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Ferreira Almeida C, Correia-da-Silva G, Teixeira N, Amaral C. Influence of tumor microenvironment on the different breast cancer subtypes and applied therapies. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116178. [PMID: 38561089 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite the significant improvements made in breast cancer therapy during the last decades, this disease still has increasing incidence and mortality rates. Different targets involved in general processes, like cell proliferation and survival, have become alternative therapeutic options for this disease, with some of them already used in clinic, like the CDK4/6 inhibitors for luminal A tumors treatment. Nevertheless, there is a demand for novel therapeutic strategies focused not only on tumor cells, but also on their microenvironment. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a very complex and dynamic system that, more than surrounding and supporting tumor cells, actively participates in tumor development and progression. During the last decades, it has become clear that the cellular and acellular components of TME differ between the various breast cancer subtypes and shape the differences regarding their severity and prognosis. The pivotal role of the TME in controlling tumor growth and influencing responses to therapy represents a potential source for novel targets and therapeutic strategies. In this review, we present a description of the multiple therapeutic options used for different breast cancer subtypes, as well as the influence that the TME may exert on the development of the disease and on the response to the distinct therapies, which in some cases may explain their failure by the occurrence of relapses and resistance. Furthermore, the ongoing studies focused on the use of TME components for developing potential cancer treatments are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ferreira Almeida
- UCIBIO, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Amaral
- UCIBIO, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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Dai C, Man Y, Zhang L, Zhang X, Xie C, Wang S, Zhang Y, Guo Q, Zou L, Hong H, Jiang L, Shi Y. Identifying SLC2A6 as the novel protective factor in breast cancer by TP53-related genes affecting M1 macrophage infiltration. Apoptosis 2024:10.1007/s10495-024-01964-3. [PMID: 38622369 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01964-3] [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] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The high heterogeneity of breast cancer (BC) caused by pathogenic gene mutations poses a challenge to immunotherapy, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The difference in the infiltration of M1 macrophages induced by TP53 mutations has a significant impact on BC immunotherapy. The aim of this study was to develop a TP53-related M1 macrophage infiltration molecular typing risk signature in BC and evaluate the biological functions of the key gene to find new immunotherapy biomarkers. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and negative matrix factorization (NMF) were used for distinguishing BC subtypes. The signature and the nomogram were both constructed and evaluated. Biological functions of the novel signature gene SLC2A6 were confirmed through in vitro and in vivo experiments. RNA-Sequencing and protein profiling were used for detecting the possible mechanism of SLC2A6. The results suggested that four BC subtypes were distinguished by TP53-related genes that affect M1 macrophage infiltration. The signature constructed by molecular typing characteristics could evaluate BC's clinical features and tumor microenvironment. The nomogram could accurately predict the prognosis. The signature gene SLC2A6 was found to have an abnormally low expression in tumor tissues. Overexpression of SLC2A6 could inhibit proliferation, promote mitochondrial damage, and result in apoptosis of tumor cells. The HSP70 family member protein HSPA6 could bind with SLC2A6 and increase with the increased expression of SLC2A6. In summary, the risk signature provides a reference for BC risk assessment, and the signature gene SLC2A6 could act as a tumor suppressor in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Dai
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Yuxin Man
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Luhan Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Chunbao Xie
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Shan Wang
- National Center for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yinjie Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qian Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Liang Zou
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China
| | - Huangming Hong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Lingxi Jiang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Yi Shi
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China.
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3
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Li JJX, Ni SYB, Tsang JYS, Chan WY, Hung RKW, Lui JWH, Ng SWY, Shum LK, Tang YF, Tse GM. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio reflects tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and tumour-associated macrophages and independently predicts poor outcome in breast cancers with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Histopathology 2024; 84:810-821. [PMID: 38192219 DOI: 10.1111/his.15125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
AIMS The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a systemic reflection of cancer-associated inflammation and a prognostic marker for breast cancer. For the local tumour microenvironment, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are also highly correlated with breast cancer survival. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the circulating and local immune microenvironment, and to further delineate the prognostic role of NLR in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). METHODS A cohort of breast cancer patients receiving NAC with subsequent surgery was retrieved. Clinical data were reviewed. Histological slides and CD8 immunohistochemistry from biopsy (pre-chemotherapy) and excision (postchemotherapy) specimens were assessed for TILs and TAMs. RESULTS A total of 146 patients were included. There was a significant positive correlation between pre- and postsurgery NLR at a cut-off of 2.6 (median pre-chemotherapy NLR) (P < 0.001). NLR pre-chemotherapy was associated positively with necrosis on biopsy (P = 0.027) and excision (P = 0.021) and TAMs on excision (P = 0.049). NLR 1 year postsurgery was associated with high tumour stage (P = 0.050) and low histological grade (P = 0.008). TIL count was lower in NLR-high cases at almost all time-points by histological assessment and CD8 immunostaining (P < 0.050). In multivariate analysis, postsurgery NLR is an independent predictor for overall survival [OS; hazard ratio (HR) = 9.524, P < 0.001], breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) (HR = 10.059, P = 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS; HR = 2.824, P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS The association between NLR with tumour necrosis, TAMs and TILs illustrates an interaction between the circulating and local immune microenvironment. Late NLR is a strong indicator of outcome and may be useful for prognostication and disease monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J X Li
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shelly Y B Ni
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Julia Y S Tsang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai Yin Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ray K W Hung
- Department of Surgery, North District Hospital, Sheung Shui, Hong Kong
| | - Joshua W H Lui
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sally W Y Ng
- Department of Surgery, North District Hospital, Sheung Shui, Hong Kong
| | - Leong Kwong Shum
- Deparment of Pathology, North District Hospital, Sheung Shui, Hong Kong
| | - Ying Fei Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gary M Tse
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Deparment of Pathology, North District Hospital, Sheung Shui, Hong Kong
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Hajimolaali M, Dorkoosh FA, Antimisiaris SG. Review of recent preclinical and clinical research on ligand-targeted liposomes as delivery systems in triple negative breast cancer therapy. J Liposome Res 2024:1-26. [PMID: 38520185 DOI: 10.1080/08982104.2024.2325963] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast Cancer (TNBC) is one of the deadliest types, making up about 20% of all breast cancers. Chemotherapy is the traditional manner of progressed TNBC treatment; however, it has a short-term result with a high reversibility pace. The lack of targeted treatment limited and person-dependent treatment options for those suffering from TNBC cautions to be the worst type of cancer among breast cancer patients. Consequently, appropriate treatment for this disease is considered a major clinical challenge. Therefore, various treatment methods have been developed to treat TNBC, among which chemotherapy is the most common and well-known approach recently studied. Although effective methods are chemotherapies, they are often accompanied by critical limitations, especially the lack of specific functionality. These methods lead to systematic toxicity and, ultimately, the expansion of multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer cells. Therefore, finding novel and efficient techniques to enhance the targeting of TNBC treatment is an essential requirement. Liposomes have demonstrated that they are an effective method for drug delivery; however, among a large number of liposome-based drug delivery systems annually developed, a small number have just received authorization for clinical application. The new approaches to using liposomes target their structure with various ligands to increase therapeutic efficiency and diminish undesired side effects on various body tissues. The current study describes the most recent strategies and research associated with functionalizing the liposomes' structure with different ligands as targeted drug carriers in treating TNBCs in preclinical and clinical stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hajimolaali
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Farid Abedin Dorkoosh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Medical Biomaterial Research Center (MBRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sophia G Antimisiaris
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, FORTH/ICEHT, Patras, Greece
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Verma A, Pandey V, Sherry C, James C, Matteson K, Smith JT, Rudkouskaya A, Intes X, Barroso M. Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging for Quantification of Targeted Drug Delivery in Varying Tumor Microenvironments. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.12.575453. [PMID: 38293105 PMCID: PMC10827127 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.12.575453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Rationale Trastuzumab (TZM) is a monoclonal antibody that targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) and is clinically used for the treatment of HER2-positive breast tumors. However, the tumor microenvironment can limit the access of TZM to the HER2 targets across the whole tumor and thereby compromise TZM's therapeutic efficacy. An imaging methodology that can non-invasively quantify the binding of TZM-HER2, which is required for therapeutic action, and distribution within tumors with varying tumor microenvironments is much needed. Methods We performed near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence lifetime (FLI) Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) to measure TZM-HER2 binding, using in vitro microscopy and in vivo widefield macroscopy, in HER2 overexpressing breast and ovarian cancer cells and tumor xenografts, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was used to validate in vivo imaging results. Results NIR FLI FRET in vitro microscopy data show variations in intracellular distribution of bound TZM in HER2-positive breast AU565 and AU565 tumor-passaged XTM cell lines in comparison to SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells. Macroscopy FLI (MFLI) FRET in vivo imaging data show that SKOV-3 tumors display reduced TZM binding compared to AU565 and XTM tumors, as validated by ex vivo immunohistochemistry. Moreover, AU565/XTM and SKOV-3 tumor xenografts display different amounts and distributions of TME components, such as collagen and vascularity. Therefore, these results suggest that SKOV-3 tumors are refractory to TZM delivery due to their disrupted vasculature and increased collagen content. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that FLI is a powerful analytical tool to monitor the delivery of antibody drug tumor both in cell cultures and in vivo live systems. Especially, MFLI FRET is a unique imaging modality that can directly quantify target engagement with potential to elucidate the role of the TME in drug delivery efficacy in intact live tumor xenografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Verma
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Vikas Pandey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Catherine Sherry
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Christopher James
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Kailie Matteson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA
- Current address: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jason T. Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
- Current address: Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, VA, 22102, USA
| | - Alena Rudkouskaya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Xavier Intes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Margarida Barroso
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA
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Liu YC, Chen P, Chang R, Liu X, Jhang JW, Enkhbat M, Chen S, Wang H, Deng C, Wang PY. Artificial tumor matrices and bioengineered tools for tumoroid generation. Biofabrication 2024; 16:022004. [PMID: 38306665 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad2534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for tumor growth and metastasis. The TME contains cancer-associated cells, tumor matrix, and tumor secretory factors. The fabrication of artificial tumors, so-called tumoroids, is of great significance for the understanding of tumorigenesis and clinical cancer therapy. The assembly of multiple tumor cells and matrix components through interdisciplinary techniques is necessary for the preparation of various tumoroids. This article discusses current methods for constructing tumoroids (tumor tissue slices and tumor cell co-culture) for pre-clinical use. This article focuses on the artificial matrix materials (natural and synthetic materials) and biofabrication techniques (cell assembly, bioengineered tools, bioprinting, and microfluidic devices) used in tumoroids. This article also points out the shortcomings of current tumoroids and potential solutions. This article aims to promotes the next-generation tumoroids and the potential of them in basic research and clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Chiang Liu
- Oujiang Laboratory; Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325024, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Chen
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, MOE Frontier Science Centre for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ray Chang
- Oujiang Laboratory; Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325024, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingjian Liu
- Oujiang Laboratory; Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325024, People's Republic of China
| | - Jhe-Wei Jhang
- Oujiang Laboratory; Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325024, People's Republic of China
| | - Myagmartsend Enkhbat
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Shan Chen
- Oujiang Laboratory; Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325024, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuxia Deng
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, MOE Frontier Science Centre for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng-Yuan Wang
- Oujiang Laboratory; Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325024, People's Republic of China
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7
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Li JJX, Tse GM. Immunocytochemical markers, molecular testing and digital cytopathology for aspiration cytology of metastatic breast carcinoma. Cytopathology 2024; 35:218-225. [PMID: 37985397 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.13333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a versatile diagnostic procedure uniquely suited for tissue biopsy of breast carcinomas and axillary metastases and/or recurrences. With the expanding treatment options and accompanying theragnostic tests, it is crucial to recognize the developments on ancillary testing and digital cytopathology techniques related to aspiration cytology of metastatic breast carcinoma. In this review, we aim to summarize and update the evidence of immunocytochemistry, for the detection of carcinoma cells (epithelial markers), confirmation of breast primary (breast-specific markers), assessment of surrogate immunostains (hormone receptors, ki-67 proliferative index and HER2) and theragnostic biomarkers, with discussion on potential diagnostic pitfalls, followed by the application of molecular tests, and digital cytopathologic techniques for assessing metastatic breast carcinoma in cytology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J X Li
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Gary M Tse
