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Pinto E, Pelizzaro F, Farinati F, Russo FP. Angiogenesis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Systemic Therapies. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1115. [PMID: 37374319 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy. The hypervascular nature of the majority of HCCs and the peculiar vascular derangement occurring during liver carcinogenesis underscore the importance of angiogenesis in the development and progression of these tumors. Indeed, several angiogenic molecular pathways have been identified as deregulated in HCC. The hypervascular nature and the peculiar vascularization of HCC, as well as deregulated angiogenic pathways, represent major therapeutic targets. To a large extent, intra-arterial locoregional treatments (transarterial-(chemo)embolization) rely on tumor ischemia caused by embolization of tumor feeding arteries, even though this may represent the "primum movens" of tumor recurrence through the activation of neoangiogenesis. Considering systemic therapies, the currently available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sorafenib, regorafenib, cabozantinib and lenvatinib) and monoclonal antibodies (ramucirumab and bevacizumab, in combination with the anti-PD-L1, atezolizumab) primarily target, among others, angiogenic pathways. Considering the importance of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis and treatment of liver cancer, in this paper, we aim to review the role of angiogenesis in HCC, addressing the molecular mechanisms, available antiangiogenic therapies and prognostic biomarkers in patients receiving these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pinto
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Pelizzaro
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
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He P, Wan H, Wan J, Jiang H, Yang Y, Xie K, Wu H. Systemic therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma: Existing and emerging biomarkers for treatment response. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1015527. [PMID: 36483039 PMCID: PMC9723250 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1015527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy and the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Due to asymptomatic patients in the early stage, most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and lose the opportunity for radical resection. In addition, for patients who underwent procedures with curative intent for early-stage HCC, up to 70% of patients may have disease recurrence within 5 years. With the advent of an increasing number of systemic therapy medications, we now have more options for the treatment of HCC. However, data from clinical studies show that with different combinations of regimens, the objective response rate is approximately 40%, and most patients will not respond to treatment. In this setting, biomarkers for predicting treatment response are of great significance for precise treatment, reducing drug side effects and saving medical resources. In this review, we summarized the existing and emerging biomarkers in the literature, with special emphasis on the pathways and mechanism underlying the prediction value of those biomarkers for systemic treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui He
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Haifeng Wan
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Juan Wan
- Department of Pancreatitis Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hanyu Jiang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kunlin Xie
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Vogel A, Meyer T, Sapisochin G, Salem R, Saborowski A. Hepatocellular carcinoma. Lancet 2022; 400:1345-1362. [PMID: 36084663 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01200-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 545] [Impact Index Per Article: 272.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancers worldwide and represents a major global health-care challenge. Although viral hepatitis and alcohol remain important risk factors, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is rapidly becoming a dominant cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. A broad range of treatment options are available for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, including liver transplantation, surgical resection, percutaneous ablation, and radiation, as well as transarterial and systemic therapies. As such, clinical decision making requires a multidisciplinary team that longitudinally adapts the individual treatment strategy according to the patient's tumour stage, liver function, and performance status. With the approval of new first-line agents and second-line agents, as well as the establishment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-based therapies as standard of care, the treatment landscape of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma is more diversified than ever. Consequently, the outlook for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma has improved. However, the optimal sequencing of drugs remains to be defined, and predictive biomarkers are urgently needed to inform treatment selection. In this Seminar, we present an update on the causes, diagnosis, molecular classification, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Tim Meyer
- Research Department of Oncology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Gonzalo Sapisochin
- Abdominal Transplant & HPB Surgical Oncology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Riad Salem
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anna Saborowski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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4
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Recent progress on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors with dual targeting capabilities for tumor therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:89. [PMID: 35799213 PMCID: PMC9263050 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01310-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) are a family of receptor protein tyrosine kinases that play an important role in the regulation of tumor-induced angiogenesis. Currently, VEGFR inhibitors have been widely used in the treatment of various tumors. However, current VEGFR inhibitors are limited to a certain extent due to limited clinical efficacy and potential toxicity, which hinder their clinical application. Thus, the development of new strategies to improve the clinical outcomes and minimize the toxic effects of VEGFR inhibitors is required. Given the synergistic effect of VEGFR and other therapies in tumor development and progression, VEGFR dual-target inhibitors are becoming an attractive approach due to their favorable pharmacodynamics, low toxicity, and anti-resistant effects. This perspective provides an overview of the development of VEGFR dual-target inhibitors from multiple aspects, including rational target combinations, drug discovery strategies, structure–activity relationships and future directions.
