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Mehrotra S, Kupani M, Kaur J, Kaur J, Pandey RK. Immunotherapy guided precision medicine in solid tumors. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2024; 140:249-292. [PMID: 38762271 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is no longer recognized as a single disease but a collection of diseases each with its defining characteristics and behavior. Even within the same cancer type, there can be substantial heterogeneity at the molecular level. Cancer cells often accumulate various genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations over time, leading to a coexistence of distinct subpopulations of cells within the tumor. This tumor heterogeneity arises not only due to clonal outgrowth of cells with genetic mutations, but also due to interactions of tumor cells with the tumor microenvironment (TME). The latter is a dynamic ecosystem that includes cancer cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, stromal cells, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix components, tumor-associated macrophages and secreted molecules. The complex interplay between tumor heterogeneity and the TME makes it difficult to develop one-size-fits-all treatments and is often the cause of therapeutic failure and resistance in solid cancers. Technological advances in the post-genomic era have given us cues regarding spatial and temporal tumor heterogeneity. Armed with this knowledge, oncologists are trying to target the unique genomic, epigenetic, and molecular landscape in the tumor cell that causes its oncogenic transformation in a particular patient. This has ushered in the era of personalized precision medicine (PPM). Immunotherapy, on the other hand, involves leveraging the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells and spare healthy cells from the damage induced by radiation and chemotherapy. Combining PPM and immunotherapy represents a paradigm shift in cancer treatment and has emerged as a promising treatment modality for several solid cancers. In this chapter, we summarise major types of cancer immunotherapy and discuss how they are being used for precision medicine in different solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Mehrotra
- Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
| | - Manu Kupani
- Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Jaismeen Kaur
- Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Jashandeep Kaur
- Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Rajeev Kumar Pandey
- Research and Development-Protein Biology, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Li Y, Xu Z, Li Y, Jiang T, Meng F, Fu J, Huang L, Wang F, Wang X, Wang F. Preclinical and phase I studies of an antisense oligonucleotide drug targeting IGF-1R in liver cancer. Future Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38573183 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate a novel antisense oligonucleotide drug targeting human IGF-1R in preclinical and phase I studies of liver cancer. Materials & methods: The tolerability and safety of an investigational new drug were evaluated in a dose-escalation trial involving 17 patients with advanced liver cancer after preclinical assessment of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Results: The drug exposure levels in the phase I trial were determined by the in vivo efficacy with pharmacokinetics evaluation in rats and rhesus monkeys. This clinical study showed that the maximum tolerated dose was 3.96 mg/kg, and the dose-limiting toxicity dose was 4.4 mg/kg. Conclusion: The drug was safe and tolerable in patients with advanced liver cancer. Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR2100044235 (www.chictr.org.cn).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Li
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Tianjun Jiang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Fanping Meng
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Junliang Fu
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Fengchao Wang
- Youcare Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Youcare Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Fusheng Wang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
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Akshintala S, Sundby RT, Bernstein D, Glod JW, Kaplan RN, Yohe ME, Gross AM, Derdak J, Lei H, Pan A, Dombi E, Palacio-Yance I, Herrera KR, Miettinen MM, Chen HX, Steinberg SM, Helman LJ, Mascarenhas L, Widemann BC, Navid F, Shern JF, Heske CM. Phase I trial of Ganitumab plus Dasatinib to Cotarget the Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor and Src Family Kinase YES in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:3329-3339. [PMID: 37398992 PMCID: PMC10529967 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Antibodies against insulin-like growth factor (IGF) type 1 receptor have shown meaningful but transient tumor responses in patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). The SRC family member YES has been shown to mediate IGF type 1 receptor (IGF-1R) antibody acquired resistance, and cotargeting IGF-1R and YES resulted in sustained responses in murine RMS models. We conducted a phase I trial of the anti-IGF-1R antibody ganitumab combined with dasatinib, a multi-kinase inhibitor targeting YES, in patients with RMS (NCT03041701). