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Nussinov R, Yavuz BR, Jang H. Anticancer drugs: How to select small molecule combinations? Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024:S0165-6147(24)00092-0. [PMID: 38782689 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Small molecules are at the forefront of anticancer therapies. Successive treatments with single molecules incur drug resistance, calling for combination. Here, we explore the tough choices oncologists face - not just which drugs to use but also the best treatment plans, based on factors such as target proteins, pathways, and gene expression. We consider the reality of cancer's disruption of normal cellular processes, highlighting why it's crucial to understand the ins and outs of current treatment methods. The discussion on using combination drug therapies to target multiple pathways sheds light on a promising approach while also acknowledging the hurdles that come with it, such as dealing with pathway crosstalk. We review options and provide examples and the mechanistic basis, altogether providing the first comprehensive guide to combinatorial therapy selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Bengi Ruken Yavuz
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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2
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Fichtner A, Marx A, Ströbel P, Bremmer F. Primary germ cell tumours of the mediastinum: A review with emphasis on diagnostic challenges. Histopathology 2024; 84:216-237. [PMID: 37994540 DOI: 10.1111/his.15090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
This article will review current aspects of the histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular analysis of primary mediastinal germ cell tumours (PMGCTs) as well as their aetiological, epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features. PMGCTs represent an important differential diagnosis in the spectrum of mediastinal tumours, and their diagnosis is usually made on small tissue samples from core needle biopsies in combination with diagnostic imaging and serum tumour markers. As in lymphomas, a small biopsy is often the only viable tumour sample available from these patients, as they receive chemotherapy prior to eventual surgical resection. Pathologists therefore need to apply an efficient combination of immunohistochemical markers to confirm the diagnosis of a PMGCT and to exclude morphological mimics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Fichtner
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Felix Bremmer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Liu J, Fang L, Qi S, Song Y, Han L. Occult extracranial malignancy after complete remission of pineal mixed germ cell tumors: a rare case report and literature review. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:447. [PMID: 37679697 PMCID: PMC10483866 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04213-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracranial metastasis can occur in intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs), but it is very rare. Recurrence or metastasis of non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs) is often accompanied by elevated tumor markers. Occult extracranial metastases or recurrences with negative markers are often difficult to detect in time, resulting in a very poor prognosis. CASE PRESENTATION A 12-year-old boy was admitted to our institution with dizziness, headache, vomiting, and sleepiness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a pineal mass, accompanied by a significant increase in serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). The patient subsequently underwent total removal of the tumor. Pathology revealed that the tumor was a mixed GCT, consisting of mature teratoma, germinoma, and yolk sac tumor. Intracranial GCT achieved complete remission after intensive adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Regular follow-up MRI revealed no recurrence of the intracranial tumor and continued monitoring of tumor markers revealed no abnormalities. Eight months later, the patient was readmitted due to progressive abdominal pain. Imaging and physical examination revealed abdominal occupation and lymphatic mass in the neck. He received salvage chemotherapy, anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, and palliative chemotherapy, but still developed multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS) due to tumor progression and eventually died after one month. CONCLUSIONS This profound case suggests that intracranial NGGCTs may develop occult extracranial malignancy, which can be very severe at the time of clinical symptoms and has an extremely poor prognosis. Therefore, in addition to tumor marker monitoring, regular follow-up with extracranial imaging may be warranted to detect extracranial tumors as early as possible, although perhaps not as frequently as with neuroimaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Luxiong Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Brain Disease, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Songtao Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Brain Disease, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Ye Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Brain Disease, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Lei Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Brain Disease, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
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Testicular germ cell tumors: Genomic alternations and RAS-dependent signaling. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 183:103928. [PMID: 36717007 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are a common malignancy occurring in young adult men. The various genetic risk factors have been suggested to contribute to TGCT pathogenesis, however, they have a distinct mutational profile with a low rate of somatic point mutations, more frequent chromosomal gains, and aneuploidy. The most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancers are RAS oncogenes, while their impact on testicular carcinogenesis and refractory disease is still poorly understood. In this mini-review, we summarize current knowledge on genetic alternations of RAS signaling-associated genes (the single nucleotide polymorphisms and point mutations) in this particular cancer type and highlight their link to chemotherapy resistance mechanisms. We also mention the impact of epigenetic changes on TGCT progression. Lastly, we propose a model for RAS-dependent signaling networks, regulation, cross-talks, and outcomes in TGCTs.
