Angiogenesis in spontaneous tumors and implications for comparative tumor biology

Intra-arterial Pressure-Enabled Drug Delivery Significantly Increases Penetration of Glass Microspheres in a Porcine Liver Tumor Model

PURPOSE

To test the hypothesis that Pressure-Enabled Drug Delivery (PEDD) would improve the delivery of surrogate therapeutic glass microspheres (GMs) via hepatic artery infusion to liver tumors when compared with a conventional endhole microcatheter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted in transgenic pigs (Oncopigs) with induced liver tumors. Tumors were infused intra-arterially with fluorescently labeled GM. PEDD with a specialized infusion device (TriNav; TriSalus Life Sciences, Westminster, Colorado) was compared with conventional endhole microcatheter delivery in both lobar and selective infusions. Near-infrared imaging was used to detect GM fluorescent signal in tumors. Image analysis with a custom deep learning algorithm (Visiopharm A/S) was used to quantitate signal intensity in relation to the tumor border.

RESULTS

With lobar infusions, significant increases in GM signal intensity were observed in and around tumors after PEDD (n = 10) when compared with those after conventional delivery (n = 7), with PEDD increasing penetration into the tumor by 117% (P = .004). In selective infusions, PEDD (n = 9) increased penetration into the tumor by 39% relative to conventional delivery (n = 8, P = .032). Lobar PEDD of GMs to the tumor was statistically equivalent to conventional selective delivery (P = .497).

CONCLUSIONS

PEDD with a TriNav device significantly improved GM uptake in liver tumors relative to conventional infusion in both lobar and selective procedures. Lobar GM delivery with PEDD was equivalent to conventional selective delivery with an endhole device, suggesting that proximal PEDD infusions may enable effective delivery without selection of distal target vessels.

Metronomic chemotherapy: bridging theory to clinical application in canine and feline oncology

Veterinary oncology has experienced significant evolution over the last few decades, with chemotherapy being currently applied to several neoplasms with therapeutic success. Traditionally, chemotherapy protocols are based on classic cytostatic drugs under the concept of maximum tolerated dose (MTD), which has been associated with a greater risk of toxicity and resistance. Thus, new therapeutic alternatives have emerged, such as metronomic chemotherapy (MC), introducing a new paradigm in cancer treatment. MC consists of administering low doses of chemotherapy drugs continuously over a long period of time, modulating the tumour microenvironment (TME) due to the combination of cytotoxic, antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory effects. This multi-targeted therapy has been described as a treatment option in several canine and feline cancers since 2007, with positive results already published in the literature, particularly in mammary carcinomas and soft tissue sarcomas in dogs. The aim of this review article is to describe the current knowledge about the use of MC in small animal oncology, with emphasis on its mechanisms of action, the most commonly used drugs and clinical outcome.

Tumor growth-arrest effect of tetrahydroquinazoline-derivative human topoisomerase II-alpha inhibitor in HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Oral malignancies continue to have severe morbidity with less than 50% long-term survival despite the advancement in the available therapies. There is a persisting demand for new approaches to establish more efficient strategies for their treatment. In this regard, the human topoisomerase II (topoII) enzyme is a validated chemotherapeutics target, as topoII regulates vital cellular processes such as DNA replication, transcription, recombination, and chromosome segregation in cells. TopoII inhibitors are currently used to treat some neoplasms such as breast and small cells lung carcinomas. Additionally, topoII inhibitors are under investigation for the treatment of other cancer types, including oral cancer. Here, we report the therapeutic effect of a tetrahydroquinazoline derivative (named ARN21934) that preferentially inhibits the alpha isoform of human topoII. The treatment efficacy of ARN21934 has been evaluated in 2D cell cultures, 3D in vitro systems, and in chick chorioallantoic membrane cancer models. Overall, this work paves the way for further preclinical developments of ARN21934 and possibly other topoII alpha inhibitors of this promising chemical class as a new chemotherapeutic approach for the treatment of oral neoplasms.

