1
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Ahmad A, Tiwari RK, Siddiqui S, Chadha M, Shukla R, Srivastava V. Emerging trends in gastrointestinal cancers: Targeting developmental pathways in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 385:41-99. [PMID: 38663962 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.11.006] [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: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal carcinomas are a group of cancers associated with the digestive system and its accessory organs. The most prevalent cancers related to the gastrointestinal tract are colorectal, gall bladder, gastric, hepatocellular, and esophageal cancers, respectively. Molecular aberrations in different signaling pathways, such as signal transduction systems or developmental pathways are the chief triggering mechanisms in different cancers Though a massive advancement in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions results in improved survival of patients with gastrointestinal cancer; the lower malignancy stages of these carcinomas are comparatively asymptomatic. Various gastrointestinal-related cancers are detected at advanced stages, leading to deplorable prognoses and increased rates of recurrence. Recent molecular studies have elucidated the imperative roles of several signaling pathways, namely Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling pathways, play in the progression, therapeutic responsiveness, and metastasis of gastrointestinal-related cancers. This book chapter gives an interesting update on recent findings on the involvement of developmental signaling pathways their mechanistic insight in gastrointestinalcancer. Subsequently, evidences supporting the exploration of gastrointestinal cancer related molecular mechanisms have also been discussed for developing novel therapeutic strategies against these debilitating carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afza Ahmad
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rohit Kumar Tiwari
- Department of Clinical Research, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saleha Siddiqui
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Muskan Chadha
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ratnakar Shukla
- Department of Clinical Research, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Srivastava
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Sharda School of Basic Sciences & Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Sánchez-Tilló E, Pedrosa L, Vila I, Chen Y, Győrffy B, Sánchez-Moral L, Siles L, Lozano JJ, Esteve-Codina A, Darling DS, Cuatrecasas M, Castells A, Maurel J, Postigo A. The EMT factor ZEB1 paradoxically inhibits EMT in BRAF-mutant carcinomas. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e164629. [PMID: 37870961 PMCID: PMC10619495 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.164629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite being in the same pathway, mutations of KRAS and BRAF in colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) determine distinct progression courses. ZEB1 induces an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and is associated with worse progression in most carcinomas. Using samples from patients with CRC, mouse models of KrasG12D and BrafV600E CRC, and a Zeb1-deficient mouse, we show that ZEB1 had opposite functions in KRAS- and BRAF-mutant CRCs. In KrasG12D CRCs, ZEB1 was correlated with a worse prognosis and a higher number of larger and undifferentiated (mesenchymal or EMT-like) tumors. Surprisingly, in BrafV600E CRC, ZEB1 was associated with better prognosis; fewer, smaller, and more differentiated (reduced EMT) primary tumors; and fewer metastases. ZEB1 was positively correlated in KRAS-mutant CRC cells and negatively in BRAF-mutant CRC cells with gene signatures for EMT, cell proliferation and survival, and ERK signaling. On a mechanistic level, ZEB1 knockdown in KRAS-mutant CRC cells increased apoptosis and reduced clonogenicity and anchorage-independent growth; the reverse occurred in BRAFV600E CRC cells. ZEB1 is associated with better prognosis and reduced EMT signature in patients harboring BRAF CRCs. These data suggest that ZEB1 can function as a tumor suppressor in BRAF-mutant CRCs, highlighting the importance of considering the KRAS/BRAF mutational background of CRCs in therapeutic strategies targeting ZEB1/EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Sánchez-Tilló
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Group of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Oncology, Department of Liver, Digestive System and Metabolism, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (CIBEREHD), Carlos III National Health Institute (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leire Pedrosa
- Group of Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapeutics in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, and Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ingrid Vila
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yongxu Chen
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences (TKK), and Department of Bioinformatics and 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lidia Sánchez-Moral
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Siles
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan J. Lozano
- Bioinformatics Platform, CIBEREHD, ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Esteve-Codina
- National Centre for Genomic Analysis (CNAG) Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Douglas S. Darling
- Department of Oral Immunology, and Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Miriam Cuatrecasas
- Biomedical Research Network in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (CIBEREHD), Carlos III National Health Institute (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Group of Molecular Pathology of Inflammatory Conditions and Solid Tumours, Department of Oncology and Hematology, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic and University of Barcelona School of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Castells
- Group of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Oncology, Department of Liver, Digestive System and Metabolism, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (CIBEREHD), Carlos III National Health Institute (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Clinic and University of Barcelona School of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Maurel