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with relapsed/refractory alveolar or embryonal RMS and measurable disease were eligible. All patients received ganitumab 18 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks. Dasatinib dose was 60 mg/m2/dose (max 100 mg) oral once daily [dose level (DL)1] or 60 mg/m2/dose (max 70 mg) twice daily (DL2). A 3+3 dose escalation design was used, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined on the basis of cycle 1 dose-limiting toxicities (DLT). RESULTS Thirteen eligible patients, median age 18 years (range 8-29) enrolled. Median number of prior systemic therapies was 3; all had received prior radiation. Of 11 toxicity-evaluable patients, 1/6 had a DLT at DL1 (diarrhea) and 2/5 had a DLT at DL2 (pneumonitis, hematuria) confirming DL1 as MTD. Of nine response-evaluable patients, one had a confirmed partial response for four cycles, and one had stable disease for six cycles. Genomic studies from cell-free DNA correlated with disease response. CONCLUSIONS The combination of dasatinib 60 mg/m2/dose daily and ganitumab 18 mg/kg every 2 weeks was safe and tolerable. This combination had a disease control rate of 22% at 5 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srivandana Akshintala
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - R. Taylor Sundby
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Donna Bernstein
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - John W. Glod
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Rosandra N. Kaplan
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Marielle E. Yohe
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Frederick, Maryland
| | - Andrea M. Gross
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Joanne Derdak
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Haiyan Lei
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Alexander Pan
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Eva Dombi
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Isabel Palacio-Yance
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kailey R. Herrera
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Markku M. Miettinen
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Helen X. Chen
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Seth M. Steinberg
- Biostatistics and Data Management, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lee J. Helman
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- The Osteosarcoma Institute, Dallas, Texas
| | - Leo Mascarenhas
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Brigitte C. Widemann
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Fariba Navid
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jack F. Shern
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Christine M. Heske
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
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Therapeutic strategies for non-small cell lung cancer: Experimental models and emerging biomarkers to monitor drug efficacies. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 242:108347. [PMID: 36642389 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
While new targeted therapies have considerably changed the treatment and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), they are frequently unsuccessful due to primary or acquired resistances. Chemoresistance is a complex process that combines cancer cell intrinsic mechanisms including molecular and genetic abnormalities, aberrant interactions within the tumor microenvironment, and the pharmacokinetic characteristics of each molecule. From a pharmacological point of view, two levers could improve the response to treatment: (i) developing tools to predict the response to chemo- and targeted therapies and (ii) gaining a better understanding of the influence of the tumor microenvironment. Both personalized medicine approaches require the identification of relevant experimental models and biomarkers to understand and fight against chemoresistance mechanisms. After describing the main therapies in NSCLC, the scope of this review will be to identify and to discuss relevant in vitro and ex vivo experimental models that are able to mimic tumors. In addition, the interests of these models in the predictive responses to proposed therapies will be discussed. Finally, this review will evaluate the involvement of novel secreted biomarkers such as tumor DNA or micro RNA in predicting responses to anti-tumor therapies.
