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Gkountakos A, Singhi AD, Westphalen CB, Scarpa A, Luchini C. Fusion genes in pancreatic tumors. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:430-443. [PMID: 38378317 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.01.009] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Gene fusions and rearrangements play a crucial role in tumor biology. They are rare events typically detected in KRAS wild-type (WT) pancreatic tumors. Their identification can inform clinical management by enabling precision oncology, as fusions involving BRAF, FGFR2, RET, NTRK, NRG1, and ALK represent actionable targets in KRAS-WT cancers, and serve diagnostic purposes since fusions involving PRKACA/B represent the diagnostic hallmark of intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasms (IOPNs). Although they are rare, the therapeutic and diagnostic importance of these genomic events should not be underestimated, highlighting the need for quality-ensured molecular diagnostics in the management of cancer. Herein we review the existing literature on the role of fusion genes in pancreatic tumors and their clinical potential as effective biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aatur D Singhi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - C Benedikt Westphalen
- Department of Medicine III and Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC), LMU University Hospital Munich and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Claudio Luchini
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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Imperial R, Mosalem O, Majeed U, Tran NH, Borad MJ, Babiker H. Second-Line Treatment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Shedding Light on New Opportunities and Key Talking Points from Clinical Trials. Clin Exp Gastroenterol 2024; 17:121-134. [PMID: 38650920 PMCID: PMC11034511 DOI: 10.2147/ceg.s390655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite improvements in overall cancer mortality, deaths related to pancreatic cancer continue to rise. Following first-line treatment, second-line options are significantly limited. Classically, first-line treatment consisted of either gemcitabine or 5-fluorouracil based systemic chemotherapy. Upon progression of disease or recurrence, subsequent second-line treatment is still gemcitabine or 5-fluorouracil based chemotherapy, depending on what was used in the first line and the timing of progression or recurrence. A better understanding of the molecular underpinnings of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has led to new treatment strategies including specifically targeting the desmoplastic stroma, cytokine signaling and actionable mutations. Furthermore, efforts are also directed to enhance the immunogenicity profile of PDAC's well-established immunologically "cold" tumor microenvironment. More recently, the outstanding response rates of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells in hematologic malignancies, have led to clinical trials to evaluate the treatment modality in PDAC. In this review, we summarize recently presented clinical trials for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma with novel treatment approaches in the second line and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Imperial
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Osama Mosalem
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Umair Majeed
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Mitesh J Borad
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Hani Babiker
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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3
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Qin Q, Yu R, Eriksson JE, Tsai HI, Zhu H. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma therapy: Challenges and opportunities. Cancer Lett 2024; 591:216859. [PMID: 38615928 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216859] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a solid organ malignancy with a high mortality rate. Statistics indicate that its incidence has been increasing as well as the associated deaths. Most patients with PDAC show poor response to therapies making the clinical management of this cancer difficult. Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to the development of resistance to therapy in PDAC cancer cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most prevalent stromal cells in the TME, promote a desmoplastic response, produce extracellular matrix proteins and cytokines, and directly influence the biological behavior of cancer cells. These multifaceted effects make it difficult to eradicate tumor cells from the body. As a result, CAF-targeting synergistic therapeutic strategies have gained increasing attention in recent years. However, due to the substantial heterogeneity in CAF origin, definition, and function, as well as high plasticity, majority of the available CAF-targeting therapeutic approaches are not effective, and in some cases, they exacerbate disease progression. This review primarily elucidates on the effect of CAFs on therapeutic efficiency of various treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Strategies for CAF targeting therapies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Qin
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Rong Yu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - John E Eriksson
- Cell Biology, Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, FI-20520 Finland
| | - Hsiang-I Tsai
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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4
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Pashley SL, Papageorgiou S, O'Regan L, Barone G, Robinson SW, Lucken K, Straatman KR, Roig J, Fry AM. The mesenchymal morphology of cells expressing the EML4-ALK V3 oncogene is dependent on phosphorylation of Eg5 by NEK7. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107144. [PMID: 38458397 PMCID: PMC11061729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107144] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) oncogenic fusion proteins are found in approximately 5% of non-small cell lung cancers. Different EML4-ALK fusion variants exist with variant 3 (V3) being associated with a significantly higher risk than other common variants, such as variant 1 (V1). Patients with V3 respond less well to targeted ALK inhibitors, have accelerated rates of metastasis, and have poorer overall survival. A pathway has been described downstream of EML4-ALK V3 that is independent of ALK catalytic activity but dependent on the NEK9 and NEK7 kinases. It has been proposed that assembly of an EML4-ALK V3-NEK9-NEK7 complex on microtubules leads to cells developing a mesenchymal-like morphology and exhibiting enhanced migration. However, downstream targets of this complex remain unknown. Here, we show that the microtubule-based kinesin, Eg5, is recruited to interphase microtubules in cells expressing EML4-ALK V3, whereas chemical inhibition of Eg5 reverses the mesenchymal morphology of cells. Furthermore, we show that depletion of NEK7 interferes with Eg5 recruitment to microtubules in cells expressing EML4-ALK V3 and cell length is reduced, but this is reversed by coexpression of a phosphomimetic mutant of Eg5, in a site, S1033, phosphorylated by NEK7. Intriguingly, we also found that expression of Eg5-S1033D led to cells expressing EML4-ALK V1 adopting a more mesenchymal-like morphology. Together, we propose that Eg5 acts as a substrate of NEK7 in cells expressing EML4-ALK V3 and Eg5 phosphorylation promotes the mesenchymal morphology typical of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Pashley
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Savvas Papageorgiou
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Laura O'Regan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Giancarlo Barone
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Susan W Robinson
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Kellie Lucken
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Kees R Straatman
- Advanced Imaging Facility, Core Biotechnology Services, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Joan Roig
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrew M Fry
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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5
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Singh H, Keller RB, Kapner KS, Dilly J, Raghavan S, Yuan C, Cohen EF, Tolstorukov M, Andrews E, Brais LK, Da Silva A, Perez K, Rubinson DA, Surana R, Giannakis M, Ng K, Clancy TE, Yurgelun MB, Schletchter B, Clark JW, Shapiro GI, Rosenthal MH, Hornick JL, Nardi V, Li YY, Gupta H, Cherniack AD, Meyerson M, Cleary JM, Nowak JA, Wolpin BM, Aguirre AJ. Oncogenic Drivers and Therapeutic Vulnerabilities in KRAS Wild-Type Pancreatic Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4627-4643. [PMID: 37463056 PMCID: PMC10795103 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Approximately 8% to 10% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) do not harbor mutations in KRAS. Understanding the unique molecular and clinical features of this subset of pancreatic cancer is important to guide patient stratification for clinical trials of molecularly targeted agents. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We analyzed a single-institution cohort of 795 exocrine pancreatic cancer cases (including 785 PDAC cases) with a targeted multigene sequencing panel and identified 73 patients (9.2%) with KRAS wild-type (WT) pancreatic cancer. RESULTS Overall, 43.8% (32/73) of KRAS WT cases had evidence of an alternative driver of the MAPK pathway, including BRAF mutations and in-frame deletions and receptor tyrosine kinase fusions. Conversely, 56.2% of cases did not harbor a clear MAPK driver alteration, but 29.3% of these MAPK-negative KRAS WT cases (12/41) demonstrated activating alterations in other oncogenic drivers, such as GNAS, MYC, PIK3CA, and CTNNB1. We demonstrate potent efficacy of pan-RAF and MEK inhibition in patient-derived organoid models carrying BRAF in-frame deletions. Moreover, we demonstrate durable clinical benefit of targeted therapy in a patient harboring a KRAS WT tumor with a ROS1 fusion. Clinically, patients with KRAS WT tumors were significantly younger in age of onset (median age: 62.6 vs. 65.7 years; P = 0.037). SMAD4 mutations were associated with a particularly poor prognosis in KRAS WT cases. CONCLUSIONS This study defines the genomic underpinnings of KRAS WT pancreatic cancer and highlights potential therapeutic avenues for future investigation in molecularly directed clinical trials. See related commentary by Kato et al., p. 4527.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshabad Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Rachel B. Keller
