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Zhang W, Ou M, Yang P, Ning M. The role of extracellular vesicle immune checkpoints in cancer. Clin Exp Immunol 2024; 216:230-239. [PMID: 38518192 PMCID: PMC11097917 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxae026] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints (ICPs) play a crucial role in regulating the immune response. In the tumor, malignant cells can hijack the immunosuppressive effects of inhibitory ICPs to promote tumor progression. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are produced by a variety of cells and contain bioactive molecules on their surface or within their lumen. The expression of ICPs has also been detected in EVs. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that extracellular vesicle immune checkpoints (EV ICPs) have immunomodulatory effects and are involved in tumor immunity. EV ICPs isolated from the peripheral blood of cancer patients are closely associated with the tumor progression and the prognosis of cancer patients. Blocking inhibitory ICPs has been recognized as an effective strategy in cancer treatment. However, the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer treatment is hindered by the emergence of therapeutic resistance, which limits their widespread use. Researchers have demonstrated that EV ICPs are correlated with clinical response to ICIs therapy and were involved in therapeutic resistance. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the immunomodulatory effects, underlying mechanisms, and clinical significance of EV ICPs in cancer. This review aims to comprehensively explore these aspects. We have provided a comprehensive description of the cellular origins, immunomodulatory effects, and clinical significance of EV ICPs in cancer, based on relevant studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingrong Ou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingzhe Ning
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Jin X, Yin Z, Li X, Guo H, Wang B, Zhang S, Li Y. TIM3 activates the ERK1/2 pathway to promote invasion and migration of thyroid tumors. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297695. [PMID: 38568917 PMCID: PMC10990238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to study the possible action mechanism of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM3) on the migratory and invasive abilities of thyroid carcinoma (TC) cells. METHODS GSE104005 and GSE138198 datasets were downloaded from the GEO database for identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed on the common DEGs in GSE104005 and GSE138198 datasets. Subsequently, in order to understand the effect of a common DEG (TIM3) on TC cells, we performed in vitro experiments using FRO cells. The migratory and invasive abilities of FRO cells were detected by wound scratch assay and Transwell assay. Proteins expression levels of the phosphorylated (p)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 were determined via Western blotting after ERK1/2 inhibition in TIM3-NC group and TIM3-mimic group. RESULTS 316 common DEGs were identified in GSE104005 and GSE138198 datasets. These DEGs were involved in the biological process of ERK1 and ERK2 cascade. TIM3 was significantly up-regulated in TC. In vitro cell experiments showed that TIM3 could promote migration and invasion of TC cells. Moreover, TIM3 may affect the migration, invasive abilities of TC cells by activating the ERK1/2 pathway. CONCLUSION The above results indicate that TIM3 may affect the migratory and invasive of TC cells by activating the ERK1/2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Jin
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhibo Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hao Guo
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yong Li
- The Third Department of External Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Zou H, Liu C, Ruan Y, Fang L, Wu T, Han S, Dang T, Meng H, Zhang Y. Colorectal medullary carcinoma: a pathological subtype with intense immune response and potential to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38459764 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2328746] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Different pathological types of colorectal cancer have distinguished immune landscape, and the efficacy of immunotherapy will be completely different. Colorectal medullary carcinoma, accounting for 2.2-3.2%, is characterized by massive lymphocyte infiltration. However, the attention to the immune characteristics of colorectal medullary carcinoma is insufficient. AREA COVERED We searched the literature about colorectal medullary carcinoma on PubMed through November 2023to investigate the hallmarks of colorectal medullary carcinoma's immune landscape, compare medullary carcinoma originating from different organs and provide theoretical evidence for precise treatment, including applying immunotherapy and BRAF inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION Colorectal medullary carcinoma is a pathological subtype with intense immune response, with six immune characteristics and has the potential to benefit from immunotherapy. Mismatch repair deficiency, ARID1A missing and BRAF V600E mutation often occurs. IFN-γ pathway is activated and PD-L1 expression is increased. Abundant lymphocyte infiltration performs tumor killing function. In addition, BRAF mutation plays an important role in the occurrence and development, and we can consider the combination of BRAF inhibitors and immunotherapy in patients with BRAF mutant. The exploration of colorectal medullary carcinoma will arouse researchers' attention to the correlation between pathological subtypes and immune response, and promote the process of precise immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyi Zou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yuli Ruan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Fang
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University in Shandong, Qingdao, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Shuling Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Tianjiao Dang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Hongxue Meng
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yanqiao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
- Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer in Heilongjiang, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
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Akinsipe T, Mohamedelhassan R, Akinpelu A, Pondugula SR, Mistriotis P, Avila LA, Suryawanshi A. Cellular interactions in tumor microenvironment during breast cancer progression: new frontiers and implications for novel therapeutics. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302587. [PMID: 38533507 PMCID: PMC10963559 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) is dynamic, with various immune and non-immune cells interacting to regulate tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity. It is now evident that the cells within the TME significantly contribute to breast cancer progression and resistance to various conventional and newly developed anti-tumor therapies. Both immune and non-immune cells in the TME play critical roles in tumor onset, uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to anti-tumor therapies. Consequently, molecular and cellular components of breast TME have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for developing novel treatments. The breast TME primarily comprises cancer cells, stromal cells, vasculature, and infiltrating immune cells. Currently, numerous clinical trials targeting specific TME components of breast cancer are underway. However, the complexity of the TME and its impact on the evasion of anti-tumor immunity necessitate further research to develop novel and improved breast cancer therapies. The multifaceted nature of breast TME cells arises from their phenotypic and functional plasticity, which endows them with both pro and anti-tumor roles during tumor progression. In this review, we discuss current understanding and recent advances in the pro and anti-tumoral functions of TME cells and their implications for developing safe and effective therapies to control breast cancer progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosin Akinsipe
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Rania Mohamedelhassan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Ayuba Akinpelu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Satyanarayana R. Pondugula
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Panagiotis Mistriotis
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - L. Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Amol Suryawanshi
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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Zhang H, Lu X, Lu B, Gullo G, Chen L. Measuring the composition of the tumor microenvironment with transcriptome analysis: past, present and future. Future Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38362731 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0658] [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] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Interactions between tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a vital role the mechanisms of immune evasion, by which cancer cells escape immune elimination. Thus, the characterization and quantification of different components in the TME is a hot topic in molecular biology and drug discovery. Since the development of transcriptome sequencing in bulk tissue, single cells and spatial dimensions, there are increasing methods emerging to deconvolute and subtype the TME. This review discusses and compares such computational strategies and downstream subtyping analyses. Integrative analyses of the transcriptome with other data, such as epigenetics and T-cell receptor sequencing, are needed to obtain comprehensive knowledge of the dynamic TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA
| | - Xinghua Lu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Binfeng Lu
- Center for Discovery & Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
| | - Giuseppe Gullo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, University of Palermo, 90146, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lujia Chen
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA
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Quagliariello V, Passariello M, Bisceglia I, Paccone A, Inno A, Maurea C, Rapuano Lembo R, Manna L, Iovine M, Canale ML, Scherillo M, Ascierto PA, Gabrielli D, De Lorenzo C, Maurea N. Combinatorial immune checkpoint blockade increases myocardial expression of NLRP-3 and secretion of H-FABP, NT-Pro-BNP, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6: biochemical implications in cardio-immuno-oncology. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1232269. [PMID: 38322766 PMCID: PMC10844473 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1232269] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint blockade in monotherapy or combinatorial regimens with chemotherapy or radiotherapy have become an integral part of oncology in recent years. Monoclonal antibodies against CTLA-4 or PD-1 or PDL-1 are the most studied ICIs in randomized clinical trials, however, more recently, an anti-LAG3 (Lymphocyte activation gene-3) antibody, Relatlimab, has been approved by FDA in combination with Nivolumab for metastatic melanoma therapy. Moreover, Atezolizumab is actually under study in association with Ipilimumab for therapy of metastatic lung cancer. Myocarditis, vasculitis and endothelitis are rarely observed in these patients on monotherapy, however new combination therapies could expose patients to more adverse cardiovascular events. Methods Human cardiomyocytes co-cultured with human peripheral blood lymphocytes (hPBMCs) were exposed to monotherapy and combinatorial ICIs (PD-L1 and CTLA-4 or PD-1 and LAG-3 blocking agents, at 100 nM) for 48 h. After treatments, cardiac cell lysis and secretion of biomarkers of cardiotoxicity (H-FABP, troponin-T, BNP, NT-Pro-BNP), NLRP3-inflammasome and Interleukin 1 and 6 were determined through colorimetric and enzymatic assays. Mitochondrial functions were studied in cardiomyocyte cell lysates through quantification of intracellular Ca++, ATP content and NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S1 (Ndufs1) levels. Histone deacetylases type 4 (HDAC-4) protein levels were also determined in cardiomyocyte cell lysates to study potential epigenetic changes induced by immunotherapy regimens. Results Both combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors exert more potent cardiotoxic side effects compared to monotherapies against human cardiac cells co-cultured with human lymphocytes. LDH release from cardiac cells was 43% higher in PD-L1/CTLA-4 blocking agents, and 35.7% higher in PD-1/LAG-3 blocking agents compared to monotherapies. HDAC4 and intracellular Ca++ levels were increased, instead ATP content and Ndufs1 were reduced in myocardial cell lysates (p < 0.001 vs. untreated cells). Troponin-T, BNP, NT-Pro-BNP and H-FABP, were also strongly increased in combination therapy compared to monotherapy regimen. NLRP3 expression, IL-6 and IL-1β levels were also increased by PDL-1/CTLA-4 and PD-1/LAG-3 combined blocking agents compared to untreated cells and monotherapies. Conclusions Data of the present study, although in vitro, indicate that combinatorial immune checkpoint blockade, induce a pro- inflammatory phenotype, thus indicating that these therapies should be closely monitored by the multidisciplinary team consisting of oncologists, cardiologists and immunologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Quagliariello
- Division of Cardiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - M. Passariello
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - I. Bisceglia
- Servizi Cardiologici Integrati, Dipartimento Cardio-Toraco-Vascolare, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - A. Paccone
- Division of Cardiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - A. Inno
- Medical Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - C. Maurea
- Medical Oncology, Ospedale del Mare, Naples, Italy
| | - R. Rapuano Lembo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Ceinge-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a.r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - L. Manna
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - M. Iovine
- Division of Cardiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - M. L. Canale
- U.O.C. Cardiologia, Ospedale Versilia, Lido di Camaiore (LU), Camaiore, Italy
| | - M. Scherillo
- Cardiologia Interventistica e UTIC, A.O. San Pio, Presidio Ospedaliero Gaetano Rummo, Benevento, Italy
| | - P. A. Ascierto
- Melanoma Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - D. Gabrielli
- U.O.C. Cardiologia, Dipartimento Cardio-Toraco-Vascolare, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Roma – Fondazione per il Tuo Cuore – Heart Care Foundation, Firenze, Italy
| | - C. De Lorenzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Ceinge-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a.r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - N. Maurea
- Division of Cardiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
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Wang Z, Fan X, Zha X, Xu Y, Yin Z, Rixiati Y, Yu F. A Proposed Modified Staging System for Medullary Thyroid Cancer: A SEER Analysis With Multicenter Validation. Oncologist 2024; 29:e59-e67. [PMID: 37311049 PMCID: PMC10769787 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad165] [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] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) was implemented in 2018. However, its ability to predict prognosis remains controversial. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patient data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and multicenter datasets. Overall survival was the primary end-point of the present study. The concordance index (C-index) was used to assess the efficacy of various models to predict prognostic outcomes. RESULTS A total of 1450 MTC patients were selected from the SEER databases and 349 in the multicenter dataset. According to the AJCC staging system, there were no significant survival differences between T4a and T4b categories (P = .299). The T4 category was thus redefined as T4a' category (≤3.5 cm) and T4b' category (>3.5 cm) based on the tumor size, which was more powerful for distinguishing the prognosis (P = .003). Further analysis showed that the T category was significantly associated with both lymph node (LN) location and count (P < .001). Therefore, the N category was modified by combining the LN location and count. Finally, the above-mentioned novel T and N categories were adopted to modify the 8th AJCC classification using the recursive partitioning analysis principle, and the modified staging system outperformed the current edition (C-index, 0.811 vs. 0.792). CONCLUSIONS The 8th AJCC staging system was improved based on the intrinsic relationship among the T category, LN location, and LN count, which would have a positive impact on the clinical decision-making process and appropriate surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengshi Wang
- Thyroid Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Center of Thyroid Diseases, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Fan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaojuan Zha
- Shanghai Center of Thyroid Diseases, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Laboratory, Yueyang Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Yueyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Yin
- Thyroid Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Center of Thyroid Diseases, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Youlutuziayi Rixiati
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Yu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Wusiman D, Guo L, Li L, Zhang X, Zhao X, An Z, Huang Z, Zhang Y, Li Z, Ying J, Wei M, Li W, An C. Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of PD-L1 and TIM-3 expression in medullary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective immunohistochemistry study. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:91-100. [PMID: 37464189 PMCID: PMC10776706 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02126-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Expression of the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) has been controversial and rarely reported. METHODS Surgical specimens of 190 MTC patients who had initial curative-intent surgery were collected. Immunohistochemistry of PD-L1 and TIM-3 was performed using 22C3 pharmDx (Dako, Carpinteria, CA) and anti-TIM-3 (1:500, ab241332, Abcam). Stained slides were scored using a combined positive score (CPS) with a cutoff of ≥ 1. We established correlations between PD-L1 expression, TIM-3 expression, clinicopathological, and survival data. RESULTS 13 cases (13/190, 6.84%) were positive for PD-L1 expression, and 42 cases (42/154, 27.27%) for TIM-3 expression. PD-L1 expression was correlated to TIM-3 expression (P = 0.002), but was not related to overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS). TIM-3 expression was correlated to perineural invasion (P = 0.040). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that lymphovascular invasion (LVI) was independently associated with OS. And tumor size, LVI, and lymph node metastases were significantly associated with PFS. Furthermore, the multivariate logistic analysis showed multifocal status, LVI, pathological T stage and lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for biochemical recurrence/persistent disease. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that PD-L1 and TIM-3 expression were not frequent in MTC and were not associated with survival prognosis. Our results should be considered when clinical trials of PD-L1 or TIM-3 blockades are implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Wusiman
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - L Guo
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - L Li
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - X Zhang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - X Zhao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Z An
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Z Huang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Y Zhang
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Z Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - J Ying
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - M Wei
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 518116, Shenzhen, China.