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Ozgun G, Nappi L. Primary Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumors: A Thorough Literature Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020487. [PMID: 36831022 PMCID: PMC9953372 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020487] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary mediastinal germ cell tumors (PMGCTs) are a rare type of cancer affecting young adults. They have different molecular and clinical features compared to testicular germ cell tumors. Non-seminoma PMGCTs have the shortest 5-year overall survival and the poorest prognosis among all of the germ cell tumor presentations, while seminomas share the same survival and prognosis as their testicular counterparts. There is an unmet need for better treatment options for patients with non-seminoma PMGCTs in both first-line and salvage therapy, as the available options are associated with underwhelming outcomes. Identifying biological and genetic factors to predict treatment responses would be helpful in improving the survival of these patients.
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Xiu W, Pang J, Hu Y, Shi H. Immune-related mechanisms and immunotherapy in extragonadal germ cell tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1145788. [PMID: 37138865 PMCID: PMC10149945 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1145788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose of review Extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCTs) are relatively rare tumors, accounting for 1%-5% of all GCTs. In this review, we summarize the current research progress regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of EGCTs from an immunology perspective. Recent findings The histological origin of EGCTs is related to a gonadal origin, but they are located outside the gonad. They show great variation in morphology and can occur in the cranium, mediastinum, sacrococcygeal bone, and other areas. The pathogenesis of EGCTs is poorly understood, and their differential diagnosis is extensive and challenging. EGCT behavior varies greatly according to patient age, histological subtype, and clinical stage. Summary This review provides ideas for the future application of immunology in the fight against such diseases, which is a hot topic currently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weigang Xiu
- 1Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiyun Pang
- 1Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Hu, ; Huashan Shi,
| | - Huashan Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Hu, ; Huashan Shi,
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Ozgun G, Nichols C, Kollmannsberger C, Nappi L. Genomic features of mediastinal germ cell tumors: a narrative review. MEDIASTINUM (HONG KONG, CHINA) 2022; 6:34. [PMID: 36582975 PMCID: PMC9792832 DOI: 10.21037/med-22-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are uncommon malignancies generally originating from gonads. However, about 5% of GCTs arise outside the gonad (extragonadal), of which 80% develop from the mediastinum. While the prognosis of seminomas is not affected by the gonadal or extragonadal primary location, the prognosis of nonseminoma primary mediastinal GCTs (NS-PMGCTs) is poor, compared to its gonadal counterpart with an estimated 5-year overall survival of about 50%. The current treatments are sub-optimal to increase the cure rate of these rare GCTs. Therefore, molecular insights into these tumors would be valuable to develop novel therapies. The main objective of this review is to describe and dissect the genomic features associated with primary mediastinal GCTs (PMGCTs), highlighting the more frequent genomic alterations and their correlation with clinical outcomes. METHODS We conducted a narrative review of the English literature available in PubMed and Google Scholar between 1982 and 2021, including meta-analyses, systematic reviews, case series and case reports regarding the genomic and clinical features of PMGCTs. We analyzed the available data to describe the molecular characteristics of PMGCTs compared to testicular GCTs (TGCTs), highlighting the most relevant biological and prognostic factors. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS The high percentage of platinum resistance, the unique association with hematologic malignancies (HMs) and other malignancies, the higher prevalence of P53 mutations, and a distinct genomic landscape characterize this rare disease. CONCLUSIONS Although some studies have unveiled recurrent molecular alterations in PMGCTs, few are particularly suitable for targeted therapy. Due to the rarity of PMGCTs, data sharing and the creation of an international consortium would be helpful to have a better understanding of the molecular drivers of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guliz Ozgun
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | - Lucia Nappi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, British Columbia, Canada
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Wang H, Chen Y, Lin H, Ni W, Zhang Q, Lan J, Jin L. Acute Mast Cell Leukemia Preceded by Malignant Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumor: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:1783-1794. [PMID: 35637940 PMCID: PMC9148177 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s363508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Case Presentation Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Huafang Wang
- Cancer Center, Department of Hematology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huijun Lin
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wanmao Ni
- Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiaolei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianping Lan