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Arai J, Otoyama Y, Fujita KI, Goto K, Tojo M, Katagiri A, Nozawa H, Kubota Y, Takahashi T, Ishida H, Tsunoda T, Matsumoto N, Ogawa K, Nakagawa R, Muroyama R, Kato N, Yoshida H. Baseline soluble MICA levels act as a predictive biomarker for the efficacy of regorafenib treatment in colorectal cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:428. [PMID: 35443621 PMCID: PMC9019943 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09512-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To evaluate the effect of regorafenib on soluble MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A (MICA) (sMICA) level in vitro. In addition, we clinically examined whether its plasma levels were associated with regorafenib activity in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with CRC. Methods Human CRC cell line HCT116 and HT29 cells were treated with regorafenib and its pharmacologically active metabolites, M2 or M5 at the same concentrations as those in sera of patients. We also examined the sMICA levels and the area under the plasma concentration–time curve of regorafenib, M2 and M5. Results Regorafenib, M2, and M5 significantly suppressed shedding of MICA in human CRC cells without toxicity. This resulted in the reduced production of sMICA. In the clinical examination, patients with CRC who showed long median PFS (3.7 months) had significantly lower sMICA levels than those with shorter median PFS (1.2 months) (p = 0.045). Conclusions MICA is an attractive agent for manipulating the immunological control of CRC and baseline sMICA levels could be a predictive biomarker for the efficacy of regorafenib treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Arai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yumi Otoyama
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Fujita
- Division of Cancer Genome and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Showa University School of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaku Goto
- Institut de Recherche Sur Les Maladies Virales Et Hépatiques, INSERM, Strasbourg, France
| | - Masayuki Tojo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Katagiri
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisako Nozawa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaro Kubota
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Takahashi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hiroo Ishida
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Showa University Hokubu Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takuya Tsunoda
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natsumi Matsumoto
- Division of Cancer Genome and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Showa University School of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keita Ogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Muroyama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naoya Kato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yoshida
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Song S, Bai M, Li X, Gong S, Yang W, Lei C, Tian H, Si M, Hao X, Guo T. Early Predictive Value of Circulating Biomarkers for Sorafenib in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2022; 22:361-378. [PMID: 35234564 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2049248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sorafenib is currently the first-line therapeutic regimen for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, many patients did not experience any benefit and suffered extreme adverse events and heavy economic burden. Thus, the early identification of patients who are most likely to benefit from sorafenib is needed. AREAS COVERED This review focused on the clinical application of circulating biomarkers (including conventional biomarkers, immune biomarkers, genetic biomarkers, and some novel biomarkers) in advanced HCC patients treated with sorafenib. An online search on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library was conducted from the inception to Aug 15, 2021. Studies investigating the predictive or prognostic value of these biomarkers were included. EXPERT OPINION The distinction of patients who may benefit from sorafenib treatment is of utmost importance. The predictive roles of circulating biomarkers could solve this problem. Many biomarkers can be obtained by liquid biopsy, which is a less or non-invasive approach. The short half-life of sorafenib could reflect the dynamic changes of tumor progression and monitor the treatment response. Circulating biomarkers obtained from liquid biopsy resulted as a promising assessment method in HCC, allowing for better treatment decisions in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoming Song
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingzhen Bai
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Li
- Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shiyi Gong
- Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Caining Lei
- Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Tian
