125I Seed Promotes Apoptosis in Non-small Lung Cancer Cells via the p38 MAPK-MDM2-p53 Signaling Pathway

Exploring manzamine a: a promising anti-lung cancer agent from marine sponge Haliclona sp

Manzamine A (MA), a bioactive compound derived from the marine sponge Haliclona sp., shows considerable therapeutic potential, particularly in the treatment of various cancer types. Extracted with acetone and purified through chromatography, MA exhibits a bioavailability of 20.6% when administered orally in rats, underscoring its feasibility for therapeutic use. This compound disrupts key cellular mechanisms essential for cancer progression, including microtubule dynamics and DNA replication enzymes, demonstrating strong anti-proliferative effects against multiple cancer cell lines while sparing normal cells. Additionally, network pharmacology and molecular docking studies reveal MA's interactions with important targets related to lung cancer progression, such as EGFR and SRC, bolstering its potential as a novel anti-lung cancer agent. Pathway analyses further indicate that MA influences critical signaling pathways involved in tumor growth and metastasis. Given the urgent need for effective treatments against drug-resistant cancers and the limited toxicity profile of MA, further exploration of its pharmacological benefits and mechanism could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies in lung cancer.

The role of circular RNA targeting IGF2BPs in cancer-a potential target for cancer therapy

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are an interesting class of conserved single-stranded RNA molecules derived from exon or intron sequences produced by the reverse splicing of precursor mRNA. CircRNAs play important roles as microRNA sponges, gene splicing and transcriptional regulators, RNA-binding protein sponges, and protein/peptide translation factors. Abnormal functions of circRNAs and RBPs in tumor progression have been widely reported. Insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs) are a highly conserved family of RBPs identified in humans that function as post-transcriptional fine-tuners of target transcripts. Emerging evidence suggests that IGF2BPs regulate the processing and metabolism of RNA, including its stability, translation, and localization, and participate in a variety of cellular functions and pathophysiology. In this review, we have summarized the roles and molecular mechanisms of circRNAs and IGF2BPs in cancer development and progression. In addition, we briefly introduce the role of other RNAs and IGF2BPs in cancer, discuss the current clinical applications and challenges faced by circRNAs and IGF2BPs, and propose future directions for this promising research field.

Iodine-125 seed inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells by inducing the ROS/p53 axis

With advances in radioactive particle implantation in clinical practice, Iodine-125 (125I) seed brachytherapy has emerged as a promising treatment for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), showing good prognosis; however, the underlying molecular mechanism of the therapeutic effect of 125I seed is unclear. To study the effects of 125I seed on the proliferation and apoptosis of CCA cells. CCA cell lines, RBE and HCCC-9810, were treated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger acetylcysteine (NAC) or the p53 functional inhibitor, pifithrin-α hydrobromide (PFTα). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-bromo-2-deoxy-uridine (BrdU) staining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and flow cytometry assay were performed to test the radiation-sensitivity of 125I seed toward CCA cells at different radiation doses (0.4 mCi and 0.8 mCi). 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assay, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and western blot analysis were performed to assess the effect of 125I seed on the ROS/p53 axis. A dose-dependent inhibitory effect of 125I seeds on the proliferation of CCA cells was observed. The 125I seed promoted apoptosis of CCA cells and induced the activation of the ROS/p53 pathway in a dose-dependent manner. NAC or PFTα treatment effectively reversed the stimulatory effect of 125I seed on the proliferation of CCA cells. NAC or PFTα suppressed apoptosis and p53 protein expression induced by the 125I seed. 125I seed can inhibit cell growth mainly through the apoptotic pathway. The mechanism may involve the activation of p53 and its downstream apoptotic pathway by up-regulating the level of ROS in cells.

Recent progress in radioactive seed implantation brachytherapy of non-small cell lung cancer: a narrative review

Background and Objective

Brachytherapy, a new form of radiation therapy, has been used to treat lung cancer and consists of two main forms of treatment: endobronchial brachytherapy and radioactive seed implantation brachytherapy (RSI-BT), the latter of which is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The use of RSI-BT in the treatment of NSCLC at our centre has yielded some positive results.

Methods

To more fully consider the context of this application, we conducted a search of PubMed from 2018 to March 5, 2023. The search included a combination of the MeSH terms: "brachytherapy" and "lung neoplasm".

Key Content and Findings

The majority of NSCLC patients who received RSI-BT achieved positive benefits. Most patients had a progression-free survival (PFS) of between 12 and 18 months. Additionally, radioactive particle stent implantation as a specific RSI-BT has shown therapeutic potential in the treatment of malignant airway obstruction. With the application of new technologies, RSI-BT will become more precise, efficient and inexpensive.