| | - W Li
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
| | - C An
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
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Komatsuda H, Kono M, Wakisaka R, Sato R, Inoue T, Kumai T, Takahara M. Harnessing Immunity to Treat Advanced Thyroid Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 12:45. [PMID: 38250858 PMCID: PMC10820966 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010045] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) has increased over the past 30 years. Although differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has a good prognosis in most patients undergoing total thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine therapy (RAI), 5-10% of patients develop metastasis. Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) has a low survival rate and few effective treatments have been available to date. Recently, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been successfully applied to RAI-resistant or non-responsive TC to suppress the disease. However, TC eventually develops resistance to TKIs. Immunotherapy is a promising treatment for TC, the majority of which is considered an immune-hot malignancy. Immune suppression by TC cells and immune-suppressing cells, including tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells, is complex and dynamic. Negative immune checkpoints, cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) suppress antitumor T cells. Basic and translational advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), molecule-targeted therapy, tumor-specific immunotherapy, and their combinations have enabled us to overcome immune suppression and activate antitumor immune cells. This review summarizes current findings regarding the immune microenvironment, immunosuppression, immunological targets, and immunotherapy for TC and highlights the potential efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Komatsuda
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Michihisa Kono
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Risa Wakisaka
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Ryosuke Sato
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Takahiro Inoue
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Takumi Kumai
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
- Department of Innovative Head & Neck Cancer Research and Treatment, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan
| | - Miki Takahara
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
- Department of Innovative Head & Neck Cancer Research and Treatment, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan
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10
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Li R, Qiu J, Zhang Z, Qu C, Tang Z, Yu W, Tian Y, Tian H. Prognostic significance of Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3) in patients with solid tumors: a systematic review, meta-analysis and pan-cancer analysis. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:306. [PMID: 38041068 PMCID: PMC10693146 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03157-5] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3) is a recently discovered immune checkpoint molecule that has been linked to immunosuppression and the advancement of cancer in different types of solid tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic importance of LAG3 and its role in the immune system within solid tumors. METHODS Extensive literature searches were conducted using the Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies exploring the effect of LAG3 on survival outcomes. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with its 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the prognostic values of LAG3. Afterwards, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted. Pan-cancer analysis investigated the possible relationships between LAG3 expression and genetic alterations, RNA methylation modification-related genes, genomic instability, immune checkpoint genes, and infiltration of immune cells. RESULTS A total of 43 studies with 7,118 patients were included in this analysis. Higher expression of LAG3 was associated with worse overall survival (HR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.19, P = 0.023), but not disease-free survival (HR = 1.41, 95% CI 0.96-2.07, P = 0.078), progression-free survival (HR = 1.12, 95% CI 0.90-1.39, P = 0.317) or recurrence-free survival (HR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.81-1.19, P = 0.871). Subgroup analysis showed that LAG3 might play different prognostic roles in different solid tumors. LAG3 expression was positively associated with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint genes in all of the cancers included. LAG3 expression was also found to be associated with microsatellite instability (MSI), copy number variation (CNV), simple nucleoside variation (SNV), tumor mutation burden (TMB), and neoantigen in various types of cancers. CONCLUSIONS Elevated expression of LAG3 is linked to poorer prognosis among patients diagnosed with solid cancers. LAG3 might play varying prognostic roles in different types of solid tumors. Given its substantial involvement in cancer immunity and tumorigenesis, LAG3 has garnered attention as a promising prognostic biomarker and a potential target for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongyang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jianhao Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Chenghao Qu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Zhanpeng Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Wenhao Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Hui Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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11
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Wusiman D, Li W, Guo L, Huang Z, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Zhao X, Li L, An Z, Li Z, Ying J, An C. Comprehensive analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data identifies B cell marker genes signature that predicts prognosis and analysis of immune checkpoints expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22656. [PMID: 38125461 PMCID: PMC10731009 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that B cells and the associated tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) correlate with the response of patients to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and predict overall survival (OS) in cancer patients. We screened 145 B cell marker genes (BCMG) by a comprehensive analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The BCMG signature (BCMGS) was established using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset of HNSC and verified in four independent datasets. The multivariate Cox regression analysis identified the signature as an independent prognostic factor. A prognostic nomogram was constructed with independent prognostic factors using the TCGA dataset. GO and KEGG analysis revealed the underlying signaling pathways related to this signature. Study of immune profiles showed that patients in the low-risk group presented discriminative immune-cell infiltrations. Furthermore, the low-risk group was featured by higher TCR and BCR diversity, which suggested that low-risk patients may be more sensitive to ICIs. Immunohistochemistry was performed, and we found that high expression of FTH1 was significantly correlated with poor OS (P = 0.025). The expression of TIM-3, LAG-3 and PD-1 was positively correlated and associated with better OS in HNSC. However, there was no statistically significant difference between PD-L1, PD-L2, CTLA-4, TIGIT and prognosis. The BCMGS was a promising prognostic biomarker in HNSC, which may help to interpret the responses to immunotherapy and provide a new perspective for future research on the treatment in HNSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilinaer Wusiman
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wenbin Li
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zehao Huang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiwei Zhang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zhaohong An
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zhengjiang Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jianming Ying
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Changming An
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
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12
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Laganà M, Cremaschi V, Alberti A, Vodopivec Kuri DM, Cosentini D, Berruti A. The Evolving Treatment Landscape of Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:1815-1832. [PMID: 37979019 PMCID: PMC10781862 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01145-5] [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: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Genetic assessment is crucial to address the correct treatment for advanced medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Multi tyrosine kinase inhibitors (mTKIs) cabozantinib and vandetanib are good first line options, even vandetanib prescription is currently limited to RET mutated patients. Selective RET inhibitors such as pralsetinib could be a preferred upfront treatment in case of RET mutated MTC presenting common or gatekeeper RET mutations (e.g. M918T; V804L/M). Selpercatinib, otherwise, can be prescribed as the second line after disease progression to mTKIs. The best option for subsequent lines is to consider inclusion in clinical trials or alternatively other mTKIs such as sunitinib, sorafenib, lenvatinib, or pazopanib could be evaluated. New perspectives include next-generation RET inhibitors able to overcome resistance mechanisms responsible for disease progression to standard mTKIs and RET inhibitors, and immunotherapy for MTC presenting with high tumor mutational burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Laganà
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Cremaschi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Alberti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Danica M Vodopivec Kuri
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University Of Alabama, 619 19Th St S, Birmingham, AL, 35249, USA
| | - Deborah Cosentini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili, 25123, Brescia, Italy
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13
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Liang Y, Wang L, Ma P, Ju D, Zhao M, Shi Y. Enhancing anti-tumor immune responses through combination therapies: epigenetic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1308264. [PMID: 38077327 PMCID: PMC10704038 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1308264] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are processes that affect gene expression and cellular functions without involving changes in the DNA sequence. This abnormal or unstable expression of genes regulated by epigenetics can trigger cancer and other various diseases. The immune cells involved in anti-tumor responses and the immunogenicity of tumors may also be affected by epigenomic changes. This holds significant implications for the development and application of cancer immunotherapy, epigenetic therapy, and their combined treatments in the fight against cancer. We provide an overview of recent research literature focusing on how epigenomic changes in immune cells influence immune cell behavior and function, as well as the immunogenicity of cancer cells. And the combined utilization of epigenetic medications with immune checkpoint inhibitors that focus on immune checkpoint molecules [e.g., Programmed Death 1 (PD-1), Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4), T cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Domain (TIM-3), Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3)] present in immune cells and stromal cells associated with tumors. We highlight the potential of small-molecule inhibitors targeting epigenetic regulators to amplify anti-tumor immune responses. Moreover, we discuss how to leverage the intricate relationship between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology to create treatment regimens that integrate epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liang
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Wuchang Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Wuchang Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Peijun Ma