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Kevin S. Kapner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Julien Dilly
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Biological and biomedical sciences program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Srivatsan Raghavan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Chen Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Elizabeth F. Cohen
- Department of Informatics and Analytics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Michael Tolstorukov
- Department of Informatics and Analytics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Elizabeth Andrews
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Lauren K. Brais
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Annacarolina Da Silva
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Kimberly Perez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Douglas A. Rubinson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Rishi Surana
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Marios Giannakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kimmie Ng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Thomas E. Clancy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Matthew B. Yurgelun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Benjamin Schletchter
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jeffrey W. Clark
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA
| | - Geoffrey I. Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Michael H. Rosenthal
- Department of Radiology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jason L. Hornick
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Valentina Nardi
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Yvonne Y. Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Hersh Gupta
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Andrew D. Cherniack
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Matthew Meyerson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - James M. Cleary
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jonathan A. Nowak
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Brian M. Wolpin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Andrew J. Aguirre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
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6
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Karamitopoulou E. Emerging Prognostic and Predictive Factors in Pancreatic Cancer. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100328. [PMID: 37714333 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100328] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease with increasing incidence and high recurrence rates and is currently resistant to conventional therapies. Moreover, it displays extensive morphologic and molecular intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity and a mostly low mutational burden, failing to induce significant antitumor immunity. Thus, immunotherapy has shown limited effect in pancreatic cancer, except in rare tumors with microsatellite instability, constituting <1% of the cases. Currently, new methods, including single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing, have refined and expanded the 2-group molecular classification based on bulk RNA sequencing (classical and basal-like subtypes), identifying hybrid forms and providing us with a comprehensive map of the tumor cell subsets that drive gene expression during tumor evolution, simultaneously giving us insight into therapy resistance and metastasis. Additionally, deeper profiling of the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer by using spatial analyses and multiplex imaging techniques has improved our understanding of the heterogeneous distribution of both adaptive and innate immune components with their protumor and antitumor properties. By integrating host immune response patterns, as defined by spatial transcriptomic and proteomic analysis and multiplex immunofluorescence, with molecular and morphologic features of the tumors, we can increasingly understand the genetic, immunologic, and morphologic background of pancreatic cancer and recognize the potential predictors for different treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Karamitopoulou
- Institute of Tissue Medicine and Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Pathology Institute Enge, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Zhao F, Yang D, Xu T, He J, Guo J, Li X. New treatment insights into pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma: case report and literature review. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1210064. [PMID: 37465113 PMCID: PMC10351044 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1210064] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (PACC) is a rare pancreatic malignancy with unique clinical, molecular, and morphologic features. The long-term survival of patients with PACC is substantially better than that of patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Surgical resection is considered the first choice for treatment; however, there is no standard treatment option for patients with inoperable disease. The patient with metastatic PACC reported herein survived for more than 5 years with various treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, antiangiogenic therapy and combined immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangrui Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dashuai Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tangpeng Xu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiahui He
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jin Guo
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiangpan Li
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Geerinckx B, Teuwen LA, Foo T, Vandamme T, Smith A, Peeters M, Price T. Novel therapeutic strategies in pancreatic cancer: moving beyond cytotoxic chemotherapy. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2023; 23:1237-1249. [PMID: 37842857 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2023.2270161] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prognosis of patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) remains disappointing with a 5-year overall survival of only 3-5%. Compared to other cancers, the evolution in standard therapeutic options has been stagnant and polychemotherapy regimens (with well-known toxicity profile and resistance pattern) remain standard of care. Only for patients (5%-7%) with a breast cancer gene (BRCA) pathogenic germline variant, prognosis has improved by the use of olaparib (poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor). AREAS COVERED This review covers emerging treatment strategies in the management of mPDAC. One of the main topics is the rigid and immunological cold tumor microenvironment (TME) of PDAC and the search for agents that impact this TME and/or engage the immune system. In addition, the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has elicited for some patients new targeted therapies directed at alterations in the RTK/RAS/MAPK pathway and the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage repair pathway. Other evolving treatment strategies are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION The search for new, often combination, treatment strategies for mPDAC should be encouraged and implemented in early treatment lines given the significant decline of performance status of patients in later lines. NGS analysis should be used where available, although cost-effectiveness could be debatable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Geerinckx
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, Australia
- Department of Oncology and Multidisciplinary Oncological Center of Antwerp (MOCA), Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Laure-Anne Teuwen
- Department of Oncology and Multidisciplinary Oncological Center of Antwerp (MOCA), Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Tiffany Foo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, Australia
| | - Timon Vandamme
- Department of Oncology and Multidisciplinary Oncological Center of Antwerp (MOCA), Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Annabel Smith
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, Australia
| | - Marc Peeters
- Department of Oncology and Multidisciplinary Oncological Center of Antwerp (MOCA), Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Timothy Price
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Miller-Phillips L, Collisson EA. RAS and Other Molecular Targets in Pancreatic Cancer: The Next Wave Is Coming. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023:10.1007/s11864-023-01096-x. [PMID: 37296367 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01096-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Since the discovery of oncogenes in the 1970s, cancer doctors and researchers alike have understood the promise of discovering drugs to block the dominantly acting function of mutated signaling proteins in cancer. This promise was delivered, first slowly, with early signals inhibiting HER2 and BCR-Abl in the 1990s and 2000s, and then quickly, with kinase inhibitors being approved hand over fist in non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, and many other malignancies. The RAS proteins, however, remained recalcitrant to chemical inhibition for decades, despite being, by far, the most frequently mutated oncogenes in cancers of all types. Nowhere was this deficit more palpable than in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), where > 90% of cases are driven by single nucleotide substitutions at a single codon of the KRAS gene. The ice began to crack in 2012 when Ostrem and colleagues (Nature 503(7477): 548-551, 2013) synthesized the first KRAS G12C inhibitors, which covalently bind to GDP-bound G12C-mutated KRAS and lock the oncoprotein in its inactive state. In the last decade, the scientific community has established a new foundation on this and other druggable pockets in mutant KRAS. Here we provide an up-to-date overview of drugs targeting KRAS and other molecular targets in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Miller-Phillips
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCSF, 1450 3Rd Street HD-375, San Francisco, CA, 94158-0128, USA
| | - Eric A Collisson
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCSF, 1450 3Rd Street HD-375, San Francisco, CA, 94158-0128, USA.