- Cancer Center, Department of Hematology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lai Jin
- Cancer Center, Department of Hematology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Lai Jin; Jianping Lan, Cancer Center, Department of Hematology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), No. 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-571-85893497, Email ;
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Fang H, Toruner GA, Tang Z, Tang G, Weissferdt A, Tashakori M, El Hussein S, Thakral B, Quesada AE, Wang W, Patel KP, Garcia-Manero G, Medeiros LJ, Bueso-Ramos CE, Jelloul FZ. Primary mediastinal germ cell tumor and clonally related and unique hematologic neoplasms with i(12p) and TP53 mutation: A report of two cases. Ann Diagn Pathol 2022; 59:151951. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2022.151951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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10
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Pini GM, Colecchia M. Mediastinal germ cell tumors: a narrative review of their traits and aggressiveness features. MEDIASTINUM (HONG KONG, CHINA) 2022; 6:5. [PMID: 35340833 PMCID: PMC8841550 DOI: 10.21037/med-21-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mediastinal extragonadal germ-cell tumors (MEGCTs) are rare neoplasms with a multifaceted clinical behavior. This paper is devoted to review their main characteristics, including histological patterns and different factors of aggressiveness in MEGCTs. Proper understanding of the latter can help to better stratify patients' prognoses and improve clinical management. BACKGROUND Different theories exist on the origin of MEGCTs, including primordial germ cells deposition during embryogenesis. MEGCTs predominantly affects young males and aggressiveness follows the ability of local and systemic spread of each germ-cell neoplasia subtype, as well as their distinct responsiveness to therapy. Indeed, non-seminomatous MEGCTs have a worse prognosis. Unfortunately, they are also more frequent than seminomas in the mediastinum. Regardless of histological type, local aggressiveness can follow tumoral expansion with compression on or infiltration of mediastinal structures. Chemotherapy can be effective in reducing neoplastic volume, but different levels of sensitivity can be found in different MGCTs. In particular, a chemo-resistant teratoma component of a mixed MEGCTs can undergo a paradoxical enlargement after chemotherapy, while other components of the tumor regress. This is reflected by a concomitant normalization of serum tumoral markers and cardiopulmonary deterioration due to compression. Such clinical phenomenon, called growing-teratoma syndrome (GTS), requires a prompt surgical approach. METHODS A literature research of pertinent epidemiological, pathological and clinical articles was conducted. CONCLUSION The mediastinum can harbor different kinds of neoplasia, including GCTs. The full spectrum of MEGCTs includes a variety of tumors with different clinical behaviors. Aggressiveness follows the inherent ability of local and systemic spread of each neoplastic type, as well as their distinct responsiveness to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo M. Pini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Pathology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Maurizio Colecchia
- Department of Pathology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Primary Mediastinal and Testicular Germ Cell Tumors in Adolescents and Adults: A Comparison of Genomic Alterations and Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205223. [PMID: 34680371 PMCID: PMC8533956 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The germ cell tumors (GCTs) family is a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that includes tumors affecting testis (TGCTs) and rarer cases occurring in extragonadal sites. Mediastinal germ cell tumors (MGCTs) are more aggressive and have poorer prognosis. Due to their rarity of MGCTs, few molecular and clinical studies are reported. MGCTs share biological similarities with TGCT, and international guidelines recommend use of the same therapies validated for TGCT. However, while high response rate is achieved in TGCT, MGCT tend to be resistant to therapy. This review resumes all molecular findings reported in MGCTs, summarizing molecular characteristics common with TGCT and highlighting the different molecular alterations that characterize mediastinal tumors. A deeper understanding of the MGCT biology will help in clinical management of these patients. Abstract Mediastinal germ cell tumors (MGCTs) share histologic, molecular and biomarkers features with testicular GCTs; however, nonseminomatous MGCTs are usually more aggressive and have poorer prognosis than nonseminomatous TGCTs. Most nonseminomatous MGCT cases show early resistance to platinum-based therapies and seldom have been associated with the onset of one or more concomitant somatic malignancies, in particular myeloid neoplasms with recent findings supporting a common, shared genetic precursor with the primary MGCT. Genomic, transcriptomic and epigenetic features of testicular GCTs have been extensively studied, allowing for the understanding of GCT development and transformation of seminomatous and nonseminomatous histologies. However, MGCTs are still lacking proper multi-omics analysis and only few data are reported in the literature. Understanding of the mechanism involved in the development, in the progression and in their higher resistance to common therapies is still poorly understood. With this review, we aim to collect all molecular findings reported in this rare disease, resuming the similarities and disparities with the gonadal counterparts.
