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Liu Q, Li M, Xiong Y, Shen Y, Ma T, Zhang T, Yang XR, Zhang Y, Bai J. EZH2 is a prognostic factor associated with tumor stemness and immune infiltration in skull base chordoma. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101133. [PMID: 38882008 PMCID: PMC11176624 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.101133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Mingxuan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Yujia Xiong
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Yutao Shen
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Tianshun Ma
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Tianhao Zhang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Xiaohong R Yang
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yazhuo Zhang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Jiwei Bai
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
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2
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Koka H, Zhou W, McMaster ML, Bai J, Luo W, Klein A, Zhang T, Hua X, Li X, Wang D, Xiong Y, Jones K, Vogt A, Hicks B, Parry D, Goldstein AM, Yang XR. Genomic profiles and clinical presentation of chordoma. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:129. [PMID: 39135136 PMCID: PMC11318126 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01833-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Chordoma is a rare bone cancer with variable clinical outcomes. Here, we recruited 184 sporadic chordoma patients from the US and Canada and collected their clinical and treatment data. The average age at diagnosis was 45.5 years (Range 5-78) and the chordoma site distribution was 49.2% clivus, 26.2% spinal, and 24.0% sacral. Most patients (97.5%) received surgery as the primary treatment, among whom 85.3% also received additional treatment. Except for the most prevalent cancers like prostate, lung, breast, and skin cancer, there was no discernible enrichment for any specific cancer type among patients or their family members. Among a subset of patients (N = 70) with tumor materials, we conducted omics analyses and obtained targeted panel sequencing and SNP array genotyping data for 51 and 49 patients, respectively. The most recurrent somatic driver mutations included PIK3CA (12%), followed by chromatin remodeling genes PBRM1 and SETD2. Amplification of the 6q27 region, containing the chordoma susceptibility gene TBXT, was detected in eight patients (16.3%). Clival patients appeared to be less likely to carry driver gene mutations, chromosome arm level deletion events (e.g., 5p, 5p, and 9p), or 6q27 amplification compared to sacral patients. After adjusting for age, sex, tumor site, and additional treatment, patients with somatic deletions of 14q (OR = 13.73, 95% CI 1.96-96.02, P = 0.008) and 18p (OR = 13.68, 95% CI 1.77-105.89, P = 0.012) were more likely to have persistent chordoma. The study highlights genomic heterogeneity in chordoma, potentially linked to location and clinical progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hela Koka
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Weiyin Zhou
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Mary L McMaster
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jiwei Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Luo
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Alyssa Klein
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tongwu Zhang
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xing Hua
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Difei Wang
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Yujia Xiong
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kristine Jones
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Aurelie Vogt
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Belynda Hicks
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Dilys Parry
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alisa M Goldstein
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xiaohong R Yang
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Alexander AY, Dhawan S, Venteicher AS. Role of immunotherapy in treatment refractory chordomas: review of current evidence. Front Surg 2024; 11:1375567. [PMID: 38881706 PMCID: PMC11177759 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2024.1375567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chordomas are aggressive tumors that are thought to arise from remnants of the embryological notochord. They can arise along the ventromedial aspect of the sacrum, mobile spine, and clivus-with most cases occurring in the sacrum or skull base. Despite surgery and radiation, chordomas often progress and become refractory to further treatment. The high recurrence rate of chordomas has created an urgent need to develop new systemic treatment options. Recent case reports and clinical trials have highlighted the use of immunotherapy for refractory chordomas. In this review, we summarize the results of these studies and discuss the potential role of immunotherapy for chordomas. Methods The PUBMED database was queried for studies mentioning both "Chordoma" and "Immunotherapy." All case series and case reports that involved administration of an immunotherapy for chordoma were included. Additional studies that were found during literature review were added. ClinicalTrials.Gov was queried for studies mentioning both "Chordoma" and "Immunotherapy." The final cohort consisted of all clinical trials that utilized immunotherapy for chordomas of any location. Results Eight case reports and series detailing the use of immunotherapy for treatment refractory chordoma were identified. Most patients received immunotherapy targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, and two patients received therapy targeting this interaction along with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor pazopanib. One patient received a vaccine derived from autologous tumor cells, and one patient received a viral vector that downregulated the effect of TGF-beta. One clinical trial utilized a brachyury vaccine in conjunction with standard of care radiotherapy. Conclusions Immunotherapy for chordoma is a promising area of investigation with increasing, but small, numbers of case series and clinical trials. Despite challenges in patient accrual, future directions in chordoma immunotherapy may lie in vaccine-based therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Understanding chordoma heterogeneity and microenvironment will likely elucidate important chordoma features that will inform future clinical trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Yohan Alexander