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, and Precision Medicine of Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Moubo Si
- Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, and Precision Medicine of Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiangyong Hao
- Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, and Precision Medicine of Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tiankang Guo
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, and Precision Medicine of Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
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Luo XY, Wu KM, He XX. Advances in drug development for hepatocellular carcinoma: clinical trials and potential therapeutic targets. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:172. [PMID: 34006331 PMCID: PMC8130401 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01968-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest health burdens worldwide, few drugs are available for its clinical treatment. However, in recent years, major breakthroughs have been made in the development of new drugs due to intensive fundamental research and numerous clinical trials in HCC. Traditional systemic therapy schemes and emerging immunotherapy strategies have both advanced. Between 2017 and 2020, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a variety of drugs for the treatment of HCC, including multikinase inhibitors (regorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab), immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab and pembrolizumab), and bevacizumab combined with atezolizumab. Currently, there are more than 1000 ongoing clinical trials involving HCC, which represents a vibrant atmosphere in the HCC drug research and development field. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine approaches are being gradually optimized. This review summarizes FDA-approved agents for HCC, elucidates promising agents evaluated in clinical phase I/II/III trials and identifies emerging targets for HCC treatment. In addition, we introduce the development of HCC drugs in China. Finally, we discuss potential problems in HCC drug therapy and possible future solutions and indicate future directions for the development of drugs for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yuan Luo
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Kong-Ming Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xing-Xing He
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Hulin A, Stocco J, Bouattour M. Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Transarterial Chemoembolization and Targeted Therapies in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clin Pharmacokinet 2020; 58:983-1014. [PMID: 31093928 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-019-00740-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is based on a multidisciplinary decision tree. Treatment includes loco-regional therapy, mainly transarterial chemoembolization, for intermediate-stage HCC and systemic therapy with oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for advanced HCC. Transarterial chemoembolization involves hepatic intra-arterial infusion with either conventional procedure or drug-eluting-beads. The aim of the loco-regional procedure is to deliver treatment as close as possible to the tumor both to embolize the tumor area and to enhance efficacy and minimize systemic toxicity of the anticancer drug. Pharmacokinetic studies applied to transarterial chemoembolization are rare and pharmacodynamic studies even rarer. However, all available studies lead to the same conclusions: use of the transarterial route lowers systemic exposure to the cytotoxic drug and leads to much higher tumor drug concentrations than does a similar dose via the intravenous route. However, reproducibility of the procedure remains a major problem, and no consensus exists regarding the choice of anticancer drug and its dosage. Systemic therapy with TKIs is based on sorafenib and lenvatinib as first-line treatment and regorafenib and cabozantinib as second-line treatment. Clinical use of TKIs is challenging because of their complex pharmacokinetics, with high liver metabolism yielding both active metabolites and their common toxicities. Changes in liver function over time with the progression of HCC adds further complexity to the use of TKIs. The challenges posed by TKIs and the HCC disease process means monitoring of TKIs is required to improve clinical management. To date, only partial data supporting sorafenib monitoring is available. Results from further pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies of these four TKIs are eagerly awaited and are expected to permit such monitoring and the development of consensus guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hulin
- APHP, Laboratory of Pharmacology, GH Henri Mondor, EA7375, University Paris Est Creteil, 94010, Creteil, France
| | - Jeanick Stocco
- APHP, HUPNVS, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Beaujon University Hospital, 92110, Clichy, France
| | - Mohamed Bouattour
- APHP, HUPNVS, Department of Digestive Oncology, Beaujon University Hospital, 92110, Clichy, France.