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Zheng Q, Chen D, Wang X, Yang Y, Zhao S, Dong X, Ma C, Zhang X, Duan H, Sun Y, Zheng S. WX-0593 combined with an epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody in the treatment of xenograft tumors carrying triple EGFR mutations. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:696. [PMID: 35845484 PMCID: PMC9279820 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-2780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background To evaluate the safety and therapeutic efficacy of WX-0593, a newly developed potent anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor, in combination with an epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody (QL1203 or Vectibix) for the treatment of xenograft tumors carrying mutant EGFR and osimertinib-resistant mutations (EGFR/T790M/C797S). Methods The inhibition of tumor cell proliferation by WX-0593 and Vectibix alone or combined was evaluated in four EGFR triple-mutant cell lines: PC9 (EGFR Del19/T790M/C797S), NCI-H1975 (EGFR L858R/T790M/C797S), Ba/F3 (EGFR L858R/T790M/C797S and EGFR Del19/T790M/C797S). The in vivo antitumor efficacy of WX-0593 alone or combined with QL1203 or Vectibix was evaluated in xenograft tumor models of BALB/c nude mice developed from H1975 (EGFR-Del19/T790M/C797S) and Ba/F3 (EGFR-L858R/T790M/C797S) cell lines. Mice were randomized into groups and treated with or without WX-0593, QL1203, Vectibix, or their combination. The tumor volume, mouse body weight, and therapeutic side effects were monitored routinely. Blood samples were obtained from all mice at different time points after the last dosage of treatment to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters of the drugs. Results WX-0593 and Vectibix showed a strong synergistic inhibitory effect on the proliferation of two EGFR triple-mutant Ba/F3 cell lines (EGFR L858R/T790M/C797S and Del19/T790M/C797S), but little synergistic inhibitory effect on the proliferation of NCI-H1975 (EGFR L858R/T790M/C797S) and PC9 (EGFR Del19/T790M/C797S). In vivo, WX-0593 (25 mg/kg) showed a modest therapeutic effect when combined with QL1203 or Vectibix, but had no effect on tumor growth as a monotherapy at this dosage. WX-0593 (75 mg/kg) exhibited modest antitumor efficacy that was further enhanced in combination with QL1203 or Vectibix in both tumor models (H1975 and Ba/F3). No significant body weight alteration, any other side effect, or deaths were observed during treatment. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that the serum level of QL1203 or Vectibix was significantly increased and lasted longer when combined with WX-0593. Conclusions WX-0593 exhibited a synergetic effect with an EGFR monoclonal antibody on osimertinib-resistant EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) both in vitro and in vivo. Their combination showed potent antitumor efficacy and an acceptable safety profile, which may be a promising strategy for the treatment of patients with EGFR triple-mutant NSCLC resistant to osimertinib.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xin Dong
- Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | - Cuicui Ma
- Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | | | - Yan Sun
- Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
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Wang P, Mak VCY, Cheung LWT. Drugging IGF-1R in cancer: New insights and emerging opportunities. Genes Dis 2022; 10:199-211. [PMID: 37013053 PMCID: PMC10066341 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis plays important roles in cancer development and metastasis. The type 1 IGF receptor (IGF-1R) is a key member in the IGF axis and has long been recognized for its oncogenic role in multiple cancer lineages. Here we review the occurrence of IGF-1R aberrations and activation mechanisms in cancers, which justify the development of anti-IGF-1R therapies. We describe the therapeutic agents available for IGF-1R inhibition, with focuses on the recent or ongoing pre-clinical and clinical studies. These include antisense oligonucleotide, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies which may be conjugated with cytotoxic drug. Remarkably, simultaneous targeting of IGF-1R and several other oncogenic vulnerabilities has shown early promise, highlighting the potential benefits of combination therapy. Further, we discuss the challenges in targeting IGF-1R so far and new concepts to improve therapeutic efficacy such as blockage of the nuclear translocation of IGF-1R.
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Targeting the IGF-1R in prostate and colorectal cancer: reasons behind trial failure and future directions. Ther Deliv 2022; 13:167-186. [PMID: 35029130 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2021-0060] [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] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
IGF-1Rs enact a significant part in cancer growth and its progress. IGF-1R inhibitors were encouraged in the early trials, but the patients did not benefit due to the unavailability of predictive biomarkers and IGF-1R system complexity. However, the linkage between IGF-1R and cancer was reported three decades ago. This review will shed light on the IGF-1R system, targeting IGF-1R through monoclonal antibodies, reasons behind IGF-1R trial failure and future directions. This study presented that targeting IGF-1R through monoclonal antibodies is still effective in cancer treatment, and there is a need to look for future directions. Cancer patients may benefit from using mAbs that target existing and new cancer targets, evidenced by promising results. It is also essential that the academician, trial experts and pharmaceutical companies play their role in finding a treatment for this deadly disease.
