrome (bone marrow cells and circulatory cells depletion), cutaneous injury, GI death, brain hemorrhage, and splenomegaly within 30 days after radiation exposure. Radiation injury sensitizes target organs and cells resulting in ARS. Among its many effects on tissue integrity at various levels, radiation exposure results in activation of the iNOS/NF-kB/NF-IL6 and p53/Bax pathways; and increases DNA single and double strand breaks, TLR signaling, cytokine concentrations, bacterial infection, cytochrome c release from mitochondria to cytoplasm, and possible PARP-dependent NAD and ATP-pool depletion. These alterations lead to apoptosis and autophagy and, as a result, increased mortality. In this review, we summarize what is known about how radiation exposure leads to the radiation response with time. We also describe current and prospective countermeasures relevant to the treatment and prevention of radiation injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliann G. Kiang
- Radiation Combined Injury Program, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, MD 20889 USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Ayodele O. Olabisi
- Radiation Combined Injury Program, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, MD 20889 USA
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Mehanna H, Robinson M, Hartley A, Kong A, Foran B, Fulton-Lieuw T, Dalby M, Mistry P, Sen M, O'Toole L, Al Booz H, Dyker K, Moleron R, Whitaker S, Brennan S, Cook A, Griffin M, Aynsley E, Rolles M, De Winton E, Chan A, Srinivasan D, Nixon I, Grumett J, Leemans CR, Buter J, Henderson J, Harrington K, McConkey C, Gray A, Dunn J. Radiotherapy plus cisplatin or cetuximab in low-risk human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer (De-ESCALaTE HPV): an open-label randomised controlled phase 3 trial. Lancet 2019; 393:51-60. [PMID: 30449623 PMCID: PMC6319250 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(18)32752-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 607] [Impact Index Per Article: 121.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal cancer, a disease affecting younger patients, is rapidly increasing. Cetuximab, an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, has been proposed for treatment de-escalation in this setting to reduce the toxicity of standard cisplatin treatment, but no randomised evidence exists for the efficacy of this strategy. METHODS We did an open-label randomised controlled phase 3 trial at 32 head and neck treatment centres in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the UK, in patients aged 18 years or older with HPV-positive low-risk oropharyngeal cancer (non-smokers or lifetime smokers with a smoking history of <10 pack-years). Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive, in addition to radiotherapy (70 Gy in 35 fractions), either intravenous cisplatin (100 mg/m2 on days 1, 22, and 43 of radiotherapy) or intravenous cetuximab (400 mg/m2 loading dose followed by seven weekly infusions of 250 mg/m2). The primary outcome was overall severe (grade 3-5) toxicity events at 24 months from the end of treatment. The primary outcome was assessed by intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN33522080. FINDINGS Between Nov 12, 2012, and Oct 1, 2016, 334 patients were recruited (166 in the cisplatin group and 168 in the cetuximab group). Overall (acute and late) severe (grade 3-5) toxicity did not differ significantly between treatment groups at 24 months (mean number of events per patient 4·8 [95% CI 4·2-5·4] with cisplatin vs 4·8 [4·2-5·4] with cetuximab; p=0·98). At 24 months, overall all-grade toxicity did not differ significantly either (mean number of events per patient 29·2 [95% CI 27·3-31·0] with cisplatin vs 30·1 [28·3-31·9] with cetuximab; p=0·49). However, there was a significant difference between cisplatin and cetuximab in 2-year overall survival (97·5% vs 89·4%, hazard ratio 5·0 [95% CI 1·7-14·7]; p=0·001) and 2-year recurrence (6·0% vs 16·1%, 3·4 [1·6-7·2]; p=0·0007). INTERPRETATION Compared with the standard cisplatin regimen, cetuximab showed no benefit in terms of reduced toxicity, but instead showed significant detriment in terms of tumour control. Cisplatin and radiotherapy should be used as the standard of care for HPV-positive low-risk patients who are able to tolerate cisplatin. FUNDING Cancer Research UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham Mehanna
- Institute for Head and Neck Studies and Education (InHANSE), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | | | | | - Anthony Kong
- Institute for Head and Neck Studies and Education (InHANSE), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Tessa Fulton-Lieuw
- Institute for Head and Neck Studies and Education (InHANSE), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Mehmet Sen
- St James's Institute of Oncology, Leeds, UK
| | - Lorcan O'Toole
- Queen's Centre for Oncology, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, UK
| | - Hoda Al Booz
- Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sinead Brennan
- St Luke's Hospital, Cancer Trials Ireland, and St Luke's Institute of Cancer Research, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Martin Rolles
- Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Port Talbot, UK
| | - Emma De Winton
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - Andrew Chan
- University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Ioanna Nixon
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Jan Buter
- VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Kevin Harrington
- Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London UK