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongen Ju
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minggao Zhao
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yun Shi
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
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14
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Sauer N, Janicka N, Szlasa W, Skinderowicz B, Kołodzińska K, Dwernicka W, Oślizło M, Kulbacka J, Novickij V, Karłowicz-Bodalska K. TIM-3 as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy in a wide range of tumors. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3405-3425. [PMID: 37567938 PMCID: PMC10576709 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03516-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3) expression has been a trending topic in recent years due to its differential expression in a wide range of neoplasms. TIM-3 is one of the key immune checkpoint receptors that interact with GAL-9, PtdSer, HMGB1 and CEACAM1. Initially identified on the surface of T helper 1 (Th1) lymphocytes and later on cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs), monocytes, macrophages, natural killer cells (NKs), and dendritic cells (DCs), TIM-3 plays a key role in immunoregulation. Recently, a growing body of evidence has shown that its differential expression in various tumor types indicates a specific prognosis for cancer patients. Here, we discuss which types of cancer TIM-3 can serve as a prognostic factor and the influence of coexpressed immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as LAG-3, PD-1, and CTLA-4 on patients' outcomes. Currently, experimental medicine involving TIM-3 has significantly enhanced the anti-tumor effect and improved patient survival. In this work, we summarized clinical trials incorporating TIM-3 targeting monoclonal and bispecific antibodies in monotherapy and combination therapy and highlighted the emerging role of cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Sauer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Janicka
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Szlasa
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Wioletta Dwernicka
- Faculty of Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Julita Kulbacka
- State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Department of Immunology, Vilnius, Lithuania.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Department of Immunology, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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15
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Tao Y, Li P, Feng C, Cao Y. New Insights into Immune Cells and Immunotherapy for Thyroid Cancer. Immunol Invest 2023; 52:1039-1064. [PMID: 37846977 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2268656] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy worldwide, and the incidence of TC has gradually increased in recent decades. Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is the most common subtype and has a good prognosis. However, advanced DTC patients with recurrence, metastasis and iodine refractoriness, as well as more aggressive subtypes such as poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), still pose a great challenge for clinical management. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to explore the inherent molecular heterogeneity of different TC subtypes and the global landscape of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to find new potential therapeutic targets. Immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic strategy that can be used alone or in combination with drugs targeting tumor-driven genes. This article focuses on the genomic characteristics, tumor-associated immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression of different subtypes of TC patients to provide guidance for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Tao
- School of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Feng
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan Cao
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, Shandong, China
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16
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Zhu J, Fan J, Xia Y, Wang H, Li Y, Feng Z, Fu C. Potential therapeutic targets of macrophages in inhibiting immune damage and fibrotic processes in musculoskeletal diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1219487. [PMID: 37545490 PMCID: PMC10400722 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1219487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are a heterogeneous cell type with high plasticity, exhibiting unique activation characteristics that modulate the progression and resolution of diseases, serving as a key mediator in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Macrophages display a variety of activation states in response to stimuli in the local environment, with their subpopulations and biological functions being dependent on the local microenvironment. Resident tissue macrophages exhibit distinct transcriptional profiles and functions, all of which are essential for maintaining internal homeostasis. Dysfunctional macrophage subpopulations, or an imbalance in the M1/M2 subpopulation ratio, contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases. In skeletal muscle disorders, immune and inflammatory damage, as well as fibrosis induced by macrophages, are prominent pathological features. Therefore, targeting macrophages is of great significance for maintaining tissue homeostasis and treating skeletal muscle disorders. In this review, we discuss the receptor-ligand interactions regulating macrophages and identify potential targets for inhibiting collateral damage and fibrosis in skeletal muscle disorders. Furthermore, we explore strategies for modulating macrophages to maintain tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianshu Zhu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiawei Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuanliang Xia
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hengyi Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuehong Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zijia Feng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Changfeng Fu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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17
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Martins RS, Jesus TT, Cardoso L, Soares P, Vinagre J. Personalized Medicine in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Broad Review of Emerging Treatments. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1132. [PMID: 37511745 PMCID: PMC10381735 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071132] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) arises from parafollicular cells in the thyroid gland, and although rare, it represents an aggressive type of thyroid cancer. MTC is recognized for its low mutational burden, with point mutations in RET or RAS genes being the most common oncogenic events. MTC can be resistant to cytotoxic chemotherapy, and multitarget kinase inhibitors (MKIs) have been considered a treatment option. They act by inhibiting the activities of specific tyrosine kinase receptors involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis. Several tyrosine kinase inhibitors are approved in the treatment of advanced MTC, including vandetanib and cabozantinib. However, due to the significant number of adverse events, debatable efficiency and resistance, there is a need for novel RET-specific TKIs. Newer RET-specific TKIs are expected to overcome previous limitations and improve patient outcomes. Herein, we aim to review MTC signaling pathways, the most recent options for treatment and the applications for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Sousa Martins
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto (FCUP), 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tito Teles Jesus
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Endocrinologia, Diabetes e Metabolismo do Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Vinagre
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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18
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Zaitsu S, Yano M, Adachi S, Miwa M, Katoh T, Kawano Y, Yasuda M. Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 protein expression in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is associated with a poor prognosis of ovarian clear cell carcinoma. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:93. [PMID: 37179337 PMCID: PMC10182671 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01179-1] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histological analysis has revealed the need for new treatment techniques for epithelial ovarian cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors may be a new therapeutic strategy for ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC). Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), an immune checkpoint, is a poor prognostic factor and a new therapeutic target for several malignancies. In this study, we demonstrated the correlation between LAG-3 expression and the clinicopathological features of OCCC. We evaluated LAG-3 expression in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) via immunohistochemical analysis using tissue microarrays containing surgically resected specimens from 171 patients with OCCC. RESULTS The number of LAG-3-positive cases was 48 (28.1%), whereas the number of LAG-3-negative cases was 123 (71.9%). LAG-3 expression significantly increased in patients with advanced stages (P = 0.036) and recurrence (P = 0.012); however, its expression did not correlate with age (P = 0.613), residual tumor (P = 0.156), or death (P = 0.086). Using the Kaplan - Meier method, LAG-3 expression was found to be correlated with poor overall survival (P = 0.020) and progression-free survival (P = 0.019). Multivariate analysis revealed LAG-3 expression (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00 - 3.44, P = 0.049) and residual tumor (HR = 9.71; 95% CI, 5.13 - 18.52, P < 0.001) as independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that LAG-3 expression in patients with OCCC may be a useful biomarker for the prognosis of OCCC and could serve as a new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumika Zaitsu
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Mitsutake Yano
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan.
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Centre, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Sawako Adachi
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Maiko Miwa
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Centre, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tomomi Katoh
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Centre, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kawano
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Masanori Yasuda
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Centre, Saitama, Japan
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19
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Pescia C, Pini G, Olmeda E, Ferrero S, Lopez G. TIGIT in Lung Cancer: Potential Theranostic Implications. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13041050. [PMID: 37109579 PMCID: PMC10145071 DOI: 10.3390/life13041050] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
TIGIT (T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains) is a co-inhibitory receptor expressed on various immune cells, including T cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells. TIGIT interacts with different ligands, such as CD155 and CD112, which are highly expressed on cancer cells, leading to the suppression of immune responses. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of TIGIT in regulating immune cell function in the tumor microenvironment and its role as a potential therapeutic target, especially in the field of lung cancer. However, the role of TIGIT in cancer development and progression remains controversial, particularly regarding the relevance of its expression both in the tumor microenvironment and on tumor cells, with prognostic and predictive implications that remain to date essentially undisclosed. Here, we provide a review of the recent advances in TIGIT-blockade in lung cancer, and also insights on TIGIT relevance as an immunohistochemical biomarker and its possible theranostic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Pescia