- Biomedical Research Network in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (CIBEREHD), Carlos III National Health Institute (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Group of Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapeutics in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, and Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Postigo
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (CIBEREHD), Carlos III National Health Institute (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Targets Program, Department of Medicine, J.G. Brown Cancer Center, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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Grbčić P, Fučkar Čupić D, Gamberi T, Kraljević Pavelić S, Sedić M. Proteomic Profiling of BRAFV600E Mutant Colon Cancer Cells Reveals the Involvement of Nucleophosmin/c-Myc Axis in Modulating the Response and Resistance to BRAF Inhibition by Vemurafenib. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126174. [PMID: 34201061 PMCID: PMC8228139 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BRAFV600E mutations are found in approximately 10% of colorectal cancer patients and are associated with worse prognosis and poor outcomes with systemic therapies. The aim of this study was to identify novel druggable features of BRAFV600E-mutated colon cancer (CC) cells associated with the response and resistance to BRAFV600E inhibitor vemurafenib. Towards this aim, we carried out global proteomic profiling of BRAFV600E mutant vs. KRAS mutant/BRAF wild-type and double wild-type KRAS/BRAF CC cells followed by bioinformatics analyses. Validation of selected proteomic features was performed by immunohistochemistry and in silico using the TCGA database. We reveal an increased abundance and activity of nucleophosmin (NPM1) in BRAFV600E-mutated CC in vitro, in silico and in tumor tissues from colon adenocarcinoma patients and demonstrate the roles of NPM1 and its interaction partner c-Myc in conveying the resistance to vemurafenib. Pharmacological inhibition of NPM1 effectively restored the sensitivity of vemurafenib-resistant BRAF-mutated CC cells by down-regulating c-Myc expression and activity and consequently suppressing its transcriptional targets RanBP1 and phosphoserine phosphatase that regulate centrosome duplication and serine biosynthesis, respectively. Altogether, findings from this study suggest that the NPM1/c-Myc axis could represent a promising therapeutic target to thwart resistance to vemurafenib in BRAF-mutated CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Grbčić
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
| | - Dora Fučkar Čupić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Ul. Braće Branchetta 20/1, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
| | - Tania Gamberi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Sperimentali e Cliniche Mario Serio, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | | | - Mirela Sedić
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-51-584-574
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Ducreux M, Chamseddine A, Laurent-Puig P, Smolenschi C, Hollebecque A, Dartigues P, Samallin E, Boige V, Malka D, Gelli M. Molecular targeted therapy of BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2019; 11:1758835919856494. [PMID: 31244912 PMCID: PMC6582307 DOI: 10.1177/1758835919856494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the molecular characterization of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has been revolutionized by the routine implementation of RAS and BRAF tests. As a result, it is now known that patients with mCRC harboring BRAF mutations experience a poor prognosis. Although it accounts for only 10% of mCRC, this group is heterogeneous; only the BRAF-V600E mutation, also observed in melanoma, is associated with a very poor prognosis. In terms of treatment, these patients do not benefit from therapeutics targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In first-line chemotherapy, there are two main options; the first one is to use a triple chemotherapy combination of 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin, with the addition of bevacizumab, because post hoc analysis of randomized trials have reported interesting results. The other option is to use double chemotherapy plus bevacizumab, since anti-EGFR seems to have modest activity in these patients. Only a small percentage of patients who experience failure of this first-line treatment receive second-line treatment. Monotherapy with BRAF inhibitors has failed in this setting, and different combinations have also been tested. Using the rationale that BRAF inhibitor monotherapy fails due to feedback activation of the EGFR pathway, BRAF inhibitors have been combined with anti-EGFR agents plus or minus MEK inhibitors; however, the results did not live up to the hopes raised by the concept. To date, the best results in second-line treatment have been obtained with a combination of vemurafenib, cetuximab, and irinotecan. Despite these advances, further improvements are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Ducreux
- Département d’Oncologie Médicale, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus Grand Paris, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, Villejuif Cedex, 94805, France
| | - Ali Chamseddine
- Département d’Oncologie Médicale, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus Grand Paris, Villejuif, France
| | - Pierre Laurent-Puig
- Département de Biologie, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
- Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France; INSERM UMRS-1147, Paris, France
| | - Cristina Smolenschi
- Département d’Oncologie Médicale, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus Grand Paris, Villejuif, France
| | - Antoine Hollebecque
- Département d’Oncologie Médicale, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus Grand Paris, Villejuif, France
- Département d’Innovation Thérapeutique et des Essais Précoces (DITEP), Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus Grand Paris, Villejuif, France
| | - Peggy Dartigues
- Département de Biopathologie, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus Grand Paris, Villejuif, France
| | - Emmanuelle Samallin
- Département d’Oncologie Digestive, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), Montpellier, France
| | - Valérie Boige
- Département d’Oncologie Médicale, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus Grand Paris, Villejuif, France
| | - David Malka
- Département d’Oncologie Médicale, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus Grand Paris, Villejuif, France
| | - Maximiliano Gelli
- Département de Chirurgie Viscérale, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus Grand Paris, Villejuif, France