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Cao Y, Meng F, Cai T, Gao L, Lee J, Solomevich SO, Aharodnikau UE, Guo T, Lan M, Liu F, Li Q, Viktor T, Li D, Cai Y. Nanoparticle drug delivery systems responsive to tumor microenvironment: Promising alternatives in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 16:e1950. [PMID: 38528388 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The conventional therapeutic treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is negatively influenced by the development of tumor cell drug resistant, and systemic toxicity of therapeutic agents due to off-target activity. In accordance with research findings, nanoparticles (NPs) responsive to the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been discovered for providing opportunities to selectively target tumor cells via active targeting or Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect. The combination of the TME control and therapeutic NPs offers promising solutions for improving the prognosis of the TNBC because the TME actively participates in tumor growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. The NP-based systems leverage stimulus-responsive mechanisms, such as low pH value, hypoxic, excessive secretion enzyme, concentration of glutathione (GSH)/reactive oxygen species (ROS), and high concentration of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to combat TNBC progression. Concurrently, NP-based stimulus-responsive introduces a novel approach for drug dosage design, administration, and modification of the pharmacokinetics of conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy drugs. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the strengths, limitations, applications, perspectives, and future expectations of both novel and traditional stimulus-responsive NP-based drug delivery systems for improving outcomes in the medical practice of TNBC. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/Guangdong Key Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Informatization/International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Guangdong Province/School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fansu Meng
- Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China
| | - Tiange Cai
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lanwen Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/Guangdong Key Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Informatization/International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Guangdong Province/School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jaiwoo Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sergey O Solomevich
- Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of the Belarusian State University, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Uladzislau E Aharodnikau
- Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of the Belarusian State University, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Tingting Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/Guangdong Key Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Informatization/International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Guangdong Province/School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/Guangdong Key Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Informatization/International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Guangdong Province/School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengjie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/Guangdong Key Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Informatization/International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Guangdong Province/School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianwen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/Guangdong Key Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Informatization/International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Guangdong Province/School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Timoshenko Viktor
- Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Detang Li
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine/Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine/Guangdong Clinical Research Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/Guangdong Key Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Informatization/International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Guangdong Province/School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Dou T, Li J, Zhang Y, Pei W, Zhang B, Wang B, Wang Y, Jia H. The cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment is an important marker for predicting therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1368687. [PMID: 38487526 PMCID: PMC10937353 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1368687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, the incidence rate of breast cancer ranks first among new-onset malignant tumors in women. The tumor microenvironment is a hot topic in tumor research. There are abundant cells in the tumor microenvironment that play a protumor or antitumor role in breast cancer. During the treatment of breast cancer, different cells have different influences on the therapeutic response. And after treatment, the cellular composition in the tumor microenvironment will change too. In this review, we summarize the interactions between different cell compositions (such as immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and adipocytes) in the tumor microenvironment and the treatment mechanism of breast cancer. We believe that detecting the cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment is able to predict the therapeutic efficacy of treatments for breast cancer and benefit to combination administration of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyao Dou
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yaochen Zhang
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wanru Pei
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Binyue Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Hongyan Jia
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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10
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Fang S, Xia W, Zhang H, Ni C, Wu J, Mo Q, Jiang M, Guan D, Yuan H, Chen W. A real-world clinicopathological model for predicting pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1323226. [PMID: 38420013 PMCID: PMC10899694 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1323226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to develop and validate a clinicopathological model to predict pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer patients and identify key prognostic factors. Methods This retrospective study analyzed data from 279 breast cancer patients who received NAC at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from 2011 to 2021. Additionally, an external validation dataset, comprising 50 patients from Lanxi People's Hospital and Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from 2022 to 2023 was utilized for model verification. A multivariate logistic regression model was established incorporating clinical, ultrasound features, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and pathology variables at baseline and post-NAC. Model performance for predicting pCR was evaluated. Prognostic factors were identified using survival analysis. Results In the 279 patients enrolled, a pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of 27.96% (78 out of 279) was achieved. The predictive model incorporated independent predictors such as stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (sTIL) levels, Ki-67 expression, molecular subtype, and ultrasound echo features. The model demonstrated strong predictive accuracy for pCR (C-statistics/AUC 0.874), especially in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-enriched (C-statistics/AUC 0.878) and triple-negative (C-statistics/AUC 0.870) subtypes, and the model performed well in external validation data set (C-statistics/AUC 0.836). Incorporating circulating tumor cell (CTC) changes post-NAC and tumor size changes further improved predictive performance (C-statistics/AUC 0.945) in the CTC detection subgroup. Key prognostic factors included tumor size >5cm, lymph node metastasis, sTIL levels, estrogen receptor (ER) status and pCR. Despite varied pCR rates, overall prognosis after standard systemic therapy was consistent across molecular subtypes. Conclusion The developed predictive model showcases robust performance in forecasting pCR in NAC-treated breast cancer patients, marking a step toward more personalized therapeutic strategies in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Fang
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenjie Xia
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haibo Zhang
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Ni
- Department of Breast Surgery (Surgical Oncology), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Wu
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiuping Mo
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengjie Jiang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Guan
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongjun Yuan
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wuzhen Chen
- Department of Oncology, Lanxi People’s Hospital, Jinhua, China
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11
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Neagu AN, Whitham D, Bruno P, Arshad A, Seymour L, Morrissiey H, Hukovic AI, Darie CC. Onco-Breastomics: An Eco-Evo-Devo Holistic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1628. [PMID: 38338903 PMCID: PMC10855488 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Known as a diverse collection of neoplastic diseases, breast cancer (BC) can be hyperbolically characterized as a dynamic pseudo-organ, a living organism able to build a complex, open, hierarchically organized, self-sustainable, and self-renewable tumor system, a population, a species, a local community, a biocenosis, or an evolving dynamical ecosystem (i.e., immune or metabolic ecosystem) that emphasizes both developmental continuity and spatio-temporal change. Moreover, a cancer cell community, also known as an oncobiota, has been described as non-sexually reproducing species, as well as a migratory or invasive species that expresses intelligent behavior, or an endangered or parasite species that fights to survive, to optimize its features inside the host's ecosystem, or that is able to exploit or to disrupt its host circadian cycle for improving the own proliferation and spreading. BC tumorigenesis has also been compared with the early embryo and placenta development that may suggest new strategies for research and therapy. Furthermore, BC has also been characterized as an environmental disease or as an ecological disorder. Many mechanisms of cancer progression have been explained by principles of ecology, developmental biology, and evolutionary paradigms. Many authors have discussed ecological, developmental, and evolutionary strategies for more successful anti-cancer therapies, or for understanding the ecological, developmental, and evolutionary bases of BC exploitable vulnerabilities. Herein, we used the integrated framework of three well known ecological theories: the Bronfenbrenner's theory of human development, the Vannote's River Continuum Concept (RCC), and the Ecological Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Eco-Evo-Devo) theory, to explain and understand several eco-evo-devo-based principles that govern BC progression. Multi-omics fields, taken together as onco-breastomics, offer better opportunities to integrate, analyze, and interpret large amounts of complex heterogeneous data, such as various and big-omics data obtained by multiple investigative modalities, for understanding the eco-evo-devo-based principles that drive BC progression and treatment. These integrative eco-evo-devo theories can help clinicians better diagnose and treat BC, for example, by using non-invasive biomarkers in liquid-biopsies that have emerged from integrated omics-based data that accurately reflect the biomolecular landscape of the primary tumor in order to avoid mutilating preventive surgery, like bilateral mastectomy. From the perspective of preventive, personalized, and participatory medicine, these hypotheses may help patients to think about this disease as a process governed by natural rules, to understand the possible causes of the disease, and to gain control on their own health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca-Narcisa Neagu
- Laboratory of Animal Histology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, Carol I bvd. 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania
| | - Danielle Whitham
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Pathea Bruno
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Aneeta Arshad
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Logan Seymour
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Hailey Morrissiey
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Angiolina I. Hukovic
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Costel C. Darie
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
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12
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Peyvandi S, Bulliard M, Yilmaz A, Kauzlaric A, Marcone R, Haerri L, Coquoz O, Huang YT, Duffey N, Gafner L, Lorusso G, Fournier N, Lan Q, Rüegg C. Tumor-educated Gr1+CD11b+ cells drive breast cancer metastasis via OSM/IL-6/JAK-induced cancer cell plasticity. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e166847. [PMID: 38236642 PMCID: PMC10940099 DOI: 10.1172/jci166847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell plasticity contributes to therapy resistance and metastasis, which represent the main causes of cancer-related death, including in breast cancer. The tumor microenvironment drives cancer cell plasticity and metastasis, and unraveling the underlying cues may provide novel strategies for managing metastatic disease. Using breast cancer experimental models and transcriptomic analyses, we show that stem cell antigen-1 positive (SCA1+) murine breast cancer cells enriched during tumor progression and metastasis had higher in vitro cancer stem cell-like properties, enhanced in vivo metastatic ability, and generated tumors rich in Gr1hiLy6G+CD11b+ cells. In turn, tumor-educated Gr1+CD11b+ (Tu-Gr1+CD11b+) cells rapidly and transiently converted low metastatic SCA1- cells into highly metastatic SCA1+ cells via secreted oncostatin M (OSM) and IL-6. JAK inhibition prevented OSM/IL-6-induced SCA1+ population enrichment, while OSM/IL-6 depletion suppressed Tu-Gr1+CD11b+-induced SCA1+ population enrichment in vitro and metastasis in vivo. Moreover, chemotherapy-selected highly metastatic 4T1 cells maintained high SCA1+ positivity through autocrine IL-6 production, and in vitro JAK inhibition blunted SCA1 positivity and metastatic capacity. Importantly, Tu-Gr1+CD11b+ cells invoked a gene signature in tumor cells predicting shorter overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and lung metastasis in breast cancer patients. Collectively, our data identified OSM/IL-6/JAK as a clinically relevant paracrine/autocrine axis instigating breast cancer cell plasticity and triggering metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Peyvandi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Manon Bulliard
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Alev Yilmaz
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Annamaria Kauzlaric
- Translational Data Science Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Marcone
- Translational Data Science Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Haerri
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Oriana Coquoz
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Duffey
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Laetitia Gafner
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Girieca Lorusso
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Fournier
- Translational Data Science Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Qiang Lan
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Cell and Tissue Dynamics Research Program, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Curzio Rüegg
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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13
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Rathore AS, Chirmule N, Dash R, Chowdhury A. Current status and future prospective of breast cancer immunotherapy. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2024; 140:293-326. [PMID: 38762272 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.12.006] [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: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The immune system is complicated, interconnected, and offers a powerful defense system that protects its host from foreign pathogens. Immunotherapy involves boosting the immune system to kill cancer cells, and nowadays, is a major emerging treatment for cancer. With the advances in our understanding of the immunology of cancer, there has been an explosion of studies to develop and evaluate therapies that engage the immune system in the fight against cancer. Nevertheless, conventional therapies have been effective in reducing tumor burden and prolonging patient life, but the overall efficacy of these treatment regimens has been somewhat mixed and often with severe side effects. A common reason for this is the activation of molecular mechanisms that lead to apoptosis of anti-tumor effector cells. The competency to block tumor escape entirely depends on our understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways which operate in the tumor microenvironment. Numerous strategies have been developed for activating the immune system to kill tumor cells. Breast cancer is one of the major causes of cancer death in women, and is characterized by complex molecular and cellular events that closely intertwine with the host immune system. In this regard, predictive biomarkers of immunotherapy, use of nanotechnology, personalized cancer vaccines, antibodies to checkpoint inhibitors, engineered chimeric antigen receptor-T cells, and the combination with other therapeutic modalities have transformed cancer therapy and optimized the therapeutic effect. In this chapter, we will offer a holistic view of the different therapeutic modalities and recent advances in immunotherapy. Additionally, we will summarize the recent advances and future prospective of breast cancer immunotherapies, as a case study.
