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Di Fiore R, Drago-Ferrante R, Suleiman S, Veronese N, Pegreffi F, Calleja-Agius J. Sarcopenia in gynaecological cancers. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2024:108403. [PMID: 38760237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2024.108403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Gynaecological cancers (GCs) comprise a group of cancers that originate in the female reproductive organs. Each GC is unique, with different signs and symptoms, risk factors and therapeutic strategies. Worldwide, the majority of GCs are still associated with high mortality rates, especially ovarian, due to difficulty in early detection. Despite numerous studies on the underlying pathophysiology, research in the field of GCs poses unique scientific and technological challenges. These challenges require a concerted multi- and inter-disciplinary effort by the clinical, scientific and research communities to accelerate the advancement of prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches. Sarcopenia is a multifactorial disease which leads to the systemic loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. It can be caused by malignancies, as well as due to malnutrition, physical inactivity, ageing and neuromuscular, inflammatory, and/or endocrine diseases. Anorexia and systemic inflammation can shift the metabolic balance of patients with cancer cachexia towards catabolism of skeletal muscle, and hence sarcopenia. Therefore, sarcopenia is considered as an indicator of poor general health status, as well as the possible indicator of advanced cancer. There is a growing body of evidence showing the prognostic significance of sarcopenia in various cancers, including GCs. This review will outline the clinical importance of sarcopenia in patients with GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Di Fiore
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080, Msida, Malta; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
| | - Rosa Drago-Ferrante
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080, Msida, Malta; BioDNA Laboratories, Malta Life Sciences Park, SGN 3000, San Gwann, Malta.
| | - Sherif Suleiman
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080, Msida, Malta.
| | - Nicola Veronese
- Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics Section, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Francesco Pegreffi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, 94100, Enna, Italy.
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080, Msida, Malta.
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Khessib T, Jha P, Davidzon GA, Iagaru A, Shah J. Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Applications in Gynecologic Malignancies: A Comprehensive Review. Semin Nucl Med 2024; 54:270-292. [PMID: 38342655 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Gynecologic malignancies, consisting of endometrial, cervical, ovarian, vulvar, and vaginal cancers, pose significant diagnostic and management challenges due to their complex anatomic location and potential for rapid progression. These tumors cause substantial morbidity and mortality, often because of their delayed diagnosis and treatment. An estimated 19% of newly diagnosed cancers among women are gynecologic in origin. In recent years, there has been growing evidence supporting the integration of nuclear medicine imaging modalities in the diagnostic work-up and management of gynecologic cancers. The sensitivity of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) combined with the anatomical specificity of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for the hybrid evaluation of metabolic activity and structural abnormalities that has become an indispensable tool in oncologic imaging. Lymphoscintigraphy, using technetium 99m (99mTc) based radiotracers along with single photon emission computed tomography/ computed tomography (SPECT/CT), holds a vital role in the identification of sentinel lymph nodes to minimize the surgical morbidity from extensive lymph node dissections. While not yet standard for gynecologic malignancies, promising therapeutic nuclear medicine agents serve as specialized treatment options for patients with advanced or recurrent disease. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review on the nuclear medicine applications in gynecologic malignancies through the following objectives: 1) To describe the role of nuclear medicine in the initial staging, lymph node mapping, response assessment, and recurrence/surveillance imaging of common gynecologic cancers, 2) To review the limitations of 18F-FDG PET/CT and promising applications of 18F-FDG PET/MRI in gynecologic malignancy, 3) To underscore the promising theragnostic applications of nuclear medicine, 4) To highlight the current role of nuclear medicine imaging in gynecologic cancers as per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESGO), and European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasnim Khessib
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Stanford Health Care; 300 Pasteur Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Priyanka Jha
- Division of Body Imaging, Department of Radiology, Stanford Health Care; 300 Pasteur Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94035
| | - Guido A Davidzon
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Stanford Health Care; 300 Pasteur Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Andrei Iagaru
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Stanford Health Care; 300 Pasteur Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Jagruti Shah
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Stanford Health Care; 300 Pasteur Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94305.