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10
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Zhen DB, Safyan RA, Konick EQ, Nguyen R, Prichard CC, Chiorean EG. The role of molecular testing in pancreatic cancer. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2023; 16:17562848231171456. [PMID: 37197396 PMCID: PMC10184226 DOI: 10.1177/17562848231171456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is highly aggressive and has few treatment options. To personalize therapy, it is critical to delineate molecular subtypes and understand inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Germline testing for hereditary genetic abnormalities is recommended for all patients with PDA and somatic molecular testing is recommended for all patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease. KRAS mutations are present in 90% of PDA, while 10% are KRAS wild type and are potentially targetable with epidermal growth factor receptor blockade. KRASG12C inhibitors have shown activity in G12C-mutated cancers, and novel G12D and pan-RAS inhibitors are in clinical trials. DNA damage repair abnormalities, germline or somatic, occur in 5-10% of patients and are likely to benefit from DNA damaging agents and maintenance therapy with poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors. Fewer than 1% of PDA harbor microsatellite instability high status and are susceptible to immune checkpoint blockade. Albeit very rare, occurring in <1% of patients with KRAS wild-type PDAs, BRAF V600E mutations, RET and NTRK fusions are targetable with cancer agnostic Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies. Genetic, epigenetic, and tumor microenvironment targets continue to be identified at an unprecedented pace, enabling PDA patients to be matched to targeted and immune therapeutics, including antibody-drug conjugates, and genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptor or T-cell receptor - T-cell therapies. In this review, we highlight clinically relevant molecular alterations and focus on targeted strategies that can improve patient outcomes through precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B. Zhen
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rachael A. Safyan
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eric Q. Konick
- University of Washington, School of Medicine Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ryan Nguyen
- University of Washington, School of Medicine Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - E. Gabriela Chiorean
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 825 Eastlake Avenue East, LG-465, Seattle, WA 98109, USA Fred Hutchinson
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Zhao S, Li J, Xia Q, Liu K, Dong Z. New perspectives for targeting therapy in ALK-positive human cancers. Oncogene 2023:10.1038/s41388-023-02712-8. [PMID: 37149665 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02712-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a member of the insulin receptor protein-tyrosine kinase superfamily and was first discovered in anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL). ALK alterations, including fusions, over-expression and mutations, are highly associated with cancer initiation and progression. This kinase plays an important role in different cancers, from very rare to the more prevalent non-small cell lung cancers. Several ALK inhibitors have been developed and received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. However, like other drugs used in targeted therapies, ALK inhibitors inevitably encounter cancer cell resistance. Therefore, monoclonal antibody screening based on extracellular domain or combination therapies may provide viable alternatives for treating ALK-positive tumors. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of wild-type ALK and fusion protein structures, the pathological functions of ALK, ALK target therapy, drug resistance and future therapeutic directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Zhao
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Jian Li
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Qingxin Xia
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
- Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
| | - Zigang Dong
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
- Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
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12
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Tateo V, Marchese PV, Mollica V, Massari F, Kurzrock R, Adashek JJ. Agnostic Approvals in Oncology: Getting the Right Drug to the Right Patient with the Right Genomics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040614. [PMID: 37111371 PMCID: PMC10144220 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The oncology field has drastically changed with the advent of precision medicine, led by the discovery of druggable genes or immune targets assessed through next-generation sequencing. Biomarker-based treatments are increasingly emerging, and currently, six tissue-agnostic therapies are FDA-approved. (2) Methods: We performed a review of the literature and reported the trials that led to the approval of tissue-agnostic treatments and ongoing clinical trials currently investigating novel biomarker-based approaches. (3) Results: We discussed the approval of agnostic treatments: pembrolizumab and dostarlimab for MMRd/MSI-H, pembrolizumab for TMB-H, larotrectinib and entrectinib for NTRK-fusions, dabrafenib plus trametinib for BRAF V600E mutation, and selpercatinib for RET fusions. In addition, we reported novel clinical trials of biomarker-based approaches, including ALK, HER2, FGFR, and NRG1. (4) Conclusions: Precision medicine is constantly evolving, and with the improvement of diagnostic tools that allow a wider genomic definition of the tumor, tissue-agnostic targeted therapies are a promising treatment strategy tailored to the specific tumor genomic profile, leading to improved survival outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Tateo
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Paola Valeria Marchese
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Mollica
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Massari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- MCW Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- WIN Consortium, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Oncology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Jacob J Adashek
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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13
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Fudalej M, Kwaśniewska D, Nurzyński P, Badowska-Kozakiewicz A, Mękal D, Czerw A, Sygit K, Deptała A. New Treatment Options in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082327. [PMID: 37190255 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the seventh leading cause of cancer death across the world. Poor prognosis of PC is associated with several factors, such as diagnosis at an advanced stage, early distant metastases, and remarkable resistance to most conventional treatment options. The pathogenesis of PC seems to be significantly more complicated than originally assumed, and findings in other solid tumours cannot be extrapolated to this malignancy. To develop effective treatment schemes prolonging patient survival, a multidirectional approach encompassing different aspects of the cancer is needed. Particular directions have been established; however, further studies bringing them all together and connecting the strengths of each therapy are needed. This review summarises the current literature and provides an overview of new or emerging therapeutic strategies for the more effective management of metastatic PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Fudalej
- Department of Oncology Propaedeutics, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Oncology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daria Kwaśniewska
- Department of Oncology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Nurzyński
- Department of Oncology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Dominika Mękal
- Department of Oncology Propaedeutics, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Czerw
- Department of Health Economics and Medical Law, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Economic and System Analyses, National Institute of Public Health NIH-National Research Institute, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sygit
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Calisia University, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
| | - Andrzej Deptała
- Department of Oncology Propaedeutics, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Oncology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
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14
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Halbrook CJ, Lyssiotis CA, Pasca di Magliano M, Maitra A. Pancreatic cancer: Advances and challenges. Cell 2023; 186:1729-1754. [PMID: 37059070 PMCID: PMC10182830 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 157.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the deadliest cancers. Significant efforts have largely defined major genetic factors driving PDAC pathogenesis and progression. Pancreatic tumors are characterized by a complex microenvironment that orchestrates metabolic alterations and supports a milieu of interactions among various cell types within this niche. In this review, we highlight the foundational studies that have driven our understanding of these processes. We further discuss the recent technological advances that continue to expand our understanding of PDAC complexity. We posit that the clinical translation of these research endeavors will enhance the currently dismal survival rate of this recalcitrant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Halbrook
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA.
| | - Costas A Lyssiotis
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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15
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Parejo-Alonso B, Royo-García A, Espiau-Romera P, Courtois S, Curiel-García Á, Zagorac S, Villaoslada I, Olive KP, Heeschen C, Sancho P. Pharmacological targeting of the receptor ALK inhibits tumorigenicity and overcomes chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114162. [PMID: 36571997 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114162] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely aggressive disease characterized by its metastatic potential and chemoresistance. These traits are partially attributable to the highly tumorigenic pancreatic cancer stem cells (PaCSCs). Interestingly, these cells show unique features in order to sustain their identity and functionality, some of them amenable for therapeutic intervention. Screening of phospho-receptor tyrosine kinases revealed that PaCSCs harbored increased activation of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). We subsequently demonstrated that oncogenic ALK signaling contributes to tumorigenicity in PDAC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) by promoting stemness through ligand-dependent activation. Indeed, the ALK ligands midkine (MDK) or pleiotrophin (PTN) increased self-renewal, clonogenicity and CSC frequency in several in vitro local and metastatic PDX models. Conversely, treatment with the clinically-approved ALK inhibitors Crizotinib and Ensartinib decreased PaCSC content and functionality in vitro and in vivo, by inducing cell death. Strikingly, ALK inhibitors sensitized chemoresistant PaCSCs to Gemcitabine, as the most used chemotherapeutic agent for PDAC treatment. Consequently, ALK inhibition delayed tumor relapse after chemotherapy in vivo by effectively decreasing the content of PaCSCs. In summary, our results demonstrate that targeting the MDK/PTN-ALK axis with clinically-approved inhibitors impairs in vivo tumorigenicity and chemoresistance in PDAC suggesting a new treatment approach to improve the long-term survival of PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Parejo-Alonso
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alba Royo-García
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pilar Espiau-Romera
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sarah Courtois
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Álvaro Curiel-García
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Liver Diseases and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sladjana Zagorac
- Center for Stem Cells in Cancer & Ageing (Barts Cancer Institute), London, UK
| | - Isabel Villaoslada
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain; Aragon Institute of Engineering Research, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Kenneth P Olive
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Liver Diseases and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher Heeschen
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China; Pancreatic Cancer Heterogeneity, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Torino), Italy
| | - Patricia Sancho
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain.