Prostate Cancer Microvascular Routes: Exploration and Measurement Strategies

Angiogenesis is acknowledged as a pivotal feature in the pathology of human cancer. Despite the absence of universally accepted markers for gauging the comprehensive angiogenic activity in prostate cancer (PCa) that could steer the formulation of focused anti-angiogenic treatments, the scrutiny of diverse facets of tumoral blood vessel development may furnish significant understanding of angiogenic processes. Malignant neoplasms, encompassing PCa, deploy a myriad of strategies to secure an adequate blood supply. These modalities range from sprouting angiogenesis and vasculogenesis to intussusceptive angiogenesis, vascular co-option, the formation of mosaic vessels, vasculogenic mimicry, the conversion of cancer stem-like cells into tumor endothelial cells, and vascular pruning. Here we provide a thorough review of these angiogenic mechanisms as they relate to PCa, discuss their prospective relevance for predictive and prognostic evaluations, and outline the prevailing obstacles in quantitatively evaluating neovascularization via histopathological examinations.

6 Iodo-delta lactone inhibits angiogenesis in human HT29 colon adenocarcinoma xenograft

INTRODUCTION

Several studies have shown the antiproliferative effect of iodine and 5‑hydroxy-6 iodo-eicosatrienoic delta lactone (IL-δ) on diverse tissues. It was demonstrated that molecular iodine (I₂) and IL-δ, but not iodide (I^-), exerts anti-neoplastic actions in different cancers. The underlying mechanism through which IL-δ inhibits tumor growth remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of IL-δ on tumor growth and angiogenesis in human HT29 colorectal cancer xenografts.

METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS

HT29 cells were injected subcutaneously into the flanks of nude mice and IL-δ was i.p. injected at a dose of 15 μg three days a week. IL-δ treatment in HT29 xenografts showed time-dependent inhibition of tumor growth, decrease of mitosis and PCNA expression (p < 0.05), increase of P27 expression and Caspase 3 activity after 18 days of treatment (p < 0.05). To assess tumor Microvessel Densities (MVD), CD31 staining by immunohistochemistry was analyzed. IL-δ treatment decreased MVD by 17% and 30% after 18 and 30 days respectively (p < 0.05), as well as it decreased VEGF and VEGF-R2 expression (p < 0.05). Additionally, our findings demonstrated that IL-δ increased VEGF-R1 and Ang-1 mRNA levels (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The antitumor efficacy of IL-δ in vivo involves inhibition of cell proliferation as well as induction of apoptosis. IL-δ has also anti-angiogenic effect associated with VEGF and VEGF-R2 downregulation followed by Ang-1 and VEGF-R1 increased expression. High levels of Ang-1 would contribute to mature vessel stabilization and maintenance while VEGF-R1 increase would produce anti-proliferative effect on endothelial cells.

CD34 and Bcl-2 as predictors for the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

Successful neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) could improve the surgical resection rate and radical curability of patients with cervical cancer, but only a subset of patients benefits. Therefore, identifying predictive biomarkers are urgently needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of CD34 and Bcl-2 in the NACT effectiveness of cervical cancer.

METHODS

Sixty-seven patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (FIGO stages IB3, IIA2 or IIB) were classified into two groups based on effective (n = 48) and ineffective (n = 19) response to NACT. Immunohistochemistry was employed to identify CD34 and Bcl-2 expression before and after NACT. We analyzed the associations between the pre-NACT expression of these two biomarkers and the response of NACT. The expression of these two biomarkers before and after NACT was also assessed and compared.

RESULTS

More patients were CD34 positive expression before NACT in effective group compared to ineffective group (p = 0.005). However, no statistically significant difference in Bcl-2 expression before NACT were found between two groups (p = 0.084). In NACT effective group, the expression of both CD34 and Bcl-2 after NACT are down-regulated (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), while there are no statistical differences between the pre- and post-NACT expression of CD34 and Bcl-2 in NACT ineffective group (p = 0.453 and p = 0.317, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The positive CD34 expression before NACT may serve as a predictive biomarker for NACT of cervical cancer, but the pre-NACT expression of Bcl-2 is not an independent predictor. The down-regulated expression of these two indicators after NACT may indicate effective NACT.