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Sawa A, Chiba T, Ishii J, Yamamoto H, Hara H, Kamma H. Effects of sorafenib and an adenylyl cyclase activator on in vitro growth of well-differentiated thyroid cancer cells. Endocr J 2017; 64:1115-1123. [PMID: 28855436 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej16-0525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas have driver mutations involving growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinases (RTKs) or their intracellular signaling pathway, that is, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor of RTKs and the MAPK pathway and has recently been used for the treatment of unresectable well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. In normal thyroid follicular cells, stimulation of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor activates the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway and promotes cell growth as well as hormonal secretion. However, an adenylyl cyclase (AC) activator, forskolin, has been reported to suppress the growth of thyroid carcinoma cells. To clarify the roles of the MAPK and cAMP pathways in proliferation of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma cells, we compared the effects of sorafenib and forskolin in in vitro models. Sorafenib inhibited constitutive activation of the MAPK pathway, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), and phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (RB) in 3 well-differentiated carcinoma cell lines, but it did not show sufficiently effective suppression of cell growth. Forskolin significantly suppressed the growth of all 3 cell lines and also activated the cAMP pathway and inhibited expression of cyclin D1. Our results suggest that activation of the cAMP pathway could be more potent than activation of the MAPK pathway in suppressing proliferation of well-differentiated thyroid cancer cells. We postulate that the AC activator suppresses growth of thyroid carcinoma cells through undetermined mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Sawa
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyorin University, Mitaka-shi, 181-8611, Japan
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Tsukuba 305-8576, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Chiba
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyorin University, Mitaka-shi, 181-8611, Japan
| | - Jun Ishii
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyorin University, Mitaka-shi, 181-8611, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yamamoto
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyorin University, Mitaka-shi, 181-8611, Japan
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hisato Hara
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kamma
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyorin University, Mitaka-shi, 181-8611, Japan
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Wu C, Zhu X, Liu W, Ruan T, Tao K. Hedgehog signaling pathway in colorectal cancer: function, mechanism, and therapy. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 10:3249-3259. [PMID: 28721076 PMCID: PMC5501640 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s139639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers worldwide. It is a complicated and often fatal cancer, and is related to a high disease-related mortality. Around 90% of mortalities are caused by the metastasis of CRC. Current treatment statistics shows a less than 5% 5-year survival for patients with metastatic disease. The development and metastasis of CRC involve multiple factors and mechanisms. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays an important role in embryogenesis and somatic development. Abnormal activation of the Hh pathway has been proven to be related to several types of human cancers. The role of Hh signaling in CRC, however, remains controversial. In this review, we will go through previous literature on the Hh signaling and its functions in the formation, proliferation, and metastasis of CRC. We will also discuss the potential of targeting Hh signaling pathway in the treatment, prognosis, and prevention of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanqing Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weizhen Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tuo Ruan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaixiong Tao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Bekaert L, Emery E, Levallet G, Lechapt-Zalcman E. Histopathologic diagnosis of brain metastases: current trends in management and future considerations. Brain Tumor Pathol 2016; 34:8-19. [PMID: 27878432 DOI: 10.1007/s10014-016-0275-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Confronted with brain metastases (BM), pathologists aim to rule out a primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor and to identify or verify the primary tumor site to guide the clinician to specific therapies. Apart from morphological features, ancillary immunohistochemical analysis is the most effective tool for characterizing a metastatic neoplasm of unknown origin. A limited array of antibodies is used, taking into account relevant clinical information and the known brain tropism of lung cancer, breast cancer and melanoma. Recently, targeted therapies have enriched the therapeutic arsenal, in particular for patients with non-small cell lung cancer or melanoma and for patients carrying molecular anomalies. These therapies can lead to a substantial tumor response, brain metastases included, which justifies rapid determination of a molecular profile. To combine different tools and provide timely results, good tumor sample management and careful attention at the pre-analytical phase are critical. Appropriate strategies for molecular and immunohistochemical analysis are needed to identify theranostic markers. This article aims to review the anatomopathological diagnostic approach for BM in the age of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Bekaert
- Neurosurgery Department, Caen University Hospital, Avenue de la Côte de Nacre, 14000, Caen, France
| | - Evelyne Emery
- Neurosurgery Department, Caen University Hospital, Avenue de la Côte de Nacre, 14000, Caen, France
| | - Guénaëlle Levallet
- Department of Pathology, Caen University Hospital, Avenue de la Côte de Nacre, 14000, Caen, France
| | - Emmanuèle Lechapt-Zalcman
- Department of Pathology, Caen University Hospital, Avenue de la Côte de Nacre, 14000, Caen, France. .,Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CEA, CNRS, ISTCT/CERVOxy Group, GIP CYCERON, 14000, Caen, France.