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Farzaneh M, Abouali Gale Dari M, Anbiyaiee A, Najafi S, Dayer D, Mousavi Salehi A, Keivan M, Ghafourian M, Uddin S, Azizidoost S. Emerging roles of the long non-coding RNA NEAT1 in gynecologic cancers. J Cell Commun Signal 2023; 17:531-547. [PMID: 37310654 PMCID: PMC10409959 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-023-00746-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Gynecologic cancers are a worldwide problem among women. Recently, molecular targeted therapy opened up an avenue for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules (> 200 nt) that are not translated into protein, and interact with DNA, RNA, and proteins. LncRNAs were found to play pivotal roles in cancer tumorigenesis and progression. Nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) is a lncRNA that mediates cell proliferation, migration, and EMT in gynecologic cancers by targeting several miRNAs/mRNA axes. Therefore, NEAT1 may function as a potent biomarker for the prediction and treatment of breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers. In this narrative review, we summarized various NEAT1-related signaling pathways that are critical in gynecologic cancers. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) by targeting various signaling pathways involved in its target genes can regulate the occurrence of gynecologic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahrokh Abouali Gale Dari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amir Anbiyaiee
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sajad Najafi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dian Dayer
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Abdolah Mousavi Salehi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mona Keivan
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mehri Ghafourian
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, 3050, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 22602 India
| | - Shirin Azizidoost
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Functional roles of long noncoding RNA MALAT1 in gynecologic cancers. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2023; 25:48-65. [PMID: 36042115 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02914-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gynecologic cancers are reproductive disorders characterized by pelvic pain and infertility. The identification of new predictive markers and therapeutic targets for the treatment of gynecologic cancers is urgently necessary. One of the recent successes in gynecologic cancers research is identifying the role of signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of the disease. Recent experiments showed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) can be novel therapeutic approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers. LncRNA are transcribed RNA molecules that play pivotal roles in multiple biological processes by regulating the different steps of gene expression. Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 (MALAT1) is a well-known lncRNA that plays functional roles in gene expression, RNA processing, and epigenetic regulation. High expression of MALAT1 is closely related to numerous human diseases. It is generally believed that MALAT1 expression is associated with cancer cell growth, autophagy, invasion, and metastasis. MALAT1 by targeting multiple signaling pathways and microRNAs (miRNAs) could contribute to the pathogenesis of gynecologic cancers. In this review, we will summarize functional roles of MALAT1 in the most common gynecologic cancers, including endometrium, breast, ovary, and cervix.
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Zhao X, Zhu X, Wang L, Chen Y, Chen R, Zheng Z, Yang H, Xia W, Yao J, Zhao K. Identification of Tumor Suppressor Gene LHPP-Based 5-microRNA Signature That Predicts the Early- and Midstage Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Two-Stage Case-Control Study in the Chinese Han Population. Lab Med 2022:6821144. [DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmac125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
To establish a novel approach for diagnosing early- and midstage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
Methods
The tumor suppressor gene phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phosphatase (LHPP)–based miRNA signature was identified using next-generation sequencing and 3 biological online prediction systems. This retrospective study established and validated an ESCC prediction model using a test cohort and a validation cohort.
Results
Immunohistochemical staining and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results showed that LHPP protein levels were significantly lower in tissues with early- and midstage ESCC than in adjacent tissues (P < .01). Further, we confirmed that miR-15b-5p, miR-424-5p, miR-497-5p, miR-363-5p, and miR-195-5p inhibited LHPP. These 5 miRNAs were significantly elevated in the plasma of early- and midstage ESCC (P < .05). An ESCC prediction model combining these 5 miRNAs was established. Finally, in the external validation cohort, the model exhibited high discriminative value (sensitivity/specificity: 84.4%/93.3%).