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14
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Urban L, Novák Š, Čoma M, Dvořánková B, Lacina L, Šáchová J, Hradilová M, Svatoňová P, Kolář M, Strnad H, Březinová J, Smetana K, Gál P, Szabo P. Unravelling heterogeneous effects of cancer‑associated fibroblasts on poor prognosis markers in breast cancer EM‑G3 cell line: In vitro‑targeted treatment (anti‑IL-6, anti‑VEGF-A, anti‑MFGE8) based on transcriptomic profiling. Oncol Rep 2024; 51:3. [PMID: 37975220 PMCID: PMC10688412 DOI: 10.3892/or.2023.8662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Although dramatically increased survival rates of early diagnosed cases have been observed, late diagnosed patients and metastatic cancer may still be considered fatal. The present study's main focus was on cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) which is an active component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) regulating the breast cancer ecosystem. Transcriptomic profiling and analysis of CAFs isolated from breast cancer skin metastasis, cutaneous basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma unravelled major gene candidates such as IL6, VEGFA and MFGE8 that induced co‑expression of keratins‑8/‑14 in the EM‑G3 cell line derived from infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma. Western blot analysis of selected keratins (keratin‑8, ‑14, ‑18, ‑19) and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition‑associated markers (SLUG, SNAIL, ZEB1, E‑/N‑cadherin, vimentin) revealed specific responses pointing to certain heterogeneity of the studied CAF populations. Experimental in vitro treatment using neutralizing antibodies against IL-6, VEGF‑A and MFGE8 attenuated the modulatory effect of CAFs on EM‑G3 cells. The present study provided novel data in characterizing and understanding the interactions between CAFs and EM‑G3 cells in vitro. CAFs of different origins support the pro‑inflammatory microenvironment and influence the biology of breast cancer cells. This observation potentially holds significant interest for the development of novel, clinically relevant approaches targeting the TME in breast cancer. Furthermore, its implications extend beyond breast cancer and have the potential to impact a wide range of other cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukáš Urban
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
- Department for Biomedical Research, East-Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inc., 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Štepán Novák
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matúš Čoma
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
- Department for Biomedical Research, East-Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inc., 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Barbora Dvořánková
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Sciences, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Lacina
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Sciences, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Dermatovenereology, General University Hospital in Prague and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Šáchová
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miluše Hradilová
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Svatoňová
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kolář
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Strnad
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Březinová
- Cytogenetic Laboratory, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Smetana
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Sciences, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Gál
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
- Department for Biomedical Research, East-Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inc., 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Prague Burn Center, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 34 Prague, Czech Republic
- Insitute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Pavol Szabo
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Sciences, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
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15
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Chamorro DF, Somes LK, Hoyos V. Engineered Adoptive T-Cell Therapies for Breast Cancer: Current Progress, Challenges, and Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:124. [PMID: 38201551 PMCID: PMC10778447 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010124] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge, and novel treatment approaches are critically needed. This review presents an in-depth analysis of engineered adoptive T-cell therapies (E-ACTs), an innovative frontier in cancer immunotherapy, focusing on their application in breast cancer. We explore the evolving landscape of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell therapies, highlighting their potential and challenges in targeting breast cancer. The review addresses key obstacles such as target antigen selection, the complex breast cancer tumor microenvironment, and the persistence of engineered T-cells. We discuss the advances in overcoming these barriers, including strategies to enhance T-cell efficacy. Finally, our comprehensive analysis of the current clinical trials in this area provides insights into the future possibilities and directions of E-ACTs in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F. Chamorro
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.F.C.); (L.K.S.)
| | - Lauren K. Somes
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.F.C.); (L.K.S.)
| | - Valentina Hoyos
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.F.C.); (L.K.S.)
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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16
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Dezem FS, Marção M, Ben-Cheikh B, Nikulina N, Omotoso A, Burnett D, Coelho P, Hurley J, Gomez C, Phan-Everson T, Ong G, Martelotto L, Lewis ZR, George S, Braubach O, Malta TM, Plummer J. A machine learning one-class logistic regression model to predict stemness for single cell transcriptomics and spatial omics. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:717. [PMID: 38017371 PMCID: PMC10683105 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09722-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell annotation is a crucial methodological component to interpreting single cell and spatial omics data. These approaches were developed for single cell analysis but are often biased, manually curated and yet unproven in spatial omics. Here we apply a stemness model for assessing oncogenic states to single cell and spatial omic cancer datasets. This one-class logistic regression machine learning algorithm is used to extract transcriptomic features from non-transformed stem cells to identify dedifferentiated cell states in tumors. We found this method identifies single cell states in metastatic tumor cell populations without the requirement of cell annotation. This machine learning model identified stem-like cell populations not identified in single cell or spatial transcriptomic analysis using existing methods. For the first time, we demonstrate the application of a ML tool across five emerging spatial transcriptomic and proteomic technologies to identify oncogenic stem-like cell types in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Segato Dezem
- Center for Spatial Omics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maycon Marção
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bassem Ben-Cheikh
- Akoya Biosciences, The Spatial Biology Company, Marlborough, MA, USA
| | - Nadya Nikulina
- Akoya Biosciences, The Spatial Biology Company, Marlborough, MA, USA
| | - Ayodele Omotoso
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth Medical Systems, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Destiny Burnett
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth Medical Systems, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Priscila Coelho
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth Medical Systems, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Judith Hurley
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth Medical Systems, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Carmen Gomez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth Medical Systems, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Giang Ong
- Nanostring Technologies, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Sophia George
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth Medical Systems, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Oliver Braubach
- Akoya Biosciences, The Spatial Biology Company, Marlborough, MA, USA
| | - Tathiane M Malta
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jasmine Plummer
- Center for Spatial Omics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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17
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Liu Y, Liu R, Liu H, Lyu T, Chen K, Jin K, Tian Y. Breast tumor-on-chip: from the tumor microenvironment to medical applications. Analyst 2023; 148:5822-5842. [PMID: 37850340 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01295f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
With the development of microfluidic technology, tumor-on-chip models have gradually become a new tool for the study of breast cancer because they can simulate more key factors of the tumor microenvironment compared with traditional models in vitro. Here, we review up-to-date advancements in breast tumor-on-chip models. We summarize and analyze the breast tumor microenvironment (TME), preclinical breast cancer models for TME simulation, fabrication methods of tumor-on-chip models, tumor-on-chip models for TME reconstruction, and applications of breast tumor-on-chip models and provide a perspective on breast tumor-on-chip models. This review will contribute to the construction and design of microenvironments for breast tumor-on-chip models, even the development of the pharmaceutical field, personalized/precision therapy, and clinical medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Liu
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China.
- Foshan Graduate School of Innovation, Northeastern University, Foshan, 528300, China
| | - Ruonan Liu
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China.
| | - He Liu
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China.
| | - Tong Lyu
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China.
| | - Kun Chen
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China.
| | - Kaiming Jin
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China.
| | - Ye Tian
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China.
- Foshan Graduate School of Innovation, Northeastern University, Foshan, 528300, China
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18
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Tran NP, Tran P, Yoo SY, Tangchang W, Lee S, Lee JY, Son HY, Park JS. Sialic acid-decorated liposomes enhance the anti-cancer efficacy of docetaxel in tumor-associated macrophages. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 154:213606. [PMID: 37678087 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment potentially enhance tumor growth and invasion through various mechanisms and are thus an essential factor in tumor immunity. The highly expressed siglec-1 receptors on the surfaces of TAMs are potential targets for cancer drug delivery systems. Sialic acid (SA) is a specific ligand for siglec-1. In this study, the sialic acid-polyethylene glycol conjugate (DSPE-PEG2000-SA) was synthesized to modify the surface of liposomes and target TAMs by interacting with the siglec-1 receptor. Three docetaxel (DTX)-loaded liposomes, conventional (DTX-CL), DSPE-PEG2000-coated (DTX-PL), and DSPE-PEG2000-SA-coated (DTX-SAPL) liposomes, were prepared, with a particle size of <100 nm, uniform polydispersity index (PDI) values, negative zeta potential, and % encapsulation efficiency (EE) exceeding 95 %. Liposomes showed high stability after 3 months of storage at 4 °C without significant changes in particle size, PDI, zeta potential, or % EE. DTX was released from liposomes according to the Weibull model, and DTX-SAPL exhibited more rapid drug release than other liposomes. In vitro studies demonstrated that DTX-SAPL liposome exhibited a higher uptake and cytotoxicity on RAW 264.7 cells (TAM model) and lower toxicity on NIH3T3 cells (normal cell model) than other formulations. The high cell uptake ability was demonstrated by the role of the SA-SA receptor. Biodistribution studies indicated a high tumor accumulation of surface-modified liposomal formulations, particularly SA-modified liposomes, showing high signal accumulation at the tumor periphery, where TAMs were highly concentrated. Ex vivo imaging showed a significantly higher accumulation of SA-modified liposomes in the tumor, kidney, and heart than conventional liposomes. In the anti-cancer efficacy study, DTX-SAPL liposomes showed effective inhibition of tumor growth and relatively low systemic toxicity, as evidenced by the tumor volume, tumor weight, body weight values, and histopathological analysis. Therefore, DSPE-PEG2000-SA-coated liposomes could be promising carriers for DTX delivery targeting TAMs in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhan Phan Tran
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Phuong Tran
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Yeol Yoo
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Warisraporn Tangchang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokwoo Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Young Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa-Young Son
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Sook Park
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Domingues M, Leite Pereira C, Sarmento B, Castro F. Mimicking 3D breast tumor-stromal interactions to screen novel cancer therapeutics. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 190:106560. [PMID: 37557927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106560] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Most of the 3D breast tumor models used in drug screening studies only comprise tumor cells, keeping out other essential cell players of the tumor microenvironment. Tumor-associated macrophages and fibroblasts are frequently correlated with tumor progression and therapy resistance, and targeting these cells at the tumor site has been appointed as a promising therapeutic strategy. However, the translation of new therapies to the clinic has been hampered by the absence of cellular models that more closely mimic the features of in vivo breast tumor microenvironment. Therefore, the development of innovative 3D models able to provide consistent and predictive responses about the in vivo efficacy of novel therapeutics is still an unmet preclinical need. Herein, we have established an in vitro 3D heterotypic spheroid model including MCF-7 breast tumor cells, human mammary fibroblasts and human macrophages. To establish this model, different cell densities have been combined and characterized through the evaluation of the spheroid size and metabolic activity, as well as histological and immunohistochemistry analysis of the 3D multicellular structures. The final optimized 3D model consisted in a multicellular spheroid seeded at the initial density of 5000 cells and cell ratio of 1:2:1 (MCF-7:monocytes:fibroblasts). Our model recapitulates several features of the breast tumor microenvironment, including the formation of a necrotic core, spatial organization, and extracellular matrix production. Further, it was validated as a platform for drug screening studies, using paclitaxel, a currently approved drug for breast cancer treatment, and Gefitinib, a chemotherapeutic approved for lung cancer and in preclinical evaluation for breast cancer. Generally, the impact on the cell viability of the 3D model was less evident than in 2D model, reinforcing the relevance of such complex 3D models in addressing novel treatment approaches. Overall, the use of a 3D heterotypic spheroid of breast cancer could be a valuable tool to predict the therapeutic effect of new treatments for breast cancer patients, by recapitulating key features of the breast cancer microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Domingues
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; FEUP - Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, Porto 4200-465, Portugal
| | - Catarina Leite Pereira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; CESPU - Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra 1317, Gandra 4585-116, Portugal.