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8
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Yan Y, Grothey A. Molecular profiling in the treatment of colorectal cancer: focus on regorafenib. Onco Targets Ther 2015; 8:2949-57. [PMID: 26508880 PMCID: PMC4610887 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s79145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is a highly heterogeneous disease. Its treatment outcome has been significantly improved over the last decade with the incorporation of biological targeted therapies, including anti-EGFR antibodies, cetuximab and panitumumab, and VEGF inhibitors, bevacizumab, ramucirumab, and aflibercept. The identification of predictive biomarkers has further improved the survival by accurately selecting patients who are most likely to benefit from these treatments, such as RAS mutation profiling for EGFR antibodies. Regorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor currently used as late line therapy for mCRC. The molecular and genetic markers associated with regorafenib treatment response are yet to be characterized. Here, we review currently available clinical evidence of mCRC molecular profiling, such as RAS, BRAF, and MMR testing, and its role in targeted therapies with special focus on regorafenib treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyi Yan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Axel Grothey
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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9
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Xiao WH, Qu XL, Li XM, Sun YL, Zhao HX, Wang S, Zhou X. Identification of commonly dysregulated genes in colorectal cancer by integrating analysis of RNA-Seq data and qRT-PCR validation. Cancer Gene Ther 2015; 22:278-84. [PMID: 25908452 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2015.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multistep process and metastatic CRC is always incurable; consequently, CRC is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. There is therefore an urgent need for identifying useful biomarkers with enough sensitivity and specificity to detect this disease at early stages, which will significantly reduce the mortality for this malignancy. In this study, we performed an integrating analysis of different RNA-Seq data sets to find new candidate biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and as therapeutic targets for this malignancy, as well as to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of CRC carcinogenesis. We identified 883 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across the studies between CRC and normal control (NC) tissues by combining five RNA-Seq data sets. Gene function analysis revealed high correlation with carcinogenesis. The top 10 most significantly DEGs were further evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in both rectal cancer (RC) and colon cancer (CC), and the results matched well with integrating data, suggesting that the method of integrating analysis of different RNA-seq data sets is acceptable. Therefore, integrating analysis of different RNA-seq data sets may be a useful way to overcome the limitation of small sample size in a single RNA-seq study. In addition, our study showed that some genes, such as SIM2, ADAMTS6, FOXD4L4 and DNAH5, may have an important role in the development of CRC, which could be applied for diagnosis, prognosis and as therapy for this malignancy. Our findings would also help to understand the pathology of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- W H Xiao
- Department of Oncology, The First affiliated Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - X L Qu
- Department of Oncology, The First affiliated Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - X M Li
- Department of Oncology, The First affiliated Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Y L Sun
- Beijing Yangshen Bioinformatic Technology, Beijing, China
| | - H X Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First affiliated Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - S Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First affiliated Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - X Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The First affiliated Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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10
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Pietrantonio F, Petrelli F, Coinu A, Di Bartolomeo M, Borgonovo K, Maggi C, Cabiddu M, Iacovelli R, Bossi I, Lonati V, Ghilardi M, de Braud F, Barni S. Predictive role of BRAF mutations in patients with advanced colorectal cancer receiving cetuximab and panitumumab: A meta-analysis. Eur J Cancer 2015; 51:587-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2015.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 353] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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11