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Poli E, Cattelan M, Zanetti I, Scagnellato A, Giordano G, Zin A, Bisogno G, Bonvini P. Autoantibody profiling of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma patients unveils tumor-associated antigens with diagnostic and prognostic significance. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1954765. [PMID: 34367733 PMCID: PMC8312597 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1954765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is a highly aggressive subtype of childhood cancer for which efficacious treatments are needed. Immunotherapy represents a new therapeutic opportunity to pursue, but it requires the identification of worthwhile tumor antigens. Herein, we exploited the capacity of ARMS autoantibodies to recognize tumor self-antigens, probing human protein microarrays with plasma from ARMS patients and healthy subjects. We assessed the autoantibody response in ARMS, validated data with independent techniques, and estimated autoantibodies diagnostic and prognostic significance by receiver-operator characteristic curves (ROC), uni- and multivariate analysis. Of the 48 tumor antigens identified, General Transcription Factor II-I (GTF2i) and Protocadherin Gamma Subfamily C5 (PCDHGC5) were selected as candidate targets to validate tumor-restricted antigen expression and autoantibody reactivity through an independent technique and wider cohort of cases. GTF2i and PCDHGC5 overexpression was observed in tumor tissues compared to normal counterparts, and anti-GTF2i and -PCDHGC5 autoantibodies were found able to distinguish ARMS patients from healthy subjects as well as cases with different histology. Moreover, low levels of PCDHGC5 autoantibodies characterized patients with worse event-free survival and proved to be an independent negative prognostic factor. This approach provided the first comprehensive autoantibody profile of ARMS, gave novel insights into the immune response of this malignancy and paved the way toward novel potential antibody-based therapeutic applications suitable to improve the survival of ARMS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Poli
- Department of Woman's and Children's Health Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Manuela Cattelan
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ilaria Zanetti
- Department of Woman's and Children's Health Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Angela Scagnellato
- Department of Woman's and Children's Health Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giordano
- Department of Woman's and Children's Health Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Institute of Pediatric Research (IRP), Fondazione Città Della Speranza, Padua, Italy
| | - Angelica Zin
- Institute of Pediatric Research (IRP), Fondazione Città Della Speranza, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianni Bisogno
- Department of Woman's and Children's Health Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonvini
- Institute of Pediatric Research (IRP), Fondazione Città Della Speranza, Padua, Italy
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CSNK1A1, KDM2A, and LTB4R2 Are New Druggable Vulnerabilities in Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143477. [PMID: 34298691 PMCID: PMC8305418 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The main histological subtypes of lung cancer are small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is further subdivided into squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AD). Despite the recent introduction of innovative therapies, lung cancer is still the first cause of cancer-related human death, indicating that the discovery of new therapeutic targets is still a compelling need for this disease. In the present work, we performed a functional genomics analysis on different lung cancer histotypes, combining data derived from different omics resources with in vitro validation. Through this approach, we identified and validated CSNK1A1, KDMA2, and LTB4R2 as new druggable vulnerabilities in lung cancer. These results open new possibilities for the development of innovative therapies for lung cancer patients. Abstract Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related human death. It is a heterogeneous disease, classified in two main histotypes, small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is further subdivided into squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AD) subtypes. Despite the introduction of innovative therapeutics, mainly designed to specifically treat AD patients, the prognosis of lung cancer remains poor. In particular, available treatments for SCLC and SCC patients are currently limited to platinum-based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this work, we used an integrative approach to identify novel vulnerabilities in lung cancer. First, we compared the data from a CRISPR/Cas9 dependency screening performed in our laboratory with Cancer Dependency Map Project data, essentiality comprising information on 73 lung cancer cell lines. Next, to identify relevant therapeutic targets, we integrated dependency data with pharmacological data and TCGA gene expression information. Through this analysis, we identified CSNK1A1, KDM2A, and LTB4R2 as relevant druggable essentiality genes in lung cancer. We validated the antiproliferative effect of genetic or pharmacological inhibition of these genes in two lung cancer cell lines. Overall, our results identified new vulnerabilities associated with different lung cancer histotypes, laying the basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Tzanakakis GN, Giatagana