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Pouget JP, Georgakilas AG, Ravanat JL. Targeted and Off-Target (Bystander and Abscopal) Effects of Radiation Therapy: Redox Mechanisms and Risk/Benefit Analysis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 29:1447-1487. [PMID: 29350049 PMCID: PMC6199630 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Radiation therapy (from external beams to unsealed and sealed radionuclide sources) takes advantage of the detrimental effects of the clustered production of radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Research has mainly focused on the interaction of radiation with water, which is the major constituent of living beings, and with nuclear DNA, which contains the genetic information. This led to the so-called target theory according to which cells have to be hit by ionizing particles to elicit an important biological response, including cell death. In cancer therapy, the Poisson law and linear quadratic mathematical models have been used to describe the probability of hits per cell as a function of the radiation dose. Recent Advances: However, in the last 20 years, many studies have shown that radiation generates "danger" signals that propagate from irradiated to nonirradiated cells, leading to bystander and other off-target effects. CRITICAL ISSUES Like for targeted effects, redox mechanisms play a key role also in off-target effects through transmission of ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and also of cytokines, ATP, and extracellular DNA. Particularly, nuclear factor kappa B is essential for triggering self-sustained production of ROS and RNS, thus making the bystander response similar to inflammation. In some therapeutic cases, this phenomenon is associated with recruitment of immune cells that are involved in distant irradiation effects (called "away-from-target" i.e., abscopal effects). FUTURE DIRECTIONS Determining the contribution of targeted and off-target effects in the clinic is still challenging. This has important consequences not only in radiotherapy but also possibly in diagnostic procedures and in radiation protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Pouget
- 1 Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM) , INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), Montpellier, France
| | - Alexandros G Georgakilas
- 2 DNA Damage Laboratory, Physics Department, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens , Athens, Greece
| | - Jean-Luc Ravanat
- 3 Univ. Grenoble Alpes , CEA, CNRS INAC SyMMES UMR 5819, Grenoble, France
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da Silva Junior IA, Andrade LNDS, Jancar S, Chammas R. Platelet activating factor receptor antagonists improve the efficacy of experimental chemo- and radiotherapy. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2018; 73:e792s. [PMID: 30328954 PMCID: PMC6157068 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2018/e792s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet activating factor is a lipid mediator of inflammation, and in recent decades, it has emerged as an important factor in tumor outcomes. Platelet activating factor acts by specific binding to its receptor, which is present in both tumor cells and cells that infiltrate tumors. Pro-tumorigenic effects of platelet activating factor receptor in tumors includes promotion of tumor cell proliferation, production of survival signals, migration of vascular cells and formation of new vessels and stimulation of dendritic cells and macrophages suppressor phenotype. In experimental models, blocking of platelet activating factor receptor reduced tumor growth and increased animal survival. During chemotherapy and radiotherapy, tumor cells that survive treatment undergo accelerated proliferation, a phenomenon known as tumor cell repopulation. Work from our group and others showed that these treatments induce overproduction of platelet activating factor-like molecules and increase expression of its receptor in tumor cells. In this scenario, antagonists of platelet activating factor markedly reduced tumor repopulation. Here, we note that combining chemo- and radiotherapy with platelet activating factor antagonists could be a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildefonso Alves da Silva Junior
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Laboratorio de Imunofarmacologia, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
- *Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Luciana Nogueira de Sousa Andrade
- Laboratorio de Oncologia Experimental, Centro de Investigacao Translacional em Oncologia, Instituto do Cancer do Estado de Sao Paulo (ICESP), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Sonia Jancar
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Laboratorio de Imunofarmacologia, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Roger Chammas
- Laboratorio de Oncologia Experimental, Centro de Investigacao Translacional em Oncologia, Instituto do Cancer do Estado de Sao Paulo (ICESP), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
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Exposure of Breast and Lung Cancer Cells to a Novel Estrone Analog Prior to Radiation Enhances Bcl-2-Mediated Cell Death. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19102887. [PMID: 30249026 PMCID: PMC6212960 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19102887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Following exposure of cells to gamma-radiation, a cascade of intracellular consequences may be observed in a semitemporal manner. This includes deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation initially, with consequent signaling for DNA repair and facilitative regulation of the cell cycle. Failure to rectify the damage or ROS levels leads to induction of senescence or apoptosis. 2-Ethyl-3-O-sulfamoyl-estra-1,3,5(10),15-tetraen-17-ol (ESE-15-ol), a 2-methoxyestradiole analog designed in silico for superior pharmacokinetics, was investigated for its potential to enhance apoptotic signaling and decrease the long-term survival of cells exposed to radiation. Sequential early intracellular effects within radiation-treated MCF-7 breast- and A549 lung cancer cells pre-exposed to low-dose ESE-15-ol were investigated using various flow cytometric protocols, spectrophotometry, and microscopy. Long-term cellular survival and proliferation was examined using clonogenic studies, which demonstrated a significant decrease in the presensitized cells. Combination-treated cells exhibited increased superoxide formation, and decreased Bcl-2 expression and -phosphorylation. Induction of apoptosis and elevation of the sub-G1 phase was evident in the pre-exposed MCF-7 cells, although only minimally in the A549 cells at 48-h. These results indicate that low-dose ESE-15-ol may increase tumor response to radiation. Future studies will investigate the effect of ESE-15-ol pre-exposure on radiation-induced DNA damage and repair mechanisms.