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16
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Isaka Y, Sasaki A, Saito A, Motomura Y, Ando Y, Nakamura Y. Exceptional response to alectinib for duodenal carcinoma with ALK fusion: A case report and literature review. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1064944. [PMID: 36713517 PMCID: PMC9878825 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1064944] [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: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with advanced duodenal carcinoma usually have a poor prognosis due to limited effective chemotherapy options. The study for genotype-directed therapy in patients with duodenal carcinoma is progressing. However, no clinical data assessing the efficacy of molecularly targeted therapy are presently available. We report the case of a 64-year-old woman who was diagnosed with anaplastic lymphocyte kinase (ALK) fusion-positive advanced duodenal carcinoma. Echinoderm microtubule associated protein like-4 (EML4)-ALK rearrangement was detected by comprehensive genomic profiling after resistance to first-line chemotherapy. The patient received alectinib, an ALK inhibitor, with marked shrinkage in primary tumor and liver metastases. She is currently being treated with alectinib for 6 months or more. This is the first report of the efficacy of alectinib in a patient with duodenal carcinoma harboring ALK fusion. Additionally, this case report suggests that the practical use of next-generation sequencing may expand optimal treatment choices in rare solid tumors, including duodenal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Isaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Bay Urayasu Ichikawa Medical Center, Urayasu, Japan
| | - Akinori Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Bay Urayasu Ichikawa Medical Center, Urayasu, Japan
| | - Akira Saito
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Bay Urayasu Ichikawa Medical Center, Urayasu, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Motomura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Bay Urayasu Ichikawa Medical Center, Urayasu, Japan
| | - Yayoi Ando
- Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital Chuou, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan,*Correspondence: Yoshiaki Nakamura,
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17
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Bailey P, Zhou X, An J, Peccerella T, Hu K, Springfeld C, Büchler M, Neoptolemos JP. Refining the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer From Big Data to Improved Individual Survival. FUNCTION 2023; 4:zqad011. [PMID: 37168490 PMCID: PMC10165547 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqad011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide, most notably in Europe and North America. Great strides have been made in combining the most effective conventional therapies to improve survival at least in the short and medium term. The start of treatment can only be made once a diagnosis is made, which at this point, the tumor volume is already very high in the primary cancer and systemically. If caught at the earliest opportunity (in circa 20% patients) surgical resection of the primary followed by combination chemotherapy can achieve 5-year overall survival rates of 30%-50%. A delay in detection of even a few months after symptom onset will result in the tumor having only borderline resectabilty (in 20%-30% of patients), in which case the best survival is achieved by using short-course chemotherapy before tumor resection as well as adjuvant chemotherapy. Once metastases become visible (in 40%-60% of patients), cure is not possible, palliative cytotoxics only being able to prolong life by few months. Even in apparently successful therapy in resected and borderline resectable patients, the recurrence rate is very high. Considerable efforts to understand the nature of pancreatic cancer through large-scale genomics, transcriptomics, and digital profiling, combined with functional preclinical models, using genetically engineered mouse models and patient derived organoids, have identified the critical role of the tumor microenvironment in determining the nature of chemo- and immuno-resistance. This functional understanding has powered fresh and exciting approaches for the treatment of this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bailey
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Xu Zhou
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Jingyu An
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Teresa Peccerella
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Kai Hu
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Christoph Springfeld
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Disease (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Büchler
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
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18
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Emerging Role of Targeted Therapy in Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246223. [PMID: 36551707 PMCID: PMC9776746 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aggressive biology of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), along with its limited sensitivity to many systemic therapies, presents a major challenge in the management of patients with metastatic PDAC. Over the past decade, the incorporation of combinatorial cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens has improved patient outcomes. Despite these advances, resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy inevitably occurs, and there is a great need for effective therapies. A major focus of research has been to identify molecularly defined subpopulations of patients with PDAC who may benefit from targeted therapies that are matched to their molecular profile. Recent successes include the demonstration of the efficacy of maintenance PARP inhibition in PDAC tumors harboring deleterious BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 alterations. In addition, while therapeutic targeting of KRAS was long thought to be infeasible, emerging data on the efficacy of KRAS G12C inhibitors have increased optimism about next-generation KRAS-directed therapies in PDAC. Meanwhile, KRAS wild-type PDAC encompasses a unique molecular subpopulation of PDAC that is enriched for targetable genetic alterations, such as oncogenic BRAF alterations, mismatch repair deficiency, and FGFR2, ALK, NTRK, ROS1, NRG1, and RET rearrangements. As more molecularly targeted therapies are developed, precision medicine has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of patients with metastatic PDAC.
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19
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Rudloff U. Emerging kinase inhibitors for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2022; 27:345-368. [PMID: 36250721 PMCID: PMC9793333 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2022.2134346] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest solid organ cancers. In the absence of specific warning symptoms pancreatic cancer is diagnosed notoriously late. Current systemic chemotherapy regimens extend survival by a mere few months. With the advances in genetic, proteomic, and immunological profiling there is strong rationale to test kinase inhibitors to improve outcome. AREAS COVERED This review article provides a comprehensive summary of approved treatments and past, present, and future developments of kinase inhibitors in pancreatic cancer. Emerging roles of protein kinase inhibitors are discussed in the context of the unique stroma, the lack of high-prevalence therapeutic targets and rapid emergence of acquired resistance, novel immuno-oncology kinase targets, and recent medicinal chemistry advances. EXPERT OPINION Due to the to-date frequent failure of protein kinase inhibitors indiscriminately administered to unselected pancreatic cancer patients, there is a shift toward the development of these agents in molecularly defined subgroups which are more likely to respond. The development of accurate biomarkers to select patients who are the best candidates based on a detailed understanding of mechanism of action, pro-survival roles, and mediation of resistance of targeted kinases will be critical for the future development of protein kinase inhibitors in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udo Rudloff
- Rare Tumor Initiative, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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20
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O'Kane GM, Lowery MA. Moving the Needle on Precision Medicine in Pancreatic Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:2693-2705. [PMID: 35839440 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.02514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has posed a considerable challenge for decades, with incidence and mortality rates almost mirroring each other. Despite this, a deeper understanding of the complex biology inherent to PDAC has provided a roadmap for a more precise approach to treatment. PDAC deficient in homologous recombination repair and mismatch repair is a subgroup that should be identified in the clinic for a targeted approach. In addition, KRAS wild-type PDAC, occurring in approximately 10% of patients, is enriched in highly actionable alterations including fusions, underscoring the importance of integrative germline and somatic sequencing. Comprehensive sequencing efforts over the past decade have documented genomic- and transcriptomic-based classifiers, with the latter emerging as two main subtypes: the classical and basal-like, which are now being evaluated in clinical trials. Together with promising, innovative strategies to target KRAS mutations and their pleotropic effects, a new era of precision medicine in PDAC is on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grainne M O'Kane
- Trinity St James Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Wallace McCain Centre for Pancreatic Cancer, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
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21
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Xu ZH, Wang WQ, Liu L, Lou WH. A special subtype: Revealing the potential intervention and great value of KRAS wildtype pancreatic cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188751. [PMID: 35732240 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188751] [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: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the predominant form of pancreatic cancer and has devastating consequences on affected families and society. Its dismal prognosis is attributed to poor specificity of symptoms during early stages. It is widely believed that PDAC patients with the wildtype (WT) KRAS gene benefit more from currently available treatments than those with KRAS mutations. The oncogenic genetic changes alternations generally found in KRAS wildtype PDAC are related to either the KRAS pathway or microsatellite instability/mismatch repair deficiency (MSI/dMMR), which enable the application of tailored treatments based on each patient's genetic characteristics. This review focuses on targeted therapies against alternative tumour mechanisms in KRAS WT PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hang Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Quan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wen-Hui Lou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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22
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Loh J, Ang YLE, Jain A, Yeong J, Sundar R. Targeting Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase in GI Primary Malignancies. JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 6:e2200208. [PMID: 35939772 PMCID: PMC9384951 DOI: 10.1200/po.22.00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jerold Loh
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
| | - Yvonne Li En Ang
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
| | - Amit Jain
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joe Yeong
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency of Science (SIgN), Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Raghav Sundar
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Gastric Cancer Consortium, Singapore
