Synergistic cytotoxicity against human tumor cell lines by oncolytic adenovirus dl1520 (ONYX-015) and melphalan

CDX2 Promoter-Controlled Oncolytic Adenovirus Suppresses Tumor Growth and Liver Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and liver metastasis (CRLM) is the most common among its distant metastases. We have recently generated a CDX2 promoter-controlled oncolytic adenovirus (Ad5/3-pCDX2) that showed an anticancer effect for CDX2-positive upper gastrointestinal tumors. Here, we reported the anticancer effect of Ad5/3-pCDX2 for CDX2-positive CRC and CRLM, and its combination efficacy with 5-fluorouracil (5FU) in vitro and in vivo. We used HT29 as CDX2-positive, and LS174T and SW480 as CDX2-negative CRC cell lines. Without 5FU, Ad5/3-pCDX2 killed HT29 but not LS174T and SW480 cells. In vitro, 5FU exposure upregulated CDX2 mRNA levels in all three cell lines. The 5FU combination enhanced the cytocidal effect and virus replication of Ad5/3-pCDX2 in CDX2-negative LS174T. In mouse xenograft models, Ad5/3-pCDX2 monotherapy suppressed the HT29 subcutaneous tumor growth compared to the control group. The 5FU plus Ad5/3-pCDX2 combination therapy showed a remarkable antitumor effect over the efficacy of Ad5/3-pCDX2 monotherapy. In the LS174T subcutaneous tumor, although Ad5/3-pCDX2 monotherapy did not show an antitumor effect, the 5FU plus Ad5/3-pCDX2 combination therapy significantly suppressed the tumor growth compared to the Ad5/3-pCDX2 monotherapy. In mice with HT29 liver metastasis, intrasplenic injection of Ad5/3-pCDX2 induced virus replication in liver tumors and thus successfully attenuated tumor growth. In conclusion, Ad5/3-pCDX2 showed a significant anticancer effect that was enhanced by 5FU treatment in not only CDX2-positive but also negative CRCs. Ad5/3-pCDX2 is a promising therapeutic modality for metastatic CRC such as CRLM.

An oncolytic adenovirus targeting SLAMF7 demonstrates anti-myeloma efficacy

We investigated a novel SLAMF7-promoter driven oncolytic adenovirus (Ad[CE1A]) as a potential therapeutic for multiple myeloma, an incurable hematological malignancy. Ad[CE1A] infection, replication, and oncolysis were assessed in a panel of myeloma cell lines (n = 8) and ex vivo samples from myeloma patients (n = 17) and healthy donors (HDs) (n = 14). Ad[CE1A] efficiently infected, replicated, and induced oncolysis in myeloma cells, but not in control cell lines or HDs, demonstrating selective cytotoxicity. Mechanistic studies revealed Ad[CE1A]-induced cell death is caspase-independent, with a potential involvement of necroptosis. Ad[CE1A] also altered immunogenic cell death markers (calreticulin, CD47, extracellular ATP), enhanced antigen presentation via increased MHC class I and II receptor expression (HLA-ABC and HLA-DR), and stimulated bystander cytokine killing, indicating potential for direct and immune-mediated anti-myeloma responses. In vivo experiments with 5TGM1 syngeneic and U266 xenograft models showed Ad[CE1A] significantly reduced myeloma tumor burden compared to vehicle control. Combination therapy with anti-myeloma drugs, bortezomib, melphalan, panobinostat and pomalidomide, enhanced Ad[CE1A] efficacy, with melphalan upregulating SLAMF7, resulting in increased viral replication. In summary, these findings support Ad[CE1A] as a promising myeloma therapy.

Major Molecular Signaling Pathways in Oral Cancer Associated With Therapeutic Resistance

Oral cancer is a sub-category of head and neck cancers that primarily initiates in the oral cavity. The primary treatment option for oral cancer remains surgery but it is associated with massive disfigurement, inability to carry out normal oral functions, psycho-social stress and exhaustive rehabilitation. Other treatment options such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy have their own limitations in terms of toxicity, intolerance and therapeutic resistance. Immunological treatments to enhance the body's ability to recognize cancer tissue as a foreign entity are also being used but they are new and underdeveloped. Although substantial progress has been made in the treatment of oral cancer, its complex heterogeneous nature still needs to be explored, to elucidate the molecular basis for developing resistance to therapeutic agents and how to overcome it, with the aim of improving the chances of patients' survival and their quality of life. This review provides an overview of up-to-date information on the complex role of the major molecules and associated signaling, epigenetic changes, DNA damage repair systems, cancer stem cells and micro RNAs in the development of therapeutic resistance and treatment failure in oral cancer. We have also summarized the current strategies being developed to overcome these therapeutic challenges. This review will help not only researchers but also oral oncologists in the management of the disease and in developing new therapeutic modalities.

Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO): Presentation, Pathogenesis, and Treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) with its most severe form chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is an autoinflammatory bone disorder. We summarize the clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, most recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology, and available treatment options and outcomes in CNO/CRMO.

RECENT FINDINGS

Though the exact molecular pathophysiology of CNO/CRMO remains somewhat elusive, it appears likely that variable defects in the TLR4/MAPK/inflammasome signaling cascade result in an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine expressions in monocytes from CNO/CRMO patients. In this context, we present previously unpublished data on cytokine and chemokine expression in monocytes and tissues. CNO/CRMO is an autoinflammatory bone disorder resulting from imbalanced cytokine expression from innate immune cells. Though the exact molecular pathophysiology remains unclear, variable molecular defects appear to result in inflammasome activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in monocytes from CNO/CRMO patients. Recent advances suggest signaling pathways and single molecules as biomarkers for CNO/CRMO as well as future treatment targets.