Conclusions

This review demonstrates that RSI-BT can be therapeutic in the treatment of both early and advanced NSCLC with manageable complications. There have also been reports on the combination of RSI-BT with other therapies, but more research is needed on the combination of RSI-BT with them.

The two sides of chromosomal instability: drivers and brakes in cancer

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of cancer and is associated with tumor cell malignancy. CIN triggers a chain reaction in cells leading to chromosomal abnormalities, including deviations from the normal chromosome number or structural changes in chromosomes. CIN arises from errors in DNA replication and chromosome segregation during cell division, leading to the formation of cells with abnormal number and/or structure of chromosomes. Errors in DNA replication result from abnormal replication licensing as well as replication stress, such as double-strand breaks and stalled replication forks; meanwhile, errors in chromosome segregation stem from defects in chromosome segregation machinery, including centrosome amplification, erroneous microtubule-kinetochore attachments, spindle assembly checkpoint, or defective sister chromatids cohesion. In normal cells, CIN is deleterious and is associated with DNA damage, proteotoxic stress, metabolic alteration, cell cycle arrest, and senescence. Paradoxically, despite these negative consequences, CIN is one of the hallmarks of cancer found in over 90% of solid tumors and in blood cancers. Furthermore, CIN could endow tumors with enhanced adaptation capabilities due to increased intratumor heterogeneity, thereby facilitating adaptive resistance to therapies; however, excessive CIN could induce tumor cells death, leading to the "just-right" model for CIN in tumors. Elucidating the complex nature of CIN is crucial for understanding the dynamics of tumorigenesis and for developing effective anti-tumor treatments. This review provides an overview of causes and consequences of CIN, as well as the paradox of CIN, a phenomenon that continues to perplex researchers. Finally, this review explores the potential of CIN-based anti-tumor therapy.

Personalized 125I Seed Interstitial Brachytherapy for Patients Aged 80 Years and Over with Early Primary High-risk Non-melanoma Skin Cancer

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to explore the safety and efficacy of iodine-125 seeds interstitial brachytherapy (PISI-BT) for patients aged 80 and above with early primary high-risk non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

METHODS

In this retrospective single-center study, we collected and analyzed data from patients ≥ 80 years of age with early primary high-risk NMSC treated with PISI-BT between December 2003 and May 2020. Survival status, efficacy, adverse effects (AEs), cosmetic outcomes, and treatment cost were analyzed (data cut-off: November 20th, 2021).

RESULTS

Only 9 patients met the inclusion criteria (median age, 86 years (81-90)). Five patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score of 1, and allthe patients had at least one comorbidity. Six patients showed complete responseand three showed partial response, while none had stable or progressive disease. No recurrences, disease persistence, or AEs were detected during the follow-up period. After a median follow-up of 29.3 months (3-99), only two patients were alive, but the cause of death in the remaining patients was not related to NMSC. The cosmetic outcomes were excellent and good in two and four patients, respectively, while could not be evaluated in three patients. The cost (which was within the scope of medical insurance reimbursement) was acceptable.

CONCLUSION

PISI-BT could be an alternative treatment option in patients above 80 years old with early primary high-risk NMSC and comorbidities.

CT-guided Percutaneous Microwave Ablation Combined with Local Radiotherapy or Chemotherapy of Malignant Pulmonary Tumors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of CT-guided microwave ablation (MWA) combined with 125I seed implantation or bronchial arterial infusion (BAI) chemotherapy in the treatment of malignant pulmonary tumors.

METHODS

A total of 56 patients who underwent MWA, MWA combined with 125I particle implantation, or MWA combined with BAI chemotherapy for advanced lung cancer or metastatic lung cancer from January 2015 to June 2021 in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were enrolled. Among them, 21 patients were treated with MWA (MWA), 18 with MWA combined with 125I seed implantation (MWA+125I), and 17 with MWA combined with BAI chemotherapy (MWA+BAI). The short-term outcomes, complications, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score (Zubrod-ECOG-WHO, ZPS), survival, and factors related to survival were compared between the three groups.

RESULTS

The response rate of the MWA group (9.52%) was significantly lower than that of the MWA+125I group (50.00%) and MWA+BAI chemotherapy group (47.06%), and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The incidence of complications in the MWA, MWA+125I, and MWA+BAI chemotherapy groups was 47.62%, 55.56%, and 52.94%, respectively, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Three months after the treatment, the ZPS of the MWA+125I and MWA+BAI chemotherapy groups was significantly lower than before treatment and significantly lower than that of the MWA group in the same period; the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The median survival time of the MWA+125I group was 18 (9.983, 26.017) months and that of the MWA+BAI chemotherapy group was 21 (0.465, 41.535) months, both of which were higher than that of the MWA group [11 (6.686, 15.314) months]; the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Cox regression analysis was performed on the factors related to survival and revealed treatment mode as a protective factor [HR = 0.433, 95% CI = (0.191, 0.984), p = 0.046]. Other factors, such as gender, age, and tumor size, did not independently affect survival.