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Tallet AV, Dhermain F, Le Rhun E, Noël G, Kirova YM. Combined irradiation and targeted therapy or immune checkpoint blockade in brain metastases: toxicities and efficacy. Ann Oncol 2018; 28:2962-2976. [PMID: 29045524 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Targeted therapies (TT) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are currently modifying the landscape of metastatic cancer management and are increasingly used over the course of many cancers treatment. They allow long-term survival with controlled extra-cerebral disease, contributing to the increasing incidence of brain metastases (BMs). Radiation therapy remains the cornerstone of BMs treatment (either whole brain irradiation or stereotactic radiosurgery), and investigating the safety profile of radiation therapy combined with TT or ICI is of high interest. Discontinuing an efficient systemic therapy, when BMs irradiation is considered, might allow systemic disease progression and, on the other hand, the mechanisms of action of these two therapeutic modalities might lead to unexpected toxicities and/or greater efficacy, when combined. Patients and methods We carried out a systematic literature review focusing on the safety profile and the efficacy of BMs radiation therapy combined with targeted agents or ICI, emphasizing on the role (if any) of the sequence of combination scheme (drug given before, during, and/or after radiation therapy). Results Whereas no relevant toxicity has been noticed with most of these drugs, the concomitant use of some other drugs with brain irradiation requires caution. Conclusion Most of available studies appear to advocate for TT or ICI combination with radiation therapy, without altering the clinical safety profiles, allowing the maintenance of systemic treatments when stereotactic radiation therapy is considered. Cognitive functions, health-related quality of life and radiation necrosis risk remain to be assessed. The results of prospective studies are awaited in order to complete and validate the above discussed retrospective data.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Tallet
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut Paoli Calmettes, Marseille
| | - F Dhermain
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy University Hospital, Cancer Campus Grand Paris, Villejuif
| | - E Le Rhun
- University U-1192, INSERM U-1192, Department of General and Stereotactic Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Department of Medical Oncology, Oscar Lambret center, Lille
| | - G Noël
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Centre Paul Strauss, Strasbourg
| | - Y M Kirova
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris, France
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Blas K, Wilson TG, Tonlaar N, Galoforo S, Hana A, Marples B, Wilson GD. Dual blockade of PI3K and MEK in combination with radiation in head and neck cancer. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2018; 11:1-10. [PMID: 30014041 PMCID: PMC6019866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose In this study we have combined fractionated radiation treatment (RT) with two molecular targeted agents active against key deregulated signaling pathways in head and neck cancer. Materials and methods We used two molecularly characterized, low passage HNSCC cell lines of differing biological characteristics to study the effects of binimetinib and buparlisib in combination with radiation in vitro and in vivo. Results Buparlisib was active against both cell lines in vitro whereas binimetinib was more toxic to UT-SCC-14. Neither agent modified radiation sensitivity in vitro. Buparlisib significantly inhibited growth of UT-SSC-15 alone or in combination with RT but was ineffective in UT-SCC-14. Binimetinib did cause a significant delay with RT in UT-SCC-14 and it significantly reduced growth of the UT-SCC-15 tumors both alone and with RT. The tri-modality treatment was not as effective as RT with a single effective agent. Conclusions No significant benefit was gained by the combined use of the two agents with RT even though each was efficacious when used alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Blas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Thomas G Wilson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Nathan Tonlaar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Sandra Galoforo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Alaa Hana
- Department of Radiation Oncology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Brian Marples
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - George D Wilson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, United States.,Beaumont BioBank, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, United States
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De Paoli A, Innocente R, Buonadonna A, Boz G, Sigon R, Canzonieri V, Frustaci S. Neoadjuvant Therapy of Rectal Cancer New Treatment Perspectives. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 90:373-8. [PMID: 15510978 DOI: 10.1177/030089160409000402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
During the past two decades, significant advances have been made in the management of patients with rectal cancer. A number of clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of preoperative chemoradiation therapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based regimens in decreasing local recurrences and improving survival and the likelihood of sphincter preservation. Although 5-FU has been the standard drug used in combination with radiation therapy for many years, new effective drugs including capecitabine, raltitrexed, irinotecan and oxaliplatin have been recently investigated in combination with radiation therapy in the preoperative setting. In addition, novel targeted biological agents including epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors have been shown to enhance the antitumor effect of both radiation and chemotherapy and are currently being explored in initial clinical trials. In the present review we summarize the results of adjuvant therapy. In addition, we will discuss the recently reported phase I-II trials with new drug plus radiation combinations in the preoperative treatment of patients with rectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino De Paoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy.