| | - Flávia Castro
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal.
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20
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Sefidabi R, Alizadeh A, Alipour S, Omranipour R, Shahhoseini M, Izadi A, Vesali S, Moini A. Fatty acid profiles and Delta9 desaturase (stearoyl-CoA desaturase; SCD 1) expression in adipose tissue surrounding benign and malignant breast tumors. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20658. [PMID: 37885725 PMCID: PMC10598486 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The progression of tumors occurs through interactions between the tumor and the stroma. Understanding the role of adipose tissue (AT), as the main component of the breast tumor microenvironment (TME) in the development of cancer, is crucial for the early detection of breast cancer (BC). This study compared the FA profiles, desaturase index (DI), and stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) mRNA levels in the AT that surrounds tumors in women with BC and benign breast disease (BBD). Specimens were collected from 40 Iranian women who had undergone breast surgery. These women were age- and BMI-matched and were divided into two groups: BC (n = 20) and BBD (n = 20). Gas chromatography and quantitative real-time PCR were used to analyze the FA profiles and SCD1 mRNA levels, respectively. The DI was calculated by dividing the amounts of monounsaturated FAs by the amount of saturated FA. There were no significant differences in age and BMI between women with BC and BBD. The FA profiles and DI were also similar in both groups. However, mRNA levels of SCD1 were found to be 5 times higher in the breast AT of BC than in the breast AT of BBD (p < 0.0001). We showed that SCD1 was significantly upregulated in the AT surrounding BC tumors, even though the DI and FA profiles were unchanged compared to those in the AT of BBD patients. It is important to note that the breast AT of women with BBD has previously been overlooked and warrants further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Sefidabi
- Breast Diseases Research Center (BDRC), Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - AliReza Alizadeh
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadaf Alipour
- Breast Diseases Research Center (BDRC), Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Surgery, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramesh Omranipour
- Breast Diseases Research Center (BDRC), Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shahhoseini
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Izadi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Vesali
- Department of Basic and Population Based Studies in NCD, Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Moini
- Breast Diseases Research Center (BDRC), Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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21
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Gonzàlez-Farré M, Gibert J, Santiago-Díaz P, Santos J, García P, Massó J, Bellosillo B, Lloveras B, Albanell J, Vázquez I, Comerma L. Automated quantification of stromal tumour infiltrating lymphocytes is associated with prognosis in breast cancer. Virchows Arch 2023; 483:655-663. [PMID: 37500796 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03608-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Stromal tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (sTIL) in haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections has been linked to better outcomes and better responses to neoadjuvant therapy in triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancer (TNBC and HER2 +). However, the infiltrate includes different cell populations that have specific roles in the tumour immune microenvironment. Various studies have found high concordance between sTIL visual quantification and computational assessment, but specific data on the individual prognostic impact of plasma cells or lymphocytes within sTIL on patient prognosis is still unknown. In this study, we validated a deep-learning breast cancer sTIL scoring model (smsTIL) based on the segmentation of tumour cells, benign ductal cells, lymphocytes, plasma cells, necrosis, and 'other' cells in whole slide images (WSI). Focusing on HER2 + and TNBC patient samples, we assessed the concordance between sTIL visual scoring and the smsTIL in 130 WSI. Furthermore, we analysed 175 WSI to correlate smsTIL with clinical data and patient outcomes. We found a high correlation between sTIL values scored visually and semi-automatically (R = 0.76; P = 2.2e-16). Patients with higher smsTIL had better overall survival (OS) in TNBC (P = 0.0021). In the TNBC cohort, smsTIL was as an independent prognostic factor for OS. As part of this work, we introduce a new segmentation dataset of H&E-stained WSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mònica Gonzàlez-Farré
- Department of Pathology, Hospital del Mar, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 25-29, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Joan Gibert
- Department of Pathology, Hospital del Mar, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 25-29, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Santiago-Díaz
- Department of Pathology, Hospital del Mar, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 25-29, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordina Santos
- Department of Pathology, Hospital del Mar, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 25-29, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar García
- Department of Pathology, Hospital del Mar, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 25-29, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Massó
- Department of Pathology, Hospital del Mar, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 25-29, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Bellosillo
- Department of Pathology, Hospital del Mar, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 25-29, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences (MELIS), University Pompeu Fabra, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Belén Lloveras
- Department of Pathology, Hospital del Mar, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 25-29, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences (MELIS), University Pompeu Fabra, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Albanell
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences (MELIS), University Pompeu Fabra, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research On Cancer (CIBERONC), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ivonne Vázquez
- Department of Pathology, Hospital del Mar, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 25-29, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Comerma
- Department of Pathology, Hospital del Mar, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 25-29, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Varisli L, Dancik GM, Tolan V, Vlahopoulos S. Critical Roles of SRC-3 in the Development and Progression of Breast Cancer, Rendering It a Prospective Clinical Target. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5242. [PMID: 37958417 PMCID: PMC10648290 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215242] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) is the most frequently diagnosed malignant tumor in women and is also one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. Most breast tumors are hormone-dependent and estrogen signaling plays a critical role in promoting the survival and malignant behaviors of these cells. Estrogen signaling involves ligand-activated cytoplasmic estrogen receptors that translocate to the nucleus with various co-regulators, such as steroid receptor co-activator (SRC) family members, and bind to the promoters of target genes and regulate their expression. SRC-3 is a member of this family that interacts with, and enhances, the transcriptional activity of the ligand activated estrogen receptor. Although SRC-3 has important roles in normal homeostasis and developmental processes, it has been shown to be amplified and overexpressed in breast cancer and to promote malignancy. The malignancy-promoting potential of SRC-3 is diverse and involves both promoting malignant behavior of tumor cells and creating a tumor microenvironment that has an immunosuppressive phenotype. SRC-3 also inhibits the recruitment of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with effector function and promotes stemness. Furthermore, SRC-3 is also involved in the development of resistance to hormone therapy and immunotherapy during breast cancer treatment. The versatility of SRC-3 in promoting breast cancer malignancy in this way makes it a good target, and methodical targeting of SRC-3 probably will be important for the success of breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokman Varisli
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science Faculty, Dicle University, Diyarbakir 21280, Turkey;
| | - Garrett M. Dancik
- Department of Computer Science, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT 06226, USA;
| | - Veysel Tolan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science Faculty, Dicle University, Diyarbakir 21280, Turkey;
| | - Spiros Vlahopoulos
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Thivon & Levadeias 8, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
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23
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Hassani B, Attar Z, Firouzabadi N. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) signaling pathways and cancer: foes versus allies. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:254. [PMID: 37891636 PMCID: PMC10604988 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), is an old system with new fundamental roles in cancer biology which influences cell growth, migration, death, and metastasis. RAAS signaling enhances cell proliferation in malignancy directly and indirectly by affecting tumor cells and modulating angiogenesis. Cancer development may be influenced by the balance between the ACE/Ang II/AT1R and the ACE2/Ang 1-7/Mas receptor pathways. The interactions between Ang II/AT1R and Ang I/AT2R as well as Ang1-7/Mas and alamandine/MrgD receptors in the RAAS pathway can significantly impact the development of cancer. Ang I/AT2R, Ang1-7/Mas, and alamandine/MrgD interactions can have anticancer effects while Ang II/AT1R interactions can be involved in the development of cancer. Evidence suggests that inhibitors of the RAAS, which are conventionally used to treat cardiovascular diseases, may be beneficial in cancer therapies.Herein, we aim to provide a thorough description of the elements of RAAS and their molecular play in cancer. Alongside this, the role of RAAS components in sex-dependent cancers as well as GI cancers will be discussed with the hope of enlightening new venues for adjuvant cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Hassani
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Attar
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Firouzabadi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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24
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Rosa ML, Reinert T, Pauletto MM, Sartori G, Graudenz M, Barrios CH. Implications of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer: clinical oncologist perspectives. TRANSLATIONAL BREAST CANCER RESEARCH : A JOURNAL FOCUSING ON TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN BREAST CANCER 2023; 5:4. [PMID: 38751669 PMCID: PMC11093080 DOI: 10.21037/tbcr-23-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common neoplasm in women worldwide and one of the leading causes of female death. The triple-negative subtype, characterized by the absence of hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), tends to occur in younger patients, be more aggressive and less differentiated. Furthermore, this subtype is considered the most immunogenic and associated with higher levels of tumor cell infiltration, mainly lymphocytes. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) play a crucial role in the interaction of the host's immune system and cancer cells. The microenvironment is critical in tumor development and progression. Assessment of infiltrating lymphocytes can provide valuable information about the immune response and, given the lack of biomarkers to guide treatment decisions and predict outcomes in triple-negative tumors and can be considered as a potential biomarker. Some evidence suggests that higher levels of these lymphocytes are associated with better responses to systemic treatment, longer progression-free survival and overall survival (OS). However, treatment escalation or de-escalation strategies for triple-negative BC (TNBC) currently do not consider the presence or density of TILs for therapeutic decisions. TILs appear to be useful predictive and prognostic indicators. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm these relationships and integrate TILs as a biomarker consistently into clinical practice. This article summarizes key concepts relating to the role of the immune infiltrate in BC, along with the current status and future prospects regarding TILs as a predictive and prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahira Lopes Rosa
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Oncoclínicas, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tomas Reinert
- Oncoclínicas, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Grupo Brasileiro de Estudos em Câncer de Mama (GBECAM), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Guilherme Sartori
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa da Serra Gaúcha (CEPESG), Caxias do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcia Graudenz
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique Barrios
- Oncoclínicas, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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25
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Dong Y, Chen Y, Ma G, Cao H. The role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in bone homeostasis and related diseases. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:3963-3987. [PMID: 37799379 PMCID: PMC10547920 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) dedicates to degrade intracellular proteins to modulate demic homeostasis and functions of organisms. These enzymatic cascades mark and modifies target proteins diversly through covalently binding ubiquitin molecules. In the UPS, E3 ubiquitin ligases are the crucial constituents by the advantage of recognizing and presenting proteins to proteasomes for proteolysis. As the major regulators of protein homeostasis, E3 ligases are indispensable to proper cell manners in diverse systems, and they are well described in physiological bone growth and bone metabolism. Pathologically, classic bone-related diseases such as metabolic bone diseases, arthritis, bone neoplasms and bone metastasis of the tumor, etc., were also depicted in a UPS-dependent manner. Therefore, skeletal system is versatilely regulated by UPS and it is worthy to summarize the underlying mechanism. Furthermore, based on the current status of treatment, normal or pathological osteogenesis and tumorigenesis elaborated in this review highlight the clinical significance of UPS research. As a strategy possibly remedies the limitations of UPS treatment, emerging PROTAC was described comprehensively to illustrate its potential in clinical application. Altogether, the purpose of this review aims to provide more evidence for exploiting novel therapeutic strategies based on UPS for bone associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guixing Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Huiling Cao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
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26
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Lei Y, He J, Tang Y. Long non-coding RNA and the tumor microenvironment: Prospects for clinical applications in breast cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 190:104102. [PMID: 37597792 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the number one cancer worldwide, and invasion and metastasis are still the main causes of death in breast cancer patients. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is an important site for the growth of tumor cells nourished by vascular networks, and various components of the TME interact strongly with cancer cells and are one of the important mechanisms of tumor progression and metastasis. In recent years, many studies have reported that long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are involved in the formation of TME and influence the process of tumorigenesis and metastasis. This paper reviews the basic characteristics and functional roles of LncRNA in breast cancer TME and introduces the various mechanisms of LncRNA in breast cancer microenvironment that induce breast cancer development and metastasis in three directions: immune cells, non-immune cells, and extracellular matrix in TME, providing potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Lei
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, 1 Xianglin Road, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.