EM, Berdiaki A, Spyridaki I, Hida K, Neagu M, Tsatsakis AM, Nikitovic D. The Role of IGF/IGF-IR-Signaling and Extracellular Matrix Effectors in Bone Sarcoma Pathogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102478. [PMID: 34069554 PMCID: PMC8160938 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Bone sarcomas are mesenchymal origin tumors. Bone sarcoma patients show a variable response or do not respond to chemotherapy. Notably, improving efficient chemotherapy approaches, dealing with chemoresistance, and preventing metastasis pose unmet challenges in sarcoma therapy. Insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and -2) and their respective receptors are a multifactorial system that significantly contributes to bone sarcoma pathogenesis. Most clinical trials aiming at the IGF pathway have had limited success. Developing combinatorial strategies to enhance antitumor responses and better classify the patients that could best benefit from IGF-axis targeting therapies is in order. A plausible approach for developing a combinatorial strategy is to focus on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and processes executed therein. Herewith, we will discuss how the interplay between IGF-signaling and the TME constituents affects bone sarcomas’ basal functions and their response to therapy. Potential direct and adjunct therapeutical implications of the extracellular matrix (ECM) effectors will also be summarized. Abstract Bone sarcomas, mesenchymal origin tumors, represent a substantial group of varying neoplasms of a distinct entity. Bone sarcoma patients show a limited response or do not respond to chemotherapy. Notably, developing efficient chemotherapy approaches, dealing with chemoresistance, and preventing metastasis pose unmet challenges in sarcoma therapy. Insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and -2) and their respective receptors are a multifactorial system that significantly contributes to bone sarcoma pathogenesis. Whereas failures have been registered in creating novel targeted therapeutics aiming at the IGF pathway, new agent development should continue, evaluating combinatorial strategies for enhancing antitumor responses and better classifying the patients that could best benefit from these therapies. A plausible approach for developing a combinatorial strategy is to focus on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and processes executed therein. Herewith, we will discuss how the interplay between IGF-signaling and the TME constituents affects sarcomas’ basal functions and their response to therapy. This review highlights key studies focusing on IGF signaling in bone sarcomas, specifically studies underscoring novel properties that make this system an attractive therapeutic target and identifies new relationships that may be exploited. Potential direct and adjunct therapeutical implications of the extracellular matrix (ECM) effectors will also be summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N. Tzanakakis
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (G.N.T.); (E.-M.G.); (A.B.); (I.S.)
- Laboratory of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Eirini-Maria Giatagana
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (G.N.T.); (E.-M.G.); (A.B.); (I.S.)
| | - Aikaterini Berdiaki
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (G.N.T.); (E.-M.G.); (A.B.); (I.S.)
| | - Ioanna Spyridaki
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (G.N.T.); (E.-M.G.); (A.B.); (I.S.)
| | - Kyoko Hida
- Department of Vascular Biology and Molecular Pathology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Sapporo 060-8586, Japan;
| | - Monica Neagu
- Department of Immunology, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Aristidis M. Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Dragana Nikitovic
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (G.N.T.); (E.-M.G.); (A.B.); (I.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Nakata E, Fujiwara T, Kunisada T, Ito T, Takihira S, Ozaki T. Immunotherapy for sarcomas. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2021; 51:523-537. [PMID: 33611603 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyab005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of malignancies of mesenchymal origin; their molecular and genomic mechanisms differ with regard to histology. These characteristics lead to the presentation of varied immunological profiles based on the tumor microenvironment. Various immunotherapies are considered for the treatment of sarcoma. These treatments are performed either in isolation or in combination with other methods such as cytotoxic chemotherapy or the use of molecular target agents. Among these, two recently emerging immunotherapies include T-cell receptor gene therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, which are expected to be effective for many types of sarcoma. A sarcoma with a disease-specific translocation and a limited number of mutations, such as synovial sarcoma, expresses high levels of self-antigens, like the New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1, which has been targeted in T-cell receptor gene therapy. On the other hand, sarcomas with a greater number of mutations, such as undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas, myxofibrosarcoma and dedifferentiated liposarcomas, can be good candidates for immune checkpoint inhibitors. Among immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies, programmed cell death-1 blockade (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 blockade (ipilimumab) have been investigated most often in sarcoma. Although the sole use of immune checkpoint inhibitors provides limited efficacy, combined immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors or molecular target agents, especially antiangiogenic agents, has shown moderate results against some types of sarcoma, such as the alveolar soft part sarcoma. Several clinical trials utilizing immunotherapy, including T-cell receptor gene therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, in sarcomas are under progress. By clarifying the tumor microenvironment and biomarker-predictive capacity of immunotherapy in sarcomas, better clinical trials can be designed; this could lead to improved outcomes for immunotherapy in sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Nakata