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Shin HK, Kim MS, Lee JK, Lee SS, Ji YH, Kim JI, Jeong JH. Combination Effect of Cetuximab with Radiation in Colorectal Cancer Cells. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 96:713-20. [DOI: 10.1177/030089161009600513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aims and background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the commonest malignant disorders and frequently associated with high expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), resulting in advanced disease and a poor prognosis. In this study, we investigated the radiosensitizing effects of the selective EGFR inhibitor cetuximab in human CRC cell lines. Methods Four human CRC cell lines, CaCo-2, HCT-8, LoVo, and WiDr, were treated with cetuximab and/or radiation. The effects on cell proliferation and viability were measured by MTT and annexin-V staining, and clonogenic survival assay. The in vivo effect on the growth of CRC xenografts was assessed in athymic nude mice. Results Cetuximab in combination with radiation significantly inhibited the in vitro proliferation of CRC cells, with a concomitant increase in cell death, except in WiDr cells. Clonogenic survival assay confirmed that cetuximab worked as a radiosensitizer in three cetuximab-sensitivie CRC cells. However, no correlations were found between the radiosensitivity and EGFR expression level or mutation status of EGFR signaling molecules. In nude mice bearing CRC cell xenografts, cetuximab plus radiation significantly inhibited the tumor growth over either agent alone. Interestingly, the WiDr xenograft was also sensitive to cetuximab and/or radiation in vivo, suggesting host-mediated effects of cetuximab. Conclusions Cetuximab enhanced the radiosensitivity of CRC cells in vitro and efficiently inhibited xenograft tumor growth. This study provided a rationale for the clinical application of the selective EGFR inhibitor cetuximab in combination with radiation in CRC. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mi-Sook Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul
| | - Jin Kyung Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul
| | - Seung-Sook Lee
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul
| | | | - Jong-Il Kim
- Department of Food and Microbial Technology, Seoul Women's University, Seoul, Korea
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Tiash S, Kamaruzman NIB, Chowdhury EH. Carbonate apatite nanoparticles carry siRNA(s) targeting growth factor receptor genes egfr1 and erbb2 to regress mouse breast tumor. Drug Deliv 2017; 24:1721-1730. [PMID: 29119846 PMCID: PMC8240997 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2017.1396385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2017] [Revised: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells lose their control on cell cycle by numerous genetic and epigenetic alterations. In a tumor, these cells highly express growth factor receptors (GFRs), eliciting growth, and cell division. Among the GFRs, epidermal growth factor receptor-1 (EGFR1) (Her1/ERBB1) and epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (EGFR2) (Her2/ERBB2) from epidermal growth factor (EGF) family and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) are highly expressed on breast cancer cells, thus contributing to the aggressive growth and invasiveness, have been focused in this study. Moreover, overexpression of these receptors is related to suppression of cell death and conferring resistance against the classical drugs used to treat cancer nowadays. Therefore, silencing of these GFRs-encoding genes by using selective small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) could be a powerful approach to treat breast cancer. The inorganic pH sensitive carbonate apatite nanoparticles (NPs) were used as a nano-carrier to deliver siRNA(s) against single or multiple GFR genes in breast cancer cells as well as in a mouse model of breast carcinoma. Silencing of egfr1 and erbb2 simultaneously led to a reduction in cell viability with an increase in cell death signal in the cancer cells and regression of tumor growth in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snigdha Tiash
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Nur Izyani Binti Kamaruzman
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Ezharul Hoque Chowdhury
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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Seshacharyulu P, Baine MJ, Souchek JJ, Menning M, Kaur S, Yan Y, Ouellette MM, Jain M, Lin C, Batra SK. Biological determinants of radioresistance and their remediation in pancreatic cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2017; 1868:69-92. [PMID: 28249796 PMCID: PMC5548591 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in radiotherapy, a majority of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (PC) do not achieve objective responses due to the existence of intrinsic and acquired radioresistance. Identification of molecular mechanisms that compromise the efficacy of radiation therapy and targeting these pathways is paramount for improving radiation response in PC patients. In this review, we have summarized molecular mechanisms associated with the radio-resistant phenotype of PC. Briefly, we discuss the reversible and irreversible biological consequences of radiotherapy, such as DNA damage and DNA repair, mechanisms of cancer cell survival and radiation-induced apoptosis following radiotherapy. We further describe various small molecule inhibitors and molecular targeting agents currently being tested in preclinical and clinical studies as potential radiosensitizers for PC. Notably, we draw attention towards the confounding effects of cancer stem cells, immune system, and the tumor microenvironment in the context of PC radioresistance and radiosensitization. Finally, we discuss the need for examining selective radioprotectors in light of the emerging evidence on radiation toxicity to non-target tissue associated with PC radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parthasarathy Seshacharyulu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Michael J Baine
