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De Sa H, Leonard J. Novel Biomarkers and Molecular Targets in ALL. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2024; 19:18-34. [PMID: 38048037 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-023-00718-3] [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] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a widely heterogeneous disease in terms of genomic alterations, treatment options, and prognosis. While ALL is considered largely curable in children, adults tend to have higher risk disease subtypes and do not respond as favorably to conventional chemotherapy. Identifying genomic drivers of leukemogenesis and applying targeted therapies in an effort to improve disease outcomes is an exciting focus of current ALL research. Here, we review recent updates in ALL targeted therapy and present promising opportunities for future research. RECENT FINDINGS With the utilization of next-generation sequencing techniques, the genomic landscape of ALL has greatly expanded to encompass novel subtypes characterized by recurrent chromosomal rearrangements, gene fusions, sequence mutations, and distinct gene expression profiles. The evolution of small molecule inhibitors and immunotherapies, and the exploration of unique therapy combinations are some examples of recent advancements in the field. Targeted therapies are becoming increasingly important in the treatment landscape of ALL to improve outcomes and minimize toxicity. Significant recent advancements have been made in the detection of susceptible genomic drivers and the use of novel therapies to target them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong De Sa
- OHSU Center for Health and Healing, Oregon Health & Science University, 3485 S Bond Ave, Mail Code OC14HO, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Jessica Leonard
- OHSU Center for Health and Healing, Oregon Health & Science University, 3485 S Bond Ave, Mail Code OC14HO, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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Hormann FM, Mooij EJ, van de Mheen M, Beverloo HB, den Boer ML, Boer JM. The impact of an additional copy of chromosome 21 in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2024; 63:e23217. [PMID: 38087879 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23217] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
A common finding in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCPALL) is that chromosome 21 is never lost and an extra chromosome 21 is often gained. This implies an important role for chromosome 21 in the pathobiology of BCPALL, emphasized by the increased risk of BCPALL in children with Down syndrome. However, model systems of chromosome 21 gain are lacking. We therefore developed a BCPALL cell line (Nalm-6, DUX4-rearranged) with an additional chromosome 21 by means of microcell-mediated chromosome transfer. FISH, PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, and whole exome sequencing showed that an additional chromosome 21 was successfully transferred to the recipient cells. Transcription of some but not all genes on chromosome 21 was increased, indicating tight transcriptional regulation. Nalm-6 cells with an additional chromosome 21 proliferated slightly slower compared with parental Nalm-6 and sensitivity to induction chemotherapeutics was mildly increased. The extra copy of chromosome 21 did not confer sensitivity to targeted signaling inhibitors. In conclusion, a BCPALL cell line with an additional human chromosome 21 was developed, validated, and subjected to functional studies, which showed a minor but potentially relevant effect in vitro. This cell line offers the possibility to study further the role of chromosome 21 in ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke M Hormann
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Erasmus Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva J Mooij
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - H Berna Beverloo
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monique L den Boer
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Erasmus Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M Boer
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Oikonomou A, Valsecchi L, Quadri M, Watrin T, Scharov K, Procopio S, Tu JW, Vogt M, Savino AM, Silvestri D, Valsecchi MG, Biondi A, Borkhardt A, Bhatia S, Cazzaniga G, Fazio G, Bardini M, Palmi C. High-throughput screening as a drug repurposing strategy for poor outcome subgroups of pediatric B-cell precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115809. [PMID: 37717691 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115809] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Although a great cure rate has been achieved for pediatric BCP-ALL, approximately 15% of patients do not respond to conventional chemotherapy and experience disease relapse. A major effort to improve the cure rates by treatment intensification would result in an undesirable increase in treatment-related toxicity and mortality, raising the need to identify novel therapeutic approaches. High-throughput (HTP) drug screening enables the profiling of patients' responses in vitro and allows the repurposing of compounds currently used for other diseases, which can be immediately available for clinical application. The aim of this study was to apply HTP drug screening to identify potentially effective compounds for the treatment of pediatric BCP-ALL patients with poor prognosis, such as patients with Down Syndrome (DS) or carrying rearrangements involving PAX5 or KMT2A/MLL genes. Patient-derived Xenografts (PDX) samples from 34 BCP-ALL patients (9 DS CRLF2r, 15 PAX5r, 10 MLLr), 7 human BCP-ALL cell lines and 14 hematopoietic healthy donor samples were screened on a semi-automated HTP drug screening platform using a 174 compound library (FDA/EMA-approved or in preclinical studies). We identified 9 compounds active against BCP-ALL (ABT-199/venetoclax, AUY922/luminespib, dexamethasone, EC144, JQ1, NVP-HSP990, paclitaxel, PF-04929113 and vincristine), but sparing normal cells. Ex vivo validations confirmed that the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax exerts an anti-leukemic effect against all three ALL subgroups at nanomolar concentrations. Overall, this study points out the benefit of HTP screening application for drug repurposing to allow the identification of effective and clinically translatable therapeutic agents for difficult-to-treat childhood BCP-ALL subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigia Valsecchi