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Sanjay Dhawan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Andrew S Venteicher
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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4
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Bette S, Haase L, Nell J, Grieser T, von Baer A, Schultheiss M, Marienfeld R, Möller P, Barth TFE, Mellert K. Impact of CDK Inhibitors on TBXT Expression in Chordoma Cell Lines Including the First Stable Cell Line of a High-Grade Chordoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1028. [PMID: 38786326 PMCID: PMC11120607 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14101028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chordomas are very rare malignant neoplasms of the bone occurring almost exclusively along the spine. As the tumours are thought to arise from notochordal remnants, the vast majority of chordomas express the TBXT gene, resulting in detectable nuclear amounts of its gene product brachyury. This T-Box transcription factor is commonly recognised as being essential in chordoma cells, and limiting TBXT expression is thought to be the key factor in controlling this tumour. Although the tumour is rare, distinct molecular differences and vulnerabilities have been described with regard to its location and the progression status of the disease, rendering it mandatory for novel cell lines to reflect all relevant chordoma subtypes. Here, we describe a novel chordoma cell line arising from the pleural effusion of a disseminated, poorly differentiated chordoma. This cell line, U-CH22, represents a highly aggressive terminal chordoma and, therefore, fills a relevant gap within the panel of available cell culture models for this orphan disease. CDK7 and CDK9 inhibition was lately identified as being effective in reducing viability in four chordoma cell lines, most likely due to a reduction in brachyury levels. In this study, we determined the capability of the CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 and the CDK1/2/5/9 inhibitor dinaciclib to reduce TBXT expression at mRNA and protein levels in a broad range of nine cell lines that are models of primary, recurrent, and metastasised chordoma of the clivus and the sacrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bette
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Luisa Haase
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Juliane Nell
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Grieser
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra von Baer
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Schultheiss
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ralf Marienfeld
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Peter Möller
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Kevin Mellert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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5
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Li M, Xiong Y, Bai J, Zhang Y. Endoplasmic reticulum stress-related cancer-associated fibroblast confers adverse prognosis and therapeutic vulnerability in skull base chordoma. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:977-979. [PMID: 38339859 PMCID: PMC11066915 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mingxuan Li
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yujia Xiong
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiwei Bai
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yazhuo Zhang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Wani AK, Prakash A, Sena S, Akhtar N, Singh R, Chopra C, Ariyanti EE, Mudiana D, Yulia ND, Rahayu F. Unraveling molecular signatures in rare bone tumors and navigating the cancer pathway landscapes for targeted therapeutics. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 196:104291. [PMID: 38346462 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare cancers (RCs), which account for over 20% of cancer cases, face significant research and treatment challenges due to their limited prevalence. This results in suboptimal outcomes compared to more common malignancies. Rare bone tumors (RBTs) constitute 5-10% of rare cancer cases and pose unique diagnostic complexities. The therapeutic potential of anti-cancer drugs for RBTs remains largely unexplored. Identifying molecular alterations in cancer-related genes and their associated pathways is essential for precision medicine in RBTs. Small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies targeting specific RBT-associated proteins show promise. Ongoing clinical trials aim to define RBT biomarkers, subtypes, and optimal treatment contexts, including combination therapies and immunotherapeutic agents. This review addresses the challenges in diagnosing, treating, and studying RBTs, shedding light on the current state of RBT biomarkers, potential therapeutic targets, and promising inhibitors. Rare cancers demand attention and innovative solutions to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Khurshid Wani
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 144411, India.