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama City, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Fujiwara
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama City, Okayama, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Kunisada
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama City, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tastuo Ito
- Department of Hygiene, Kawasaki Medical University, Kurashiki City, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shota Takihira
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama City, Okayama, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Ozaki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama City, Okayama, Japan
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12
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Ianza A, Sirico M, Bernocchi O, Generali D. Role of the IGF-1 Axis in Overcoming Resistance in Breast Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:641449. [PMID: 33829018 PMCID: PMC8019779 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.641449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, many studies have demonstrated that the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is involved in a number of patho-physiological processes, as well as in the development of different types of solid tumors, including breast cancer (BC). Preclinical and clinical data showed that IGF-1 receptor (R) is overexpressed and hyper-phosphorylated in several subtypes of BCs. The central implications of this pathway in tumor cell proliferation and metastasis make it an important therapeutic target. Moreover, the IGF-1 axis has shown strong interconnection with estrogen regulation and endocrine therapy, suggesting a possible solution to anti-estrogen resistance. IGF-1R might also interfere with other pivotal therapeutic strategies, such as anti HER2 treatments and mTOR inhibitors; several clinical trials are ongoing evaluating the role of IGF-1R inhibition in modulating resistance mechanisms to target therapies. Our aim is to offer an overview of the most recent and significant field of application of IGF-1 inhibitors and relevant therapeutic strategies, weighing their possible future impact on clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ianza
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marianna Sirico
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Breast Cancer Unit and Translational Research Unit, ASST Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | - Ottavia Bernocchi
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniele Generali
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
- Breast Cancer Unit and Translational Research Unit, ASST Cremona, Cremona, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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13
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Tamiro F, Weng AP, Giambra V. Targeting Leukemia-Initiating Cells in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4165-4173. [PMID: 33414170 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The concept that different leukemias are developmentally distinct and, like in normal hematopoiesis, generated by restricted populations of cells named leukemia-initiating cells (LIC), is becoming more established. These cancer stem-like cells have been assumed to have unique properties, including the capability of self-renewing and giving rise to "differentiated" or non-LICs that make up the whole tumor. Cell populations enriched with LIC activity have been characterized in different hematopoietic malignancies, including human acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Related studies have also demonstrated that LICs are functionally distinct from bulk cells and modulated by distinct molecular signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms. Here we review several biological and clinical aspects related to LICs in ALL, including (i) immunophenotypic characterization of LIC-enriched subsets in human and mouse models of ALL, (ii) emerging therapeutics against regulatory signaling pathways involved in LIC progression and maintenance in T- and B-cell leukemias, (iii) novel epigenetic and age-related mechanisms of LIC propagation, and (iv) ongoing efforts in immunotherapy to eradicate LIC-enriched cell subsets in relapsed and refractory ALL cases. Current conventional treatments do not efficiently eliminate LICs. Therefore, innovative therapeutics that exclusively target LICs hold great promise for developing an effective cure for ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Tamiro
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies (ISBReMIT), Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Andrew P Weng
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Giambra
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies (ISBReMIT), Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.