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Manuel Quadri
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Titus Watrin
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Haematology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katerina Scharov
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Haematology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Simona Procopio
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Jia-Wey Tu
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Haematology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Melina Vogt
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Haematology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Angela Maria Savino
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy; School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Daniela Silvestri
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Valsecchi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy; Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Andrea Biondi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy; Pediatrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Arndt Borkhardt
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Haematology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sanil Bhatia
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Haematology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Giovanni Cazzaniga
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy; School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy.
| | - Grazia Fazio
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Michela Bardini
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Chiara Palmi
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
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Sarno J, Domizi P, Liu Y, Merchant M, Pedersen CB, Jedoui D, Jager A, Nolan GP, Gaipa G, Bendall SC, Bava FA, Davis KL. Dasatinib overcomes glucocorticoid resistance in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2935. [PMID: 37217509 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38456-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to glucocorticoids (GC) is associated with an increased risk of relapse in B-cell progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). Performing transcriptomic and single-cell proteomic studies in healthy B-cell progenitors, we herein identify coordination between the glucocorticoid receptor pathway with B-cell developmental pathways. Healthy pro-B cells most highly express the glucocorticoid receptor, and this developmental expression is conserved in primary BCP-ALL cells from patients at diagnosis and relapse. In-vitro and in vivo glucocorticoid treatment of primary BCP-ALL cells demonstrate that the interplay between B-cell development and the glucocorticoid pathways is crucial for GC resistance in leukemic cells. Gene set enrichment analysis in BCP-ALL cell lines surviving GC treatment show enrichment of B cell receptor signaling pathways. In addition, primary BCP-ALL cells surviving GC treatment in vitro and in vivo demonstrate a late pre-B cell phenotype with activation of PI3K/mTOR and CREB signaling. Dasatinib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, most effectively targets this active signaling in GC-resistant cells, and when combined with glucocorticoids, results in increased cell death in vitro and decreased leukemic burden and prolonged survival in an in vivo xenograft model. Targeting the active signaling through the addition of dasatinib may represent a therapeutic approach to overcome GC resistance in BCP-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanda Sarno
- Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant, and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Pablo Domizi
- Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant, and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yuxuan Liu
- Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant, and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Milton Merchant
- Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant, and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christina Bligaard Pedersen
- Section for Bioinformatics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Dorra Jedoui
- Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant, and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Astraea Jager
- Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant, and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Garry P Nolan
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Giuseppe Gaipa
- M. Tettamanti Research Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, (MB), Italy
| | - Sean C Bendall
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Felice-Alessio Bava
- Baxter Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM), Paris, France
| | - Kara L Davis
- Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant, and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Alghandour R, Sakr DH, Shaaban Y. Philadelphia-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia: the journey from molecular background to the role of bone marrow transplant-review article. Ann Hematol 2023; 102:1287-1300. [PMID: 37129698 PMCID: PMC10181978 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05241-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Philadelphia chromosome-like (Ph-like) ALL is a recent subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Although it does not express the BCR-ABL fusion gene, it has a behavior like true BCR/ABL1-positive cases. This subtype harbors different molecular alterations most commonly CRLF2 rearrangements. Most cases of Ph-like ALL are associated with high white blood cell count, high minimal residual disease level after induction therapy, and high relapse rate. Efforts should be encouraged for early recognition of Ph-like ALL to enhance therapeutic strategies. Recently, many trials are investigating the possibility of adding the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) to chemotherapy to improve clinical outcomes. The role and best timing of allogeneic bone marrow transplant in those cases are still unclear. Precision medicine should be implemented in the treatment of such cases. Here in this review, we summarize the available data on Ph-like ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham Alghandour