CONCLUSION

CT-guided MWA combined with 125I seed implantation and MWA combined with BAI chemotherapy are safe and effective for the treatment of advanced lung cancer and metastatic lung cancer, and can control tumor progression and prolong survival time.

Circular RNA circEYA3 promotes the radiation resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma via the IGF2BP2/DTX3L axis

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high incidence and mortality rate despite various treatment options, including 125I seed implantation. However, recurrence and radiation resistance remain challenging issues. Hsa_circ_0007895 (circEYA3)-derived from exons 2-6 of EYA3-facilitates the proliferation and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. However, the role of circEYA3 in HCC 125I radiation resistance remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of circEYA3 in HCC under 125I and X-ray irradiation conditions.

METHODS

CircEYA3 was identified by RNA-seq in patients with HCC before and after 125I seed implantation treatment, followed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and RNase R assays. The radiosensitivity of HCC cell lines irradiated with 125I seeds or external irradiation were evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit 8, flow cytometry, γH2A.X immunofluorescence and comet assays. RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were performed to explore the interactions between circEYA3 and IGF2BP2. DTX3L mRNA was identified by RNA-seq in PLC/PRF/5 cells with overexpressed circEYA3. The corresponding in vitro results were verified using a mouse xenograft model.

RESULTS

CircEYA3 decreased the radiosensitivity of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, using a circRNA pulldown assay and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation, we identified IGF2BP2 as a novel and robust interacting protein of circEYA3. Mechanistically, circEYA3 binds to IGF2BP2 and enhances its ability to stabilize DTX3L mRNA, thereby specifically alleviating radiation-induced DNA damage in HCC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that circEYA3 increases the radioresistance of HCC to 125I seeds and external irradiation via the IGF2BP2/DTX3L axis. Thus, circEYA3 might be a predictive indicator and intervention option for 125I brachytherapy or external radiotherapy in HCC.

Permission to pass: on the role of p53 as a gatekeeper for aneuploidy

Aneuploidy-the karyotype state in which the number of chromosomes deviates from a multiple of the haploid chromosome set-is common in cancer, where it is thought to facilitate tumor initiation and progression. However, it is poorly tolerated in healthy cells: during development and tissue homeostasis, aneuploid cells are efficiently cleared from the population. It is still largely unknown how cancer cells become, and adapt to being, aneuploid. P53, the gatekeeper of the genome, has been proposed to guard against aneuploidy. Aneuploidy in cancer genomes strongly correlates with mutations in TP53, and p53 is thought to prevent the propagation of aneuploid cells. Whether p53 also participates in preventing the mistakes in cell division that lead to aneuploidy is still under debate. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of p53 in protecting cells from aneuploidy, and we explore the consequences of functional p53 loss for the propagation of aneuploidy in cancer.

Epirubicin Enhances the Anti-Cancer Effects of Radioactive 125I Seeds in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Downregulation of the JAK/STAT1 Pathway

The application and promotion of ¹²⁵I seed implantation technology have increased the safety and effectiveness of the clinical treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epirubicin (EPI) is a traditional anthracycline chemotherapy agent that has minimal side effects and has been widely used in the clinical treatment of HCC. We hypothesized that EPI would enhance the anti-cancer effects of ¹²⁵I seeds via the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether EPI could enhance the radiosensitivity of HCC cells to ¹²⁵I and determine the underlying molecular mechanism. This basic study was conducted in an animal laboratory at Shandong University. BALB/C male nude mice were used, and all animals were fed and treated according to the standards of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Shandong University. Both in vitro and in vivo models of ¹²⁵I irradiation of HCC cells were created. The anti-cancer effects of ¹²⁵I and the role of EPI in promoting these effects were evaluated using flow cytometry for apoptosis and cell cycle, CCK-8 assay for EPI drug cytotoxicity, and transwell assays for migration and invasion. The potential mediating effect of the JAK/STAT1 pathway was assessed using an isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins after ¹²⁵I treatment. Transfection of HCC cells with STAT1-RNAi were performed to determine the effect of STAT1 downregulation on ¹²⁵I and EPI treatment effects. The radiosensitivity concentration of EPI promoted ¹²⁵I-induced anti-cancer effects, including apoptosis, anti-proliferation, and inhibition of migration and invasion. These effects were mediated via the JAK/STAT1 pathway. Downregulation of STAT1 compromised measured anti-cancer effects, which were both confirmed in the in vivo and in vitro models. EPI can promote ¹²⁵I-induced anti-cancer effects in HCC. The JAK/STAT1 pathway may be a potential target for ¹²⁵I seed implantation in the treatment of HCC.