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Joshua J Souchek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Melanie Menning
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Sukhwinder Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Ying Yan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Michel M. Ouellette
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Chi Lin
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
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Krcek R, Latzer P, Adamietz IA, Bühler H, Theiss C. Influence of vascular endothelial growth factor and radiation on gap junctional intercellular communication in glioblastoma multiforme cell lines. Neural Regen Res 2017; 12:1816-1822. [PMID: 29239327 PMCID: PMC5745835 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.219030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive glial brain tumor with an unfavorable prognosis despite all current therapies including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. One characteristic of this tumor is a strong synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an angiogenesis factor, followed by pronounced vascularization. VEGF became a target in the treatment of GBM, for example with bevacizumab or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor axitinib, which blocks VEGF receptors. To improve patients’ prognosis, new targets in the treatment of GBM are under investigations. The role of gap junctions in GBM remains unknown, but some experimental therapies affect these intercellular channels to treat the tumor. Gap junctions are composed of connexins to allow the transport of small molecules between adjacent cells through gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Based on data derived from astrocytes in former studies, which show that VEGF is able to enhance GJIC, the current study analyzed the effects of VEGF, radiation therapy and VEGF receptor blockade by axitinib on GJIC in human GBM cell lines U-87 and U-251. While VEGF is able to induce GJIC in U-251 cells but not in U-87 cells, radiation enhances GJIC in both cell lines. VEGF receptor blockade by axitinib diminishes radiation induced effects in U-251 partially, while increases GJIC in U-87 cells. Our data indicate that VEGF and radiation are both modifying components of GJIC in pathologic brain tumor tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhardt Krcek
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Pauline Latzer
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Irenäus Anton Adamietz
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radio-Oncology, University Medical Centre Marienhospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Herne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Helmut Bühler
- Institute for Molecular Oncology, Radio-Biology and Experimental Radiotherapy, University Medical Centre Marienhospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Herne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
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Ren Y, Yeoh KW, Hao P, Kon OL, Sze SK. Irradiation of Epithelial Carcinoma Cells Upregulates Calcium-Binding Proteins That Promote Survival under Hypoxic Conditions. J Proteome Res 2016; 15:4258-4264. [PMID: 27790916 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.6b00340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia is thought to promote tumor radio-resistance via effects on gene expression in cancer cells that modulate their metabolism, proliferation, and DNA repair pathways to enhance survival. Here we demonstrate for the first time that under hypoxic condition A431 epithelial carcinoma cells exhibit increased viability when exposed to low-dose γ-irradiation, indicating that radiotherapy can promote tumor cell survival when oxygen supply is limited. When assessed using iTRAQ quantitative proteomics and Western blotting, irradiated tumor cells were observed to significantly up-regulate the expression of calcium-binding proteins CALM1, CALU, and RCN1, suggesting important roles for these mediators in promoting tumor cell survival during hypoxia. Accordingly, shRNA-knockdown of CALM1, CALU, and RCN1 expression reduced hypoxic tumor cell resistance to low-dose radiation and increased apoptosis. These data indicate that γ-irradiation of hypoxic tumor cells induces up-regulation of calcium-binding proteins that promote cancer cell survival and may limit the efficacy of radiotherapy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ren
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University , 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551.,BGI-Shenzhen , Yantian District Beishan Industrial Zone 11th building, Shenzhen, China 518083
| | - Kheng Wei Yeoh
- National Cancer Centre Singapore , Department of Radiation Oncology, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610
| | - Piliang Hao
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University , 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551
| | - Oi Lian Kon
- National Cancer Centre Singapore , Division of Medical Sciences, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610
| | - Siu Kwan Sze
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University , 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Mikkelsen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0058, USA.