- Medical oncology Unit, Oncology Center Mansoura University, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Doaa H Sakr
- Medical oncology Unit, Oncology Center Mansoura University, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Yasmin Shaaban
- Clinical Hematology Unit, Oncology Center Mansoura University, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Butler M, Vervoort BM, van Ingen Schenau DS, Jongeneel L, van der Zwet JC, Marke R, Meijerink JP, Scheijen B, van der Meer LT, van Leeuwen FN. Reversal of IKZF1-induced glucocorticoid resistance by dual targeting of AKT and ERK signaling pathways. Front Oncol 2022; 12:905665. [PMID: 36119546 PMCID: PMC9478899 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.905665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although long-term survival in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) currently exceeds 90%, some subgroups, defined by specific genomic aberrations, respond poorly to treatment. We previously reported that leukemias harboring deletions or mutations affecting the B-cell transcription factor IKZF1 exhibit a tumor cell intrinsic resistance to glucocorticoids (GCs), one of the cornerstone drugs used in the treatment of ALL. Here, we identified increased activation of both AKT and ERK signaling pathways as drivers of GC resistance in IKZF1-deficient leukemic cells. Indeed, combined pharmacological inhibition of AKT and ERK signaling effectively reversed GC resistance in IKZF1-deficient leukemias. As inhibitors for both pathways are under clinical investigation, their combined use may enhance the efficacy of prednisolone-based therapy in this high-risk patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Butler
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Laboratory of Pediatric Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - René Marke
- Laboratory of Pediatric Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Blanca Scheijen
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Frank N. van Leeuwen
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Frank N. van Leeuwen,
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Noronha EP, Ferreira PMS, Andrade FG, Blunck CB, Camargo R, Gimba ERP, Pombo-de-Oliveira MS, Terra-Granado E. Multiparametric flow cytometry directing the evaluation of CRLF2 rearrangements and JAK2 status in pediatric B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther 2022:S2531-1379(22)00098-0. [DOI: 10.1016/j.htct.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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8
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Drula R, Iluta S, Gulei D, Iuga C, Dima D, Ghiaur G, Buzoianu AD, Ciechanover A, Tomuleasa C. Exploiting the ubiquitin system in myeloid malignancies. From basic research to drug discovery in MDS and AML. Blood Rev 2022; 56:100971. [PMID: 35595613 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system is the crucial homeostatic mechanism responsible for the degradation and turnover of proteins. As such, alterations at this level are often associated with oncogenic processes, either through accumulation of undegraded pathway effectors or, conversely, excessive degradation of tumor-suppressing factors. Therefore, investigation of the ubiquitin- proteasome system has gained much attraction in recent years, especially in the context of hematological malignancies, giving rise to efficient therapeutics such as bortezomib for multiple myeloma. Current investigations are now focused on manipulating protein degradation via fine-tuning of the ubiquitination process through inhibition of deubiquitinating enzymes or development of PROTAC systems for stimulation of ubiquitination and protein degradation. On the other hand, the efficiency of Thalidomide derivates in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), such as Lenalidomide, acted as the starting point for the development of targeted leukemia-associated protein degradation molecules. These novel molecules display high efficiency in overcoming the limitations of current therapeutic regimens, such as refractory diseases. Therefore, in this manuscript we will address the therapeutic opportunities and strategies based on the ubiquitin-proteasome system, ranging from the modulation of deubiquitinating enzymes and, conversely, describing the potential of modern targeted protein degrading molecules and their progress into clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rares Drula
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine - MedFUTURE, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Sabina Iluta
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania; Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Gulei
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine - MedFUTURE, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Iuga
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine - MedFUTURE, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Delia Dima
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriel Ghiaur
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Anca Dana Buzoianu
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Aaron Ciechanover
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine - MedFUTURE, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania; Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania; Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel; Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine - MedFUTURE, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania; Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania; Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj Napoca, Romania.