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23
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Akhoundova D, Haberecker M, Fritsch R, Höller S, Kiessling MK, Rechsteiner M, Rüschoff JH, Curioni-Fontecedro A. Targeting ALK in Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Lung. Front Oncol 2022; 12:911294. [PMID: 35756632 PMCID: PMC9214311 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.911294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements are known oncogenic drivers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Few case reports described the occurrence of such rearrangements in large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs) of the lung without information on clinical responses to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in these cases. Currently, neuroendocrine tumors of the lungs are not screened for ALK rearrangements. Methods To illustrate the clinical impact of molecular characterization in LCNECs, we report the disease course in three patients with ALK-rearranged metastatic LCNEC from our clinical routine, as well as their treatment response to ALK TKIs (index cases). To gain insight into the prevalence of ALK rearrangements in neuroendocrine tumors of the lung, we analyzed a retrospective cohort of 436 tumor biopsies including LCNEC (n = 61), small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (n = 206), typical (n = 91) and atypical (n = 69) carcinoids, and mixed histology (n = 9) for the presence of ALK rearrangements using a sequential diagnostic algorithm. ALK immunohistochemistry (IHC) was evaluable in 362 cases; fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was evaluable in 28 out of the 35 IHC-positive cases, followed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) that was available in 12 cases. Results Within the retrospective cohort, ALK IHC was positive in 35 out of 362 (9.7%) evaluable samples. FISH was positive in 3 out of the 28 (10.7%) evaluable cases: 2 with atypical carcinoids and 1 with LCNEC. Additionally, the 3 index cases showed positive ALK IHC, which was confirmed by NGS. Within the retrospective cohort, NGS confirmed the presence of an ALK genomic rearrangement in one FISH-positive atypical carcinoid where material was sufficient for sequencing. Two out of three patients with metastatic ALK-rearranged LCNEC received up-front treatment with the ALK TKI alectinib and showed rapid tumor response at all metastatic sites, including multiple brain metastases. Conclusions ALK rearrangements represent rare but targetable oncogenic driver alterations in LCNEC. Contrarily to NSCLC, the detection of ALK rearrangements in neuroendocrine tumors of the lung is challenging, since ALK IHC can lead to false-positive results and therefore needs confirmation by FISH or NGS. Up-front comprehensive molecular profiling with NGS should be performed in metastatic LCNEC in order not to miss actionable genomic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Akhoundova
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martina Haberecker
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ralph Fritsch
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sylvia Höller
- Institute of Pathology, Stadtspital Zurich Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael K Kiessling
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, See Spital Horgen, Horgen, Switzerland
| | - Markus Rechsteiner
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan H Rüschoff
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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24
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Philip PA, Azar I, Xiu J, Hall MJ, Hendifar AE, Lou E, Hwang JJ, Gong J, Feldman R, Ellis M, Stafford P, Spetzler D, Khushman MM, Sohal D, Lockhart AC, Weinberg BA, El-Deiry WS, Marshall J, Shields AF, Korn WM. Molecular Characterization of KRAS Wild-type Tumors in Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2704-2714. [PMID: 35302596 PMCID: PMC9541577 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE KRAS mutation (MT) is a major oncogenic driver in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A small subset of PDACs harbor KRAS wild-type (WT). We aim to characterize the molecular profiles of KRAS WT PDAC to uncover new pathogenic drivers and offer targeted treatments. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Tumor tissue obtained from surgical or biopsy material was subjected to next-generation DNA/RNA sequencing, microsatellite instability (MSI) and mismatch repair status determination. RESULTS Of the 2,483 patients (male 53.7%, median age 66 years) studied, 266 tumors (10.7%) were KRAS WT. The most frequently mutated gene in KRAS WT PDAC was TP53 (44.5%), followed by BRAF (13.0%). Multiple mutations within the DNA-damage repair (BRCA2, ATM, BAP1, RAD50, FANCE, PALB2), chromatin remodeling (ARID1A, PBRM1, ARID2, KMT2D, KMT2C, SMARCA4, SETD2), and cell-cycle control pathways (CDKN2A, CCND1, CCNE1) were detected frequently. There was no statistically significant difference in PD-L1 expression between KRAS WT (15.8%) and MT (17%) tumors. However, KRAS WT PDAC were more likely to be MSI-high (4.7% vs. 0.7%; P < 0.05), tumor mutational burden-high (4.5% vs. 1%; P < 0.05), and exhibit increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells, and myeloid dendritic cells. KRAS WT PDACs exhibited gene fusions of BRAF (6.6%), FGFR2 (5.2%), ALK (2.6%), RET (1.3%), and NRG1 (1.3%), as well as amplification of FGF3 (3%), ERBB2 (2.2%), FGFR3 (1.8%), NTRK (1.8%), and MET (1.3%). Real-world evidence reveals a survival advantage of KRAS WT patients in overall cohorts as well as in patients treated with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel or 5-FU/oxaliplatin. CONCLUSIONS KRAS WT PDAC represents 10.7% of PDAC and is enriched with targetable alterations, including immuno-oncologic markers. Identification of KRAS WT patients in clinical practice may expand therapeutic options in a clinically meaningful manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A Philip
- Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Center, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Ibrahim Azar
- Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Center, Detroit, Michigan
| | | | | | | | - Emil Lou
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | - Jun Gong
- Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | | | | | - Moh'd M Khushman
- Medical Oncology, The University of South Alabama, Mitchell Cancer Institute, Mobile, Alabama
| | | | - A Craig Lockhart
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | | | - Wafik S El-Deiry
- Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - John Marshall
- Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Anthony F Shields
- Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Center, Detroit, Michigan
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25
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Ambrosini M, Del Re M, Manca P, Hendifar A, Drilon A, Harada G, Ree AH, Klempner S, Mælandsmo GM, Flatmark K, Russnes HG, Cleary JM, Singh H, Sottotetti E, Martinetti A, Randon G, Sartore-Bianchi A, Capone I, Milione M, Di Bartolomeo M, Pietrantonio F. ALK Inhibitors in Patients With ALK Fusion-Positive GI Cancers: An International Data Set and a Molecular Case Series. JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 6:e2200015. [PMID: 35476549 PMCID: PMC9200393 DOI: 10.1200/po.22.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In GI cancers, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements are extremely less frequent than in non–small-cell lung cancer but may be important to offer personalized strategies of treatment in selected patients. Data about the activity and efficacy of ALK inhibitors (ALKi) in GI cancers are scarce. ALK inhibitors are active in patients with ALK fusion–positive GI cancers.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Ambrosini
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Del Re
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Manca
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrew Hendifar
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | | | - Anne Hansen Ree
- Department of Oncology, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Gunhild Mari Mælandsmo
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjersti Flatmark
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hege G Russnes
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway.,Division of Cancer Medicine, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - James M Cleary
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,Boston, MA
| | - Harshabad Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,Boston, MA
| | - Elisa Sottotetti
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonia Martinetti
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Randon
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Sartore-Bianchi
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy
| | - Iolanda Capone
- Pathology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Milione
- Pathology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Di Bartolomeo
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Pietrantonio
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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26
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Rahi H, Olave MC, Fritchie KJ, Greipp PT, Halling KC, Kipp BR, Graham RP. Gene Fusions in Gastrointestinal Tract cancers. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2022; 61:285-297. [PMID: 35239225 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion genes have been identified a wide array of human neoplasms including hematologic and solid tumors, including gastrointestinal tract neoplasia. A fusion gene is the product of parts of two genes which are joined together following a deletion, translocation or chromosomal inversion. Together with single nucleotide variants, insertions, deletions, and amplification, fusion genes represent one of the key genomic mechanisms for tumor development. Detecting fusions in the clinic is accomplished by a variety of techniques including break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Some recurrent gene fusions have been successfully targeted by small molecule or monoclonal antibody therapies (i.e. targeted therapies), while others are used for as biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. The purpose of this review article is to discuss the clinical utility of detection of gene fusions in carcinomas and neoplasms arising primarily in the digestive system. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Rahi
- Division of Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Maria C Olave
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Karen J Fritchie
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Patricia T Greipp
- Division of Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kevin C Halling
- Division of Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Benjamin R Kipp
- Division of Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Rondell P Graham
- Division of Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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27
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Hosein AN, Dougan SK, Aguirre AJ, Maitra A. Translational advances in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma therapy. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:272-286. [PMID: 35352061 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00349-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer that is most frequently detected at advanced stages, limiting treatment options to systemic chemotherapy with modest clinical responses. Here, we review recent advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy for treating subtypes of PDAC with diverse molecular alterations. We focus on the current preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the potential of these approaches and the promise of combinatorial regimens to improve the lives of patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel Nasser Hosein
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Sheikh Ahmed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Advocate Aurora Health, Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic, Sheboygan, WI, USA.