Tumor grafted - chick chorioallantoic membrane as an alternative model for biological cancer research and conventional/nanomaterial-based theranostics evaluation

Introduction: Advancements in cancer management and treatment are associated with strong preclinical research data, in which reliable cancer models are demanded. Indeed, inconsistent preclinical findings and stringent regulations following the 3Rs principle of reduction, refinement, and replacement of conventional animal models currently pose challenges in the development and translation of efficient technologies. The chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) is a system for the evaluation of treatment effects on the vasculature, therefore suitable for studies on angiogenesis. Apart from vascular effects, the model is now increasingly employed as a preclinical cancer model following tumor-grafting procedures.Areas covered: The broad application of CAM tumor model is highlighted along with the methods for analyzing the neoplasm and vascular system. The presented and cited investigations focus on cancer biology and treatment, encompassing both conventional and emerging nanomaterial-based modalities.Expert opinion: The CAM tumor model finds increased significance given the influences of angiogenesis and the tumor microenvironment in cancer behavior, then providing a qualified miniature system for oncological research. Ultimately, the establishment and increased employment of such a model may resolve some of the limitations present in the standard preclinical tumor models, thereby redefining the preclinical research workflow.

Platelets, Constant and Cooperative Companions of Sessile and Disseminating Tumor Cells, Crucially Contribute to the Tumor Microenvironment

Although platelets and the coagulation factors are components of the blood system, they become part of and contribute to the tumor microenvironment (TME) not only within a solid tumor mass, but also within a hematogenous micrometastasis on its way through the blood stream to the metastatic niche. The latter basically consists of blood-borne cancer cells which are in close association with platelets. At the site of the primary tumor, the blood components reach the TME via leaky blood vessels, whose permeability is increased by tumor-secreted growth factors, by incomplete angiogenic sprouts or by vasculogenic mimicry (VM) vessels. As a consequence, platelets reach the primary tumor via several cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Moreover, clotting factor VII from the blood associates with tissue factor (TF) that is abundantly expressed on cancer cells. This extrinsic tenase complex turns on the coagulation cascade, which encompasses the activation of thrombin and conversion of soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin. The presence of platelets and their release of growth factors, as well as fibrin deposition changes the TME of a solid tumor mass substantially, thereby promoting tumor progression. Disseminating cancer cells that circulate in the blood stream also recruit platelets, primarily by direct cell-cell interactions via different receptor-counterreceptor pairs and indirectly by fibrin, which bridges the two cell types via different integrin receptors. These tumor cell-platelet aggregates are hematogenous micrometastases, in which platelets and fibrin constitute a particular TME in favor of the cancer cells. Even at the distant site of settlement, the accompanying platelets help the tumor cell to attach and to grow into metastases. Understanding the close liaison of cancer cells with platelets and coagulation factors that change the TME during tumor progression and spreading will help to curb different steps of the metastatic cascade and may help to reduce tumor-induced thrombosis.

Evaluation of antiangiogenic and antiproliferative potential of ethanolic extracts of Andrographis echioides using in vitro and in ovo assays

Introduction

Andrographis echioides is a prevalently used medicinal herb in South Asian countries. Scientific researches with the extracts of A. echioides revealed its antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, ulceroprotective, and hepatoprotective properties. This study was done to elucidate antiproliferative and antiangiogenic potential of ethanolic extracts of A. echioides (EEAE) by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay.

Materials and Methods

EEAE was prepared using Soxhlet apparatus with ethanol after being sun-dried and powdered. MCF 7 (human invasive breast ductal carcinoma) cell lines retaining attributes of differentiated mammary epithelium with both estrogen and progesterone receptors were treated with EEAE, and antiproliferative effect was seen using Mosmann method of MTT assay using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as a comparator. The evaluation of antiangiogenic potential of EEAE was done by comparing mean vessel density (MVD) in chick CAM after treatment with EEAE, thalidomide, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using CAM assay, an in ovo assay.

Results

EEAE displayed antiproliferative activity from low to high concentrations with MTT assay. The IC₅₀ of EEAE and 5-FU was 62.5 and 15.6 μg/ml, respectively (P < 0.05). The exhibition of its antiangiogenic activity increased proportionately with increasing concentration. VEGF increased MVD by 45.94%; thalidomide decreased it by 53.76%. There was a decrease of MVD by 5.91%, 20.46%, and 35.95% at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 μg of EEAE, respectively.

