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Gu Z, Du Y, Zhao X, Wang C. Tumor microenvironment and metabolic remodeling in gemcitabine-based chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 521:98-108. [PMID: 34461181 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a solid malignant tumor with a very low operative rate and a poor patient prognosis. Therefore, gemcitabine (GEM)-based chemotherapy remains one of the most important treatment choices for PDAC. However, the efficacy of GEM monotherapy or GEM combination chemotherapy in improving the survival of patients with advanced PDAC is very limited, primarily due to GEM resistance. The mechanism of GEM resistance is complex and unclear. An extensive and dense fibrous matrix in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is an important feature of PDAC. Increasing evidence indicates that this fibrotic TME not only actively participates in the growth and spread of PDAC but also contributes to the induction of GEM resistance. Metabolic remodeling reduces GEM transport and synthesis in PDAC. This review focuses on the main cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of the extracellular matrix (ECM), immune cells, and metabolic remodeling in the induction of GEM resistance; highlights the prospect of targeting the TME as an essential strategy to overcome GEM resistance; and provides new precise interventions for chemotherapy sensitization and improving the overall prognosis of patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongting Gu
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Yongxing Du
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Xueping Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Chengfeng Wang
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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Gu ZT, Li ZZ, Wang CF. Advances in research of extracellular mechanisms underlying gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2021; 29:421-434. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v29.i8.421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a solid malignant tumor with the worst prognosis worldwide, and about 90% of cases are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Although surgical resection is the only potential way to cure PDAC, the overall survival rate after surgery is still not optimistic. Consequently, gemcitabine (GEM)-based chemotherapy is still one of the most important treatment options for PDAC. However, the survival improvement by GEM monotherapy for advanced PDAC is very limited, and GEM resistance is the key reason. The mechanism underlying gemcitabine resistance is complex and still unclear in PDAC. The extensive and dense fibrous mesenchyme in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is an important feature of PDAC. More and more evidence has shown that TME is not only an active participant in tumor growth and spread, but also a contributor to the induction of GEM resistance. This article will review the recent advances in the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying GEM resistance in PDAC, and discuss potential GEM chemosensitization strategies, in order to improve the effective rate of chemotherapy and the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Ting Gu
- Cheng-Feng Wang, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology & Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zong-Ze Li
- Cheng-Feng Wang, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology & Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
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Garcia-Sampedro A, Gaggia G, Ney A, Mahamed I, Acedo P. The State-of-the-Art of Phase II/III Clinical Trials for Targeted Pancreatic Cancer Therapies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:566. [PMID: 33546207 PMCID: PMC7913382 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with very poor prognosis. Currently, surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy represents the only curative option which, unfortunately, is only available for a small group of patients. The majority of pancreatic cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced or metastatic stage when surgical resection is not possible and treatment options are limited. Thus, novel and more effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Molecular profiling together with targeted therapies against key hallmarks of pancreatic cancer appear as a promising approach that could overcome the limitations of conventional chemo- and radio-therapy. In this review, we focus on the latest personalised and multimodal targeted therapies currently undergoing phase II or III clinical trials. We discuss the most promising findings of agents targeting surface receptors, angiogenesis, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest, key signalling pathways, immunotherapies, and the tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pilar Acedo
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK; (A.G.-S.); (G.G.); (A.N.); (I.M.)