Conclusions
The prediction model has potential implications for diagnosis of early- and midstage ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City , Huaian , China
| | - Xiaocun Zhu
- Department of General Surgery and Breast Surgery, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City , Huaian , China
| | - Luoshai Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City , Huaian , China
| | - Yurao Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City , Huaian , China
| | - Ronghuai Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City , Huaian , China
| | - Zemao Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City , Huaian , China
| | - Hengjin Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City , Huaian , China
| | - Wan Xia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City , Huaian , China
| | - Juan Yao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City , Huaian , China
- Department of Oncology, Taizhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University , Taizhou , China
| | - Kun Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City , Huaian , China
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Daviu C, Blaakaer J, Eriksson AGZ, Herrstedt J, Vandborg MP, Rasmussen AMO, Fuglsang K. Nonepithelial ovarian cancer – the current clinical practice in the Nordic countries. Survey from the surgical subcommittee of the Nordic society of gynecological oncology (NSGO). Acta Oncol 2022; 61:939-945. [DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2022.2088249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Daviu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jan Blaakaer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ane Gerda Z. Eriksson
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The Norwegian Radium Hospital; Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jørn Herrstedt
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Copenhagen University, Denmark
| | - M. P. Vandborg
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Katrine Fuglsang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Clinical performance in ERN eUROGEN for penile, testicular, adrenal and soft tissue cancers. Eur J Surg Oncol 2021; 48:680-686. [PMID: 34893364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND European Reference Network (ERN) eUROGEN is a cross-border collaboration set up by the European Commission in 2017 aimed at tackling rare urogenital conditions, including cancers. OBJECTIVE This report aims to assess ERN eUROGEN's operational activity with a focus on rare urogenital cancers. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Data for descriptive analyses were collected retrospectively between 2013 and 2017, and prospectively between 2018 and 2020. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Operational indicators were set by the European Commission from 2018. Additionally, in 2019/20 centres self-assessed clinical service provision and provided clinical metrics for rare cancer specialist centres as established by experts. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Results revealed that the cumulative rare urogenital cancer population increased 519.8% from 1,631 in 2013 to 10,109 in 2020. This may provide opportunities for research and creation of a large cancer registry. In total, ten centres met the clinical requirements for rare cancer specialist centres providing evidence of high-volume. Differences in data collection methods between centres limit further analyses. Other rare cancer data identified 39 panel discussions, three webinars, and eight publications. CONCLUSIONS Whilst limitations to data analysis remain, ERN eUROGEN has demonstrated excellent operational performance with promising opportunities for rare cancer research.
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Subbannayya Y, Di Fiore R, Urru SAM, Calleja-Agius J. The Role of Omics Approaches to Characterize Molecular Mechanisms of Rare Ovarian Cancers: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1481. [PMID: 34680597 PMCID: PMC8533212 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare ovarian cancers are ovarian cancers with an annual incidence of less than 6 cases per 100,000 women. They generally have a poor prognosis due to being delayed diagnosis and treatment. Exploration of molecular mechanisms in these cancers has been challenging due to their rarity and research efforts being fragmented across the world. Omics approaches can provide detailed molecular snapshots of the underlying mechanisms of these cancers. Omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, can identify potential candidate biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and screening of rare gynecological cancers and can aid in identifying therapeutic targets. The integration of multiple omics techniques using approaches such as proteogenomics can provide a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Further, omics approaches can provide clues towards developing immunotherapies, cancer recurrence, and drug resistance in tumors; and form a platform for personalized medicine. The current review focuses on the application of omics approaches and integrative biology to gain a better understanding of rare ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashwanth Subbannayya
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM), Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Riccardo Di Fiore
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Silvana Anna Maria Urru
- Hospital Pharmacy Unit, Trento General Hospital, Autonomous Province of Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy;
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, School of Hospital Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