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Dal Pra A, Locke JA, Borst G, Supiot S, Bristow RG. Mechanistic Insights into Molecular Targeting and Combined Modality Therapy for Aggressive, Localized Prostate Cancer. Front Oncol 2016; 6:24. [PMID: 26909338 PMCID: PMC4754414 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2016.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) is one of the mainstay treatments for prostate cancer (PCa). The potentially curative approaches can provide satisfactory results for many patients with non-metastatic PCa; however, a considerable number of individuals may present disease recurrence and die from the disease. Exploiting the rich molecular biology of PCa will provide insights into how the most resistant tumor cells can be eradicated to improve treatment outcomes. Important for this biology-driven individualized treatment is a robust selection procedure. The development of predictive biomarkers for RT efficacy is therefore of utmost importance for a clinically exploitable strategy to achieve tumor-specific radiosensitization. This review highlights the current status and possible opportunities in the modulation of four key processes to enhance radiation response in PCa by targeting the: (1) androgen signaling pathway; (2) hypoxic tumor cells and regions; (3) DNA damage response (DDR) pathway; and (4) abnormal extra-/intracell signaling pathways. In addition, we discuss how and which patients should be selected for biomarker-based clinical trials exploiting and validating these targeted treatment strategies with precision RT to improve cure rates in non-indolent, localized PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Dal Pra
- Radiation Medicine Program, Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer A Locke
- Radiation Medicine Program, Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gerben Borst
- Radiation Medicine Program, Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephane Supiot
- Integrated Center of Oncology (ICO) René Gauducheau , Nantes , France
| | - Robert G Bristow
- Radiation Medicine Program, Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Huang S, Peter Rodemann H, Harari PM. Molecular Targeting of Growth Factor Receptor Signaling in Radiation Oncology. Recent Results Cancer Res 2016; 198:45-87. [PMID: 27318681 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-49651-0_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Ionizing radiation has been shown to activate and interact with multiple growth factor receptor pathways that can influence tumor response to therapy. Among these receptor interactions, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been the most extensively studied with mature clinical applications during the last decade. The combination of radiation and EGFR-targeting agents using either monoclonal antibody (mAb) or small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) offers a promising approach to improve tumor control compared to radiation alone. Several underlying mechanisms have been identified that contribute to improved anti-tumor capacity after combined treatment. These include effects on cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, tumor cell repopulation, DNA damage/repair, and impact on tumor vasculature. However, as with virtually all cancer drugs, patients who initially respond to EGFR-targeted agents may eventually develop resistance and manifest cancer progression. Several potential mechanisms of resistance have been identified including mutations in EGFR and downstream signaling molecules, and activation of alternative member-bound tyrosine kinase receptors that bypass the inhibition of EGFR signaling. Several strategies to overcome the resistance are currently being explored in preclinical and clinical models, including agents that target the EGFR T790 M resistance mutation or target multiple EGFR family members, as well as agents that target other receptor tyrosine kinase and downstream signaling sites. In this chapter, we focus primarily on the interaction of radiation with anti-EGFR therapies to summarize this promising approach and highlight newly developing opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyhmin Huang
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue K4/336 CSC, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center, WIMR 3136, 1111 Highland Ave Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - H Peter Rodemann
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Paul M Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue K4/336 CSC, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
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Alorabi M, Shonka NA, Ganti AK. EGFR monoclonal antibodies in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: What is their current role? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2015; 99:170-9. [PMID: 26797287 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment options for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) include either surgical resection followed by radiation or chemoradiation, or definitive chemoradiation for which single-agent cisplatin is the best studied and established. The increasing understanding of the molecular biology of SCCHN has led to an interest in the development of targeted therapies. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is over-expressed in nearly 80-90% of cases of SCCHN and correlates with poor prognosis and resistance to radiation. Preclinical evidence showed that blocking EGFR restores radiation sensitivity and enhances cytotoxicity. This finding led to clinical trials evaluating this class of agents and the approval of cetuximab in combination with radiation for the treatment of locally advanced SCCHN. This review is focused on the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies and their role either with radiotherapy or chemoradiation in unresectable LA SCCHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Alorabi
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nicole A Shonka
- Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Apar Kishor Ganti
- Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System and University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-7680, USA.
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Mahajan K, Mahajan NP. Cross talk of tyrosine kinases with the DNA damage signaling pathways. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:10588-601. [PMID: 26546517 PMCID: PMC4678820 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv1166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinases respond to extracellular and intracellular cues by activating specific cellular signaling cascades to regulate cell cycle, growth, proliferation, differentiation and survival. Likewise, DNA damage response proteins (DDR) activated by DNA lesions or chromatin alterations recruit the DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint machinery to restore genome integrity and cellular homeostasis. Several new examples have been uncovered in recent studies which reveal novel epigenetic and non-epigenetic mechanisms by which tyrosine kinases interact with DDR proteins to dictate cell fate, i.e. survival or apoptosis, following DNA damage. These studies reveal the ability of tyrosine kinases to directly regulate the activity of DNA repair and cell cycle check point proteins by tyrosine phosphorylation. In addition, tyrosine kinases epigenetically regulate DNA damage signaling pathways by modifying the core histones as well as chromatin modifiers at critical tyrosine residues. Thus, deregulated tyrosine kinase driven epigenomic alterations have profound implications in cancer, aging and genetic disorders. Consequently, targeting oncogenic tyrosine kinase induced epigenetic alterations has gained significant traction in overcoming cancer cell resistance to various therapies. This review discusses mechanisms by which tyrosine kinases interact with DDR pathways to regulate processes critical for maintaining genome integrity as well as clinical strategies for targeted cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Mahajan
- Tumor Biology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Nupam P Mahajan
- Drug Discovery Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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Phenylbutyrate induces cathelicidin expression via the vitamin D receptor: Linkage to inflammatory and growth factor cytokines pathways. Mol Immunol 2015; 63:530-9. [PMID: 25458314 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute an indispensable arm of innate immunity against infectious microbes in humans. Induction of endogenous AMPs may become an alternative therapy against infections. Our previous studies have demonstrated phenylbutyrate (PBA) as a novel inducer of the AMPs cathelicidin (encoded by the CAMP gene) and human beta-defensin-1 in the human bronchial epithelial cell line VA10. In this work, we have continued by studying molecular mechanisms of PBA mediated induction of LL-37 expression and associated pathways in the human bronchial epithelial cell line VA10. In this study we demonstrate vitamin D receptor (VDR) as a key transcription factor required for PBA mediated up-regulation of the CAMP gene expression. PBA also increases mRNA expression of the vitamin D3 regulated genes CYP24A1 and CD14. The siRNA knockdown of VDR reduced PBA mediated increase in CAMP, CYP24A1 and CD14 expression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PBA enhances Toll-Like Receptor 5 ligand flagellin regulated mRNA expression of the inflammatory cytokine TNFα and chemokine CXCL8. PBA also up-regulates the expression of the genes encoding the growth factor cytokines transforming growth factor (TGF) α, TGFβ1 and TGFβ2. Our results indicate that TGFβ type I receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor are involved in PBA mediated CAMP regulation. Finally, we show that co-treatment with PBA and vitamin D3 reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth in vitro.