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuditta Pini
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Olmeda
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrero
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lopez
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Weng D, He L, Chen X, Lin H, Ji D, Lu S, Ao L, Wang S. Integrated analysis of transcription factor-mRNA-miRNA regulatory network related to immune characteristics in medullary thyroid carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1055412. [PMID: 36713370 PMCID: PMC9877459 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1055412] [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: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a thyroid C cell-derived malignancy, is poorly differentiated and more aggressive than papillary, follicular and oncocytic types of thyroid cancer. The current therapeutic options are limited, with a third of population suffering resistance. The differential gene expression pattern among thyroid cancer subtypes remains unclear. This study intended to explore the exclusive gene profile of MTC and construct a comprehensive regulatory network via integrated analysis, to uncover the potential key biomarkers. Methods Multiple datasets of thyroid and other neuroendocrine tumors were obtained from GEO and TCGA databases. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) specific in MTC were identified to construct a transcription factor (TF)-mRNA-miRNA network. The impact of the TF-mRNA-miRNA network on tumor immune characteristics and patient survival was further explored by single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) and ESTIMATE algorithms, as well as univariate combined with multivariate analyses. RT-qPCR, cell viability and apoptosis assays were performed for in vitro validation. Results We identified 81 genes upregulated and 22 downregulated in MTC but not in other types of thyroid tumor compared to the normal thyroid tissue. According to the L1000CDS2 database, potential targeting drugs were found to reverse the expressions of DEGs, with panobinostat (S1030) validated effective for tumor repression in MTC by in vitro experiments. The 103 DEGs exclusively seen in MTC were involved in signal release, muscle contraction, pathways of neurodegeneration diseases, neurotransmitter activity and related amino acid metabolism, and cAMP pathway. Based on the identified 15 hub genes, a TF-mRNA-miRNA linear network, as well as REST-cored coherent feed-forward loop networks, namely REST-KIF5C-miR-223 and REST-CDK5R2-miR-130a were constructed via online prediction and validation by public datasets and our cohort. Hub-gene, TF and miRNA scores in the TF-mRNA-miRNA network were related to immune score, immune cell infiltration and immunotherapeutic molecules in MTC as well as in neuroendocrine tumor of lung and neuroblastoma. Additionally, a high hub-gene score or a low miRNA score indicated good prognoses of neuroendocrine tumors. Conclusion The present study uncovers underlying molecular mechanisms and potential immunotherapy-related targets for the pathogenesis and drug discovery of MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danfeng Weng
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Long He
- Department of Pain, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiangna Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huangfeng Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Daihan Ji
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuting Lu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lu Ao
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,*Correspondence: Shenglin Wang, ; Lu Ao,
| | - Shenglin Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,*Correspondence: Shenglin Wang, ; Lu Ao,
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Zhang M, Li Y, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Wang W, Song X, Zhang D. BRD4 Protein as a Target for Lung Cancer and Hematological Cancer Therapy: A Review. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:1079-1092. [PMID: 37846578 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501269090231012090351] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The BET protein family plays a crucial role in regulating the epigenetic landscape of the genome. Their role in regulating tumor-related gene expression and its impact on the survival of tumor cells is widely acknowledged. Among the BET family constituents, BRD4 is a significant protein. It is a bromodomain-containing protein located at the outer terminal that recognizes histones that have undergone acetylation. It is present in the promoter or enhancer region of the target gene and is responsible for initiating and sustaining the expression of genes associated with tumorigenesis. BRD4 expression is significantly elevated in various tumor types. Research has indicated that BRD4 plays a significant role in regulating various transcription factors and chromatin modification, as well as in repairing DNA damage and preserving telomere function, ultimately contributing to the survival of cancerous cells. The protein BRD4 has a significant impact on antitumor therapy, particularly in the management of lung cancer and hematological malignancies, and the promising potential of BRD4 inhibitors in the realm of cancer prevention and treatment is a topic of great interest. Therefore, BRD4 is considered a promising candidate for prophylaxis and therapy of neoplastic diseases. However, further research is required to fully comprehend the significance and indispensability of BRD4 in cancer and its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhang
- College of Humanities and Management, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Yingbo Li
- College of Humanities and Management, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Zilong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomei Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
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Molecular genotyping in medullary thyroid cancer. Curr Opin Oncol 2023; 35:10-14. [PMID: 36475457 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There has been a significant advance in our understanding of the molecular biology of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) alongside progress in the development of targeted therapies including multikinase and specific rearranged during transfection inhibitors. RECENT FINDINGS This review will examine the latest data investigating the impact of the genomics of MTC on the prediction of the natural history of an individual's disease and the determination, selection and timing of treatment interventions. SUMMARY Recent advances in genotyping in MTC and the development of targeted therapies have impacted on the clinical management of both sporadic and hereditary MTC.
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23
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Guo Z, Zhang R, Yang AG, Zheng G. Diversity of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1121285. [PMID: 36960057 PMCID: PMC10027905 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding effective treatments for cancer remains a challenge. Recent studies have found that the mechanisms of tumor evasion are becoming increasingly diverse, including abnormal expression of immune checkpoint molecules on different immune cells, in particular T cells, natural killer cells, macrophages and others. In this review, we discuss the checkpoint molecules with enhanced expression on these lymphocytes and their consequences on immune effector functions. Dissecting the diverse roles of immune checkpoints in different immune cells is crucial for a full understanding of immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - An-Gang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Guoxu Zheng, ; An-Gang Yang,
| | - Guoxu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Guoxu Zheng, ; An-Gang Yang,
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Non-Apoptotic Programmed Cell Death in Thyroid Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121565. [PMID: 36559016 PMCID: PMC9788139 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrinological conditions. As the prevalence of thyroid diseases increases annually, the exploration of thyroid disease mechanisms and the development of treatments are also gradually improving. With the gradual advancement of therapies, non-apoptotic programmed cell death (NAPCD) has immense potential in inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. Autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and immunogenic cell death are all classical NAPCD. In this paper, we have compiled the recent mechanistic investigations of thyroid diseases and established the considerable progress by NAPCD in thyroid diseases. Furthermore, we have elucidated the role of various types of NAPCD in different thyroid disorders. This will help us to better understand the pathophysiology of thyroid-related disorders and identify new targets and mechanisms of drug resistance, which may facilitate the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients with thyroid diseases. Here, we have reviewed the advances in the role of NAPCD in the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of thyroid diseases, and highlighted future research prospects in this area.
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Gubbi S, Vijayvergia N, Yu JQ, Klubo-Gwiezdzinska J, Koch CA. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Neuroendocrine Tumors. Horm Metab Res 2022; 54:795-812. [PMID: 35878617 PMCID: PMC9731788 DOI: 10.1055/a-1908-7790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) occur in various regions of the body and present with complex clinical and biochemical phenotypes. The molecular underpinnings that give rise to such varied manifestations have not been completely deciphered. The management of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) involves surgery, locoregional therapy, and/or systemic therapy. Several forms of systemic therapy, including platinum-based chemotherapy, temozolomide/capecitabine, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy have been extensively studied and implemented in the treatment of NETs. However, the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy as an option in the management of NETs has only recently garnered attention. Till date, it is not clear whether ICI therapy holds any distinctive advantage in terms of efficacy or safety when compared to other available systemic therapies for NETs. Identifying the characteristics of NETs that would make them (better) respond to ICIs has been challenging. This review provides a summary of the current evidence on the value of ICI therapy in the management of ICIs and discusses the potential areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Gubbi
- Endocrinology, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda,
United States
| | | | - Jian Q Yu
- Nuclear Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United
States
| | - Joanna Klubo-Gwiezdzinska
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,
National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Christian A. Koch
- Medicine/Endocrinology, The University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Memphis, United States
- Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United
States
- Correspondence Prof. Christian A. Koch, FACP,
MACE Fox Chase Cancer
CenterMedicine, 333 Cottman
AvePhiladelphia19111-2497United
States215 728 2713