| | - Stephanie K Dougan
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Andrew J Aguirre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Sheikh Ahmed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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28
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Lee JK, Hazar-Rethinam M, Decker B, Gjoerup O, Madison RW, Lieber DS, Chung JH, Schrock AB, Creeden J, Venstrom J, Alexander B, Oxnard GR. The Pan-Tumor Landscape of Targetable Kinase Fusions in Circulating Tumor DNA. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:728-737. [PMID: 34753780 PMCID: PMC9377769 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-2136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Oncogenic kinase fusions are targetable with approved and investigational therapies and can also mediate acquired resistance (AR) to targeted therapy. We aimed to understand the clinical validity of liquid biopsy comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) to detect kinase fusions pan tumor. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN CGP was performed on plasma and tissue samples during clinical care. All exons plus selected introns of 16 kinases involved in oncogenic fusions (ALK, BRAF, EGFR, ERBB2, FGFR1/2/3, MET, NTRK1/2/3, PDGFRA/B, RAF1, RET, and ROS1) were sequenced to capture fusions, including well-characterized and novel breakpoints. Plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) fraction was estimated to inform sensitivity. RESULTS Of 36,916 plasma cases, 32,492 (88%) had detectable ctDNA. Kinase fusions were detected in 1.8% of ctDNA-positive cases (571/32,492) and were most prevalent in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (4.2%), bladder cancer (3.6%), and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC; 3.1%). Of the 63 paired patient samples that had tissue and ctDNA specimens collected within 1 year and with estimated plasma ctDNA fraction >1%, fusions were detected in 47 of 51 (92%) liquid specimens with a fusion in the tissue sample. In 32 patients with fusions detected in liquid but not in tissue, 21 (66%) had evidence of putative acquired resistance. CONCLUSIONS Targetable kinase fusions are identified in ctDNA across cancer types. In pairs with tissue-identified fusions, fusion detection in ctDNA is reliable with elevated ctDNA fraction. These data support the validity of CGP to enable ctDNA-based fusion detection for informing clinical care in patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Geoffrey R. Oxnard
- Corresponding Author: Geoffrey R. Oxnard, Clinical Development, Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA 02141. Phone: 617-418-2200; E-mail:
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29
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Roles of fusion genes in digestive system cancers: dawn for cancer precision therapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 171:103622. [PMID: 35124200 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
For advanced and advanced tumors of the digestive system, personalized, precise treatment could be a lifesaving medicine. With the development of next-generation sequencing technology, detection of fusion genes in solid tumors has become more extensive. Some fusion gene targeting therapies have been written into the guidelines for digestive tract tumors, such as for neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2. There are also many fusion genes being investigated as potential future therapeutic targets. This review focuses on the current detection methods for fusion genes, fusion genes written into the digestive system tumor guidelines, and potential fusion gene therapy targets in different organs to discuss the possibility of clinical treatments for these targets in digestive system tumors.
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30
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Diverse and precision therapies open new horizons for patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2022; 21:10-24. [PMID: 34538570 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2021.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a common cause of cancer-related death, and most patients are with advanced disease when diagnosed. At present, despite a variety of treatments have been developed for PDAC, few effective treatment options are available; on the other hand, PDAC shows significant resistance to chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy due to its heterogeneous genetic profile, molecular signaling pathways, and complex tumor immune microenvironment. Nevertheless, over the past decades, there have been many new advances in the key theory and understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms and complexity of molecular biology and molecular immunology in pancreatic cancer, based on which more and more diverse new means and reasonable combination strategies for PDAC treatment have been developed and preliminary breakthroughs have been made. With the continuous exploration, from surgical local treatment to comprehensive medical management, the research-diagnosis-management system of pancreatic cancer is improving. This review focused on the variety of treatments for advanced PDAC, including traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, microenvironment matrix regulation as well as the treatment targeting epigenetics, metabolism and cancer stem cells. We pointed out the current research bottlenecks and future exploration directions.
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31
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Gaule M, Pesoni C, Quinzii A, Zecchetto C, Casalino S, Merz V, Contarelli S, Pietrobono S, Vissio E, Molinaro L, Manzin E, Volpatto R, Vellani G, Melisi D. Exceptional Clinical Response to Alectinib in Pancreatic Acinar Cell Carcinoma With a Novel ALK-KANK4 Gene Fusion. JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 6:e2100400. [PMID: 35005993 PMCID: PMC8769132 DOI: 10.1200/po.21.00400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Gaule
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics Clinical Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy.,Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Camilla Pesoni
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics Clinical Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy.,Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alberto Quinzii
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics Clinical Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy.,Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Camilla Zecchetto
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics Clinical Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy.,Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simona Casalino
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics Clinical Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy.,Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Valeria Merz
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy
| | - Serena Contarelli
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Pietrobono
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Vissio
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Molinaro
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Davide Melisi
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics Clinical Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy.,Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
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32
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The Impact of Biomarkers in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma on Diagnosis, Surveillance and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14010217. [PMID: 35008381 PMCID: PMC8750069 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Due to the frequently late diagnosis, early metastasis and high therapy resistance curation is rare and prognosis remains poor overall. To provide early diagnostic and therapeutic predictors, various molecules from blood, tissue and other origin e.g., saliva, urine and stool, have been identified as biomarkers. This review summarizes current trends in biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still difficult to treat due to insufficient methods for early diagnosis and prediction of therapy response. Furthermore, surveillance after curatively intended surgery lacks adequate methods for timely detection of recurrence. Therefore, several molecules have been analyzed as predictors of recurrence or early detection of PDAC. Enhanced understanding of molecular tumorigenesis and treatment response triggered the identification of novel biomarkers as predictors for response to conventional chemotherapy or targeted therapy. In conclusion, progress has been made especially in the prediction of therapy response with biomarkers. The use of molecules for early detection and recurrence of PDAC is still at an early stage, but there are promising approaches in noninvasive biomarkers, composite panels and scores that can already ameliorate the current clinical practice. The present review summarizes the current state of research on biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy of pancreatic cancer.