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Sabol M, Calleja-Agius J, Di Fiore R, Suleiman S, Ozcan S, Ward MP, Ozretić P. (In)Distinctive Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Common and Rare Ovarian Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205040. [PMID: 34680193 PMCID: PMC8534192 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare ovarian cancers (ROCs) are OCs with an annual incidence of fewer than 6 cases per 100,000 women. They affect women of all ages, but due to their low incidence and the potential clinical inexperience in management, there can be a delay in diagnosis, leading to a poor prognosis. The underlying causes for these tumors are varied, but generally, the tumors arise due to alterations in gene/protein expression in cellular processes that regulate normal proliferation and its checkpoints. Dysregulation of the cellular processes that lead to cancer includes gene mutations, epimutations, non-coding RNA (ncRNA) regulation, posttranscriptional and posttranslational modifications. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) are defined as transcribed RNA molecules, more than 200 nucleotides in length which are not translated into proteins. They regulate gene expression through several mechanisms and therefore add another level of complexity to the regulatory mechanisms affecting tumor development. Since few studies have been performed on ROCs, in this review we summarize the mechanisms of action of lncRNA in OC, with an emphasis on ROCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta; (J.C.-A.); (R.D.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Riccardo Di Fiore
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta; (J.C.-A.); (R.D.F.); (S.S.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Sherif Suleiman
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta; (J.C.-A.); (R.D.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Sureyya Ozcan
- Department of Chemistry, Middle East Technical University (METU), 06800 Ankara, Turkey;
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory (CanSyl), Middle East Technical University (METU), 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mark P. Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Trinity College Dublin and Coombe Women’s and Infants University Hospital, D08 RX0X Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Petar Ozretić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-(1)-4571292
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Di Fiore R, Suleiman S, Drago-Ferrante R, Felix A, O’Toole SA, O’Leary JJ, Ward MP, Beirne J, Yordanov A, Vasileva-Slaveva M, Subbannayya Y, Pentimalli F, Giordano A, Calleja-Agius J. LncRNA MORT (ZNF667-AS1) in Cancer-Is There a Possible Role in Gynecological Malignancies? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157829. [PMID: 34360598 PMCID: PMC8346052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Gynecological cancers (GCs) are currently among the major threats to female health. Moreover, there are different histologic subtypes of these cancers, which are defined as ‘rare’ due to an annual incidence of <6 per 100,000 women. The majority of these tend to be associated with a poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in the normal development of organisms as well as in tumorigenesis. LncRNAs can be classified into tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes, depending on their function within the cellular context and the signaling pathways in which they are involved. These regulatory RNAs are potential therapeutic targets for cancer due to their tissue and tumor specificity. However, there still needs to be a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which lncRNAs are involved in the regulation of numerous biological functions in humans, both in normal health and disease. The lncRNA Mortal Obligate RNA Transcript (MORT; alias ZNF667-AS1) has been identified as a tumor-related lncRNA. ZNF667-AS1 gene, located in the human chromosome region 19q13.43, has been shown to be silenced by DNA hypermethylation in several cancers. In this review, we report on the biological functions of ZNF667-AS1 from recent studies and describe the regulatory functions of ZNF667-AS1 in human disease, including cancer. Furthermore, we discuss the emerging insights into the potential role of ZNF667-AS1 as a biomarker and novel therapeutic target in cancer, including GCs (ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers).
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Di Fiore
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (J.C.-A.)
| | - Sherif Suleiman
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
| | | | - Ana Felix
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Portugues de Oncologia de Lisboa, NOVA Medical School, University NOVA of Lisbon, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Sharon A. O’Toole
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D08 HD53 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - John J. O’Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Trinity College Dublin and Coombe Women’s and Infants University Hospital, D08 RX0X Dublin, Ireland; (J.J.O.); (M.P.W.)
| | - Mark P. Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Trinity College Dublin and Coombe Women’s and Infants University Hospital, D08 RX0X Dublin, Ireland; (J.J.O.); (M.P.W.)
| | - James Beirne
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, St James Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, D08 X4RX Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Angel Yordanov
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University Pleven, 5800 Pleven, Bulgaria;
| | | | - Yashwanth Subbannayya
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM), Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (J.C.-A.)