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Oikonomou E, Koustas E, Goulielmaki M, Pintzas A. BRAF vs RAS oncogenes: are mutations of the same pathway equal? Differential signalling and therapeutic implications. Oncotarget 2014; 5:11752-77. [PMID: 25361007 PMCID: PMC4322985 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As the increased knowledge of tumour heterogeneity and genetic alterations progresses, it exemplifies the need for further personalized medicine in modern cancer management. Here, the similarities but also the differential effects of RAS and BRAF oncogenic signalling are examined and further implications in personalized cancer diagnosis and therapy are discussed. Redundant mechanisms mediated by the two oncogenes as well as differential regulation of signalling pathways and gene expression by RAS as compared to BRAF are addressed. The implications of RAS vs BRAF differential functions, in relevant tumour types including colorectal cancer, melanoma, lung cancer are discussed. Current therapeutic findings and future viewpoints concerning the exploitation of RAS-BRAF-pathway alterations for the development of novel therapeutics and efficient rational combinations, as well as companion tests for relevant markers of response will be evaluated. The concept that drug-resistant cells may also display drug dependency, such that altered dosing may prevent the emergence of lethal drug resistance posed a major therapy hindrance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eftychia Oikonomou
- Laboratory of Signal Mediated Gene Expression, Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, 11635, Greece
| | - Evangelos Koustas
- Laboratory of Signal Mediated Gene Expression, Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, 11635, Greece
| | - Maria Goulielmaki
- Laboratory of Signal Mediated Gene Expression, Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, 11635, Greece
| | - Alexander Pintzas
- Laboratory of Signal Mediated Gene Expression, Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, 11635, Greece
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Zheng Y, Zhou J, Tong Y. Gene signatures of drug resistance predict patient survival in colorectal cancer. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2014; 15:135-43. [PMID: 25179828 PMCID: PMC4381104 DOI: 10.1038/tpj.2014.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Different combinations of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), oxaliplatin, irinotecan and other newly developed agents have been used to treat colorectal cancer. Despite the advent of new treatment regimens, the 5-year survival rate for metastatic colorectal cancer remains low (~10%). Knowing the drug sensitivity of a given tumor for a particular agent could significantly impact decision making and treatment planning. Biomarkers are proven to be successful in characterizing patients into different response groups. Using survival prediction analysis, we have identified three independent gene signatures, which are associated with sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to 5-FU, oxaliplatin or irinotecan. On the basis of the three gene signatures, three score systems were developed to stratify patients from sensitive to resistance. These score systems exhibited robustness in stratify patients in two independent clinical studies. Patients with high scores in all three drugs exhibited the lowest survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zheng
- 1] Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA [2] Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - J Zhou
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Y Tong
- 1] Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA [2] Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
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Claudin-1 Expression Is Elevated in Colorectal Cancer Precursor Lesions Harboring the BRAF V600E Mutation. Transl Oncol 2014; 7:456-63. [PMID: 24954356 PMCID: PMC4202803 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2014.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/P) are now recognised precursors of colorectal cancer (CRC) including cancers harbouring somatic BRAF (V600E) mutations. While the morphological diagnostic criteria of SSA/P have been established, distinguishing between small/early SSA/P and microvesicular hyperplastic polyps (MVHP) is challenging and may not be possible in routine practice. METHODS: Gene expression profiling of MVHP (n=5, all BRAF V600E wild-type) and SSA/P (n=5, all BRAF V600E mutant) samples was performed. Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical analysis was performed to verify the expression of claudin 1 (CLDN1) in MVHP and SSA/P. RESULTS: Gene expression profiling studies conducted between MVHP and SSA/P identified CLDN1 as the most statistically significant differentially expressed gene (p<0.05). Validation with qRT-PCR confirmed an up-regulation of CLDN1 in BRAF V600E mutant polyps regardless of polyp type (p<0.0005). Immunohistochemical analysis of CLDN1 expression in BRAF V600E mutant SSA/Ps (n=53) and MVHPs (n=111) and BRAF wild-type MVHPs (n=58), demonstrated a strong correlation between CLDN1 expression and the BRAF V600E mutation in both SSA/P and MVHP samples when compared to wild-type polyps (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates an up regulation of CLDN1 protein in serrated colorectal polyps including MVHP harbouring the BRAF V600E mutation. Our results demonstrated an apparent heterogeneity on the molecular level within the MVHP group and suggest that MVHP with somatic BRAF V600E mutation and up-regulated expression of CLDN1 are closely related to SSA/P and may in fact represent a continuous spectrum of the same neoplastic process within the serrated pathway of colorectal carcinogenesis.
