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Roumeliotou A, Strati A, Chamchougia F, Xagara A, Tserpeli V, Smilkou S, Lagopodi E, Christopoulou A, Kontopodis E, Drositis I, Androulakis N, Georgoulias V, Koinis F, Kotsakis A, Lianidou E, Kallergi G. Comprehensive Analysis of CXCR4, JUNB, and PD-L1 Expression in Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) from Prostate Cancer Patients. Cells 2024; 13:782. [PMID: 38727318 PMCID: PMC11083423 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
CXCR4, JUNB and PD-L1 are implicated in cancer progression and metastasis. The current study investigated these biomarkers in CTCs isolated from metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) patients at the RNA and protein levels. CTCs were isolated from 48 mPCa patients using the Ficoll density gradient and ISET system (17 out of 48). The (CK/PD-L1/CD45) and (CK/CXCR4/JUNB) phenotypes were identified using two triple immunofluorescence stainings followed by VyCAP platform analysis. Molecular analysis was conducted with an EpCAM-dependent method for 25/48 patients. CK-8, CK-18, CK-19, JUNB, CXCR4, PD-L1, and B2M (reference gene) were analyzed with RT-qPCR. The (CK+/PD-L1+/CD45-) and the (CK+/CXCR4+/JUNB+) were the most frequent phenotypes (61.1% and 62.5%, respectively). Furthermore, the (CK+/CXCR4+/JUNB-) phenotype was correlated with poorer progression-free survival [(PFS), HR: 2.5, p = 0.049], while the (CK+/PD-L1+/CD45-) phenotype was linked to decreased overall survival [(OS), HR: 262.7, p = 0.007]. Molecular analysis revealed that 76.0% of the samples were positive for CK-8,18, and 19, while 28.0% were positive for JUNB, 44.0% for CXCR4, and 48.0% for PD-L1. Conclusively, CXCR4, JUNB, and PD-L1 were highly expressed in CTCs from mPCa patients. The CXCR4 protein expression was associated with poorer PFS, while PD-L1 was correlated with decreased OS, providing new biomarkers with potential clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argyro Roumeliotou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry/Metastatic Signaling, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (A.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Areti Strati
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.S.); (V.T.); (S.S.); (E.L.); (E.L.)
| | - Foteini Chamchougia
- Laboratory of Biochemistry/Metastatic Signaling, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (A.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Anastasia Xagara
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (A.X.); (F.K.); (A.K.)
- Hellenic Oncology Research Group, 11526 Athens, Greece;
| | - Victoria Tserpeli
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.S.); (V.T.); (S.S.); (E.L.); (E.L.)
| | - Stavroula Smilkou
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.S.); (V.T.); (S.S.); (E.L.); (E.L.)
| | - Elina Lagopodi
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.S.); (V.T.); (S.S.); (E.L.); (E.L.)
| | | | - Emmanouil Kontopodis
- Department of Oncology, Venizeleion General Hospital of Heraklion, 71409 Heraklion, Greece; (E.K.); (I.D.); (N.A.)
| | - Ioannis Drositis
- Department of Oncology, Venizeleion General Hospital of Heraklion, 71409 Heraklion, Greece; (E.K.); (I.D.); (N.A.)
| | - Nikolaos Androulakis
- Department of Oncology, Venizeleion General Hospital of Heraklion, 71409 Heraklion, Greece; (E.K.); (I.D.); (N.A.)
| | - Vassilis Georgoulias
- Hellenic Oncology Research Group, 11526 Athens, Greece;
- First Department of Medical Oncology, Metropolitan General Hospital, 15562 Athens, Greece
| | - Filippos Koinis
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (A.X.); (F.K.); (A.K.)
- Hellenic Oncology Research Group, 11526 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Kotsakis
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (A.X.); (F.K.); (A.K.)
- Hellenic Oncology Research Group, 11526 Athens, Greece;
| | - Evi Lianidou
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.S.); (V.T.); (S.S.); (E.L.); (E.L.)
| | - Galatea Kallergi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry/Metastatic Signaling, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (A.R.); (F.C.)