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In-depth proteome analysis of more than 12,500 proteins in buffalo mammary epithelial cell line identifies protein signatures for active proliferation and lactation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4834. [PMID: 32179766 PMCID: PMC7075962 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61521-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The mature mammary gland is made up of a network of ducts that terminates in alveoli. The innermost layer of alveoli is surrounded by the differentiated mammary epithelial cells (MECs), which are responsible for milk synthesis and secretion during lactation. However, the MECs are in a state of active proliferation during pregnancy, when they give rise to network like structures in the mammary gland. Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) constitute a major source of milk for human consumption, and the MECs are the major precursor cells which are mainly responsible for their lactation potential. The proteome of MECs defines their functional state and suggests their role in various cellular activities such as proliferation and lactation. To date, the proteome profile of MECs from buffalo origin is not available. In the present study, we have profiled in-depth proteome of in vitro cultured buffalo MECs (BuMECs) during active proliferation using high throughput tandem mass spectrometry (MS). MS analysis identified a total of 8330, 5970, 5289, 4818 proteins in four sub-cellular fractions (SCFs) that included cytosolic (SCF-I), membranous and membranous organelle’s (SCF-II), nuclear (SCF-III), and cytoskeletal (SCF-IV). However, 792 proteins were identified in the conditioned media, which represented the secretome. Altogether, combined analysis of all the five fractions (SCFs- I to IV, and secretome) revealed a total of 12,609 non-redundant proteins. The KEGG analysis suggested that these proteins were associated with 325 molecular pathways. Some of the highly enriched molecular pathways observed were metabolic, MAPK, PI3-AKT, insulin, estrogen, and cGMP-PKG signalling pathway. The newly identified proteins in this study are reported to be involved in NOTCH signalling, transport and secretion processes.
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Fan Z, Zheng W, Li H, Wu W, Liu X, Sun Z, Hu H, Du L, Jia Q, Liu Q. LOXL2 upregulates hypoxia‑inducible factor‑1α signaling through Snail‑FBP1 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Oncol Rep 2020; 43:1641-1649. [PMID: 32323822 PMCID: PMC7107812 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysyl oxidase‑like 2 (LOXL2), a member of the lysyl oxidase gene family, is involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma progression and metastasis. Increased expression of LOXL2 has been identified in several types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently, LOXL2 has been reported to promote epithelial‑mesenchymal transition by reducing E‑cadherin expression via the upregulation of Snail expression. The present study provided evidence demonstrating that LOXL2 inhibited the expression of fructose‑1, 6‑biphosphatase (FBP1) and enhanced the glycolysis of Huh7 and Hep3B hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines in a Snail‑dependent manner. Overexpression of the point‑mutated form of LOXL2 [LOXL2(Y689F)], which lacks enzymatic activity, does not affect the expression of Snail1 or FBP1. Notably, targeting extracellular LOXL2 of Huh7 cells with a therapeutic antibody was unable to abolish its regulation on the expression of Snail and FBP1. Knockdown of LOXL2 also interrupted the angiogenesis of Huh7 and Hep3B cells, and this effect could be rescued by the overexpression of Snail. Furthermore, upregulation of hypoxia‑inducible factor 1α (HIF‑1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was observed in Huh7 and Hep3B cells expressing wild‑type LOXL2. Notably, the selective LOXL2 inhibitor LOXL2‑IN‑1 could upregulate the expression of FBP1 and inhibit the expression of Snail, HIF‑1α and VEGF in HCC cells, but not in FBP1‑knockdown cells. The results of the present study indicated that the intracellular activity of LOXL2 upregulated HIF‑1α/VEGF signaling pathways via the Snail‑FBP1 axis, and this phenomenon could be inhibited by LOXL2 inhibition. Collectively, these findings further support that LOXL2 exhibits an important role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and implicates LOXL2 as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Wujun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Xiaogang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Zhongjie Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Haitian Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Lixue Du
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Qingan Jia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Qingguang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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Zhu AX, Kang YK, Yen CJ, Finn RS, Galle PR, Llovet JM, Assenat E, Brandi G, Pracht M, Lim HY, Rau KM, Motomura K, Ohno I, Merle P, Daniele B, Shin DB, Gerken G, Borg C, Hiriart JB, Okusaka T, Morimoto M, Hsu Y, Abada PB, Kudo M. Ramucirumab after sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and increased α-fetoprotein concentrations (REACH-2): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol 2019; 20:282-296. [PMID: 30665869 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(18)30937-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1079] [Impact Index Per Article: 215.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and increased α-fetoprotein concentrations have poor prognosis. We aimed to establish the efficacy of ramucirumab in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and α-fetoprotein concentrations of 400 ng/mL or higher. METHODS REACH-2 was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial done at 92 hospitals, clinics, and medical centres in 20 countries. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older and had histologically or cytologically confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma, or diagnosed cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B or C disease, Child-Pugh class A liver disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance statuses of 0 or 1, α-fetoprotein concentrations of 400 ng/mL or greater, and had previously received first-line sorafenib. Participants were randomly assigned (2:1) via an interactive web response system with a computer-generated random sequence to 8 mg/kg intravenous ramucirumab every 2 weeks or placebo. All patients received best supportive care. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival, proportion of patients achieving an objective response, time to radiographic progression, safety, time to deterioration in scores on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Hepatobiliary Symptom Index 8 (FHSI-8), and time to deterioration in ECOG performance status. We also pooled individual patient data from REACH-2 with data from REACH (NCT01140347) for patients with α-fetoprotein concentrations of 400 ng/mL or greater. Efficacy analyses were by intention to treat, whereas safety analyses were done in all patients who received at least one dose of study drug. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02435433. FINDINGS Between July 26, 2015, and Aug 30, 2017, 292 patients were randomly assigned, 197 to the ramucirumab group and 95 to the placebo group. At a median follow-up of 7·6 months (IQR 4·0-12·5), median overall survival (8·5 months [95% CI 7·0-10·6] vs 7·3 months [5·4-9·1]; hazard ratio [HR] 0·710 [95% CI 0·531-0·949]; p=0·0199) and progression-free survival (2·8 months [2·8-4·1] vs 1·6 months [1·5-2·7]; 0·452 [0·339-0·603]; p<0·0001) were significantly improved in the ramucirumab group compared with the placebo group. The proportion of patients with an objective response did not differ significantly between groups (nine [5%] of 197 vs one [1%] of 95; p=0·1697). Median time to deterioration in FHSI-8 total scores (3·7 months [95% CI 2·8-4·4] vs 2·8 months [1·6-2·9]; HR 0·799 [95% CI 0·545-1·171]; p=0·238) and ECOG performance statuses (HR 1·082 [95% CI 0·639-1·832]; p=0·77) did not differ between groups. Grade 3 or worse treatment-emergent adverse events that occurred in at least 5% of patients in either group were hypertension (25 [13%] in the ramucirumab group vs five [5%] in the placebo group), hyponatraemia (11 [6%] vs 0) and increased aspartate aminotransferase (six [3%] vs five [5%]). Serious adverse events of any grade and cause occurred in 68 (35%) patients in the ramucirumab group and 28 (29%) patients in the placebo group. Three patients in the ramucirumab group died from treatment-emergent adverse events that were judged to be related to study treatment (one had acute kidney injury, one had hepatorenal syndrome, and one had renal failure). INTERPRETATION REACH-2 met its primary endpoint, showing improved overall survival for ramucirumab compared with placebo in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and α-fetoprotein concentrations of at least 400 ng/mL who had previously received sorafenib. Ramucirumab was well tolerated, with a manageable safety profile. To our knowledge, REACH-2 is the first positive phase 3 trial done in a biomarker-selected patient population with hepatocellular carcinoma. FUNDING Eli Lilly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew X Zhu
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Yoon-Koo Kang
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chia-Jui Yen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital Tainan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Richard S Finn
- Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Josep M Llovet
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institut d'Investigations Biomèdiques, August Pi i Sunyer-Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Ho Yeong Lim
- Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kun-Ming Rau
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Branch, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan; Hematology-Oncology Department, E-Da Cancer Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | - Izumi Ohno
- National Cancer Center Hospital East-Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Bruno Daniele
- Azienda Ospedaliera G Rummo, Benevento, Benevento, Italy; Ospedale del Mare, Naples, Italy
| | - Dong Bok Shin
- Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Guido Gerken
- Universtitätsklinikum Essen AöR, Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
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12
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Morse MA, Sun W, Kim R, He AR, Abada PB, Mynderse M, Finn RS. The Role of Angiogenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 25:912-920. [PMID: 30274981 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-1254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 314] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for about 90% of all primary liver cancers and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The hypervascular nature of most HCC tumors underlines the importance of angiogenesis in the pathobiology of these tumors. Several angiogenic pathways have been identified as being dysregulated in HCC, suggesting they may be involved in the development and pathogenesis of HCC. These data provide practical targets for systemic treatments such as those targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and its ligand. However, the clinical relevance of other more recently identified angiogenic pathways in HCC pathogenesis or treatment remains unclear. Research into molecular profiles and validation of prognostic or predictive biomarkers will be required to identify the patient subsets most likely to experience meaningful benefit from this important class of agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Morse
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina.