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Wray CJ, Ko TC, Tan FK. Secondary use of existing public microarray data to predict outcome for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Surg Res 2014; 188:137-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2013.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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JIAO FENG, JIN ZILIANG, WANG LEI, WANG LIWEI. Research and clinical applications of molecular biomarkers in gastrointestinal carcinoma (Review). Biomed Rep 2013; 1:819-827. [PMID: 24649035 PMCID: PMC3917016 DOI: 10.3892/br.2013.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoma is a common malignant disease worldwide. Its development and progression is a multistage process involving a multifactorial etiology. Although the detailed mechanisms of the development of GI carcinoma remain controversial, the elucidation of its molecular biology over the last few years has resulted in a better perspective on its epidemiology, carcinogenesis and pathogenesis. More significantly, it is currently possible to use biological indicators or biomarkers in differential diagnosis, prognostic evaluation and specific clinical interventions. In this review, we aimed to describe the biomarkers of pathogenesis, invasion, metastasis and prognosis of GI carcinoma and discuss their potential clinical applications. The majority of these biomarkers, such as tumor-associated antigens, oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, metastasis-associated genes, cell adhesion molecules, cytokines, growth factors and microRNAs, are currently broadly applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- FENG JIAO
- Department of Oncology, The First People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201620, P.R. China
| | - ZILIANG JIN
- Department of Oncology, The First People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201620, P.R. China
| | - LEI WANG
- Department of Oncology, The First People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201620, P.R. China
| | - LIWEI WANG
- Department of Oncology, The First People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201620, P.R. China
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Loupakis F, Cremolini C, Salvatore L, Masi G, Sensi E, Schirripa M, Michelucci A, Pfanner E, Brunetti I, Lupi C, Antoniotti C, Bergamo F, Lonardi S, Zagonel V, Simi P, Fontanini G, Falcone A. FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab as first-line treatment in BRAF mutant metastatic colorectal cancer. Eur J Cancer 2013; 50:57-63. [PMID: 24138831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2013.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BRAF V600E mutation plays a negative prognostic role in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), leading to a median Progression Free Survival (PFS) of 4-6months with first-line conventional treatments. Our group recently reported in a retrospective exploratory analysis of a phase II trial that FOLFOXIRI (5-FU/LV+Oxaliplatin+Irinotecan) plus bevacizumab might allow to achieve remarkable results in terms of PFS and Overall Survival (OS) also in this poor-prognosis subgroup. The aim of this work was to prospectively validate our retrospective finding. PATIENTS AND METHODS This phase II trial was designed to detect an increase in 6month-Progression Free Rate (6m-PFR) from 45% to 80% in a population of BRAF mutant mCRC patients treated with first-line FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab. Secondary end-points were PFS, OS, response rate (RR) and the analysis of outcome parameters in the pooled population consisting of both retrospectively and prospectively included patients. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01437618. RESULTS Two-hundred-fourteen potentially eligible mCRC patients were screened for BRAF mutational status. Fifteen BRAF mutant patients (7%) were included in the validation cohort. At a median follow up of 25.7months, 6m-PFR was 73%. Median PFS and OS were 9.2 and 24.1months, respectively. In the pooled population, at a median follow up of 40.4months, 6m-PFR was 84%. Median PFS and OS were 11.8 and 24.1months, respectively. Overall RR and disease control rate were 72% and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSION Lacking randomised trials in this specific molecular subgroup, FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab might be a reasonable option for the first-line treatment of BRAF mutant mCRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Loupakis
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - C Cremolini
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - L Salvatore
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - G Masi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - E Sensi
- Division of Pathology, Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - M Schirripa
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - A Michelucci
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - E Pfanner
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - I Brunetti
- Unit of Medical Oncology 1, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - C Lupi
- Division of Pathology, Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - C Antoniotti
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - F Bergamo
- Unit of Medical Oncology 1, Oncology Institute of Veneto, Via Gattamelata 64, 35138 Padua, Italy
| | - S Lonardi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 1, Oncology Institute of Veneto, Via Gattamelata 64, 35138 Padua, Italy
| | - V Zagonel
- Unit of Medical Oncology 1, Oncology Institute of Veneto, Via Gattamelata 64, 35138 Padua, Italy
| | - P Simi
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - G Fontanini
- Division of Pathology, Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - A Falcone
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Transplants and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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