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Xagara A, Roumeliotou A, Kokkalis A, Tsapakidis K, Papakonstantinou D, Papadopoulos V, Samaras I, Chantzara E, Kallergi G, Kotsakis A. ES-SCLC Patients with PD-L1 + CTCs and High Percentages of CD8 +PD-1 +T Cells in Circulation Benefit from Front-Line Immunotherapy Treatment. Biomedicines 2024; 12:146. [PMID: 38255251 PMCID: PMC10813758 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010146] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
SCLC is an aggressive cancer type with high metastatic potential and bad prognosis. CTCs are a valuable source of tumor cells in blood circulation and are among the major contributors to metastasis. In this study we evaluated the number of CTCs that express PD-L1 in treatment-naïve ES-SCLC patients receiving ICI in a front-line setting. Moreover, we explored the percentages of different immune T-cell subsets in circulation to assess their potential role in predicting responses. A total of 43 patients were enrolled-6 of them with LS-SCLC, and 37 with ES-SCLC disease. In addition, PBMCs from 10 healthy donors were used as a control group. Different T-cell subtypes were examined through multicolor FACS analysis and patients' CTCs were detected using immunofluorescence staining. SCLC patients had higher percentages of PD-1-expressing CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T-cells, as well as elevated PD-1 protein expression compared to healthy individuals. Additionally, in ES-SCLC patients, a positive correlation between CD3+CD8+PD-1+ T-cells and PD-L1+ CTCs was detected. Importantly, patients harboring higher numbers of CD3+CD8+PD-1+ T-cells together with PD-L1+CTCs had a survival advantage when receiving front-line immunotherapy. Thus, this study proposes, for first time possible, immune cell-CTCs interaction, as well as a potential novel clinical biomarker for ICI responses in ES-SCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Xagara
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece; (A.X.); (A.K.); (K.T.); (V.P.); (I.S.); (E.C.)
| | - Argyro Roumeliotou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry/Metastatic Signaling, Section of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Department of Biology, University of Patras, GR-26504 Patras, Greece; (A.R.); (D.P.); (G.K.)
| | - Alexandros Kokkalis
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece; (A.X.); (A.K.); (K.T.); (V.P.); (I.S.); (E.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsapakidis
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece; (A.X.); (A.K.); (K.T.); (V.P.); (I.S.); (E.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimitris Papakonstantinou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry/Metastatic Signaling, Section of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Department of Biology, University of Patras, GR-26504 Patras, Greece; (A.R.); (D.P.); (G.K.)
| | - Vassilis Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece; (A.X.); (A.K.); (K.T.); (V.P.); (I.S.); (E.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Ioannis Samaras
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece; (A.X.); (A.K.); (K.T.); (V.P.); (I.S.); (E.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Evagelia Chantzara
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece; (A.X.); (A.K.); (K.T.); (V.P.); (I.S.); (E.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Galatea Kallergi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry/Metastatic Signaling, Section of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Department of Biology, University of Patras, GR-26504 Patras, Greece; (A.R.); (D.P.); (G.K.)
| | - Athanasios Kotsakis
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece; (A.X.); (A.K.); (K.T.); (V.P.); (I.S.); (E.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
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Li Y, Gu S, Li X, Huang Q. To identify biomarkers associated with the transfer of diabetes combined with cancer in human genes using bioinformatics analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35080. [PMID: 37713834 PMCID: PMC10508432 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, the incidence of diabetes mellitus is increasing rapidly, particularly in China, and its pathogenesis is still unclear. The goal of this study was to find meaningful biomarkers of metastasis in patients with diabetes and cancer using bioinformatic analysis in order to predict gene expression and prognostic importance for survival. We used the Differentially Expressed Gene, Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery, and Gene Set Enrichment Analyses databases, as well as several bioinformatics tools, to explore the key genes in diabetes. Based on the above database, we ended up with 10 hub genes (FOS, ATF3, JUN, EGR1, FOSB, JUNB, BTG2, EGR2, ZFP36, and NR4A2). A discussion of the 10 critical genes, with extensive literature mentioned to validate the association between the 10 key genes and patients with diabetes and cancer, to demonstrate the importance of gene expression and survival prognosis. This study identifies several biomarkers associated with diabetes and cancer development and metastasis that may provide novel therapeutic targets for diabetes combined with cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Li
- College of Environment and Public Health, Xiamen Huaxia University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Shinong Gu
- College of Environment and Public Health, Xiamen Huaxia University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Xuanwen Li
- Graduate School of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan
| | - Qing Huang
- College of Environment and Public Health, Xiamen Huaxia University, Xiamen, P.R. China