| | - Ajit Prakash
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Saikat Sena
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 144411, India
| | - Nahid Akhtar
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 144411, India
| | - Reena Singh
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 144411, India
| | - Chirag Chopra
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 144411, India
| | - Esti Endah Ariyanti
- Research Center for Applied Botany, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor 16911, Indonesia
| | - Deden Mudiana
- Research Center for Ecology and Ethnobiology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor 16911, Indonesia
| | - Nina Dwi Yulia
- Research Center for Applied Botany, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor 16911, Indonesia
| | - Farida Rahayu
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor 16911, Indonesia
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7
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Hoch CC, Knoedler L, Knoedler S, Bashiri Dezfouli A, Schmidl B, Trill A, Douglas JE, Adappa ND, Stögbauer F, Wollenberg B. Integrated Molecular and Histological Insights for Targeted Therapies in Mesenchymal Sinonasal Tract Tumors. Curr Oncol Rep 2024; 26:272-291. [PMID: 38376625 PMCID: PMC10920452 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-024-01506-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of mesenchymal sinonasal tract tumors (STTs), a distinct subset of STTs. Despite their rarity, mesenchymal STTs represent a unique clinical challenge, characterized by their rarity, often slow progression, and frequently subtle or overlooked symptoms. The complex anatomy of the sinonasal area, which includes critical structures such as the orbit, brain, and cranial nerves, further complicates surgical treatment options. This underscores an urgent need for more advanced and specialized therapeutic approaches. RECENT FINDINGS Advancements in molecular diagnostics, particularly in next-generation sequencing, have significantly enhanced our understanding of STTs. Consequently, the World Health Organization has updated its tumor classification to better reflect the distinct histological and molecular profiles of these tumors, as well as to categorize mesenchymal STTs with greater accuracy. The growing understanding of the molecular characteristics of mesenchymal STTs opens new possibilities for targeted therapeutic interventions, marking a significant shift in treatment paradigms. This review article concentrates on mesenchymal STTs, specifically addressing sinonasal tract angiofibroma, sinonasal glomangiopericytoma, biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma, and skull base chordoma. These entities are marked by unique histopathological and molecular features, which challenge conventional treatment approaches and simultaneously open avenues for novel targeted therapies. Our discussion is geared towards delineating the molecular underpinnings of mesenchymal STTs, with the objective of enhancing therapeutic strategies and addressing the existing shortcomings in the management of these intricate tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosima C Hoch
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Leonard Knoedler
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samuel Knoedler
- Institute of Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ali Bashiri Dezfouli
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technical University of Munich (TranslaTUM), Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Schmidl
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Anskar Trill
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technical University of Munich (TranslaTUM), Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Jennifer E Douglas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nithin D Adappa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Fabian Stögbauer
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Wollenberg
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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8
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van Oost S, Meijer DM, Ijsselsteijn ME, Roelands JP, van den Akker BEMW, van der Breggen R, Briaire-de Bruijn IH, van der Ploeg M, Wijers-Koster PM, Polak SB, Peul WC, van der Wal RJP, de Miranda NFCC, Bovee JVMG. Multimodal profiling of chordoma immunity reveals distinct immune contextures. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008138. [PMID: 38272563 PMCID: PMC10824073 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chordomas are rare cancers from the axial skeleton which present a challenging clinical management with limited treatment options due to their anatomical location. In recent years, a few clinical trials demonstrated that chordomas can respond to immunotherapy. However, an in-depth portrayal of chordoma immunity and its association with clinical parameters is still lacking. METHODS We present a comprehensive characterization of immunological features of 76 chordomas through application of a multimodal approach. Transcriptomic profiling of 20 chordomas was performed to inform on the activity of immune-related genes through the immunologic constant of rejection (ICR) signature. Multidimensional immunophenotyping through imaging mass cytometry was applied to provide insights in the different immune contextures of 32 chordomas. T cell infiltration was further evaluated in all 76 patients by means of multispectral immunofluorescence and then associated with clinical parameters through univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models as well as Kaplan-Meier estimates. Moreover, distinct expression patterns of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I were assessed by immunohistochemical staining in all 76 patients. Finally, clonal enrichment of the T cell receptor (TCR) was sought through profiling of the variable region of TCRB locus of 24 patients. RESULTS Chordomas generally presented an immune "hot" microenvironment in comparison to other sarcomas, as indicated by the ICR transcriptional signature. We identified two distinct groups of chordomas based on T cell infiltration which were independent from clinical parameters. The highly infiltrated group was further characterized by high dendritic cell infiltration and the presence of multicellular immune aggregates in tumors, whereas low T cell infiltration was associated with lower overall cell densities of immune and stromal cells. Interestingly, patients with higher T cell infiltration displayed a more pronounced clonal enrichment of the TCR repertoire compared with those with low T cell counts. Furthermore, we observed that the majority of chordomas maintained HLA class I expression. CONCLUSION Our findings shed light on the natural immunity against chordomas through the identification of distinct immune contextures. Understanding their immune landscape could guide the development and application of immunotherapies in a tailored manner, ultimately leading to an improved clinical outcome for patients with chordoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddh van Oost