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Ichikawa S, Fujiwara T, Saito K, Sakurai K, Inokura K, Fukuhara N, Yokoyama H, Onodera K, Onishi Y, Kameoka J, Harigae H. Salvage Cord Blood Transplantation for Sustained Remission of Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia That Relapsed Early after Myeloablative Transplantation. Intern Med 2021; 60:3015-3019. [PMID: 33814495 PMCID: PMC8502674 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.6796-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) is a rare subtype of acute myeloid leukemia accompanied by an aggressive clinical course and dismal prognosis. We herein report a case of AMKL preceded by mediastinal germ cell tumor that relapsed early after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with myeloablative conditioning but was successfully treated using salvage cord blood transplantation (CBT) with reduced-intensity conditioning. Although several serious complications developed, sustained remission with a favorable general condition was ultimately achieved. Although an optimal therapeutic strategy remains to be established, the graft-versus-leukemia effect of CBT may be promising, even for the treatment of refractory AMKL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tohru Fujiwara
- Department of Hematology, Tohoku University Hospital, Japan
| | - Kei Saito
- Department of Hematology, Tohoku University Hospital, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sakurai
- Department of Hematology, Tohoku University Hospital, Japan
| | - Kyoko Inokura
- Department of Hematology, Tohoku University Hospital, Japan
| | | | | | - Koichi Onodera
- Department of Hematology, Tohoku University Hospital, Japan
| | - Yasushi Onishi
- Department of Hematology, Tohoku University Hospital, Japan
| | - Junichi Kameoka
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital, Japan
| | - Hideo Harigae
- Department of Hematology, Tohoku University Hospital, Japan
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To Be or Not to Be a Germ Cell: The Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumor Paradigm. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115982. [PMID: 34205983 PMCID: PMC8199495 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the human embryo, the genetic program that orchestrates germ cell specification involves the activation of epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms that make the germline a unique cell population continuously poised between germness and pluripotency. Germ cell tumors, neoplasias originating from fetal or neonatal germ cells, maintain such dichotomy and can adopt either pluripotent features (embryonal carcinomas) or germness features (seminomas) with a wide range of phenotypes in between these histotypes. Here, we review the basic concepts of cell specification, migration and gonadal colonization of human primordial germ cells (hPGCs) highlighting the analogies of transcriptional/epigenetic programs between these two cell types.
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Tang KHK, Ip AHW, Kwong YL. Clonal derivation of sequential seminoma and acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia. Ann Hematol 2021; 100:1337-1339. [PMID: 33760949 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-021-04443-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen H K Tang
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alvin H W Ip
- Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yok-Lam Kwong
- Department of Medicine, Professorial Block, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China.