Conclusion

EEAE possessed significant antiangiogenic and antiproliferative activity, making them a promising substrate in the development of a novel anticancer drug and can be successfully used in the therapy of various cancers after establishment of the anticancer effects in animal models and subsequently in clinical trials.

An assay for cancer stem cell-induced angiogenesis on chick chorioallantoic membrane

Angiogenesis is generally involved in tumor growth and metastasis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to facilitate the angiogenesis. Therefore, CSCs could be the effective targets to stop angiogenesis. Recently, our group successfully generated CSC models from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in the presence of conditioned medium derived from cancer derived cells. These novel model CSCs has been characterized by highly tumorigenic, angiogenic and metastatic potentials in vivo. The angiogenic potential of CSCs has been explained by the expression of both angiogenic factors and their receptors implying the angiogenesis in autocrine manner. In this protocol we optimized the method to evaluate tumor angiogenesis with the CSC model, which was described effective to assess sorafenib as an antiangiogenic drug, on chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Our results demonstrate that CSCs developed from iPSCs and CAM assay are a robust and cost-effective tool to evaluate tumor angiogenesis with CSCs. Collectively, CSCs in CAM assay could serve as a very useful model for the screening of potential therapeutic agents targeting tumor angiogenesis.

Mechanisms Underlying Biological Effects of Cruciferous Glucosinolate-Derived Isothiocyanates/Indoles: A Focus on Metabolic Syndrome

An inverse correlation between vegetable consumption and the incidence of cancer has long been described. This protective effect is stronger when cruciferous vegetables are specifically consumed. The beneficial properties of vegetables are attributed to their bioactive components like fiber, antioxidants vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and phenolic compounds. Cruciferous vegetables contain all these molecules; however, what makes them different are their sulfurous components, called glucosinolates, responsible for their special smell and taste. Glucosinolates are inactive biologically in the organism but are hydrolyzed by the enzyme myrosinase released as a result of chewing, leading to the formation of active derivatives such as isothiocyanates and indoles. A considerable number of in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that isothiocyanates and indoles elicit chemopreventive potency through multiple mechanisms that include modulation of phases I and II detoxification pathway enzymes, regulation of cell cycle arrest, and control of cell growth, induction of apoptosis, antioxidant activity, anti-angiogenic effects, and epigenetic regulation. Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) are key and central regulators in all these processes with a main role in oxidative stress and inflammation control. It has been described that isothiocyanates and indoles regulate their activity directly and indirectly. Today, the metabolic syndrome (central obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension) is responsible for a majority of deaths worldwide. All components of metabolic syndrome are characterized by chronic inflammation with deregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK/EKR/JNK, Nrf2, and NF-κB signaling pathways. The effects of GLSs derivatives controlling these pathways have been widely described in relation to cancer. Changes in food consumption patterns observed in the last decades to higher consumption of ultra-processed foods, with elevation in simple sugar and saturated fat contents and lower consumption of vegetables and fruits have been directly correlated with metabolic syndrome prevalence. In this review, it is summarized the knowledge regarding the mechanisms by which cruciferous glucosinolate derivatives (isothiocyanates and indoles) directly and indirectly regulate these pathways. However, the review places a special focus on the knowledge of the effects of glucosinolates derivatives in metabolic syndrome, since this has not been reviewed before.

Aloe vera and Honey Solution and Their Ethanolic Extraction Solution Could Act on Metastasis-Regulating Processes in Walker 256 Tumor Tissues In Vivo?