| | - Junfang He
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, 1 Xianglin Road, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yan Tang
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, 1 Xianglin Road, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.
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Rustamadji P, Felicia D, Wuyung PE, Hellyanti T. The Role of Stromal Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocytes (sTIL) Intensity and Programmed Death Ligand 1 () Expression in Breast Cancer Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (CMH), Indonesia. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2023; 24:3459-3465. [PMID: 37898851 PMCID: PMC10770656 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2023.24.10.3459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathological responses to neoadjuvant therapy were still relatively poor, especially in CMH. Studies had been done to search for predictors of response such as sTIL intensity and expression, which is known to block sTIL action in killing cancer cells. This research assessed sTIL intensity and expression as predictors of response to neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer. The preliminary data might be used to better tailored breast cancer patient therapy, considering the availability of anti-PD-1/ PD- L1 immunotherapy nowadays. OBJECTIVE To assess TIL intensity, expressions, and their roles as pathological predictors of breast cancer response to neoadjuvant therapy in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (CMH). METHOD This was an observational analytic retrospective cohort study on breast cancer patients undergoing biopsy/review of biopsy specimens, receiving neoadjuvant therapy and mastectomy in CMH from January 2014 to December 2021. Sixty cases fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Total sampling was done. expression (immunohistochemistry, clone 22C3) and sTIL intensity (histopathology) was examined in the biopsy specimen. Linear regression analysis was done to determine the independent predictors of neoadjuvant therapy response (evaluated in the mastectomy specimen with residual cancer burden/ RCB score). RESULTS There were 60 female patients, median age 46 years old. 91,7% had invasive carcinoma of no special type. Median sTIL intensity was 10% (1%-70%). 58,3% patients had low sTIL intensity (≤10%). 28,3% patients had positive expression (CPS ≥1). Only 8,3% patients had pCR, while 90% patients had RCB class II-III. Every 1% increase in sTIL intensity, no lymphovascular invasion, and taxane chemotherapy were predicted to lower RCB score by 0,058, 0,781, dan 0,594, respectively. expression associated with pCR-RCB class I (p=0,048), but CPS score was not a predictor of RCB score in linear regression analysis. CONSLUSION sTIL intensity was an independent predictor of breast cancer response to neoadjuvant therapy in RSCM. expression associated with pCR-RCB class I, but CPS score was not a predictor of RCB score.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Devi Felicia
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia (FMUI)-Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (CMH), Jakarta, Indonesia.
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Andrianto A, Sudiana IK, Suprabawati DGA, Notobroto HB. Immune system and tumor microenvironment in early-stage breast cancer: different mechanisms for early recurrence after mastectomy and chemotherapy on ductal and lobular types. F1000Res 2023; 12:841. [PMID: 38046195 PMCID: PMC10692586 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.134302.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The most common type of breast cancer is the ductal type (IDC), followed by lobular type (ILC). Surgery is the main therapy for early-stage breast cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy might be given to those at high risk of recurrence. Recurrence is still possible after mastectomy and chemotherapy and most often occurs in the first two years. We aimed to determine the mechanisms in early local recurrence in both types. Methods: We used an observational method with a cross-sectional study design. The samples were patients with early-stage IDC and ILC, who underwent modified radical mastectomy (MRM) and got adjuvant chemotherapy with taxan and anthracycline base, and experienced recurrence in the first two years after surgery. The materials in this study were paraffin blocks from surgical specimens; we examined vimentin, α-SMA and MMP1, PDGF and CD95 by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Data analysis was done using OpenEpi 3.0.1 and EZR. We used pathway analysis with linear regression. Results: There were 25 samples with local recurrence and 25 samples without recurrence in the ductal type group. The lobular type group consisted of six subjects without recurrence and seven with recurrence. There were significant differences in the expression of vimentin (p=0.000 and 0.021, respectively), PDGF (p=0.000 and 0.002) and CD95 (p=0.000 and 0.045) in ductal and lobular cancer types, respectively. MMP1 (p=0.000) and α-SMA (p=0.000) only showed a significant difference in the ductal type. The pathway analysis showed that in the ductal type, the mechanism of recurrence was enabled by two factors: α-SMA and CD95. Meanwhile, for the lobular type, the recurrence mechanism was through the CD95 pathway. Conclusions: Local recurrence in early-stage IDC and ILC had different mechanisms. These findings are expected to make cancer treatment in both types more focused and efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Andrianto
- Doctoral Program of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - I Ketut Sudiana
- Department of Pathology Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Desak Gede Agung Suprabawati
- Division of Oncology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Hari Basuki Notobroto
- Department of Biostatistics and Population, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
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Blyth RRR, Birts CN, Beers SA. The role of three-dimensional in vitro models in modelling the inflammatory microenvironment associated with obesity in breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:104. [PMID: 37697381 PMCID: PMC10494415 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01700-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is an established risk factor for breast cancer in postmenopausal women. However, the underlying biological mechanisms of how obesity contributes to breast cancer remains unclear. The inflammatory adipose microenvironment is central to breast cancer progression and has been shown to favour breast cancer cell growth and to reduce efficacy of anti-cancer treatments. Thus, it is imperative to further our understanding of the inflammatory microenvironment seen in breast cancer patients with obesity. Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models offer a key tool in increasing our understanding of such complex interactions within the adipose microenvironment. This review discusses some of the approaches utilised to recapitulate the breast tumour microenvironment, including various co-culture and 3D in vitro models. We consider how these model systems contribute to the understanding of breast cancer research, with particular focus on the inflammatory tumour microenvironment. This review aims to provide insight and prospective future directions on the utility of such model systems for breast cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhianna Rachael Romany Blyth
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Charles N Birts
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Stephen A Beers
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
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Zajac KK, Malla S, Babu RJ, Raman D, Tiwari AK. Ethnic disparities in the immune microenvironment of triple negative breast cancer and its role in therapeutic outcomes. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 6 Suppl 1:e1779. [PMID: 36632988 PMCID: PMC10440847 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2020, newly diagnosed breast cancer (BC) cases surpassed that of lung cancer among women, making it the most common female cancer globally. In spite of recent increases in incidence rates, mortality due to BC has declined since 1989. These declines have been attributed to advancements in treatment modalities as well as increased mammography surveillance. Despite these advances, African American (AA) women are 40% more likely to die from BC than Caucasian women. Multifactorial etiology has been implicated in the disparity of BC mortality rates among AA women. As an example, AA women have a disproportionate incidence of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which has a poor prognosis and marginal treatment options. Increasingly, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has gained relevance as it relates to primary tumor progression, metastasis and treatment possibilities. The treatment outcomes or pathological complete response (pCR) in TNBC among AA women are affected by differences in TME. The TME of AA women exhibit several variances in acellular and cellular components associated with pro-tumorigenic effects. For example, increased levels of the adipocyte-related hormone, resistin, the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-6, and the CC chemokine, CCL2, within the TME of AA women gives rise to an increased density of M2 macrophages, also known as tumor-associated macrophages. Elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in the TME of AA women increase the vascular density or vascularity, which facilitate aggressive tumor growth and metastasis. Furthermore, a pro-tumorigenic TME is supported by increased levels of the CXC chemokine, CXCL12 that results in the recruitment of regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs ). Due to these and other differences in the TME of AA women, precision oncology can target specific aspects of the TME that may contribute to a poorer prognosis. In addition to the discrepancies in the TME, AA women face socio-economic barriers that limit their ability to access state-of-the-art, novel therapies against metastatic TNBC. In this review, we will provide a brief overview of the tumor immune microenvironment, immune-based treatment options for TNBC and their potential to decrease health disparities due to ethnicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsee K. Zajac
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental TherapeuticsThe University of ToledoToledoOhioUSA
| | - Saloni Malla
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental TherapeuticsThe University of ToledoToledoOhioUSA
| | - Ramapuram Jayachandra Babu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of PharmacyAuburn UniversityAuburnAlabamaUSA
| | - Dayanidhi Raman
- Department of Cell and Cancer BiologyUniversity of Toledo Health Science CampusToledoOhioUSA
| | - Amit K. Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental TherapeuticsThe University of ToledoToledoOhioUSA
- Department of Cell and Cancer BiologyUniversity of Toledo Health Science CampusToledoOhioUSA
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Xulu KR, Nweke EE, Augustine TN. Delineating intra-tumoral heterogeneity and tumor evolution in breast cancer using precision-based approaches. Front Genet 2023; 14:1087432. [PMID: 37662839 PMCID: PMC10469897 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1087432] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The burden of breast cancer continues to increase worldwide as it remains the most diagnosed tumor in females and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease characterized by different subtypes which are driven by aberrations in key genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, and hormone receptors. However, even within each subtype, heterogeneity that is driven by underlying evolutionary mechanisms is suggested to underlie poor response to therapy, variance in disease progression, recurrence, and relapse. Intratumoral heterogeneity highlights that the evolvability of tumor cells depends on interactions with cells of the tumor microenvironment. The complexity of the tumor microenvironment is being unraveled by recent advances in screening technologies such as high throughput sequencing; however, there remain challenges that impede the practical use of these approaches, considering the underlying biology of the tumor microenvironment and the impact of selective pressures on the evolvability of tumor cells. In this review, we will highlight the advances made thus far in defining the molecular heterogeneity in breast cancer and the implications thereof in diagnosis, the design and application of targeted therapies for improved clinical outcomes. We describe the different precision-based approaches to diagnosis and treatment and their prospects. We further propose that effective cancer diagnosis and treatment are dependent on unpacking the tumor microenvironment and its role in driving intratumoral heterogeneity. Underwriting such heterogeneity are Darwinian concepts of natural selection that we suggest need to be taken into account to ensure evolutionarily informed therapeutic decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kutlwano Rekgopetswe Xulu
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ekene Emmanuel Nweke
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tanya Nadine Augustine
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Esparcia-Pinedo L, Romero-Laorden N, Alfranca A. Tertiary lymphoid structures and B lymphocytes: a promising therapeutic strategy to fight cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1231315. [PMID: 37622111 PMCID: PMC10445545 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1231315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are clusters of lymphoid cells with an organization that resembles that of secondary lymphoid organs. Both structures share common developmental characteristics, although TLSs usually appear in chronically inflamed non-lymphoid tissues, such as tumors. TLSs contain diverse types of immune cells, with varying degrees of spatial organization that represent different stages of maturation. These structures support both humoral and cellular immune responses, thus the correlation between the existence of TLS and clinical outcomes in cancer patients has been extensively studied. The finding that TLSs are associated with better prognosis in some types of cancer has led to the design of therapeutic strategies based on promoting the formation of these structures. Agents such as chemokines, cytokines, antibodies and cancer vaccines have been used in combination with traditional antitumor treatments to enhance TLS generation, with good results. The induction of TLS formation therefore represents a novel and promising avenue for the treatment of a number of tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Esparcia-Pinedo
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Romero-Laorden
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Cátedra Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM)-Fundación Instituto Roche de Medicina Personalizada de Precisión, Madrid, Spain
| | - Arantzazu Alfranca
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Cátedra Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM)-Fundación Instituto Roche de Medicina Personalizada de Precisión, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cardiovascular, CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain
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Yao W, Wang L, Liu F, Xia L. The role of long non-coding RNAs in breast cancer microenvironment. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154707. [PMID: 37506626 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), which includes tumor cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, and blood vessels, can affect tumor growth and metastasis. Studies have shown that tumor cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages can promote the development of tumors, while T and B cells can inhibit tumor progression. The crosstalk among different cells within the TME needs further study. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in biological processes, including cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The abnormal expression of certain lncRNAs is correlated with the progression of breast cancer and has been proven as diagnostic markers in various cancers, including breast cancer. In breast cancer, recent studies have shown that tumor cell- and non-tumor cell-derived lncRNAs can affect various facets of tumor progression, including growth, proliferation, and migration of tumor cells. Interestingly, in addition to being regulated by lncRNAs derived from tumor and non-tumor cells, the TME can regulate the expression of lncRNAs in tumor cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages, influencing their phenotype and function. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of these phenomena remain unclear in the breast cancer microenvironment. Currently, many studies have shown that TME-associated lncRNAs are potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for breast cancer. Considering that TME and lncRNAs can regulate each other, we summarize the role of lncRNAs in the breast cancer microenvironment and the potential of lncRNAs as valuable diagnostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwu Yao
- Institute of Hematological Disease, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China; International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Fang Liu
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Lin Xia
- Institute of Hematological Disease, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China.
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Banerjee M, Devi Rajeswari V. A novel cross-communication of HIF-1α and HIF-2α with Wnt signaling in TNBC and influence of hypoxic microenvironment in the formation of an organ-on-chip model of breast cancer. Med Oncol 2023; 40:245. [PMID: 37454033 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02112-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The microenvironment role is very important in cancer development. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition of the cancer cells depends upon specific signaling and microenvironmental conditions, such as hypoxic conditions. The crosstalk between hypoxia and Wnt signaling through some molecular mechanism in TNBC is related. Cross-communication between hypoxia and Wnt signaling in cancer cells is known, but the detailed mechanism in TNBC is unknown. This review includes the role of the hypoxia microenvironment in TNBC and the novel crosstalk of the Wnt signaling and hypoxia. When targeted, the new pathway and crosstalk link may be a solution for metastatic TNBC and chemoresistance. The microenvironment influences cancer's metastasis, which changes from person to person. Therefore, organ-on-a-chip is a very novel model to test the drugs clinically before going for human trials, focusing on personalized medications can be done. The effect of the hypoxia microenvironment on breast cancer stem cells is still unknown. Apart from all the published papers, this paper mainly focuses only on the hypoxic microenvironment and its association with the growth of TNBC. The medicines or small proteins, drugs, mimics, and inhibitors targeting wnt and hypoxia genes are consolidated in this review paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manosi Banerjee
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - V Devi Rajeswari
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Jääskeläinen MM, Tiainen S, Siiskonen H, Ahtiainen M, Kuopio T, Rönkä A, Kettunen T, Hämäläinen K, Rilla K, Harvima I, Mannermaa A, Auvinen P. The prognostic and predictive role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (FoxP3 + and CD8 +) and tumor-associated macrophages in early HER2 + breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023:10.1007/s10549-023-07017-8. [PMID: 37428418 PMCID: PMC10361875 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07017-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In HER2-positive (HER2 +) breast cancer, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) may influence the efficacy of the HER2-antibody trastuzumab and the patient's outcome. In this HER2 + patient cohort, our aim was to study the numbers of FoxP3 + regulatory TILs and CD8 + cytotoxic TILs, their correlations with CD68 + and CD163 + TAMs, and the prognostic and predictive value of the studied factors. METHODS We evaluated 139 non-metastatic HER2 + breast cancer patients operated between 2001 and 2008. The FoxP3+TIL count (FoxP3+TILs) was assessed using the hotspot method, and the CD8 + TIL count (CD8+mTILs) utilizing a digital image analysis from invasive margin areas. The ratios between CD8+mTILs and FoxP3+TILs as well as CD8+mTILs and TAMs were calculated. RESULTS FoxP3 + TILs and CD8 + mTILs correlated positively with each other (p<0.001). FoxP3+TILs had a positive correlation with CD68+and CD163+TAMs (p≤0.038), while CD8 + mTILs correlated only with CD68+TAMs (p<0.001). In the HER2 + and hormone receptor-positive Luminal B subgroup, high numbers of FoxP3+TILs were associated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS) (54% vs. 79%, p = 0.040). The benefit from adjuvant trastuzumab was extremely significant among patients with a high CD8 + mTILs/CD68 + TAMs ratio, with overall survival (OS) 84% vs. 33% (p = 0.003) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) 88% vs. 48% (p = 0.009) among patients treated with or without trastuzumab, respectively. CONCLUSION In the HER2 + Luminal B subgroup, high FoxP3 + TILs were associated with shorter DFS. A high CD8 + mTILs/CD68 + TAMs ratio seems to associate with impressive efficacy of trastuzumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna M Jääskeläinen
- Cancer Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Northern Savonia Healthcare Municipality, P.O.Box 100, 70029, Kuopio, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Satu Tiainen
- Cancer Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Northern Savonia Healthcare Municipality, P.O.Box 100, 70029, Kuopio, Finland.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Hanna Siiskonen
- Imaging Center, Clinical Pathology, Kuopio University Hospital, Northern Savonia Healthcare Municipality, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maarit Ahtiainen
- Department of Pathology, Central Finland Hospital Nova, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Teijo Kuopio
- Department of Pathology, Central Finland Hospital Nova, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Aino Rönkä
- Cancer Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Northern Savonia Healthcare Municipality, P.O.Box 100, 70029, Kuopio, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tiia Kettunen
- Cancer Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Northern Savonia Healthcare Municipality, P.O.Box 100, 70029, Kuopio, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kirsi Hämäläinen
- Imaging Center, Clinical Pathology, Kuopio University Hospital, Northern Savonia Healthcare Municipality, Kuopio, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Pathology and Forensic Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Biocenter Kuopio and Cancer Center of Eastern Finland, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kirsi Rilla
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ilkka Harvima
- Department of Dermatology, Kuopio University Hospital, Northern Savonia Healthcare Municipality and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Arto Mannermaa
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Pathology and Forensic Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Biobank of Eastern Finland, Kuopio University Hospital, Northern Savonia Healthcare Municipality, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Päivi Auvinen
- Cancer Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Northern Savonia Healthcare Municipality, P.O.Box 100, 70029, Kuopio, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Lučić I, Kurtović M, Mlinarić M, Piteša N, Čipak Gašparović A, Sabol M, Milković L. Deciphering Common Traits of Breast and Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells and Possible Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10683. [PMID: 37445860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310683] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) are among the most common and deadly cancers affecting women worldwide. Both are complex diseases with marked heterogeneity. Despite the induction of screening programs that increase the frequency of earlier diagnosis of BC, at a stage when the cancer is more likely to respond to therapy, which does not exist for OC, more than 50% of both cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Initial therapy can put the cancer into remission. However, recurrences occur frequently in both BC and OC, which are highly cancer-subtype dependent. Therapy resistance is mainly attributed to a rare subpopulation of cells, named cancer stem cells (CSC) or tumor-initiating cells, as they are capable of self-renewal, tumor initiation, and regrowth of tumor bulk. In this review, we will discuss the distinctive markers and signaling pathways that characterize CSC, their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, and the strategies they employ to evade immune surveillance. Our focus will be on identifying the common features of breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) and ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSC) and suggesting potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Lučić
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea Kurtović
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Mlinarić
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Piteša
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Čipak Gašparović
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lidija Milković
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Chang J, Lo ZHY, Alenizi S, Kovacevic Z. Re-Shaping the Pancreatic Cancer Tumor Microenvironment: A New Role for the Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2779. [PMID: 37345116 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102779] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PaC) is a highly aggressive disease, with poor response to current treatments and 5-year survival rates of 10-15%. PaC progression is facilitated by its interaction with the complex and multifaceted tumor microenvironment (TME). In the TME, cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells constantly communicate with each other via the secretion and uptake of factors including cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, metabolites, and extracellular vesicles (EVs), reshaping the landscape of PaC. Recent studies demonstrated that the metastasis suppressor N-myc downstream regulated 1 (NDRG1) not only inhibits oncogenic signaling pathways in PaC cells but also alters the communication between PaC cells and the surrounding stroma. In fact, NDRG1 was found to influence the secretome of PaC cells, alter cancer cell metabolism, and interfere with intracellular trafficking and intercellular communication between PaC cells and surrounding fibroblasts. This review will present recent advancements in understanding the role of NDRG1 in PaC progression, with a focus on how this molecule influences PaC-stroma communication and its potential for re-shaping the PaC TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Chang
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of NSW, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Zoe H Y Lo
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Shafi Alenizi
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of NSW, Sydney 2052, Australia
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El Skhawy N, Eissa MM. Shedding light on a mysterious link between Toxoplasma Gondii and cancer: A review. Exp Parasitol 2023; 250:108544. [PMID: 37149210 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing conflict regarding the affiliation of Toxoplasma gondii to cancer; whether an inducer or a suppressor needs to be resolved. Human epidemiological studies oscillate without attaining a firm ground. Some studies confirmed the detection of high seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in different cancer patients without further justification whether being causation, co-incidences, or part of opportunistic infections. Others reported a state of resistance to cancer accompanying low titer of anti-Toxoplasma antibody. Worthwhile, preclinical experimental work confirmed the antineoplastic potency of Toxoplasma. Thus, further investigational research is essential to validate the potential application of Toxoplasma as a promising cancer immunotherapeutic vaccine candidate. In this paper, we present a review of this issue by examining epidemiological and preclinical experimental studies that explored the linkage between Toxoplasma gondii and cancer<i.></i> We consider this review an important step towards shedding a light on this mysterious link and a stepping-stone for potential research work addressing Toxoplasma as a cancer suppressor rather than a cancer inducer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla El Skhawy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Maha M Eissa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Jiao Z, Pan Y, Chen F. The Metabolic Landscape of Breast Cancer and Its Therapeutic Implications. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:349-369. [PMID: 36991275 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00645-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor globally as of 2020 and remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death among female individuals worldwide. Metabolic reprogramming is well recognized as a hallmark of malignancy owing to the rewiring of multiple biological processes, notably, glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, pentose phosphate pathway, as well as lipid metabolism, which support the demands for the relentless growth of tumor cells and allows distant metastasis of cancer cells. Breast cancer cells are well documented to reprogram their metabolism via mutations or inactivation of intrinsic factors such as c-Myc, TP53, hypoxia-inducible factor, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway or crosstalk with the surrounding tumor microenvironments, including hypoxia, extracellular acidification and interaction with immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and adipocytes. Furthermore, altered metabolism contributes to acquired or inherent therapeutic resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the metabolic plasticity underlying breast cancer progression as well as to dictate metabolic reprogramming that accounts for the resistance to standard of care. This review aims to illustrate the altered metabolism in breast cancer and its underlying mechanisms, as well as metabolic interventions in breast cancer treatment, with the intention to provide strategies for developing novel therapeutic treatments for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoya Jiao
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, No. 350, Longzihu Road, Xinzhan District, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Yunxia Pan
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, No. 350, Longzihu Road, Xinzhan District, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Fengyuan Chen
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, No. 350, Longzihu Road, Xinzhan District, Hefei, 230012, China.