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33
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Kang BW, Chau I. Emerging agents for metastatic pancreatic cancer: spotlight on early phase clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:1089-1107. [PMID: 34727804 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1995354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the recent development of new chemotherapeutic regimens and combination strategies, metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC) still shows only a modest response to conventional cytotoxic agents. However, several novel therapeutic agents targeting the unique features of mPC are showing promise in clinical trials. AREA COVERED This article reviews the current state of development of new agents targeting various systems and molecular pathways. We searched PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov in September 2021 with a special focus on ongoing early phase clinical trials to identify the promising therapeutic strategies for mPC. EXPERT OPINION Extensive tumor heterogeneity, complex tumor microenvironment, genetic alterations of the oncogenic signaling pathways, metabolic dysregulation, and a low immunogenicity are hurdles for current treatment approaches. Ongoing research efforts strive to overcome these hurdles and are showing some promising early results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung Woog Kang
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ian Chau
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, Surrey, UK
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34
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Meng F, Lu L, Tan Y, Duan Q, Lu H. Case Report: A Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Patient With Concurrent Targetable Somatic Novel KANK1-ALK, UPP2-NTRK3 Fusion, and Pathogenetic Germline BRCA Mutation. Front Oncol 2021; 11:757965. [PMID: 34671564 PMCID: PMC8521337 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.757965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is presently one of the cancers with the worst survival rates. The current treatment options for PDAC are relatively scarce due to insufficient understanding of molecular characteristics and subtypes of PDAC. Based on next-generation sequencing (NGS), we firstly presented a case about a KRAS wild-type pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patient harboring a concurrent targetable rare somatic novel KANK1-ALK, UPP2-NTRK3 fusion, and pathogenetic germline BRCA mutation. These two novel fusion statuses were assayed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Our findings demonstrated that comprehensive and systematic screening of PDAC for actionable genomic alteration may substantially improve the therapeutic prospects for a sizeable fraction of patients with PDAC. To improve the management of PDAC in an era of precision medicine, it is important to identify ALK or NTRK fusion-positive and pathogenic germline mutation subsets of patients who can benefit from targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Meng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Le Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan Tan
- The Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China.,Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China.,The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Qianqian Duan
- The Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China.,Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China.,The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Hongwei Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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35
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Ou K, Liu X, Li W, Yang Y, Ying J, Yang L. ALK Rearrangement-Positive Pancreatic Cancer with Brain Metastasis Has Remarkable Response to ALK Inhibitors: A Case Report. Front Oncol 2021; 11:724815. [PMID: 34568053 PMCID: PMC8456297 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.724815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer typically have poor prognosis due to the limited effectiveness of existing treatment options. ALK rearrangement–positive is rare in pancreatic cancer, but may occur in those with KRAS-wild type. We present a 34-year-old young man with ALK rearrangement–positive and KRAS-wild pancreatic cancer who had a remarkable response to crizotinib after resistance to prior chemotherapy and re-response to alectinib after brain metastases developed. This clinical observation suggests that comprehensive molecular profiling to guide targeted therapies is not only feasible, but also significantly improves survival outcomes for a subgroup of patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Ou
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Weihua Li
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianming Ying
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Screening and Research and Development (R&D) of Digestive System Tumor Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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36
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O'Kane GM, Ladak F, Gallinger S. Avancées dans la prise en charge de l’adénocarcinome canalaire pancréatique. CMAJ 2021; 193:E1362-E1370. [PMID: 34462299 PMCID: PMC8432315 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.201450-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Grainne M O'Kane
- Centre d'oncologie Princess Margaret (O'Kane, Gallinger), Réseau universitaire de santé de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Université de l'Alberta (Ladak), Edmonton, Alb. Grainne.O'
| | - Farah Ladak
- Centre d'oncologie Princess Margaret (O'Kane, Gallinger), Réseau universitaire de santé de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Université de l'Alberta (Ladak), Edmonton, Alb
| | - Steven Gallinger
- Centre d'oncologie Princess Margaret (O'Kane, Gallinger), Réseau universitaire de santé de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Université de l'Alberta (Ladak), Edmonton, Alb
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37
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Umemoto K, Sunakawa Y. The potential targeted drugs for fusion genes including NRG1 in pancreatic cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 166:103465. [PMID: 34454058 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains an incurable disease with few treatment options Recently, promising targets have been identified and novel therapeutic drugs are currently under development in KRAS wild-type PC. It has been reported that KRAS wild-type PC has the genomic alterations such as oncogenic derivers and kinase fusions. NRG1 fusion, which encodes the neuregulin 1 and is the main ligands for ERRB3, has been identified in approximately half of younger patients with PC with KRAS wild-type tumors by RNA sequencing. There are several promising targeted therapies for NRG1 fusion-positive tumors, such as EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, HER3, HER2 antibodies. BRAF, NTRK, and ALK fusion are also potentially actionable alterations in KRAS wild-type PC and novel therapies targeting certain aberrations have shown activity in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumiko Umemoto
- Department of Clinical Oncology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yu Sunakawa
- Department of Clinical Oncology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Japan.
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38
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Shampain KL, Hackett CE, Towfighi S, Aslam A, Masch WR, Harris AC, Chang SD, Khanna K, Mendiratta V, Gabr AM, Owen D, Mendiratta-Lala M. SBRT for HCC: Overview of technique and treatment response assessment. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2021; 46:3615-3624. [PMID: 33963419 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-021-03107-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an emerging locoregional treatment (LRT) modality used in the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The decision to treat HCC with LRT is evaluated in a multidisciplinary setting, and the specific LRT chosen depends on the treatment intent, such as bridge-to-transplant, down-staging to transplant, definitive/curative treatment, and/or palliation, as well as underlying patient clinical factors. Accurate assessment of treatment response is necessary in order to guide clinical management in these patients. Patients who undergo LRT need continuous imaging evaluation to assess treatment response and to evaluate for recurrence. Thus, an accurate understanding of expected post-SBRT imaging findings is critical to avoid misinterpreting normal post-treatment changes as local progression or viable tumor. SBRT-treated HCC demonstrates unique imaging findings that differ from HCC treated with other forms of LRT. In particular, SBRT-treated HCC can demonstrate persistent APHE and washout on short-term follow-up imaging. This brief review summarizes current evidence for the use of SBRT for HCC, including patient population, SBRT technique and procedure, tumor response assessment on contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging with expected findings, and pitfalls in treatment response evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sohrab Towfighi
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anum Aslam
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - William R Masch
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alison C Harris
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Silvia D Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kanika Khanna
- Department of Hepatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Ahmed M Gabr
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Dawn Owen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
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39
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Lellouche L, Palmieri LJ, Dermine S, Brezault C, Chaussade S, Coriat R. Systemic therapy in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma: current practice and perspectives. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2021; 13:17588359211018539. [PMID: 34285720 PMCID: PMC8264726 DOI: 10.1177/17588359211018539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Major breakthroughs have been achieved in the management of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with FOLFIRINOX (5-fluorouracil + irinotecan + oxaliplatin) and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel approved as a first-line therapy, although the prognosis is still poor. At progression, patients who maintain a good performance status (PS) can benefit from second-line chemotherapy. To address the concern of achieving tumor control while maintaining a good quality of life, maintenance therapy is a concept that has now emerged. After a FOLFIRINOX induction treatment, maintenance with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) seems to offer a promising approach. Although not confirmed in large, prospective trials, gemcitabine alone as a maintenance therapy following induction treatment with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel could be an option, while a small subset of patients with a germline mutation of breast cancer gene (BRCA) can benefit from the polyadenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib. The rate of PDAC with molecular alterations that could lead to a specific therapy is up to 25%. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved larotrectinib for patients with any tumors harboring a neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusion, and pembrolizumab for patients with a mismatch repair deficiency in a second-line setting, including PDAC. Research focused on targeted therapy and immunotherapy is active and could improve patients' outcomes in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Lellouche
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, Cochin Hospital, APHP. Centre, Paris, France
- Faculté de Médecine Paris Centre, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Lola-Jade Palmieri
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, Cochin Hospital, APHP. Centre, 27 rue du faubourg St Jacques, Paris, 75014, France
- Faculté de Médecine Paris Centre, Université de Paris, Paris, 75006, France
| | - Solène Dermine
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, Cochin Hospital, APHP. Centre, Paris, France
- Faculté de Médecine Paris Centre, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Brezault
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Stanislas Chaussade
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, Cochin Hospital, APHP. Centre, Paris, France
- Faculté de Médecine Paris Centre, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Romain Coriat
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, Cochin Hospital, APHP. Centre, Paris, France
- Faculté de Médecine Paris Centre, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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40
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Wang S, Zheng Y, Yang F, Zhu L, Zhu XQ, Wang ZF, Wu XL, Zhou CH, Yan JY, Hu BY, Kong B, Fu DL, Bruns C, Zhao Y, Qin LX, Dong QZ. The molecular biology of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: translational challenges and clinical perspectives. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:249. [PMID: 34219130 PMCID: PMC8255319 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00659-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an increasingly common cause of cancer mortality with a tight correspondence between disease mortality and incidence. Furthermore, it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage with a very dismal prognosis. Due to the high heterogeneity, metabolic reprogramming, and dense stromal environment associated with pancreatic cancer, patients benefit little from current conventional therapy. Recent insight into the biology and genetics of pancreatic cancer has supported its molecular classification, thus expanding clinical therapeutic options. In this review, we summarize how the biological features of pancreatic cancer and its metabolic reprogramming as well as the tumor microenvironment regulate its development and progression. We further discuss potential biomarkers for pancreatic cancer diagnosis, prediction, and surveillance based on novel liquid biopsies. We also outline recent advances in defining pancreatic cancer subtypes and subtype-specific therapeutic responses and current preclinical therapeutic models. Finally, we discuss prospects and challenges in the clinical development of pancreatic cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Institute, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Le Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Zhu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhe-Fang Wang
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Xiao-Lin Wu
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cheng-Hui Zhou
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jia-Yan Yan
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei-Yuan Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Kong
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - De-Liang Fu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Institute, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Christiane Bruns
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yue Zhao
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Lun-Xiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qiong-Zhu Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Key laboratory of whole-period monitoring and precise intervention of digestive cancer, Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (SMHC), Shanghai, China.