Research has shown that both Aloe vera and honey have anticancer and nutrition properties, including the inhibition of metastasis. In order to evaluate the effect of a solution of Aloe vera and honey (A) and their ethanolic fraction (F) on metastasis-regulating processes in primary tumors, Wistar rats were subcutaneously implanted with Walker 256 tumors and treated with A and F (670 µl/kg by gavage, daily for 21 days). An analysis of the primary tumor tissues of these animals showed a decrease in N-cadherin expression in groups WA and WF, with a concomitant increase in E-cadherin expression in group WA compared to the control group. Cathepsin D activity was also decreased in the tumor tissues from groups WA and WF. In addition, the number of blood vessels and their diameter significantly reduced in tumor tissues from groups WA and WF compared to those from control group. UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of the samples A and F, suggested presence of molecules with verified antitumor activity, including caffeic acid, ferulic acid, mannose, aloin A, aloin B, pinocembrin, chrysin, and kaempferol. These data showed that treatment with A and F could reduce the metastatic propensity of tumors by modulating neoangiogenesis and the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

Inducing Tumor Suppressive Microenvironments through Genome Edited CD47-/- Syngeneic Cell Vaccination

Tumors can escape from the immune system by overexpressing CD47 and other checkpoint blockades. CD47 is expressed ubiquitously by all cells in the body, posing an obstacle for CD47 blocking treatments due to their systemic toxicity. We performed a study to determine how the tumor microenvironment changes after vaccination with genome edited CD47-/- syngeneic tumor cells. We discovered that inactivated CD47-depleted mouse melanoma cells can protect mice from melanoma. Our animal study indicated that 33% of vaccinated mice remained tumor-free, and 100% of mice had 5-fold reduced growth rates. The characterization of immunomodulatory effects of the vaccine revealed a highly anti-tumorigenic and homogenous microenvironment after vaccination. We observed consistently that in the tumors that failed to respond to vaccines, there were reduced natural killer cells, elevated regulatory T cells, M2-type macrophages, and high PD-L1 expression in these cells. These observations suggested that the tumor microenvironments became more suppressive to tumor growth after vaccination, suggesting a potential new immunotherapy for solid tumors.

Patented therapeutic approaches targeting LRP/LR for cancer treatment

Introduction: The ubiquitously expressed 37 kDa/67 kDa high-affinity laminin receptor (laminin receptor precursor/laminin receptor, LRP/LR) is a protein found to play several roles within cells. The receptor is located in the nucleus, cytosol and the cell surface. LRP/LR mediates cell proliferation, cell adhesion and cell differentiation. As a result, it is seen to enhance tumor angiogenesis as well as invasion and adhesion, key steps in the metastatic cascade of cancer. Recent findings have shown that LRP/LR is involved in the maintenance of cell viability through apoptotic evasion, allowing for tumor progression. Thus, several patented therapeutic approaches targeting the receptor for the prevention and treatment of cancer have emerged.Areas covered: The several roles that LRP/LR plays in cancer progression as well as an overview of the current therapeutic patented strategies targeting LRP/LR and cancer to date.Expert opinion: Small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies and small interfering RNAs might act used as powerful tools in preventing tumor angiogenesis and metastasis through the induction of apoptosis and telomere erosion in several cancers. This review offers an overview of the roles played by LRP/LR in cancer progression, while providing novel patented approaches targeting the receptor as potential therapeutic routes for the treatment of cancer as well as various other diseases.

Anti-angiogenic efficacy in invasive breast carcinoma patients depends on clinicopathological determinants

PURPOSE

The biggest problem with the occurrence of breast cancer is late diagnosis, which is associated with high mortality rates. The aim of the study was to appraise the number of circulating endothelial precursors and the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and the soluble forms of its receptors, sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2, in breast cancer patients with respect to clinicopathological features.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study involved 85 women of Caucasian ethnicity aged 45-66 with primary breast cancer without distant metastases (M0). Inclusion criteria were as follows: histopathological examination confirming the diagnosis of primary breast cancer, without previous radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Immunohistochemistry evaluation of oestrogen and progesterone receptors, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, Ki67 expression was made in all cases. In the EDTA-plasma, the concentrations of VEGF-A and its soluble receptors, sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2, were measured applying immunoassay techniques. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were identified with the immune-phenotype CD45^-, CD34⁺, CD133⁺, CD31⁺ using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Older women with breast cancer had significantly higher concentrations of VEGF-A as well as sVEGFR2 compared with their younger counterparts. A significantly higher concentration of the soluble form of VEGF receptor type 1 in patients with T1 breast cancer in relation to T2 cases was noted. Also, negative correlations between circulating EPCs and histological grading as well as a soluble form of VEGFR2 with histological grading of breast cancer according to the Elston-Ellis classification were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-angiogenic potential is divergent in relation to the clinicopathological determinants.