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China.
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Danziger N, Sokol ES, Graf RP, Hiemenz MC, Maule J, Parimi V, Palmieri C, Pusztai L, Ross JS, Huang RSP. Variable Landscape of PD-L1 Expression in Breast Carcinoma as Detected by the DAKO 22C3 Immunohistochemistry Assay. Oncologist 2023; 28:319-326. [PMID: 36866462 PMCID: PMC10078903 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, pembrolizumab was approved as a therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with the companion diagnostic DAKO 22C3 programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) immunohistochemistry assay. The study aimed to determine the landscape of PD-L1 expression as detected by the DAKO 22C3 PD-L1 assay in breast cancer subtypes and compare the clinicopathologic and genomic characteristics of PD-L1 positive and negative TNBC. METHODS PD-L1 expression using the DAKO 22C3 antibody was scored using a combined positive score (CPS) and positive status was defined as CPS ≥10. Comprehensive genomic profiling was performed using the FoundationOne CDx assay. RESULTS Of the 396 BC patients stained with DAKO 22C3, the majority were HR+/HER2- and TNBC (42% and 36%, respectively). Median PD-L1 expression and frequency of CPS ≥10 was highest in TNBC cases (median: 7.5, 50% CPS ≥10) and lowest in the HR+/HER2- group (median: 1.0, 15.5% CPS ≥10) (P < .0001). A comparison of PD-L1 positive and PD-L1 negative TNBC demonstrated no significant differences in clinicopathologic or genomic characteristics. TNBC tissue samples from the breast did have an observed enrichment for PD-L1 positivity compared to TNBC tissue samples from a metastatic site (57% vs. 44%), but this was not statistically significant (P = .1766). In the HR+/HER2- group, genomic alterations in TP53, CREBBP, and CCNE1 were more prevalent and genomic loss of heterozygosity was higher in the PD-L1(+) group compared to the PD-L1(-) group. CONCLUSIONS The subtypes of breast cancer have distinct patterns of PD-L1 expression, supporting that further research of immunotherapies may include specific evaluation of optimum cutoffs for non-TNBC patients. In TNBC, PD-L1 positivity is not associated with other clinicopathologic or genomic features and should be integrated into future studies of immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ryon P Graf
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Jake Maule
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Carlo Palmieri
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lajos Pusztai
- The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jeffrey S Ross
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
- Departments of Pathology and Urology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Ismail CA, Eissa MM, Gaafar MR, Younis LK, El Skhawy N. Toxoplasma gondii-derived antigen modifies tumor microenvironment of Ehrlich solid carcinoma murine model and enhances immunotherapeutic activity of cyclophosphamide. Med Oncol 2023; 40:136. [PMID: 37014499 PMCID: PMC10073061 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-01994-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Pathogen-based cancer vaccine is a promising immunotherapeutic weapon to stimulate cancer immunosuppressive state. Toxoplasma gondii is a potent immunostimulant, and low-dose infection was linked to cancer resistance. Our goal was to evaluate the therapeutic antineoplastic activity of autoclaved Toxoplasma vaccine (ATV) against Ehrlich solid carcinoma (ESC) in mice in reference to and in combination with low-dose cyclophosphamide (CP), a cancer immunomodulator. Mice inoculation with ESC was followed by applying different treatment modalities including ATV, CP, and CP/ATV. We evaluated the impact of the different treatments on liver enzymes and pathology, tumor weight, volume, and histopathological changes. Using immunohistochemistry, we evaluated CD8+ T cell, FOXP3+ Treg, CD8+/Treg outside and inside ESC, and angiogenesis. Results showed significant tumor weights and volumes reduction with all treatments with 13.3% inhibition of tumor development upon combined CP/ATV use. Significant necrosis and fibrosis were noted in ESC by all treatments with improved hepatic functions versus non-treated control. Although ATV was almost equivalent to CP in tumor gross and histopathology, it promoted an immunostimulatory activity with significant Treg cells depletion outside ESC and CD8+ T cells infiltration inside ESC with higher CD8+ T/Treg ratio inside ESC superior to CP. Combined with CP, ATV exhibited significant synergistic immunotherapeutic and antiangiogenic action compared to either treatment alone with significant Kupffer cells hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Exclusively, therapeutic antineoplastic and antiangiogenic activity of ATV against ESC was verified that boosted CP immunomodulatory action which highlights a novel biological cancer immunotherapeutic vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherine A Ismail
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Maha M Eissa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Maha R Gaafar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Layla K Younis
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nahla El Skhawy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Hashemi M, Paskeh MDA, Orouei S, Abbasi P, Khorrami R, Dehghanpour A, Esmaeili N, Ghahremanzade A, Zandieh MA, Peymani M, Salimimoghadam S, Rashidi M, Taheriazam A, Entezari M, Hushmandi K. Towards dual function of autophagy in breast cancer: A potent regulator of tumor progression and therapy response. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114546. [PMID: 36958191 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114546] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As a devastating disease, breast cancer has been responsible for decrease in life expectancy of females and its morbidity and mortality are high. Breast cancer is the most common tumor in females and its treatment has been based on employment of surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The changes in biological behavior of breast tumor relies on genomic and epigenetic mutations and depletions as well as dysregulation of molecular mechanisms that autophagy is among them. Autophagy function can be oncogenic in increasing tumorigenesis, and when it has pro-death function, it causes reduction in viability of tumor cells. The carcinogenic function of autophagy in breast tumor is an impediment towards effective therapy of patients, as it can cause drug resistance and radio-resistance. The important hallmarks of breast tumor such as glucose metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis can be regulated by autophagy. Oncogenic autophagy can inhibit apoptosis, while it promotes stemness of breast tumor. Moreover, autophagy demonstrates interaction with tumor microenvironment components such as macrophages and its level can be regulated by anti-tumor compounds in breast tumor therapy. The reasons of considering autophagy in breast cancer therapy is its pleiotropic function, dual role (pro-survival and pro-death) and crosstalk with important molecular mechanisms such as apoptosis. Moreover, current review provides a pre-clinical and clinical evaluation of autophagy in breast tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Orouei
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Abbasi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Khorrami
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Dehghanpour
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negin Esmaeili
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azin Ghahremanzade
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Arad Zandieh
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Peymani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 4815733971, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 4815733971, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Defining the Emergence of New Immunotherapy Approaches in Breast Cancer: Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065208. [PMID: 36982282 PMCID: PMC10048951 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) continues to be the most diagnosed tumor in women and a very heterogeneous disease both inter- and intratumoral, mainly given by the variety of molecular profiles with different biological and clinical characteristics. Despite the advancements in early detection and therapeutic strategies, the survival rate is low in patients who develop metastatic disease. Therefore, it is mandatory to explore new approaches to achieve better responses. In this regard, immunotherapy arose as a promising alternative to conventional treatments due to its ability to modulate the immune system, which may play a dual role in this disease since the relationship between the immune system and BC cells depends on several factors: the tumor histology and size, as well as the involvement of lymph nodes, immune cells, and molecules that are part of the tumor microenvironment. Particularly, myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) expansion is one of the major immunosuppressive mechanisms used by breast tumors since it has been associated with worse clinical stage, metastatic burden, and poor efficacy of immunotherapies. This review focuses on the new immunotherapies in BC in the last five years. Additionally, the role of MDSC as a therapeutic target in breast cancer will be described.