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Dong X, Yang Y, Hou J, Chen W, Yuan Q, Xu G, Liu J, Li C, Wu G. Weighted gene co-expression network reveals driver genes contributing to phenotypes of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and immune checkpoint identification for therapeutic targets. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1018479. [PMID: 36530988 PMCID: PMC9751455 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1018479] [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: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare but extremely malignant tumor, with a rapid growth rate and early metastasis thus leading to poor survival of patients. The molecular mechanisms underlying these aggressive traits of ATC remain unknown, which impedes the substantial progress in treatment to prolong ATC patient survival. Methods We applied weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify ATC-specific modules. The Metascape web and R package clusterProfiler were employed to perform enrichment analysis. Combined with differentially expressed gene analysis, we screened out the most potential driver genes and validated them using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and triple immunofluorescence staining. Results A gene expression matrix covering 75 normal samples, 83 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), 26 follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), 19 poor-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC), and 41 ATC tissue samples were integrated, based on which we detected three most potential ATC-specific modules and found that hub genes of these modules were enriched in distinct biological signals. Hub genes in the turquoise module were mainly enriched in mitotic cell cycle, tube morphogenesis, and cell differentiation, hub genes in the magenta module were mainly clustered in the extracellular matrix organization, positive regulation of cell motility, and regulation of Wnt signaling pathway, while hub genes in the blue module primarily participated in the inflammatory response, innate immune response, and adaptive immune response. We showed that 9 top genes, 8 transcription factors (TFs), and 4 immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) were differentially expressed in ATC compared to other thyroid samples and had high diagnostic values for ATC, among which, 9 novel ATC-specific genes (ADAM12, RNASE2, CASP5, KIAA1524, E2F7, MYBL1, SRPX2, HAVCR2, and TDO2) were validated with our clinical samples. Furthermore, we illustrated that ADAM12, RNASE2, and HAVCR2 were predominantly present in the cytoplasm. Conclusion Our study identified a set of novel ATC-specific genes that were mainly related to cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and immunosuppression, which might throw light on molecular mechanisms underlying aggressive phenotypes of ATC and provide promisingly diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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A Lamin Family-Based Signature Predicts Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:4983532. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/4983532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Lamin family members play crucial roles in promoting oncogenesis and cancer development. The values of lamin family in predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response remain largely unclarified. Our research is aimed at comprehensively estimating the clinical significance of lamin family in hepatocellular carcinoma and constructing a novel lamin family-based signature to predict prognosis and guide the precise immunotherapy. Methods. The expression features and prognostic value of LMNA, LMNB1, and LMNB2 were explored in the TCGA and GEO databases. The biological functions of LMNB1 and LMNB2 were validated by in vitro assays. A lamin family-based signature was built using the TCGA training set. The TCGA test set, entire TCGA set, and GSE14520 set were used to validate its predictive power. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the independence of the lamin family-based signature from other clinicopathological characteristics. A nomogram was constructed using the lamin family-based signature and TNM stage. The associations of this signature with molecular pathways, clinical characteristics, immune cell infiltration, and immunotherapy response were analyzed. Results. Lamin family members were upregulated in HCC. Upregulation of LMNB1 and LMNB2 promoted HCC proliferation, migration, and invasion. The predictive signature was initially established based on LMNB1 and LMNB2 which could effectively identify differences in overall survival, immune cell infiltration, and clinicopathological characteristics of high- and low-risk patients. The nomogram showed high prognostic predictive accuracy. Importantly, the lamin family-based signature was correlated with immune suppression and expression of immune checkpoint molecules. Conclusions. The lamin family-based signature is a robust biomarker to predict overall survival and immunotherapy response in HCC. High-risk score patients have a poorer overall survival and might be more sensitive to immunotherapy. This signature may contribute to improving individualized prognosis prediction and precision immunotherapy for HCC patients.
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Integrated proteogenomic characterization of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Cell Discov 2022; 8:120. [DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00479-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMedullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine malignancy derived from parafollicular cells (C cells) of the thyroid. Here we presented a comprehensive multi-omics landscape of 102 MTCs through whole-exome sequencing, RNA sequencing, DNA methylation array, proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiling. Integrated analyses identified BRAF and NF1 as novel driver genes in addition to the well-characterized RET and RAS proto-oncogenes. Proteome-based stratification of MTCs revealed three molecularly heterogeneous subtypes named as: (1) Metabolic, (2) Basal and (3) Mesenchymal, which are distinct in genetic drivers, epigenetic modification profiles, clinicopathologic factors and clinical outcomes. Furthermore, we explored putative therapeutic targets of each proteomic subtype, and found that two tenascin family members TNC/TNXB might serve as potential prognostic biomarkers for MTC. Collectively, our study expands the knowledge of MTC biology and therapeutic vulnerabilities, which may serve as an important resource for future investigation on this malignancy.
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Yu L, Sun M, Zhang Q, Zhou Q, Wang Y. Harnessing the immune system by targeting immune checkpoints: Providing new hope for Oncotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:982026. [PMID: 36159789 PMCID: PMC9498063 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.982026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the goal of harnessing the host’s immune system to provide long-lasting remission and cures for various cancers, the advent of immunotherapy revolutionized the cancer therapy field. Among the current immunotherapeutic strategies, immune checkpoint blockades have greatly improved the overall survival rates in certain patient populations. Of note, CTLA4 and PD-1/PD-L1 are two major non-redundant immune checkpoints implicated in promoting cancer immune evasion, and ultimately lead to relapse. Antibodies or inhibitors targeting these two c+heckpoints have achieved some encouraging clinical outcomes. Further, beyond the canonical immune checkpoints, more inhibitory checkpoints have been identified. Herein, we will summarize recent progress in immune checkpoint blockade therapies, with a specific focus on key pre-clinical and clinical results of new immune checkpoint therapies for cancer. Given the crucial roles of immune checkpoint blockade in oncotherapy, drugs targeting checkpoint molecules expressed by both cancer and immune cells are in clinical trials, which will be comprehensively summarized in this review. Taken together, investigating combinatorial therapies targeting immune checkpoints expressed by cancer cells and immune cells will greatly improve immunotherapies that enhance host elimination of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Minghan Sun
- Central of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiao Zhou, ; Yi Wang,
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiao Zhou, ; Yi Wang,
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Saltiki K, Simeakis G, Karapanou O, Alevizaki M. MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Medullary thyroid cancer: from molecular biology and therapeutic pitfalls to future targeted treatment perspectives. Eur J Endocrinol 2022; 187:R53-R63. [PMID: 35895692 DOI: 10.1530/eje-22-0312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
During the last decades, knowledge of the molecular biology in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and specifically on the role of rearranged during transfection (RET)-activating mutations in tumorigenesis has led to the evolution of novel targeted therapies, mainly tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Vandetanib and cabozantinib have been approved for the management of metastatic progressive MTC. Two novel, highly selective RET inhibitors, selpercatinib and pralsetinib, have recently been approved for the treatment of RET-mutant MTCs and RET-fusion differentiated thyroid cancer. The administration of targeted therapies in MTC patients has changed the therapeutic strategies; however, in the majority of cases, there are no real data showing an improvement of prognosis by TKIs in MTC. Drug resistance remains the main reason for treatment failure. Thus, the understanding of the molecular landscape of tumorigenesis and the mechanisms underlying resistance to targeted therapies is of paramount importance for the further development of more efficient therapies for MTC. The present review focuses on the molecular pathways implicated in MTC tumorigenesis, the approved targeted therapies, the tumoral escape mechanisms, as well as the future perspectives for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Saltiki
- Thyroid Neoplasia Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - George Simeakis
- Department of Endocrinology, 401 Military Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Olga Karapanou
- Department of Endocrinology, 401 Military Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Alevizaki
- Thyroid Neoplasia Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Nakazawa T, Nagasaka T, Yoshida K, Hasegawa A, Guo F, Wu D, Hiroshima K, Katoh R. Expression of T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domains (TIGIT) in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. BMC Endocr Disord 2022; 22:204. [PMID: 35971106 PMCID: PMC9377113 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-022-01113-4] [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] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint proteins have not been fully examined in follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinoma and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive carcinomas. Even multimodal treatment does not result in favorable clinical outcomes for patients with ATC. Anti-tumor immunity has therefore been highlighted as having therapeutic promise for ATC. METHODS We examined a novel immune checkpoint receptor, T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domains (TIGIT), in variable thyroid lesions: adenomatous goiter, follicular adenoma, and thyroid carcinoma (TC) using immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS Our IHC results showed that TIGIT expression was detected in cancer cells of MTC and high-grade TC: poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) and ATC. Neoplastic cells were positive for TIGIT in four of five MTCs (80.0%), 17 of 31 ATCs (54.8%) and in 3 of 12 PDTCs (25.0%). TIGIT was not detected in any adenomatous goiters, thyroid benign tumors, or differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTCs). Intriguingly, ATC cells showing pleomorphic/giant cell features were positive for TIGIT, while ATC cells with other cell morphologies lacked the immunoreactivity. Intra-tumoral immune cell was inclined to be enriched in TIGI-positive ATC. Although coexisting papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) components demonstrated high-grade microscopic features, neither the PTC nor follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) components expressed TIGT in any composite ATCs. CONCLUSION TIGIT was immunohistochemically found in MTC with high frequency and partially in high-grade TC. TIGIT expression in cancer cells may be beneficial for a potential utility in MTC and a subset of high-grade TC, especially ATC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadao Nakazawa
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan.