α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Attenuates Neovascularization by Inducing Nitric Oxide Deficiency via MC-Rs/PKA/NF-κB Signaling

α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) has been characterized as a novel angiogenesis inhibitor. The homeostasis of nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in neovascularization. However, it remains unclear whether α-MSH mitigates angiogenesis through modulation of NO and its signaling pathway. The present study elucidated the function and mechanism of NO signaling in α-MSH-induced angiogenesis inhibition using cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), rat aorta rings, and transgenic zebrafish. By Griess reagent assay, it was found α-MSH dose-dependently reduced the NO release in HUVECs. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analysis revealed α-MSH potently suppressed endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase (eNOS/iNOS) expression, which was accompanied with inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activities. Excessive supply of NO donor l-arginine reversed the α-MSH-induced angiogenesis inhibition in vitro and in vivo. By using antibody neutralization and RNA interference, it was delineated that melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1-R) and melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2-R) participated in α-MSH-induced inhibition of NO production and NF-κB/eNOS/iNOS signaling. This was supported by pharmaceutical inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA), the downstream effector of MC-Rs signaling, using H89 abolished the α-MSH-mediated suppression of NO release and eNOS/iNOS protein level. Therefore, α-MSH exerts anti-angiogenic function by perturbing NO bioavailability and eNOS/iNOS expression in endothelial cells.

The role of Sulforaphane in cancer chemoprevention and health benefits: a mini-review

Cancer is a multi-stage process resulting from aberrant signaling pathways driving uncontrolled proliferation of transformed cells. The development and progression of cancer from a premalignant lesion towards a metastatic tumor requires accumulation of mutations in many regulatory genes of the cell. Different chemopreventative approaches have been sought to interfere with initiation and control malignant progression. Here we present research on dietary compounds with evidence of cancer prevention activity that highlights the potential beneficial effect of a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables. The Brassica family of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli is a rich source of glucosinolates, which are metabolized to isothiocyanate compounds. Amongst a number of related variants of isothiocyanates, sulforaphane (SFN) has surfaced as a particularly potent chemopreventive agent based on its ability to target multiple mechanisms within the cell to control carcinogenesis. Anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic and modulation of histones are some of the more important and known mechanisms by which SFN exerts chemoprevention. The effect of SFN on cancer stem cells is another area of interest that has been explored in recent years and may contribute to its chemopreventive properties. In this paper, we briefly review structure, pharmacology and preclinical studies highlighting chemopreventive effects of SFN.

Use of Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Enhanced Susceptibility Weighted Imaging and Mean Vessel Density Imaging to Monitor Antiangiogenic Effects of Sorafenib on Experimental Hepatocellular Carcinoma

We investigated effectiveness of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide enhanced susceptibility weighted imaging (USPIO-enhanced SWI) and mean vessel density imaging (Q) in monitoring antiangiogenic effects of Sorafenib on orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thirty-five HCC xenografts were established. USPIO-enhanced SWI and Q were performed on a 1.5 T MR scanner at baseline, 7, 14, and 21 days after Sorafenib treatment. Intratumoral susceptibility signal intensity (ITSS) and Q were serially measured and compared between the treated (n = 15) and control groups (n = 15). Both ITSS and Q were significantly lower in the treated group at each time point (P < 0.05). Measurements in the treated group showed that ITSS persisted at 7 days (P = 0.669) and increased at 14 and 21 days (P < 0.05), while Q significantly declined at 7 days (P = 0.028) and gradually increased at 14 and 21 days. In the treated group, significant correlation was found between Q and histologic microvessel density (MVD) (r = 0.753, P < 0.001), and ITSS correlated well with MVD (r = 0.742, P = 0.002) after excluding the data from baseline. This study demonstrated that USPIO-enhanced SWI and Q could provide novel biomarkers for evaluating antiangiogenic effects of Sorafenib on HCC.