| | - Weijing Sun
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Richard Kim
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Aiwu Ruth He
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | | | - Richard S Finn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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14
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Arai J, Goto K, Stephanou A, Tanoue Y, Ito S, Muroyama R, Matsubara Y, Nakagawa R, Morimoto S, Kaise Y, Lim LA, Yoshida H, Kato N. Predominance of regorafenib over sorafenib: Restoration of membrane-bound MICA in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 33:1075-1081. [PMID: 29055152 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The multi-kinase inhibitor regorafenib (REG) was recently demonstrated to be effective in patients with sorafenib (SOR)-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Interestingly, SOR is known to enhance the accumulation of membrane-bound MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A (mMICA) in HCC cells and to block the production of soluble MICA (sMICA), an immunological decoy. In addition, MICA is associated with HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis C. We have now compared the impact of REG and SOR on MICA in HCC cells, as well as the immunotherapeutic implications thereof. METHODS HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5 cells were exposed to REG and SOR, and levels of sMICA and mMICA were measured by ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. The drugs were also tested in vitro for inhibitory activity against recombinant human A disintegrin and metalloprotease 9 (ADAM9), a sheddase that releases MICA from the membrane. RESULTS To a greater extent than SOR, but without marked difference in cytotoxicity, REG significantly suppressed mRNA and protein expression of ADAM9 and ADAM10, thereby decreasing production of sMICA and boosting accumulation of mMICA. Accumulation of mMICA in response to REG was reversed by siRNA against ADAM9. However, the drugs did not inhibit the enzymatic activity of ADAM9 in vitro. CONCLUSIONS The clinical superiority of REG over SOR is partially attributable to reduced MICA shedding via transcriptional suppression of ADAM9 and ADAM10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Arai
- Division of Advanced Genome Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaku Goto
- Division of Advanced Genome Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Anthony Stephanou
- Division of Advanced Genome Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Tanoue
- Division of Advanced Genome Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayaka Ito
- Division of Advanced Genome Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Muroyama
- Division of Advanced Genome Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuo Matsubara
- Division of Advanced Genome Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakagawa
- Division of Advanced Genome Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayuri Morimoto
- Division of Advanced Genome Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Kaise
- Division of Advanced Genome Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Lay Ahyoung Lim
- Division of Advanced Genome Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yoshida
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoya Kato
- Division of Advanced Genome Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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15
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Gong Q, Qin Z, Hou F. Improved treatment of early small hepatocellular carcinoma using sorafenib in combination with radiofrequency ablation. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:7045-7048. [PMID: 29344133 PMCID: PMC5754899 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Small hepatocellular carcinoma is an important leading cause of death amongst cancer patients, our study was designed in order to test the hypothesis that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with a chemotherapeutic drug would improve the outcome for patients. Two groups of patients presenting early small hepatocellular carcinoma were treated with either conventional RFA alone (50 individuals in the control group), or with a combination of RFA and oral sorafenib (40 individuals in an observation group). Individual clinical and laboratory evaluations were done during an average follow-up time of 35 months, and all the data recorded was used to compare results of both treatment approaches. Tumor-free survival, relapse rate and survival rate, RFA interval and number of treatments, overall efficacy and the incidence of complications were analyzed. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and osteopontin (OPN) were measured and compared. Our results show that the patients in the treatment group had statistically significant prolonged tumor-free survival, decreased relapse and increased survival rates. Also, the patients in the treatment group had significantly more prolonged average intervals of RFA and a lower number of treatments. Furthermore, the overall efficacy in the treatment group was increased, yet the incidence of complications was similar between both groups. Moreover, the serum levels of known tumorigenic factors VEGF, CTGF, HIF-1α and OPN, which were similar between both groups before treatment, improved more markedly after the treatment in the observation group patients. Based on these findings, we propose that sorafenib in combination with percutaneous RFA is safe and efficacious, and a superior treatment for early small hepatocellular carcinoma. Larger studies are needed to corroborate our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanyou Gong