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Hassan NM, El Ashry MS, Abdellateif M, Hassan RN. Evaluating the Role of Cytokine Receptor-like Factor 2 and Janus Kinase 2 in Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.9139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive roles of the cytokine receptor-like factor 2 (CRLF2) and the Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) genes expression in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients.
METHODS: The expression levels of CRLF2 and JAK2 genes were evaluated in the bone marrow (BM) samples of 105 adult ALL patients, compared to 12 healthy controls. The data were correlated to the patients’ relevant clinic-pathological features, response to treatment and survival rates.
RESULTS: There was a significant overexpression of JAK2 in ALL patients compared to the control group [0.04 (0–160.8) and 0.006 (0–0.009), respectively, p < 0.001]. Similarly, CRLF2 was overexpressed in ALL patients in comparison to control subjects [0.008 (0–78.2) and 0.0005 (0–0.006), respectively, p < 0.001]. The sensitivity, specificity, and the area under curve (AUC) for JAK2 were 78.1%, 81.8%, and 0.796, respectively (p < 0.001), and that of CRLF2 were 92.4%, 90.9%, 0.958, respectively (p < 0.001). When combining both JAK2 and CRLF2 for the diagnosis of ALL patients, it revealed 90.9% sensitivity, 91.4% specificity, and AUC of 0.957 (p < 0.001). The JAK2, CRLF2, or their combined expression associated significantly with the increased expression of MHC-II (p = 0.015, 0.001, and 0.004, respectively). However, they had no significant impact on patients’ response to treatment, overall (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) rates (p > 0.05 for all).
CONCLUSION: JAK2 and CRLF2 could be a potential useful diagnostic molecular marker for ALL patients, which allow them to be successful targets for ALL therapy.
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Płotka A, Lewandowski K. BCR/ABL1-Like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: From Diagnostic Approaches to Molecularly Targeted Therapy. Acta Haematol 2021; 145:122-131. [PMID: 34818644 DOI: 10.1159/000519782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BCR/ABL1-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a newly recognized high-risk subtype of ALL, characterized by the presence of genetic alterations activating kinase and cytokine receptor signaling. This subtype is associated with inferior outcomes, compared to other B-cell precursor ALL. SUMMARY The recognition of BCR/ABL1-like ALL is challenging due to the complexity of underlying genetic alterations. Rearrangements of CRLF2 are the most frequent alteration in BCR/ABL1-like ALL and can be identified by flow cytometry. The identification of BCR/ABL1-like ALL can be achieved with stepwise algorithms or broad-based testing. The main goal of the diagnostic analysis is to detect the underlying genetic alterations, which are critical for the diagnosis and targeted therapy. KEY MESSAGES The aim of the manuscript is to review the available data on BCR/ABL1-like ALL characteristics, diagnostic algorithms, and novel, molecularly targeted therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Płotka
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Lewandowski
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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11
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Hrabovsky S, Vrzalova Z, Stika J, Jelinkova H, Jarosova M, Navrkalova V, Martenek J, Folber F, Salek C, Horacek JM, Pospisilova S, Mayer J, Doubek M. Genomic landscape of B-other acute lymphoblastic leukemia in an adult retrospective cohort with a focus on BCR-ABL1-like subtype. Acta Oncol 2021; 60:760-770. [PMID: 33750258 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2021.1900908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION BCR-ABL1-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a high-risk disease with a complex genomic background. Though extensively studied, data on the frequency and mutual associations of present mutations are still incomplete in adult patients. This retrospective study aims to map the genomic landscape of B-other ALL in a cohort of adult patients with a focus on the BCR-ABL1-like ALL subtype. METHODS We analyzed bone marrow and peripheral blood samples of adult B-other ALL patients treated consecutively at three major Czech teaching hospitals. Samples were analyzed by cytogenetic methods, gene expression profiling, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and next-generation sequencing (NGS). RESULTS Fifty-eight B-other ALL patients (not BCR-ABL1, KMT2A-rearranged, ETV6-RUNX1, TCF3-PBX1, or iAMP21) were included in the study. Median follow-up was 23.8 months. Samples from 33 patients were available for a gene expression analysis, 48.9% identified as BCR-ABL1-like ALL. Of the BCR-ABL1-like ALL cases, 18.8% harbored IGH-CRLF2 and 12.5% P2RY8-CRLF2 fusion gene. We observed a higher MRD failure rate in BCR-ABL1-like than in non-BCR-ABL1-like