| | - Takuya Nagasaka
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Keita Yoshida
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Atsuko Hasegawa
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Kenzo Hiroshima
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Ryohei Katoh
- Department of Pathology, Ito Hospital, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-8308, Japan
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Yu Q, Zhang X, Li L, Zhang C, Huang J, Huang W. Molecular basis and targeted therapies for radioiodine refractory thyroid cancer. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2022; 19:279-289. [PMID: 35950297 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with radioiodine refractory thyroid cancer (RAIR-TC) are not amenable to novel 131 I therapy due to the reduced expression of sodium iodide symporter (Na+/I- symporter, NIS) and/or the impairment of NIS trafficking to the plasma membrane. RAIR-TC patients have a relatively poor prognosis with a mean life expectancy of 3-5 years, contributing to the majority of TC-associated mortality. Identifying RAIR-TC patients and selecting proper treatment strategies remain challenging for clinicians. In this review, we demonstrate the updated clinical scenarios or the so-called "definitions" of RAIR-TC suggested by several associations based on 131 I uptake ability and tumor response post-131 I therapy. We also discuss current knowledge of the molecular alterations involved in membrane-localized NIS loss, which provides a preclinical basis for the development of targeted therapies, in particular, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), redifferentiation approaches, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxiao Yu
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Xuwen Zhang
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Wenting Huang
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, P. R. China
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Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Medullary Thyroid Cancer: What Has Changed in Recent Years? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153643. [PMID: 35892901 PMCID: PMC9332800 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neoplasm originating from parafollicular C cells. MTC is a rare disease, but its prognosis is less favorable than that of well-differentiated thyroid cancers. To improve the prognosis of patients with MTC, early diagnosis and prompt therapeutic management are crucial. In the following paper, recent advances in laboratory and imaging diagnostics and also pharmacological and surgical therapies of MTC are discussed. Currently, a thriving direction of development for laboratory diagnostics is immunohistochemistry. The primary imaging modality in the diagnosis of MTC is the ultrasound, but opportunities for development are seen primarily in nuclear medicine techniques. Surgical management is the primary method of treating MTCs. There are numerous publications concerning the stratification of particular lymph node compartments for removal. With the introduction of more effective methods of intraoperative parathyroid identification, the complication rate of surgical treatment may be reduced. The currently used pharmacotherapy is characterized by high toxicity. Moreover, the main limitation of current pharmacotherapy is the development of drug resistance. Currently, there is ongoing research on the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), highly specific RET inhibitors, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. These new therapies may improve the prognosis of patients with MTCs.
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Circulating and Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Checkpoint-Expressing CD8+ Treg/T Cell Subsets and Their Associations with Disease-Free Survival in Colorectal Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133194. [PMID: 35804964 PMCID: PMC9265020 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of global cancer-related mortality. Tumor-infiltrating effector immune cells play critical roles in tumor control, and their activity can dictate disease outcomes. In this study, we provide evidence of the associations between different CD8+ T cell subpopulations with disease-free survival (DFS) in CRC patients. We report associations between higher levels of certain circulating and tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cell subsets and improved clinical outcomes in CRC patients. Abstract T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) have diverse roles in anti-tumor immunity, including orchestration of immune responses and anti-tumor cytotoxic attack. However, different T cell subsets may have opposing roles in tumor progression, especially in inflammation-related cancers such as colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we phenotypically characterized CD3+CD4- (CD8+) T cells in colorectal tumor tissues (TT), normal colon tissues (NT) and in circulation of CRC patients. We investigated the expression levels of key immune checkpoints (ICs) and Treg-related markers in CD8+ T cells. Importantly, we investigated associations between different tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cell subpopulations and disease-free survival (DFS) in CRC patients. We found that FoxP3 expression and ICs including PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, and LAG-3 were significantly increased in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells compared with NT and peripheral blood. In the TME, we found that TIM-3 expression was significantly increased in patients with early stages and absent lymphovascular invasion (LVI) compared to patients with advanced stages and LVI. Importantly, we report that high levels of certain circulating CD8+ T cell subsets (TIM-3-expressing, FoxP3−Helios−TIM-3+ and FoxP3−Helios+TIM-3+ cells) in CRC patients were associated with better DFS. Moreover, in the TME, we report that elevated levels of CD25+ and TIM-3+ T cells, and FoxP3+Helios−TIM-3+ Tregs were associated with better DFS.
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Minna E, Romeo P, Dugo M, De Cecco L, Aiello A, Pistore F, Carenzo A, Greco A, Borrello MG. Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Mutational Spectrum Update and Signaling-Type Inference by Transcriptional Profiles: Literature Meta-Analysis and Study of Tumor Samples. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081951. [PMID: 35454858 PMCID: PMC9028774 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare but clinically relevant tumor based on its aggressiveness and the limited therapeutic opportunities currently available for advanced cases. A better understanding of the mechanisms of MTC development is crucial to identify more effective means of intervention and therapies. Several studies have shown that RET and RAS genes play a central role in MTC. However, little is known about the signaling processes operating downstream of these genes. Here, we report mutation and gene expression profiles in proprietary sporadic MTCs, including both primary and metastatic tumors. We show that tumors derived from the same patient display similar expression profiles and that the latter can be used to obtain information about specific downstream signaling, identifying distinct molecular subtypes. Furthermore, by reviewing the relevant literature, we highlight that, along with RET and RAS, other less frequent genes are emerging as possible new players in MTC. Abstract Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare but aggressive tumor. Although RET and RAS genes are recognized drivers in MTC, associated downstream signaling pathways are largely unknown. In this study, we report 17 sporadic MTCs, collected at our institution, comprising patient-matched primary and lymph node metastatic tumors investigated for mutational and transcriptional profiles. As we identified two uncommon RET deletions (D898_E901del and E632_L633del), we also performed a literature review and meta-analysis to assess the occurrence of unconventional alterations in MTC, focusing on next-generation sequencing studies. We found that new gene alterations are emerging, along with the known RET/RAS drivers, involving not only RET by multiple concurrent mutations or deletions but also other previously underestimated cancer-related genes, especially in sporadic MTCs. In our MTC gene profiles, we found transcriptome similarity between patient-matched tissues and expression of immune genes only by a few samples. Furthermore, we defined a gene signature able to stratify samples into two distinct signaling types, termed MEN2B-like and MEN2A-like. We provide an updated overview of the MTC mutational spectrum and describe how transcriptional profiles can be used to define distinct MTC signaling subtypes that appear to be shared by various gene drivers, including the unconventional ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Minna
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (L.D.C.); (F.P.); (A.C.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (M.G.B.)
| | - Paola Romeo
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (L.D.C.); (F.P.); (A.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Matteo Dugo
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Loris De Cecco
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (L.D.C.); (F.P.); (A.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Antonella Aiello
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Federico Pistore
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (L.D.C.); (F.P.); (A.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrea Carenzo
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (L.D.C.); (F.P.); (A.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Angela Greco
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (L.D.C.); (F.P.); (A.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Maria Grazia Borrello
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.R.); (L.D.C.); (F.P.); (A.C.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (M.G.B.)