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14
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Palubeckaitė I, Venneker S, Briaire-de Bruijn IH, van den Akker BE, Krol AD, Gelderblom H, Bovée JVMG. Selection of Effective Therapies Using Three-Dimensional in vitro Modeling of Chondrosarcoma. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:566291. [PMID: 33425984 PMCID: PMC7793672 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.566291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Chondrosarcomas are a group of cartilaginous malignant neoplasms characterized by the deposition of chondrogenic extracellular matrix. Surgical resection is currently the only curative treatment option, due to their high resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Novel therapeutic treatment options may improve outcome. Predominantly used cell line monolayer in vitro models lack in vivo complexity, such as the presence of extracellular matrix, and differing oxygen access. Hence, we aimed to improve pre-clinical chondrosarcoma research by developing an alginate-based 3D cell culture model. Method: An alginate scaffold was applied to generate spheroids of three chondrosarcoma cell lines (CH2879, JJ012, SW1353). Morphological, histological and immunohistochemical assessment of the spheroids were used to characterize the chondrosarcoma model. Presto blue assay, morphological and immunohistochemical assessment were applied to assess spheroid response to a panel of chemotherapeutics and targeted therapies, which was compared to conventional 2D monolayer models. Synergistic effect of doxorubicin and ABT-737 (Bcl-2 inhibitor) was compared between monolayer and spheroid models using excess over Bliss. A 3D colony formation assay was developed for assessment of radiotherapy response. Results: Chondrosarcoma spheroids produced chondrogenic matrix and remained proliferative after 2 weeks of culture. When treated with chemotherapeutics, the spheroids were more resistant than their monolayer counterparts, in line with animal models and clinical data. Moreover, for sapanisertib (mTOR inhibitor) treatment, a recovery in chondrosarcoma growth, previously observed in mice models, was also observed using long-term treatment. Morphological assessment was useful in the case of YM-155 (survivin inhibitor) treatment where a fraction of the spheroids underwent cell death, however a large fraction remained proliferative and unaffected. Synergy was less pronounced in 3D compared to 2D. A 3D clonogenic assay confirmed increased resistance to radiotherapy in 3D chondrosarcoma spheroids. Conclusion: We demonstrate that the chondrosarcoma alginate spheroid model is more representative of chondrosarcoma in vivo and should be used instead of the monolayer model for therapy testing. Improved selection at in vitro stage of therapeutic testing will increase the amount of information available for experimental design of in vivo animal testing and later, clinical stages. This can potentially lead to increased likelihood of approval and success at clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ieva Palubeckaitė
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sanne Venneker
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Augustinus D Krol
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Hans Gelderblom
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Judith V M G Bovée
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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15
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Papoutsidakis A, Giatagana EM, Berdiaki A, Spyridaki I, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis A, Tzanakakis GN, Nikitovic D. Lumican mediates HTB94 chondrosarcoma cell growth via an IGF‑IR/Erk1/2 axis. Int J Oncol 2020; 57:791-803. [PMID: 32705211 PMCID: PMC7384848 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondrosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor characterized by the production of a modified cartilage-type extracellular matrix (ECM). In the present study, the expression levels of the small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs), decorin, biglycan and lumican, were examined in the HTB94 human chondrosarcoma cell line. HTB94 cells were found to express and secrete the 3 SLRP members. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis demonstrated that lumican was the most abundantly secreted SLRP, whereas decorin and biglycan expression levels were low. The utilization of short interfering RNA specific for the decorin, biglycan, and lumican genes resulted in the efficient downregulation of the respective mRNA levels (P≤0.001). The growth of the HTB94 cells was stimulated by lumican (P≤0.001), whereas their migration and adhesion were not affected (P=NS). By contrast, these cellular functions were not sensitive to a decrease in low endogenous levels of decorin and biglycan. Lumicandeficiency significantly inhibited both basal and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I)-induced HTB94 cell growth (P≤0.001 andP≤0.01, respectively). These effects were executed through the insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR), whose activation was markedly attenuated (P≤0.01) in lumican-deficient HTB94 cells. The downregulation of lumican induced the substantial inhibition of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK1/2) activation (P≤ 0.01), indicating that ERK1/2 is a necessary component of lumican/IGF-IR-mediated HTB94 cell proliferation. Moreover, the lumican-deficient cells exhibit increased mRNA levels of p53 (P≤0.05), suggesting that lumican facilitates HTB94 cell growth through an IGF-IR/ERK1/2/p53 signaling cascade. On the whole, the findings of the present study demonstrate that endogenous lumican is a novel regulator of HTB94 cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Papoutsidakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy‑Histology‑Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Eirini Maria Giatagana
- Laboratory of Anatomy‑Histology‑Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Berdiaki
- Laboratory of Anatomy‑Histology‑Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioanna Spyridaki
- Laboratory of Anatomy‑Histology‑Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - George N Tzanakakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy‑Histology‑Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dragana Nikitovic