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden Center for Computational Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Debora M Meijer
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden Center for Computational Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Jessica P Roelands
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Manon van der Ploeg
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Samuel B Polak
- University Neurosurgical Center Holland, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
| | - Wilco C Peul
- University Neurosurgical Center Holland, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
| | - Robert J P van der Wal
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Noel F C C de Miranda
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden Center for Computational Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Judith V M G Bovee
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden Center for Computational Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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9
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Baluszek S, Kober P, Rusetska N, Wągrodzki M, Mandat T, Kunicki J, Bujko M. DNA methylation, combined with RNA sequencing, provide novel insight into molecular classification of chordomas and their microenvironment. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:113. [PMID: 37434245 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01610-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chordomas are rare tumors of notochord remnants, occurring mainly in the sacrum and skull base. Despite of their unusually slow growth, chordomas are highly invasive and the involvement of adjacent critical structures causes treatment challenges. Due to the low incidence, the molecular pathogenesis of this entity remains largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate DNA methylation abnormalities and their impact on gene expression profiles in skull base chordomas. 32 tumor and 4 normal nucleus pulposus samples were subjected to DNA methylation and gene expression profiling with methylation microarrays and RNA sequencing. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis revealed two distinct clusters for chordoma (termed subtypes C and I) with different patterns of aberrant DNA methylation. C Chordomas were characterized by general hypomethylation with hypermethylation of CpG islands, while I chordomas were generally hypermethylated. These differences were reflected by distinct distribution of differentially methylated probes (DMPs). Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified, indicating aberrant methylation in known tumor-related genes in booth chordoma subtypes and regions encoding small RNAs in subtype C chordomas. Correlation between methylation and expression was observed in a minority of genes. Upregulation of TBXT in chordomas appeared to be related to lower methylation of tumor-specific DMR in gene promoter. Gene expression-based clusters of tumor samples did not overlap with DNA methylation-based subtypes. Nevertheless, they differ in transcriptomic profile that shows immune infiltration in I chordomas and up-regulation of cell cycle in C chordomas. Immune enrichment in chordomas I was confirmed with 3 independent deconvolution methods and immunohistochemistry. Copy number analysis showed higher chromosomal instability in C chordomas. Nine out of eight had deletion of CDKN2A/B loci and downregulation of genes encoded in related chromosomal band. No significant difference in patients' survival was observed between tumor subtypes, however, shorter survival was observed in patients with higher number of copy number alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon Baluszek
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Kober
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Rusetska
- Department of Experimental Immunotherapy, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Wągrodzki
- Department of Cancer Pathomorphology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Mandat
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Kunicki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Bujko
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland.
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10
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Bian Y, Hahn H, Uhmann A. The hidden hedgehog of the pituitary: hedgehog signaling in development, adulthood and disease of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1219018. [PMID: 37476499 PMCID: PMC10355329 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1219018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling plays pivotal roles in embryonic development, adult homeostasis and tumorigenesis. However, its engagement in the pituitary gland has been long underestimated although Hedgehog signaling and pituitary embryogenic development are closely linked. Thus, deregulation of this signaling pathway during pituitary development results in malformation of the gland. Research of the last years further implicates a regulatory role of Hedgehog signaling in the function of the adult pituitary, because its activity is also interlinked with homeostasis, hormone production, and most likely also formation of neoplasms of the gland. The fact that this pathway can be efficiently targeted by validated therapeutic strategies makes it a promising candidate for treating pituitary diseases. We here summarize the current knowledge about the importance of Hedgehog signaling during pituitary development and review recent data that highlight the impact of Hedgehog signaling in the healthy and the diseased adult pituitary gland.
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