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Koinis F, Zafeiriou Z, Messaritakis I, Katsaounis P, Koumarianou A, Kontopodis E, Chantzara E, Aidarinis C, Lazarou A, Christodoulopoulos G, Emmanouilides C, Hatzidaki D, Kallergi G, Georgoulias V, Kotsakis A. Prognostic Role of Circulating Tumor Cells in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Receiving Cabazitaxel: A Prospective Biomarker Study. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4511. [PMID: 37760481 PMCID: PMC10527446 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184511] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONAL Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) appear to be a promising tool for predicting the clinical outcome and monitoring the response to treatment in patients with solid tumors. The current study assessed the clinical relevance of monitoring CTCs in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with cabazitaxel. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with histologically confirmed mCRPC who were previously treated with a docetaxel-containing regimen and experienced disease progression were enrolled in this multicenter prospective study. CTC counts were enumerated using the CellSearch system at baseline (before cabazitaxel initiation), after one cabazitaxel cycle (post 1st cycle) and at disease progression (PD). Patients were stratified into predetermined CTC-positive and CTC-negative groups. The phenotypic characterization was performed using double immunofluorescence staining with anti-CKs and anti-Ki67, anti-M30 or anti-vimentin antibodies. RESULTS The median PFS and OS were 4.0 (range, 1.0-17.9) and 14.5 (range, 1.2-33.9) months, respectively. At baseline, 48 out of 57 (84.2%) patients had ≥1 CTCs/7.5 mL of peripheral blood (PB) and 37 (64.9%) had ≥5 CTCs/7.5 mL of PB. After one treatment cycle, 30 (75%) out of the 40 patients with available measurements had ≥1 detectable CTC/7.5 mL of PB and 24 (60%) ≥ 5CTCs/7.5 mL of PB; 12.5% of the patients with detectable CTCs at the baseline sample had no detectable CTCs after one treatment cycle. The detection of ≥5CTCs/7.5 mL of PB at baseline and post-cycle 1 was associated with shorter PFS and OS (p = 0.002), whereas a positive CTC status post-cycle 1 strongly correlated with poorer OS irrespective of the CTC cut-off used. Multivariate analysis revealed that the detection of non-apoptotic (CK+/M30-) CTCs at baseline is an independent predictor of shorter OS (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS In patients with mCRPC treated with cabazitaxel, CTC counts both at baseline and after the first cycle retain their prognostic significance, implying that liquid biopsy monitoring might serve as a valuable tool for predicting treatment efficacy and survival outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippos Koinis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, 41334 Larisa, Greece; (E.C.); (C.A.); (A.L.); (G.C.)
- Faculty οf Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41335 Larissa, Greece
| | - Zafeiris Zafeiriou
- Second Department of Medical Oncology, Theageneion Anticancer Hospital, 54007 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Ippokratis Messaritakis
- Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 70013 Crete, Greece;
| | - Panagiotis Katsaounis
- First Department of Medical Oncology, Metropolitan General Hospital, 15562 Athens, Greece; (P.K.); (V.G.)
| | - Anna Koumarianou
- Medical Oncology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, “ATTIKON” University Hospital of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Emmanouil Kontopodis
- Department of Medical Oncology, “Venizelion” General Hospital of Heraklion, 71409 Crete, Greece;
| | - Evangelia Chantzara
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, 41334 Larisa, Greece; (E.C.); (C.A.); (A.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Chrissovalantis Aidarinis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, 41334 Larisa, Greece; (E.C.); (C.A.); (A.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Alexandros Lazarou
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, 41334 Larisa, Greece; (E.C.); (C.A.); (A.L.); (G.C.)
| | - George Christodoulopoulos
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, 41334 Larisa, Greece; (E.C.); (C.A.); (A.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Christos Emmanouilides
- Department of Medical Oncology, Diavalkanikon General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 55535 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Dora Hatzidaki
- Hellenic Oncology Research Group (HORG), 11526 Athens, Greece;
| | - Galatea Kallergi
- Division of Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Vassilis Georgoulias
- First Department of Medical Oncology, Metropolitan General Hospital, 15562 Athens, Greece; (P.K.); (V.G.)
- Hellenic Oncology Research Group (HORG), 11526 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Kotsakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, 41334 Larisa, Greece; (E.C.); (C.A.); (A.L.); (G.C.)
- Faculty οf Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41335 Larissa, Greece
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Krpina K, Vranić S, Tomić K, Samaržija M, Batičić L. Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: Current Diagnosis, Biomarkers, and Treatment Options with Future Perspectives. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1982. [PMID: 37509621 PMCID: PMC10377361 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071982] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by rapid proliferation, early dissemination, acquired therapy resistance, and poor prognosis. Early diagnosis of SCLC is crucial since most patients present with advanced/metastatic disease, limiting the potential for curative treatment. While SCLC exhibits initial responsiveness to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, treatment resistance commonly emerges, leading to a five-year overall survival rate of up to 10%. New effective biomarkers, early detection, and advancements in therapeutic strategies are crucial for improving survival rates and reducing the impact of this devastating disease. This review aims to comprehensively summarize current knowledge on diagnostic options, well-known and emerging biomarkers, and SCLC treatment strategies and discuss future perspectives on this aggressive malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Krpina
- Clinic for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Semir Vranić
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Krešimir Tomić
- Department of Oncology, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Miroslav Samaržija
- Clinic for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lara Batičić
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
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