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Verdicchio M, Brancato V, Cavaliere C, Isgrò F, Salvatore M, Aiello M. A pathomic approach for tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes classification on breast cancer digital pathology images. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14371. [PMID: 36950640 PMCID: PMC10025040 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives The detection of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) could aid in the development of objective measures of the infiltration grade and can support decision-making in breast cancer (BC). However, manual quantification of TILs in BC histopathological whole slide images (WSI) is currently based on a visual assessment, thus resulting not standardized, not reproducible, and time-consuming for pathologists. In this work, a novel pathomic approach, aimed to apply high-throughput image feature extraction techniques to analyze the microscopic patterns in WSI, is proposed. In fact, pathomic features provide additional information concerning the underlying biological processes compared to the WSI visual interpretation, thus providing more easily interpretable and explainable results than the most frequently investigated Deep Learning based methods in the literature. Methods A dataset containing 1037 regions of interest with tissue compartments and TILs annotated on 195 TNBC and HER2+ BC hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained WSI was used. After segmenting nuclei within tumor-associated stroma using a watershed-based approach, 71 pathomic features were extracted from each nucleus and reduced using a Spearman's correlation filter followed by a nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The relevant features were used to classify each candidate nucleus as either TILs or non-TILs using 5 multivariable machine learning classification models trained using 5-fold cross-validation (1) without resampling, (2) with the synthetic minority over-sampling technique and (3) with downsampling. The prediction performance of the models was assessed using ROC curves. Results 21 features were selected, with most of them related to the well-known TILs properties of having regular shape, clearer margins, high peak intensity, more homogeneous enhancement and different textural pattern than other cells. The best performance was obtained by Random-Forest with ROC AUC of 0.86, regardless of resampling technique. Conclusions The presented approach holds promise for the classification of TILs in BC H&E-stained WSI and could provide support to pathologists for a reliable, rapid and interpretable clinical assessment of TILs in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentina Brancato
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, Via E. Gianturco 113, Naples, 80143, Italy
- Corresponding author.
| | - Carlo Cavaliere
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, Via E. Gianturco 113, Naples, 80143, Italy
| | - Francesco Isgrò
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies, University of Naples Federico II, Claudio 21, Naples, 80125, Italy
| | - Marco Salvatore
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, Via E. Gianturco 113, Naples, 80143, Italy
| | - Marco Aiello
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, Via E. Gianturco 113, Naples, 80143, Italy
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The Relationship between Histological Composition and Metabolic Profile in Breast Tumors and Peritumoral Tissue Determined with 1H HR-MAS NMR Spectroscopy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041283. [PMID: 36831625 PMCID: PMC9954108 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast tumors constitute the complex entities composed of cancer cells and stromal components. The compositional heterogeneity should be taken into account in bulk tissue metabolomics studies. The aim of this work was to find the relation between the histological content and 1H HR-MAS (high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance) metabolic profiles of the tissue samples excised from the breast tumors and the peritumoral areas in 39 patients diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma. The total number of the histologically verified specimens was 140. The classification accuracy of the OPLS-DA (Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis) model differentiating the cancerous from non-involved samples was 87% (sensitivity of 72.2%, specificity of 92.3%). The metabolic contents of the epithelial and stromal compartments were determined from a linear regression analysis of the levels of the evaluated compounds against the cancer cell fraction in 39 samples composed mainly of cancer cells and intratumoral fibrosis. The correlation coefficients between the levels of several metabolites and a tumor purity were found to be dependent on the tumor grade (I vs II/III). The comparison of the levels of the metabolites in the intratumoral fibrosis (obtained from the extrapolation of the regression lines to 0% cancer content) to those levels in the fibrous connective tissue beyond the tumors revealed a profound metabolic reprogramming in the former tissue. The joint analysis of the metabolic profiles of the stromal and epithelial compartments in the breast tumors contributes to the increased understanding of breast cancer biology.
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Augimeri G, Fiorillo M, Morelli C, Panza S, Giordano C, Barone I, Catalano S, Sisci D, Andò S, Bonofiglio D. The Omega-3 Docosahexaenoyl Ethanolamide Reduces CCL5 Secretion in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells Affecting Tumor Progression and Macrophage Recruitment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030819. [PMID: 36765778 PMCID: PMC9913844 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive breast cancer subtype lacking effective targeted therapies, is considered to feature a unique cellular microenvironment with high infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), which contribute to worsening breast cancer patient outcomes. Previous studies have shown the antitumoral actions of the dietary omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in both tumor epithelial and stromal components of the breast cancer microenvironment. Particularly in breast cancer cells, DHA can be converted into its conjugate with ethanolamine, DHEA, leading to a more effective anti-oncogenic activity of the parent compound in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. Here, we investigated the ability of DHEA to attenuate the malignant phenotype of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436 TNBC cell lines, which in turn influenced TAM behaviors. Our findings revealed that DHEA reduced the viability of TNBC cells in a concentration-dependent manner and compromised cell migration and invasion. Interestingly, DHEA inhibited oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates, reducing respiration and the glycolytic reserve in both cell lines. In a co-culture system, TNBC cells exposed to DHEA suppressed recruitment of human THP-1 cells, reduced their viability, and the expression of genes associated with TAM phenotype. Interestingly, we unraveled that the effects of DHEA in TNCB cells were mediated by reduced C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) expression and secretion affecting macrophage recruitment. Overall, our data, shedding new light on the antitumoral effects of DHA ethanolamine-conjugated, address this compound as a promising option in the treatment of TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Augimeri
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Marco Fiorillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Catia Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Salvatore Panza
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Cinzia Giordano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (D.B.)
| | - Ines Barone
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Stefania Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Diego Sisci
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Andò
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Daniela Bonofiglio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Cosenza, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (D.B.)
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Azzarito G, Henry M, Rotshteyn T, Leeners B, Dubey RK. Transcriptomic and Functional Evidence That miRNA193a-3p Inhibits Lymphatic Endothelial Cell (LEC) and LEC + MCF-7 Spheroid Growth Directly and by Altering MCF-7 Secretome. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030389. [PMID: 36766731 PMCID: PMC9913637 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA 193a-3p (miR193a-3p) is a short non-coding RNA with tumor suppressor properties. Breast cancer (BC) progression is governed by active interaction between breast cancer cells, vascular (V)/lymphatic (L) endothelial cells (ECs), and BC secretome. We have recently shown that miR193a-3p, a tumor suppressor miRNA, inhibits MCF-7 BC cell-driven growth of VECs via direct antimitogenic actions and alters MCF-7 secretome. Since LEC-BC cross-talk plays a key role in BC progression, we investigated the effects of miR193a-3p on MCF-7 secretome and estradiol-mediated growth effects in LECs and LEC + MCF-7 spheroids, and delineated the underlying mechanisms. Transfection of LECs with miR193a-3p, as well as secretome from MCF-7 transfected cells, inhibited LEC growth, and these effects were mimicked in LEC + MCF-7 spheroids. Moreover, miR193a-3p inhibited ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in LECs and LEC + MCF-7 spheroids, which are importantly involved in promoting cancer development and metastasis. Treatment of LECs and LEC + MCF-7 spheroids with estradiol (E2)-induced growth, as well as ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation, and was abrogated by miR193a-3p and secretome from MCF-7 transfected cells. Gene expression analysis (GEA) in LEC + MCF-7 spheroids transfected with miR193a-3p showed significant upregulation of 54 genes and downregulation of 73 genes. Pathway enrichment analysis of regulated genes showed significant modulation of several pathways, including interferon, interleukin/cytokine-mediated signaling, innate immune system, ERK1/2 cascade, apoptosis, and estrogen receptor signaling. Transcriptomic analysis showed downregulation in interferon and anti-apoptotic and pro-growth molecules, such as IFI6, IFIT1, OSA1/2, IFITM1, HLA-A/B, PSMB8/9, and PARP9, which are known to regulate BC progression. The cytokine proteome array of miR193a-3p transfected MCF secretome and confirmed the upregulation of several growth inhibitory cytokines, including IFNγ, Il-1a, IL-1ra, IL-32, IL-33, IL-24, IL-27, cystatin, C-reactive protein, Fas ligand, MIG, and sTIM3. Moreover, miR193a-3p alters factors in MCF-7 secretome, which represses ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation, induces pro-apoptotic protein and apoptosis in LECs, and downregulates interferon-associated proteins known to promote cancer growth and metastasis. In conclusion, miR193a-3p can potentially modify the tumor microenvironment by altering pro-growth BC secretome and inhibiting LEC growth, and may represent a therapeutic molecule to target breast tumors/cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Azzarito
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Margit Henry
- Center for Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Tamara Rotshteyn
- Center for Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Brigitte Leeners
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Raghvendra K. Dubey
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Correspondence:
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48
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Zhang W, Xu K, Li Z, Wang L, Chen H. Tumor immune microenvironment components and the other markers can predict the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2023; 25:1579-1593. [PMID: 36652115 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03075-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is an epithelial malignant tumor that occurs in the terminal ducts of the breast. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is an important part of breast cancer treatment. Its purpose is to use systemic treatment for some locally advanced breast cancer patients, to decrease the tumor size and clinical stage so that non-operable breast cancer patients can have a chance to access surgical treatment, or patients who are not suitable for breast-conserving surgery can get the opportunity of breast-conserving. However, some patients who do not respond to NACT will lead deterioration in their condition. Therefore, prediction of NACT efficacy in breast cancer is vital for precision therapy. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has a crucial role in the carcinogenesis and therapeutic response of breast cancer. In this review, we summarized the immune cells, immune checkpoints, and other biomarkers in the TME that can evaluate the efficacy of NACT in treating breast cancer. We believe that the detection and evaluation of the TME components in breast cancer are helpful to predict the efficacy of NACT, and the prediction methods are in the prospect. In addition, we also summarized other predictive factors of NACT, such as imaging examination, biochemical markers, and multigene/multiprotein profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqian Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Pathology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengfa Li
- Department of Pathology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Linwei Wang
- Department of Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Honglei Chen
- Department of Pathology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China.
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Breast cancer tumor microenvironment affects Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis: Molecular and therapeutic perspectives. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 28:132-157. [PMID: 36816749 PMCID: PMC9922830 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises a variety of immune cells, among which T cells exert a prominent axial role in tumor development or anti-tumor responses in patients with breast cancer (BC). High or low levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as transforming growth factor β, in the absence or presence of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), delineate the fate of T cells toward either regulatory T (Treg) or T helper 17 (Th17) cells, respectively. The transitional state of RORγt+Foxp3+ Treg (IL-17-producing Treg) resides in the middle of this reciprocal polarization, which is known as Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis. TME secretome, including microRNAs, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles, can significantly affect this axis. Furthermore, immune checkpoint inhibitors may be used to reconstruct immune cells; however, some of these novel therapies may favor tumor development. Therefore, understanding secretory and cell-associated factors involved in their differentiation or polarization and functions may be targeted for BC management. This review discusses microRNAs, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles (as secretome), as well as transcription factors and immune checkpoints (as cell-associated factors), which influence the Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis in BC. Furthermore, approved or ongoing clinical trials related to the modulation of this axis in the TME of BC are described to broaden new horizons of promising therapeutic approaches.
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50
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Stem Cells for Cancer Therapy: Translating the Uncertainties and Possibilities of Stem Cell Properties into Opportunities for Effective Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021012. [PMID: 36674525 PMCID: PMC9864033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer recurrence and drug resistance following treatment, as well as metastatic forms of cancer, are trends that are commonly encountered in cancer management. Amidst the growing popularity of personalized medicine and targeted therapy as effective cancer treatment, studies involving the use of stem cells in cancer therapy are gaining ground as promising translational treatment options that are actively pursued by researchers due to their unique tumor-homing activities and anti-cancer properties. Therefore, this review will highlight cancer interactions with commonly studied stem cell types, namely, mesenchymal stroma/stem cells (MSC), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), iPSC-derived MSC (iMSC), and cancer stem cells (CSC). A particular focus will be on the effects of paracrine signaling activities and exosomal miRNA interaction released by MSC and iMSCs within the tumor microenvironment (TME) along with their therapeutic potential as anti-cancer delivery agents. Similarly, the role of exosomal miRNA released by CSCs will be further discussed in the context of its role in cancer recurrence and metastatic spread, which leads to a better understanding of how such exosomal miRNA could be used as potential forms of non-cell-based cancer therapy.
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