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Mejia I, Bodapati S, Chen KT, Díaz B. Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Invasiveness and the Tumor Microenvironment: From Biology to Clinical Trials. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E401. [PMID: 33050151 PMCID: PMC7601142 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) originates in the glandular compartment of the exocrine pancreas. Histologically, PDAC tumors are characterized by a parenchyma that is embedded in a particularly prominent stromal component or desmoplastic stroma. The unique characteristics of the desmoplastic stroma shape the microenvironment of PDAC and modulate the reciprocal interactions between cancer and stromal cells in ways that have profound effects in the pathophysiology and treatment of this disease. Here, we review some of the most recent findings regarding the regulation of PDAC cell invasion by the unique microenvironment of this tumor, and how new knowledge is being translated into novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Mejia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Hematology Oncology, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
| | - Sandhya Bodapati
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
| | - Kathryn T. Chen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
| | - Begoña Díaz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Hematology Oncology, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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De Jaeghere EA, Denys HG, De Wever O. Fibroblasts Fuel Immune Escape in the Tumor Microenvironment. Trends Cancer 2019; 5:704-723. [PMID: 31735289 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2019.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Immune escape is central to the persistence of most, if not all, solid tumors and poses a critical obstacle to successful cancer (immuno)therapy. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) constitute the most prevalent, yet heterogeneous, component of the tumor stroma, where they 'cool down' the immune microenvironment. The central role played by CAFs, both as a physical barrier and source of immunosuppressive molecules, sets them as a target to enhance immunotherapy of cancer. We outline the current understanding of how CAFs fuel immune escape, as well as their potential clinical applications. Whether these therapeutics really have clinically significant activity remains to be seen, but the outlook is positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiel A De Jaeghere
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Gynecologic Pelvic Oncology Network Ghent (GYPON), Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hannelore G Denys
- Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Gynecologic Pelvic Oncology Network Ghent (GYPON), Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Gynecologic Pelvic Oncology Network Ghent (GYPON), Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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Babiker HM, Karass M, Recio-Boiles A, Chandana SR, McBride A, Mahadevan D. Everolimus for the treatment of advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 28:583-592. [PMID: 31215251 PMCID: PMC6681663 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1632289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: PDAC is a lethal malignancy with a clear unmet need; almost all patients fail 1st, 2nd, and 3rd line multi-agent cytotoxic chemotherapy. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been identified as a key signaling node enhancing tumor survival and drug resistance in PDAC; hence, it is considered a promising therapeutic target. Areas covered: We comprehensively reviewed the evidence from preclinical and phase I and II clinical trials, based on the authors'clinical experience and a PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase, and Google Scholar search everolimus + pancreatic cancer. Expert opinion: Everolimus has not demonstrated efficacy in PDAC; however, an mTOR inhibitor in combination with stroma-targeted therapies may be a promising area to explore in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani M Babiker
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Early Phase Clinical Trials Program, 1515 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Michael Karass
- Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Alejandro Recio-Boiles
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Early Phase Clinical Trials Program, 1515 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Sreenivasa R Chandana
- Phase I Program, START Midwest, 5800 Foremost Drive, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA
| | - Ali McBride
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, 1295 N Martin Ave, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Daruka Mahadevan
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Early Phase Clinical Trials Program, 1515 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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Diab M, Azmi A, Mohammad R, Philip PA. Pharmacotherapeutic strategies for treating pancreatic cancer: advances and challenges. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2018; 20:535-546. [PMID: 30592647 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1561869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite many efforts to improve the outcome of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), its prognosis remains poor, which is mostly related to late diagnosis and drug resistance. Improving systemic therapy is considered the major challenge in improving the outcome of this disease. AREAS COVERED This review covers novel chemotherapy and targeted agents in the treatment of PDAC, with a focus on advanced stage disease. EXPERT OPINION Current frontline therapies used in the treatment of patients with PDAC with favorable performance status are gemcitabine (GEM) and nab-paclitaxel or 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX). PDAC has a number of genetic mutations that may explain its biological behavior, such as KRAS, p53 and CDK2NA, which occur in more than 90% of cases. Unfortunately, to this day, a specific targeting agent to any of those frequent gene mutations is lacking. Emerging areas of targeted therapies include the DNA repair, stroma, metabolism, and stem cells. Immunotherapy with either vaccines or immune checkpoint inhibitors has not produced any significant improvements in outcome of PDAC. Incorporating different approaches in therapy, including conventional, immunological, and others, is key in offering patients with the best possible care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Diab
- a Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer institute , Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA
| | - Asfar Azmi
- a Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer institute , Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA
| | - Ramzi Mohammad
- a Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer institute , Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA
| | - Philip A Philip
- a Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer institute , Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA.,b Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine , Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA
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