ALL patients after the induction treatment (50.0 vs. 13.3%, p=.05). There was a trend to worse progression-free and overall survival in the BCR-ABL1-like group, though not statistically significant. Deletions in IKZF1 gene were found in 31.3% of BCR-ABL1-like cases. Patients with concurrent IKZF1 and CDKN2A/B, PAX5 or PAR1 region deletions (IKZF1plus profile) had significantly worse progression-free survival than those with sole IKZF1 deletion or IKZF1 wild-type (p=.02). NGS analysis was performed in 54 patients and identified 99 short variants in TP53, JAK2, NRAS, PAX5, CREBBP, NF1, FLT3, ATM, KRAS, RUNX1, and other genes. Seventy-five of these gene variants have not yet been described in B-cell precursor ALL to date. CONCLUSION This study widens existing knowledge of the BCR-ABL1-like and B-other ALL genomic landscape in the adult population, supports previous findings, and identifies a number of novel gene variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stepan Hrabovsky
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Czech Leukemia Study Group – for Life (CELL), Brno, Czechia
| | - Zuzana Vrzalova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Brno, Czechia
| | - Jiri Stika
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Brno, Czechia
| | - Hana Jelinkova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Marie Jarosova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Brno, Czechia
| | - Veronika Navrkalova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Brno, Czechia
| | - Jiri Martenek
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Frantisek Folber
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Czech Leukemia Study Group – for Life (CELL), Brno, Czechia
| | - Cyril Salek
- Czech Leukemia Study Group – for Life (CELL), Brno, Czechia
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czechia
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Hematology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan M. Horacek
- Czech Leukemia Study Group – for Life (CELL), Brno, Czechia
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
- Department of Military Internal Medicine and Hygiene, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Sarka Pospisilova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Czech Leukemia Study Group – for Life (CELL), Brno, Czechia
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Brno, Czechia
| | - Jiri Mayer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Czech Leukemia Study Group – for Life (CELL), Brno, Czechia
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Brno, Czechia
| | - Michael Doubek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Czech Leukemia Study Group – for Life (CELL), Brno, Czechia
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Brno, Czechia
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Olivas-Aguirre M, Torres-López L, Pottosin I, Dobrovinskaya O. Overcoming Glucocorticoid Resistance in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Repurposed Drugs Can Improve the Protocol. Front Oncol 2021; 11:617937. [PMID: 33777761 PMCID: PMC7991804 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.617937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a central component of multi-drug treatment protocols against T and B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which are used intensively during the remission induction to rapidly eliminate the leukemic blasts. The primary response to GCs predicts the overall response to treatment and clinical outcome. In this review, we have critically analyzed the available data on the effects of GCs on sensitive and resistant leukemic cells, in order to reveal the mechanisms of GC resistance and how these mechanisms may determine a poor outcome in ALL. Apart of the GC resistance, associated with a decreased expression of receptors to GCs, there are several additional mechanisms, triggered by alterations of different signaling pathways, which cause the metabolic reprogramming, with an enhanced level of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis resistance, and multidrug resistance. Due to all this, the GC-resistant ALL show a poor sensitivity to conventional chemotherapeutic protocols. We propose pharmacological strategies that can trigger alternative intracellular pathways to revert or overcome GC resistance. Specifically, we focused our search on drugs, which are already approved for treatment of other diseases and demonstrated anti-ALL effects in experimental pre-clinical models. Among them are some “truly” re-purposed drugs, which have different targets in ALL as compared to other diseases: cannabidiol, which targets mitochondria and causes the mitochondrial permeability transition-driven necrosis, tamoxifen, which induces autophagy and cell death, and reverts GC resistance through the mechanisms independent of nuclear estrogen receptors (“off-target effects”), antibiotic tigecycline, which inhibits mitochondrial respiration, causing energy crisis and cell death, and some anthelmintic drugs. Additionally, we have listed compounds that show a classical mechanism of action in ALL but are not used still in treatment protocols: the BH3 mimetic venetoclax, which inhibits the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, the hypomethylating agent 5-azacytidine, which restores the expression of the pro-apoptotic BIM, and compounds targeting the PI3K-Akt-mTOR axis. Accordingly, these drugs may be considered for the inclusion into chemotherapeutic protocols for GC-resistant ALL treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Olivas-Aguirre