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Scicchitano P, Tucci M, Ricci G, Gesualdo M, Carbonara S, Totaro G, Cecere A, Carbonara R, Cortese F, Loizzi V, Cormio G, Cicinelli E, Ciccone MM. Vascular and Cardiac Prognostic Determinants in Patients with Gynecological Cancers: A Six-Year Follow-up Study. APPLIED SCIENCES 2021; 11:6091. [DOI: 10.3390/app11136091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to assess the role of cardiac and vascular parameters as all-cause mortality determinants in patients suffering from gynecological cancers. Methods: This was an observational, prospective, non-randomized, and non-controlled study. Forty-seven consecutive patients (mean age: 58 ± 13 years) were enrolled after cancer staging. All patients underwent evaluation of vascular (common carotid intima-media thickness (mean C-IMT), flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery (FMD), and antero-posterior diameter of the infrarenal abdominal aorta (APAO)) and cardiac function and morphology before cancer-related interventions. A 6-year follow-up was carried out to assess the overall survival of the whole population. Results: Twenty patients (42%) died by the time of the 6-year follow-up. The brachial artery FMD values were higher in the survivors than the non-survivors (9.71 ± 3.53% vs. 6.13 ± 2.62%, p < 0.001), as well as the LVEF (60.8 ± 3.0% vs. 57.8 ± 4.4%, p = 0.009). There were no differences in the mean C-IMT, APAO, and other echocardiographic parameters. ROC curve analysis identified a baseline LVEF < 57% and FMD value < 5.8% as the best cut-offs. Kaplan–Meier evaluation showed that the LVEF, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and FMD were the best predictors of all-cause mortality, although only the LVEF and FMD were confirmed in multivariate Cox regression analysis. Conclusions: The LVEF and brachial artery FMD are independent prognostic determinants in patients with gynecological cancers.
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Di Fiore R, Suleiman S, Pentimalli F, O’Toole SA, O’Leary JJ, Ward MP, Conlon NT, Sabol M, Ozretić P, Erson-Bensan AE, Reed N, Giordano A, Herrington CS, Calleja-Agius J. Could MicroRNAs Be Useful Tools to Improve the Diagnosis and Treatment of Rare Gynecological Cancers? A Brief Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083822. [PMID: 33917022 PMCID: PMC8067678 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gynecological cancers pose an important public health issue, with a high incidence among women of all ages. Gynecological cancers such as malignant germ-cell tumors, sex-cord-stromal tumors, uterine sarcomas and carcinosarcomas, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, vulvar carcinoma and melanoma of the female genital tract, are defined as rare with an annual incidence of <6 per 100,000 women. Rare gynecological cancers (RGCs) are associated with poor prognosis, and given the low incidence of each entity, there is the risk of delayed diagnosis due to clinical inexperience and limited therapeutic options. There has been a growing interest in the field of microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs of ∼22 nucleotides in length, because of their potential to regulate diverse biological processes. miRNAs usually induce mRNA degradation and translational repression by interacting with the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of target mRNAs, as well as other regions and gene promoters, as well as activating translation or regulating transcription under certain conditions. Recent research has revealed the enormous promise of miRNAs for improving the diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of all major gynecological cancers. However, to date, only a few studies have been performed on RGCs. In this review, we summarize the data currently available regarding RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Di Fiore
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Center for Biotechnology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (J.C.-A.); Tel.: +356-2340-3871 (R.D.F.); +356-2340-1892 (J.C.-A.)
| | - Sherif Suleiman
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, I-80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Sharon A. O’Toole
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 8 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - John J. O’Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 8 Dublin, Ireland; (J.J.O.); (M.P.W.)
| | - Mark P. Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 8 Dublin, Ireland; (J.J.O.); (M.P.W.)
| | - Neil T. Conlon
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, 9 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.S.); (P.O.)
| | - Petar Ozretić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.S.); (P.O.)
| | - Ayse Elif Erson-Bensan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06810, Turkey;
| | - Nicholas Reed
- Beatson Oncology Centre, Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK;
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Center for Biotechnology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - C. Simon Herrington
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK;
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (J.C.-A.); Tel.: +356-2340-3871 (R.D.F.); +356-2340-1892 (J.C.-A.)
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