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Amra N, Zarate LV, Punia JN, Mahajan P, Stevens AM, Roy A, Curry CV, Cortes-Santiago N, Fisher KE. Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumor and Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia With Co-occurring KRAS Mutation and Complex Cytogenetics. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2020; 23:461-466. [PMID: 32815783 DOI: 10.1177/1093526620951327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Young males have a unique but rare predilection to develop mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs) and concomitant acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL). Common cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities such as isochromosome 12p and somatic Tumor Protein P53(TP53) and Phosphatase And Tensin Homolog (PTEN) mutations have been reported in the presumed mutual neoplastic clones of origin. We report the case of a 17-year-old male who presented with a mediastinal NSGCT with high-grade sarcomatous transformation and a diagnosis of AMKL approximately 4 months later. Next-generation sequencing revealed identical KRAS Proto-Oncogene, GTPase (KRAS) p.Ala146Thr, TP53 p.Leu257Pro, and PTEN p.Leu181Pro missense mutations at similar variant allele frequencies in both the NSGCT and AMKL samples. Cytogenetic and microarray analyses detected shared copy gains in all chromosomes except chromosomes 9, 13, and Y. Multiple additional clonal chromosomal alterations were detected in the AMKL sample when compared with the NSGCT. This case emphasizes the shared clonal origins of these malignancies and identifies KRAS and other copy number alterations as potential molecular drivers in a subset of these combined diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Amra
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Jyotinder N Punia
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Priya Mahajan
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Alexandra M Stevens
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Angshumoy Roy
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Choladda V Curry
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Kevin E Fisher
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Lee S, Chornenkyy Y, Swete MT, Kim SS, Bharat A, Yang XJ, Yeldandi A. Malignant melanoma arising in a primary mediastinal germ cell tumor. Pathol Res Pract 2020; 216:153210. [PMID: 32950894 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.153210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Primary mediastinal germ cell tumors with somatic malignancies are rare. We report a case of a 34-year old man with melanoma arising in a primary mediastinal mixed germ cell tumor. On initial biopsy, the patient was found to have a germ cell tumor containing yolk sac and embryonal components only. After chemotherapy, histopathological evaluation of the residual tumor in the wide local resection specimen revealed a mature teratoma with melanoma. Molecular studies demonstrated that the residual germ cell tumor harbored KIT and NRAS mutations associated with malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry Lee
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Yevgen Chornenkyy
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Michael T Swete
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Samuel S Kim
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N St Clair St, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ankit Bharat
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N St Clair St, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ximing J Yang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Anjana Yeldandi
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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17
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Cui L, Xu L, Wang G, Wen J, Luo L, Zhao H, Chen S, Zheng M, Sun C, Jin X, Yang L. STAT3-PTTG11 abrogation inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in malignant glioma cells. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:6. [PMID: 32774480 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (PTTG11) is abundantly expressed in glioma. Our previous study demonstrated that the downregulation of PTTG11 gene expression significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion ability, and increased the apoptosis of SHG44 glioma cells. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate PTTG11 and its actions remain elusive. In the present study, CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays were used to assess the proliferation/viability and apoptosis, respectively, of the human glioma U251 cell line. STAT3-PTTG1 signals were further evaluated by western blotting. The findings of the present study revealed that STAT3 induced PTTG11 expression, which subsequently induced downstream c-Myc and Bcl-2 expression while inhibiting Bax expression, thereby promoting cell viability and inhibiting apoptosis. PTTG11 suppression via siRNA inhibited the viability and increased the apoptosis of glioma cells induced by the STAT3 activator S3I-201. c-Myc and Bcl-2 expression was suppressed by PTTG11 inhibition. The findings of the present study suggest that the STAT3-PTTG11 signaling pathway may play an important role in glioma progression by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishan Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiang'an Branch, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Xiamen Fifth Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, P.R. China
| | - Lanxi Xu
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Chiral Drugs, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China
| | - Guanling Wang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Chiral Drugs, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wen
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Chiral Drugs, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China
| | - Lili Luo
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Chiral Drugs, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiang'an Branch, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, P.R. China
| | - Shuide Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiang'an Branch, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, P.R. China
| | - Mingcheng Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiang'an Branch, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, P.R. China
| | - Cuiling Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China
| | - Xin Jin
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Chiral Drugs, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China
| | - Lichao Yang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Chiral Drugs, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China
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