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Matrone A, Gambale C, Prete A, Elisei R. Sporadic Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Towards a Precision Medicine. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:864253. [PMID: 35422765 PMCID: PMC9004483 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.864253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine malignant tumor originating from parafollicular C-cells producing calcitonin. Most of cases (75%) are sporadic while the remaining (25%) are hereditary. In these latter cases medullary thyroid carcinoma can be associated (multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIA and IIB) or not (familial medullary thyroid carcinoma), with other endocrine diseases such as pheochromocytoma and/or hyperparathyroidism. RET gene point mutation is the main molecular alteration involved in MTC tumorigenesis, both in sporadic and in hereditary cases. Total thyroidectomy with prophylactic/therapeutic central compartment lymph nodes dissection is the initial treatment of choice. Further treatments are needed according to tumor burden and rate of progression. Surgical treatments and local therapies are advocated in the case of single or few local or distant metastasis and slow rate of progression. Conversely, systemic treatments should be initiated in cases with large metastatic and rapidly progressive disease. In this review, we discuss the details of systemic treatments in advanced and metastatic sporadic MTC, focusing on multikinase inhibitors, both those already used in clinical practice and under investigation, and on emerging treatments such as highly selective RET inhibitors and radionuclide therapy.
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Garcia-Alvarez A, Hernando J, Carmona-Alonso A, Capdevila J. What is the status of immunotherapy in thyroid neoplasms? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:929091. [PMID: 35992118 PMCID: PMC9389039 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.929091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has changed the treatment of patients with advanced cancer, with different phase III trials showing durable responses across different histologies. This review focuses on the preclinical and clinical evidence of potential predictive biomarkers of response and efficacy of immunotherapy in thyroid neoplasms. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) staining by immunohistochemistry has shown higher expression in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) compared to other subtypes. The tumor mutational burden in thyroid neoplasms is low but seems to be higher in ATC. Immune infiltrates in the tumor microenvironment (TME) differ between the different thyroid neoplasm subtypes. In general, differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has a higher number of tumor-associated lymphocytes and regulatory T cells (Tregs), while ATC and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) display a high density of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Nevertheless, results from clinical trials with immunotherapy as monotherapy or combinations have shown limited efficacy. Further investigation into new strategies aside from anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4)/programmed death 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 antibodies, validation of predictive biomarkers, and better population selection for clinical trials in thyroid neoplasms is more than needed in the near future.
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Prognostic Role of TIGIT Expression in Patients with Solid Tumors: A Meta-Analysis. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:5440572. [PMID: 34888386 PMCID: PMC8651431 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5440572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) is a recently identified immunosuppressive receptor. The expression levels of TIGIT affect the prognosis of patients with solid tumors. To fully comprehend the role of TIGIT on the prognosis of patients with solid tumors, we conducted a meta-analysis. Methods We performed an online search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science (WOS), and MEDLINE databases for literature published till March 31, 2021. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the literature, and Stata 16.0 and Engauge Digitizer 4.1 software were used for data analysis. Results Our literature search identified eight papers comprising 1426 patients with solid tumors. Increased expression of TIGIT was associated with poor prognosis. High expression of TIGIT was a risk factor for overall survival (OS) {hazard ratio (HR) = 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.26, 2.20], P < 0.001} and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 1.44, 95% CI [1.15, 1.81], P = 0.01). We performed subgroup analysis to explore the source of heterogeneity, colorectal cancer (HR = 2.07, 95% CI [0.23, 18.82], P = 0.518), lung cancer (HR = 1.29, 95% CI [0.96, 1.72], P = 0.094), esophageal cancer (HR = 1.70, 95% CI [1.20, 2.40], P = 0.003), and other cancers (HR = 1.83, 95% CI [1.25, 2.68], P = 0.002). In addition to cancer type, expression location, sample size, and different statistical analysis methods are also considered the possible causes of heterogeneity between studies. Funnel plots suggested no publication bias for OS (P = 0.902), and Egger's test supported this conclusion (P = 0.537). Conclusion TIGIT expression was associated with OS and PFS in patients with solid tumors. Patients with elevated TIGIT expression have a shorter OS and PFS, and TIGIT expression could be a novel biomarker for prognosis prediction and a valuable therapeutic target for solid tumors.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize recent developments in the diagnosis and management of patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), with a focus on pathogenesis, systemic therapy, and future directions. RECENT FINDINGS The addition of mutational analysis to cytological assessment of thyroid nodules has improved the diagnostic accuracy of MTC. The discovery of new genomic alterations and overexpression of certain factors allows for improved prognostication in MTC and provides potentially new therapeutic agents. New data suggest that tumor environment may be more immunogenic than previously thought in a subset of MTCs with identification of a new MTC-specific antigen leading to a revival of investigating immune-based therapy for this disease. The newly approved selective rearranged during transfection (RET0-inhibitors, selpercatinib and pralsetinib, offer promising results, and tolerability for patients with RET-mutated MTC; however, the development of resistance mechanisms may be problematic. SUMMARY MTC has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years. Our new understanding of some of the driver mutations in MTC allows for therapeutics with more tolerable adverse event profiles. However, there is still a need for more effective treatment strategies for subsets of patients without actionable mutations and for those who develop resistance to currently available therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Jaber
- Division of Endocrinology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ramona Dadu
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mimi I Hu
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Hosseinzadeh R, Feizisani F, Shomali N, Abdelbasset WK, Hemmatzadeh M, Gholizadeh Navashenaq J, Jadidi-Niaragh F, Bokov DO, Janebifam M, Mohammadi H. PD-1/PD-L1 blockade: Prospectives for immunotherapy in cancer and autoimmunity. IUBMB Life 2021; 73:1293-1306. [PMID: 34538007 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade therapy (ICBT) has become a successful cancer treatment approach in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Blockade of programmed death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) with monoclonal antibodies have been known as successful examples of cancer immunotherapy in recent years. Although ICBT has been shown to be beneficial in cancers, such benefits have only been seen in a portion of cancer patients. In this regard, enhancing the therapeutic effects of inhibiting PD-1 and PD-L1 and reducing the side effects of this approach can be considered as a potential approach in a successful ICBT. In this review, we have highlighted new viewpoints regarding improving the therapeutic effect of PD-1 and PD-L1 blockades in cancer therapy. Besides, their expression levels as a biomarker with prognostic value, their role in intestinal microbiota modulation, combination therapy, and immune-related side effects (irAEs) have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Feizisani
- Student Research Committee, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, Iran
| | - Navid Shomali
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Walid Kamal Abdelbasset
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Physical Therapy, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Maryam Hemmatzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Dmitry O Bokov
- Institute of Pharmacy, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Federal Research Center of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Morteza Janebifam
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Mohammadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.,Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
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Di Molfetta S, Dotto A, Fanciulli G, Florio T, Feola T, Colao A, Faggiano A. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: New Weapons Against Medullary Thyroid Cancer? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:667784. [PMID: 33935977 PMCID: PMC8081349 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.667784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a rare neuroendocrine neoplasm that originates from thyroid C cells. Surgery, with complete resection of the tumor, is the only curative approach. However, in most cases, the tumor recurs at locoregional or metastatic level. In this setting, the management remains challenging. In recent years, the immune checkpoint inhibitors have provided promise for changing the cancer treatment paradigm through the application of new approaches that enhance the body's natural antitumor defenses. The aim of this review is to summarize and discuss available data on efficacy and safety of the Food and Drug Administration-approved immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma. After an extensive search, we found 7 useful data sources (one single-case report, one short article with very preliminary data, five ongoing registered clinical trials). Despite the lack of published evidence regarding the use of immune check point inhibitors, it must be considered that all the ongoing registered clinical trials saw first light in the last three years, thus indicating a growing interest of researchers in this field. Results coming from these trials, and hopefully, in the next future, from additional trials, will help to clarify whether this class of drugs may represent a new weapon in favor of patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Di Molfetta
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sergio Di Molfetta,
| | - Andrea Dotto
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fanciulli
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari—Endocrine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Tiziana Feola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Neuroendocrinology, Neuromed Institute, IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Endocrinology Unit, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antongiulio Faggiano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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