Platelet "first responders" in wound response, cancer, and metastasis

Platelets serve as "first responders" during normal wounding and homeostasis. Arising from bone marrow stem cell lineage megakaryocytes, anucleate platelets can influence inflammation and immune regulation. Biophysically, platelets are optimized due to size and discoid morphology to distribute near vessel walls, monitor vascular integrity, and initiate quick responses to vascular lesions. Adhesion receptors linked to a highly reactive filopodia-generating cytoskeleton maximizes their vascular surface contact allowing rapid response capabilities. Functionally, platelets normally initiate rapid clotting, vasoconstriction, inflammation, and wound biology that leads to sterilization, tissue repair, and resolution. Platelets also are among the first to sense, phagocytize, decorate, or react to pathogens in the circulation. These platelet first responder properties are commandeered during chronic inflammation, cancer progression, and metastasis. Leaky or inflammatory reaction blood vessel genesis during carcinogenesis provides opportunities for platelet invasion into tumors. Cancer is thought of as a non-healing or chronic wound that can be actively aided by platelet mitogenic properties to stimulate tumor growth. This growth ultimately outstrips circulatory support leads to angiogenesis and intravasation of tumor cells into the blood stream. Circulating tumor cells reengage additional platelets, which facilitates tumor cell adhesion, arrest and extravasation, and metastasis. This process, along with the hypercoagulable states associated with malignancy, is amplified by IL6 production in tumors that stimulate liver thrombopoietin production and elevates circulating platelet numbers by thrombopoiesis in the bone marrow. These complex interactions and the "first responder" role of platelets during diverse physiologic stresses provide a useful therapeutic target that deserves further exploration.

The use of low-dose metronomic chemotherapy in dogs-insight into a modern cancer field

The era of chemotherapy, which started in the middle of the last century, has been ruled by the routine use of dose-intense protocols, based on the "maximum-tolerated dose" concept. By promoting a balance between patient's quality of life and the goal of rapidly killing as many tumour cells as possible, these protocols still play a prominent role in veterinary oncology. However, with the opening of a new millennium, metronomic chemotherapy (MC) started to be considered a possible alternative to traditional dose-intense chemotherapy. Characterized by a long-term daily administration of lower doses of cytotoxic drugs, this new modality stands out for its unique combination of effects, namely on neovascularization, immune response and tumour dormancy. This article reviews the rationale for treatment with MC, its mechanism of action and the main studies conducted in veterinary medicine, and discusses the key challenges yet to be solved.

A Comparative Approach of Tumor-Associated Inflammation in Mammary Cancer between Humans and Dogs

Infiltrating cells of the immune system are widely accepted to be generic constituents of tumor microenvironment. It has been well established that the development of mammary cancer, both in humans and in dogs, is associated with alterations in numbers and functions of immune cells at the sites of tumor progression. These tumor infiltrating immune cells seem to exhibit exclusive phenotypic and functional characteristics and mammary cancer cells can take advantage of signaling molecules released by them. Cancer related inflammation has an important role in mammary carcinogenesis, contributing to the acquisition of core hallmark capabilities that allow cancer cells to survive, proliferate, and disseminate. Indeed, recent studies in human breast cancer and in canine mammary tumors have identified a growing list of signaling molecules released by inflammatory cells that serve as effectors of their tumor-promoting actions. These include the COX-2, the tumor EGF, the angiogenic VEGF, other proangiogenic factors, and a large variety of chemokines and cytokines that amplify the inflammatory state. This review describes the intertwined signaling pathways shared by T-lymphocytic/macrophage infiltrates and important tissue biomarkers in both human and dog mammary carcinogenesis.

Toll-like receptor 4 promotes angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer via PI3K/AKT signaling

Deregulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is closely associated with the progression of various types of cancers, but its role in pancreatic carcinogenesis is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of TLR4 in the angiogenesis of pancreatic cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The culture supernatant (conditioned medium) of PANC-1 cells after appropriate treatment was used for the treatment of HUVECs. The proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs were assessed by MTT, Transwell and Matrigel, respectively. In pancreatic cancer tissues, TLR4, VEGF and CD31 were upregulated as determined by immunohistochemistry and the expression of TLR4 and VEGF was positively correlated with microvessel density as detected by CD31 staining. Activation of TLR4 signaling by LPS in PANC-1 cells resulted in increased VEGF and phosphorylation of AKT, which were abolished by TLR4 silencing with siRNA and PI3K/AKT signaling inhibitor LY294002. The conditioned medium from PANC-1 cells treated with LY294002 or transfected with TRL4 siRNA reduced the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs. In contrast, the conditioned medium from PANC-1 cells treated with LPS stimulated the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs, which was however significantly inhibited by pretreatment of PANC-1 cells with LY294002 or transfection with TRL4 siRNA. Our findings suggest TLR4 may promote angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to induce VEGF expression.