- Laboratory of Anatomy‑Histology‑Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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16
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Xie H, Mao JS, Hu WF. Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1) Pathway Member Polymorphisms Are Associated with Risk and Prognosis of Chondrosarcoma. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e923853. [PMID: 32314747 PMCID: PMC7191966 DOI: 10.12659/msm.923853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) pathway is deeply involved in cell proliferation, including tumorigenesis. Aberrant genetic alterations of IGF1 pathway members were revealed in certain malignancies, including chondrosarcoma (CHS). We proposed that genetic polymorphisms in IGF1 pathways might be associated with susceptibility to tumorigenesis and prognosis of CHS in Chinese populations. Material/Methods We recruited 112 pathologically diagnosed CHS cases and 104 cancer-free controls in this study. There were 5 single-nucleotide polymorphisms of IGF1 pathway members (IGF1R rs2016347, IGF1 rs1520220, IGF1 rs2946834, IGF3BP3 rs2270628, and IGF2 rs4320932) genotyped that subsequently underwent bioinformatic analyses. DNA from validated CHS cases was extracted from frozen blood samples preserved in liquid nitrogen, while DNA from tumor-free controls was extracted from fresh blood. SNP genotyping was conducted by PCR. Results The variant T allele of IGF1R (rs2016347) is potentially correlated with poor outcome in patients with conventional CHS. The GT and TT genotypes of IGF1R rs2016347 predicted statistically significant higher risk of tumor metastasis and higher histological grade of CHS. Conclusions We hypothesized that IGF1 member polymorphisms are associated with chondrosarcoma. We found that genetic polymorphisms in IGF1 pathway members are associated with elevated risk and poor prognosis of conventional CHS patients in Chinese populations. IGF1R rs2016347 polymorphisms were associated with the risk of lung metastasis of CHS. The IGF1 pathway members do not appear to be involved in the tumorigenesis of CHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Jian-Shu Mao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Wei-Feng Hu
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (mainland)
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17
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The c-Myc/AKT1/TBX3 Axis Is Important to Target in the Treatment of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020501. [PMID: 32098189 PMCID: PMC7072582 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a highly aggressive malignant cancer that arises from skeletal muscle progenitor cells and is the third most common solid tumour in children. Despite significant advances, rhabdomyosarcoma still presents a therapeutic challenge, and while targeted therapy has shown promise, there are limited options because the molecular drivers of rhabdomyosarcoma are poorly understood. We previously reported that the T-box transcription factor 3 (TBX3), which has been identified as a druggable target in many cancers, is overexpressed in rhabdomyosarcoma patient samples and cell lines. To identify new molecular therapeutic targets to treat rhabdomyosarcoma, this study investigates the potential oncogenic role(s) for TBX3 and the factors responsible for upregulating it in this cancer. To this end, rhabdomyosarcoma cell culture models in which TBX3 was either stably knocked down or overexpressed were established and the impact on key hallmarks of cancer were examined using growth curves, soft agar and scratch motility assays, as well as tumour-forming ability in nude mice. Our data show that TBX3 promotes substrate-dependent and -independent proliferation, migration and tumour formation. We further reveal that TBX3 is upregulated by c-Myc transcriptionally and AKT1 post-translationally. This study identifies c-Myc/AKT1/TBX3 as an important axis that could be targeted for the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma.
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18
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Dyson KA, Stover BD, Grippin A, Mendez-Gomez HR, Lagmay J, Mitchell DA, Sayour EJ. Emerging trends in immunotherapy for pediatric sarcomas. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:78. [PMID: 31311607 PMCID: PMC6636007 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0756-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While promising, immunotherapy has yet to be fully unlocked for the preponderance of cancers where conventional chemoradiation reigns. This remains particularly evident in pediatric sarcomas where standard of care has not appreciably changed in decades. Importantly, pediatric bone sarcomas, like osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma, possess unique tumor microenvironments driven by distinct molecular features, as do rhabdomyosarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas. A better understanding of each malignancy’s biology, heterogeneity, and tumor microenvironment may lend new insights toward immunotherapeutic targets in novel platform technologies for cancer vaccines and adoptive cellular therapy. These advances may pave the way toward new treatments requisite for pediatric sarcomas and patients in need of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Dyson
- Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 South Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Brian D Stover
- Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 South Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, PO Box 100298, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Adam Grippin
- Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 South Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Hector R Mendez-Gomez
- Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 South Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Joanne Lagmay
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, PO Box 100298, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Duane A Mitchell
- Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 South Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Elias J Sayour
- Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 South Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA. .,Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, PO Box 100298, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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