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Ionic Transport Regulation, University Center for Biomedical Research, University of Colima, Colima, Mexico
| | - Liliana Torres-López
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Ionic Transport Regulation, University Center for Biomedical Research, University of Colima, Colima, Mexico
| | - Igor Pottosin
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Ionic Transport Regulation, University Center for Biomedical Research, University of Colima, Colima, Mexico
| | - Oxana Dobrovinskaya
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Ionic Transport Regulation, University Center for Biomedical Research, University of Colima, Colima, Mexico
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Vilchis-Ordoñez A, Ramírez-Ramírez D, Pelayo R. The triad inflammation-microenvironment-tumor initiating cells in leukemia progression. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Comprehensive Custom NGS Panel Validation for the Improvement of the Stratification of B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients. J Pers Med 2020; 10:jpm10030137. [PMID: 32967112 PMCID: PMC7565730 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10030137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a hematological neoplasm of the stem lymphoid cell of the B lineage, characterized by the presence of genetic alterations closely related to the course of the disease. The number of alterations identified in these patients grows as studies of the disease progress, but in clinical practice, the conventional techniques frequently used are only capable of detecting the most common alterations. However, techniques, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), are being implemented to detect a wide spectrum of new alterations that also include point mutations. Methods: In this study, we designed and validated a comprehensive custom NGS panel to detect the main genetic alterations present in the disease in a single step. For this purpose, 75 B-ALL diagnosis samples from patients previously characterized by standard-of-care diagnostic techniques were sequenced. Results: The use of the custom NGS panel allowed the correct detection of the main genetic alterations present in B-ALL patients, including the presence of an aneuploid clone in 14 of the samples and some of the recurrent fusion genes in 35 of the samples. The panel was also able to successfully detect a number of secondary alterations, such as single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy number variations (CNVs) in 66 and 46 of the samples analyzed, respectively, allowing for further refinement of the stratification of patients. The custom NGS panel could also detect alterations with a high level of sensitivity and reproducibility when the findings obtained by NGS were compared with those obtained from other conventional techniques. Conclusions: The use of this custom NGS panel allows us to quickly and efficiently detect the main genetic alterations present in B-ALL patients in a single assay (SNVs and insertions/deletions (INDELs), recurrent fusion genes, CNVs, aneuploidies, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with pharmacogenetics). The application of this panel would thus allow us to speed up and simplify the molecular diagnosis of patients, helping patient stratification and management.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients has markedly improved with the adoption of pediatric-inspired protocols. However, there remain several subtypes of ALL that represent significant therapeutic challenges. Here, we review the current evidence guiding treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+), Philadelphia chromosome-like (Ph-L), and early T-precursor (ETP) ALL in the AYA population. RECENT FINDINGS Clinical trials in Ph + ALL have demonstrated the superior efficacy of second- and third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) to induce and maintain remission. Current efforts now focus on determining the durability of these remissions and which patients will benefit from transplant. For Ph-like and ETP ALL, recent studies are investigating the addition of novel agents to standard treatment. The treatment of Ph + ALL has significantly improved with the addition of potent TKIs. However, the treatment of Ph-like and ETP ALL remains a challenge. At this time, the judicious use of allogenic transplant is the only current approach to modify this increased risk.
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