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Wu W, Wages PA, Devlin RB, Diaz-Sanchez D, Peden DB, Samet JM. SRC-mediated EGF receptor activation regulates ozone-induced interleukin 8 expression in human bronchial epithelial cells. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2015; 123:231-236. [PMID: 25303742 PMCID: PMC4348738 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1307379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human exposure to ozone (O3) results in pulmonary function decrements and airway inflammation. The mechanisms underlying these adverse effects remain unclear. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of lung inflammation. OBJECTIVE We examined the role of EGFR activation in O3-induced expression of the chemokine interleukin 8 (IL-8) in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC). METHODS We detected phosphorylated EGFR using immunoblotting. EGFR dimerization was examined through cross-linking reaction and immunoblotting, and levels of IL-8 protein were measured using ELISA. RESULTS Exposure to O3 (0.25-1.0 ppm) induced rapid and marked increase in EGFR phosphorylation at the autophosphorylation site Y1068 and the transphosphorylation site Y845, implicating the involvement of Src kinase. Further investigation showed that O3 stimulation induced phosphorylation of Src at Y416, indicative of Src activation. Pharmacological inhibition of Src kinase activity abrogated O3-induced EGFR phosphorylation at tyrosines 1068 and 845. Moreover, pretreatment of BEAS-2B cells with inhibitor of either EGFR or Src kinase activities significantly blocked O3-induced IL-8 expression. CONCLUSION O3 exposure increased IL-8 expression through Src-mediated EGFR transactivation in HBEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Wu
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
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Horn D, Hess J, Freier K, Hoffmann J, Freudlsperger C. Targeting EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling enhances radiosensitivity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 19:795-805. [PMID: 25652792 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2015.1012157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is frequently characterized by high resistance to radiotherapy, which critically depends on both altered signaling pathways within tumor cells and their dynamic interaction with the tumor microenvironment. AREAS COVERED This review covers EGFR-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT)-mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in HNSCC. The role of each pathway node in radioresistance is discussed. Preclinical and clinical innovative aspects of targeting EGFR-PI3K-AKT and mTOR are demonstrated. Ongoing clinical trials and future perspectives are presented. EXPERT OPINION Different cellular signaling pathways seem to mediate radioresistance in advanced HNSCC and various molecular targeted therapies are currently being investigated to sensitize tumor cells to radiotherapy. Recently, new insights in the mutational landscape of HNSCC unraveled critical alterations in putative oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and have emphasized the importance of PI3K and the corresponding upstream and downstream signaling pathways in pathogenesis and treatment response. The frequent activation of the EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway in HNSCC and its implication in the context of radiosensitivity make this pathway one of the most promising targets in the therapy of HNSCC patients. Clinical studies targeting EGFR and mTOR in combination with radiotherapy are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Horn
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery , Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg , Germany +49 0 6221 56 38462 ; +49 0 6221 56 4222 ;
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Lattanzio L, Tonissi F, Monteverde M, Vivenza D, Russi E, Milano G, Merlano M, Lo Nigro C. Treatment effect of buparlisib, cetuximab and irradiation in wild-type or PI3KCA-mutated head and neck cancer cell lines. Invest New Drugs 2015; 33:310-20. [PMID: 25603975 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-015-0210-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction In complement to anti-EGFR therapy, the targeting of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is of particular interest in the management of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). Here, we assess the effects of PI3K inhibition combined with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody cetuximab and/or irradiation (RT). Material and methods Anti-proliferative effects of the combination of buparlisib (a specific PI3K inhibitor), cetuximab and RT was determined in two HNSCC cell lines (CAL33, PI3KCA H1047R-mutated and CAL27, PI3KCA wild-type). We examined biochemical factors related to proliferation, apoptosis (caspases), DNA repair (ERCC1, XRCC1) and the PI3K pathway (pEGFR/EGFR, pAKT/AKT, p-p70, p4EBP1). Results The best synergistic combined treatment in inhibiting cell proliferation was sequence 2 (cetuximab followed by buparlisib) in both cell lines. Addition of RT increased sequence 2 anti-proliferative effect only in CAL27. Data on protein expression indicated a possible activation of mTORC2 complex and caspases proteins in CAL27 not seen in CAL33. In CAL33, the synergistic anti-proliferative effect of the two drugs may derive from the higher sensitivity of mutated cells to PI3K targeting. Conclusions Our study demonstrates a synergistic effect of cetuximab followed by buparlisib in both PI3KCA wild-type and mutated cells, even with different intracellular signaling cross-talk depending on mutational status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lattanzio