Synergistic growth inhibitory effect of deracoxib with doxorubicin against a canine mammary tumor cell line, CMT-U27

Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors have been shown to exert anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor activities on many types of malignant tumors. These anticancer properties make it worthwhile to examine the possible benefit of combining COX inhibitors with other anti-cancer agents. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of deracoxib (DER) in potentiating antitumor activity of doxorubicin (DOX) in canine mammary carcinoma cells (CMT-U27). DER (50–250 µM) enhanced the antiproliferative activity of DOX by reducing the IC₅₀ (approximately 3- to 3.5 fold). Interaction analysis of the data showed that combinations of DOX at 0.9 µM with DER (100–250 µM) produced synergism in the CMT-U27 cell line, with a ratio index ranging from 1.98 to 2.33. In additional studies identifying the mechanism of observed synergistic effect, we found that DER strongly potentiated DOX-caused G₀/G₁ arrest in cell cycle progression. Also, DER (100–250 µM) augmented apoptosis induction with approximately 1.35- and 1.37- fold increases in apoptotic response caused by DOX in the cells. DER enhanced the antiproliferative effect of DOX in conjunction with induction of apoptosis by modulation of Bcl-2 expression and changes in the cell cycle of the CMT-U27 cell line. Although the exact molecular mechanism of the alterations in the cell cycle and apoptosis observed with DER and DOX combinations require further investigations, the results suggest that the synergistic effect of DOX and DER combinations in CMT therapy may be achieved at relatively lower doses of DOX with lesser side effects. Therefore, combining DER with DOX may prove beneficial in the clinical treatment of canine mammary cancer.

The importance of the tumor microenvironment in the therapeutic management of cancer

Tumor prognosis is generally defined by various tumor parameters. However, it is well known that paracrine, endocrine and cell-cell interactions between the tumor and its microenvironment contribute to its growth. The tumor microenvironment (TME) can also influence disease prognosis and is likely to be considered as an important prognostic factor. In addition, conventional therapies can influence the microenvironment and antitumor immunity. Similarly, the TME will influence the effectiveness of therapy. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate how TME is important in therapeutic management. Key interactions between TME and different cancer therapies as well as their current clinical consequences have been described. More research is needed to establish the important network between tumor cells and their environment to highlight their relationships with conventional therapies and develop global therapeutic strategies.

Expression of angiogenesis regulatory proteins and epithelial-mesenchymal transition factors in platelets of the breast cancer patients

Platelets play a role in tumor angiogenesis and growth and are the main transporters of several angiogenesis regulators. Here, we aimed to determine the levels of angiogenesis regulators and epithelial-mesenchymal transition factors sequestered by circulating platelets in breast cancer patients and age-matched healthy controls. Platelet pellets (PP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) were collected by routine protocols. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), platelet factor 4 (PF4), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Angiogenesis-associated expression of VEGF (2.1 pg/10⁶ platelets versus 0.9 pg/10⁶ platelets, P < 0.001), PF4 (21.2 ng/10⁶ platelets versus 10.2 ng/10⁶ platelets, P < 0.001), PDGF-BB (42.9 pg/10⁶ platelets versus 19.1 pg/10⁶ platelets, P < 0.001), and TGF-β1 (15.3 ng/10⁶ platelets versus 4.3 ng/10⁶ platelets, P < 0.001) differed in the PP samples of cancer and control subjects. In addition, protein concentrations were associated with clinical characteristics (P < 0.05). Circulating platelets in breast cancer sequester higher levels of PF4, VEGF, PDGF-BB, and TGF-β1, suggesting a possible target for early diagnosis. VEGF, PDGF, and TGF-β1 concentrations in platelets may be associated with prognosis.