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Zhumadian, Henan 463000, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoxia Qin
- Department of Urology, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Zhumadian, Henan 463000, P.R. China
| | - Fangli Hou
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Zhumadian, Henan 463000, P.R. China
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16
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Validation of a Simple Scoring System to Predict Sorafenib Effectiveness in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Target Oncol 2017; 12:795-803. [DOI: 10.1007/s11523-017-0522-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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17
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Juárez-Hernández E, Motola-Kuba D, Chávez-Tapia NC, Uribe M, Barbero Becerra V. Biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma: an overview. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 11:549-558. [PMID: 28347162 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2017.1311785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Current methods for HCC diagnosis have not an optimal diagnostic accuracy. The detection of more than one biomarker seems to improve their individual performance and provide an accurate HCC diagnosis approach. Individual gene expression seems to influence whether or not the treatment is successful, since several molecules have interfere with cancer associated pathways and have been related to poor prognosis which condition the lack of effective treatment options. Areas covered: Novel biomarkers have been proposed as a useful tool in each patient prognosis. This article aims to review the recent evidence based on HCC biomarkers which seems to have a regulative role according to tumor cell development leading to a specific biological response. Epigenetic regulation, miRNAs, and genome sequencing analysis propose molecular expression signatures as novel biomarkers which allowed achieve the major goal for the use of biomarkers in clinical practice. Moreover, a deeper analysis for determine the diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers has been made. Expert commentary: To improve of methodological designs and sample sizes are needed in order to support the role of biomarkers in HCC. Furthermore, is necessary to consider HCC etiologies and all clinic disease context to carried out clinical phase studies to thrust biomarkers application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Juárez-Hernández
- a Translational Research Unit , Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Daniel Motola-Kuba
- b Oncology Center , Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation , Mexico City , Mexico
| | | | - Misael Uribe
- a Translational Research Unit , Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation , Mexico City , Mexico
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18
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Matsumoto K, Umitsu M, De Silva DM, Roy A, Bottaro DP. Hepatocyte growth factor/MET in cancer progression and biomarker discovery. Cancer Sci 2017; 108:296-307. [PMID: 28064454 PMCID: PMC5378267 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Signaling driven by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and MET receptor facilitates conspicuous biological responses such as epithelial cell migration, 3‐D morphogenesis, and survival. The dynamic migration and promotion of cell survival induced by MET activation are bases for invasion–metastasis and resistance, respectively, against targeted drugs in cancers. Recent studies indicated that MET in tumor‐derived exosomes facilitates metastatic niche formation and metastasis in malignant melanoma. In lung cancer, gene amplification‐induced MET activation and ligand‐dependent MET activation in an autocrine/paracrine manner are causes for resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors. Hepatocyte growth factor secreted in the tumor microenvironment contributes to the innate and acquired resistance to RAF inhibitors. Changes in serum/plasma HGF, soluble MET (sMET), and phospho‐MET have been confirmed to be associated with disease progression, metastasis, therapy response, and survival. Higher serum/plasma HGF levels are associated with therapy resistance and/or metastasis, while lower HGF levels are associated with progression‐free survival and overall survival after treatment with targeted drugs in lung cancer, gastric cancer, colon cancer, and malignant melanoma. Urinary sMET levels in patients with bladder cancer are higher than those in patients without bladder cancer and associated with disease progression. Some of the multi‐kinase inhibitors that target MET have received regulatory approval, whereas none of the selective HGF‐MET inhibitors have shown efficacy in phase III clinical trials. Validation of the HGF‐MET pathway as a critical driver in cancer development/progression and utilization of appropriate biomarkers are key to development and approval of HGF‐MET inhibitors for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunio Matsumoto
- Division of Tumor Dynamics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masataka Umitsu
- Laboratory of Protein Synthesis and Expression, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Dinuka M De Silva
- Urologic Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Arpita Roy