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Translational Oncology, Oncology Department, S. Croce University Hospital, Via Carle 25, 12100, Cuneo, Italy
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Tsai YC, Ho PY, Tzen KY, Tuan TF, Liu WL, Cheng AL, Pu YS, Cheng JCH. Synergistic Blockade of EGFR and HER2 by New-Generation EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Enhances Radiation Effect in Bladder Cancer Cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 14:810-20. [PMID: 25589492 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Blockade of EGFR has been proved useful in enhancing the effect of radiotherapy, but the advantages of new-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in radiosensitization are not well known. We used two human bladder cancer cells with wild-type EGFR to study the synergism between irradiation and afatinib (an EGFR/HER2 dual kinase inhibitor) or erlotinib (an EGFR kinase inhibitor). Here, we showed that afatinib has better radiosensitizing effect than erlotinib in increasing cancer cell killing, the percentage of apoptotic cells, and DNA damage. Afatinib is also superior to erlotinib in combining radiation to decrease tumor size, inhibit glucose metabolism, and enhance apoptotic proteins in vivo. Finally, erlotinib suppressed cell growth and induced more DNA damage in bladder cancer cells transfected with HER2 shRNA, but not in control vector-treated cells. In conclusion, concomitant blockade of radiation-activated EGFR and HER2 signaling by a new-generation EGFR TKI better inhibits the growth of bladder cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. The absence of radiosensitization by EGFR inhibition alone and the greater radiosensitizing effect of EGFR inhibitor in HER2 knocked down cells suggest the synergism between HER2 and EGFR in determining radiosensitivity. The regained radiosensitizing activity of erlotinib implies that with proper HER2 inhibition, EGFR tyrosine kinase is still a potential target to enhance radiotherapy effect in these seemingly unresponsive bladder cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chieh Tsai
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yin Ho
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Yuan Tzen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. Molecular Imaging Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Fan Tuan
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lin Liu
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ann-Lii Cheng
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. Cancer Research Center, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yeong-Shiau Pu
- Department of Urology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Jason Chia-Hsien Cheng
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. Cancer Research Center, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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50
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Freudlsperger C, Horn D, Weißfuß S, Weichert W, Weber KJ, Saure D, Sharma S, Dyckhoff G, Grabe N, Plinkert P, Hoffmann J, Freier K, Hess J. Phosphorylation of AKT(Ser473) serves as an independent prognostic marker for radiosensitivity in advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Cancer 2014; 136:2775-85. [PMID: 25388642 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is frequently characterized by high resistance to radiotherapy, which critically depends on both altered signaling pathways within tumor cells and their dynamic interaction with the tumor microenvironment. This study evaluated the prognostic value of the phosphorylation status of AKT on Ser473 and Thr308 for the clinical outcome of patients with advanced HNSCC on radiotherapy. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of AKT(Ser473) phosphorylation [p-AKT(Ser473)] in the context of radioresistance using ex vivo tissue cultures that resemble the complex tissue architecture and paracrine interaction with the tumor microenvironment. In a cohort of 120 patients with advanced HNSCC, who were treated with primary or adjuvant radiotherapy, a significant association was found between relative p-AKT(Ser473) levels and overall survival (p = 0.006) as well as progression-free survival (p = 0.021), while no significant correlation was revealed for relative p-AKT(Thr308) levels. In ex vivo tissue cultures p-AKT(Ser473) levels were increased upon irradiation and treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 inhibited both basal and irradiation induced AKT(Ser473) phosphorylation. Strikingly, pretreatment with LY294002 sensitized tissue cultures derived from primary and recurrent tumors to radiotherapy as determined by impaired tumor cell proliferation and enhanced DNA damage. In conclusion, phosphorylation status of AKT(Ser473) in tumor specimens serves as a novel biomarker to identify patients with advanced HNSCC at high risk for treatment failure following radiotherapy, and our data from ex vivo tissue cultures support the assumption that pharmacological inhibition of AKT(Ser473) phosphorylation might circumvent radioresistance to improve efficiency and reduce toxicity of current treatment modalities.
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