- Urologic Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Donald P Bottaro
- Urologic Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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19
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Bruix J, Qin S, Merle P, Granito A, Huang YH, Bodoky G, Pracht M, Yokosuka O, Rosmorduc O, Breder V, Gerolami R, Masi G, Ross PJ, Song T, Bronowicki JP, Ollivier-Hourmand I, Kudo M, Cheng AL, Llovet JM, Finn RS, LeBerre MA, Baumhauer A, Meinhardt G, Han G. Regorafenib for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who progressed on sorafenib treatment (RESORCE): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet 2017; 389:56-66. [PMID: 27932229 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(16)32453-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2419] [Impact Index Per Article: 345.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no systemic treatments for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) whose disease progresses during sorafenib treatment. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of regorafenib in patients with HCC who have progressed during sorafenib treatment. METHODS In this randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, phase 3 trial done at 152 sites in 21 countries, adults with HCC who tolerated sorafenib (≥400 mg/day for ≥20 of last 28 days of treatment), progressed on sorafenib, and had Child-Pugh A liver function were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned (2:1) by a computer-generated randomisation list and interactive voice response system and stratified by geographical region, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, macrovascular invasion, extrahepatic disease, and α-fetoprotein level to best supportive care plus oral regorafenib 160 mg or placebo once daily during weeks 1-3 of each 4-week cycle. Investigators, patients, and the funder were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was overall survival (defined as time from randomisation to death due to any cause) and analysed by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01774344. FINDINGS Between May 14, 2013, and Dec 31, 2015, 843 patients were screened, of whom 573 were enrolled and randomised (379 to regorafenib and 194 to placebo; population for efficacy analyses), and 567 initiated treatment (374 received regorafenib and 193 received placebo; population for safety analyses). Regorafenib improved overall survival with a hazard ratio of 0·63 (95% CI 0·50-0·79; one-sided p<0·0001); median survival was 10·6 months (95% CI 9·1-12·1) for regorafenib versus 7·8 months (6·3-8·8) for placebo. Adverse events were reported in all regorafenib recipients (374 [100%] of 374) and 179 (93%) of 193 placebo recipients. The most common clinically relevant grade 3 or 4 treatment-emergent events were hypertension (57 patients [15%] in the regorafenib group vs nine patients [5%] in the placebo group), hand-foot skin reaction (47 patients [13%] vs one [1%]), fatigue (34 patients [9%] vs nine patients [5%]), and diarrhoea (12 patients [3%] vs no patients). Of the 88 deaths (grade 5 adverse events) reported during the study (50 patients [13%] assigned to regorafenib and 38 [20%] assigned to placebo), seven (2%) were considered by the investigator to be related to study drug in the regorafenib group and two (1%) in the placebo group, including two patients (1%) with hepatic failure in the placebo group. INTERPRETATION Regorafenib is the only systemic treatment shown to provide survival benefit in HCC patients progressing on sorafenib treatment. Future trials should explore combinations of regorafenib with other systemic agents and third-line treatments for patients who fail or who do not tolerate the sequence of sorafenib and regorafenib. FUNDING Bayer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Bruix
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, IDIBAPS-Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, CIBERehd, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Shukui Qin
- Chinese People's Liberation Army Cancer Center of Nanjing Bayi Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Philippe Merle
- Groupement Hospitalier Lyon Nord, Hepatology Unit, Lyon, France
| | - Alessandro Granito
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Marc Pracht
- Service d'Oncologie Médicale, Centre Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
| | - Osamu Yokosuka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Olivier Rosmorduc
- Department of Hepatology, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpétrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris and Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Valeriy Breder
- Russian Cancer Research Center n.a.N.Blokhin, Moscow, Russia
| | - René Gerolami
- CHU Timone, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Gianluca Masi
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paul J Ross
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Tianqiang Song
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | | | | | | | - Ann-Lii Cheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Josep M Llovet
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, IDIBAPS-Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, CIBERehd, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Richard S Finn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Guohong Han
- The First Affiliated Hospital (Xijing Hospital) of the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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