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41
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Trunk A, Miotke L, Nevala-Plagemann C, Verdaguer H, Macarulla T, Garrido-Laguna I. Emerging Treatment Strategies in Pancreatic Cancer. Pancreas 2021; 50:773-787. [PMID: 34398070 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000001845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the main causes of cancer death in well-developed countries. Therapeutic advances in PDAC to date have been modest. Recent progress to understand the molecular landscape of the disease has opened new treatment opportunities for a small subset of patients, frequently those with KRAS wild-type disease. Novel treatment strategies in PDAC include, among others, the use of nanotechnology and metabolic reprogramming. In addition, new strategies are being investigated, which are designed to overcome the resistance to checkpoint inhibitors, targeting DNA repair pathways including mismatch repair, increasing antigen presentation through the use of vaccines, targeting various signaling pathways, and reprogramming the tumor microenvironment. Here, we review the landscape of PDAC treatment strategies and some of these new agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Trunk
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah
| | - Laura Miotke
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah
| | | | - Helena Verdaguer
- Division of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebrón University Hospital, Vall d'Hebrón Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Macarulla
- Division of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebrón University Hospital, Vall d'Hebrón Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Garrido-Laguna
- Division of Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
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42
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Affiliation(s)
- Grainne M O'Kane
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (O'Kane, Gallinger), University Health Network, Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; University of Alberta (Ladak), Edmonton, Alta. Grainne.O'
| | - Farah Ladak
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (O'Kane, Gallinger), University Health Network, Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; University of Alberta (Ladak), Edmonton, Alta
| | - Steven Gallinger
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (O'Kane, Gallinger), University Health Network, Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; University of Alberta (Ladak), Edmonton, Alta
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43
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Lee MS, Pant S. Personalizing Medicine With Germline and Somatic Sequencing in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Current Treatments and Novel Opportunities. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2021; 41:1-13. [PMID: 33929876 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_321255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Performing germline and somatic sequencing in locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer can identify potentially targetable genomic aberrations that impact current standard treatment options or eligibility for biomarker-targeted clinical trials. Testing for deleterious germline mutations in BRCA1/2 impacts patient selection for platinum-based chemotherapy regimens and selection of patients who are candidates to receive maintenance therapy with olaparib. Additional germline mutations also similarly introduce potential vulnerabilities to the cancers that arise and may be targeted by clinical trials. Somatic mutation testing also provides opportunities for optimal selection of patients for biomarker-driven clinical trials. Although KRAS mutations are found in 90% to 93% of pancreatic cancers, there are increasing opportunities for therapies against particular mutant KRAS isoforms, especially with the advent of KRAS G12C-specific small molecule inhibitors, and KRAS targeting trials will increasingly require identification of the specific KRAS mutation present. There are also a range of tumor site-agnostic molecular features, such as microsatellite instability and NTRK fusions that, although rarely found in pancreatic cancers, impact selection of patients who have the potential for dramatic benefit with immune checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab or TRK inhibitors such as larotrectinib or entrectinib, respectively, and thus motivate broader somatic mutation and fusion testing for patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancers. Multiple other rare actionable aberrations, particularly gene fusions in the 8% to 10% of KRAS wild-type pancreatic cancers, are also known, and enrollment in basket trials for these rare patient cohorts is highly encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Lee
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Shubham Pant
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.,Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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44
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Smithy JW, O'Reilly EM. Pancreas cancer: Therapeutic trials in metastatic disease. J Surg Oncol 2021; 123:1475-1488. [PMID: 33831245 PMCID: PMC8606164 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality in 2021. Cytotoxic therapies are the therapeutic mainstay for PDAC. The recent approval of olaparib as maintenance therapy for germline BRCA1/2-mutated PDAC and pembrolizumab for mismatch repair deficient PDAC represent molecularly targeted approaches for this disease. Investigational therapeutic strategies include targeting the stroma, metabolism, tumor microenvironment, and the immune system, and selected approaches are reviewed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Smithy
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Eileen M O'Reilly
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
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45
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Role of targeted immunotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treatment: An overview. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 95:107508. [PMID: 33725635 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest solid tumors with a high mortality rate and poor survival rate. Depending on the tumor stage, PDAC is either treated by resection surgery, chemotherapies, or radiotherapies. Various chemotherapeutic agents have been used to treat PDAC, alone or in combination. Despite the combinations, chemotherapy exhibits many side-effects leading to an increase in the toxicity profile amongst the PDAC patients. Additionally, these standard chemotherapeutic agents have only a modest impact on patient survival due to their limited efficacy. PDAC was previously considered as an immunologically silent malignancy, but recent findings have demonstrated that effective immune-mediated tumor cell death can be used for its treatment. PDAC is characterized by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment accompanied by the major expression of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and M2 tumor-associated macrophages. In contrast, the expression of CD8+ T cells is significantly low. Additionally, infiltration of mast cells in PDAC correlates with the poor prognosis. Immunotherapeutic agents target the immunity mediators and empower them to suppress the tumor and effectively treat PDAC. Different targets are studied and exploited to induce an antitumor immune response in PDAC patients. In recent times, site-specific delivery of immunotherapeutics also gained attention among researchers to effectively treat PDAC. In the present review, existing immunotherapies for PDAC treatment along with their limitations are addressed in detail. The review also includes the pathophysiology, traditional strategies and significance of targeted immunotherapies to combat PDAC effectively. Separately, the identification of ideal targets for the targeted therapy of PDAC is also reviewed exhaustively. Additionally, the review also addresses the applications of targeted immunotherapeutics like checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T-cell therapy etc.
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46
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Kato S. Tumour-Agnostic Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer and Biliary Tract Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:252. [PMID: 33562094 PMCID: PMC7914923 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of patients with solid tumours has remarkably improved with the development of molecular-targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, the improvements in the prognosis of pancreatic cancer and biliary tract cancer is delayed compared to other carcinomas, and the 5-year survival rates of distal-stage disease are approximately 10 and 20%, respectively. However, a comprehensive analysis of tumour cells using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project has led to the identification of various driver mutations. Evidently, few mutations exist across organs, and basket trials targeting driver mutations regardless of the primary organ are being actively conducted. Such basket trials not only focus on the gate keeper-type oncogene mutations, such as HER2 and BRAF, but also focus on the caretaker-type tumour suppressor genes, such as BRCA1/2, mismatch repair-related genes, which cause hereditary cancer syndrome. As oncogene panel testing is a vital approach in routine practice, clinicians should devise a strategy for improved understanding of the cancer genome. Here, the gene mutation profiles of pancreatic cancer and biliary tract cancer have been outlined and the current status of tumour-agnostic therapy in these cancers has been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Kato
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
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47
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Zheng-Lin B, O'Reilly EM. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the era of precision medicine. Semin Oncol 2021; 48:19-33. [PMID: 33637355 PMCID: PMC8355264 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The paradigm for treatment of PDAC is shifting from a "one size fits all" of cytotoxic therapy to a precision medicine approach based on specific predictive biomarkers for a subset of patients. As the genomic landscape of pancreatic carcinogenesis has become increasingly defined, several oncogenic alterations have emerged as actionable targets and their use has been validated in novel approaches such as targeting mutated germline DNA damage response genes (BRCA) and mismatch deficiency (dMMR/MSI-H) or blockade of rare somatic oncogenic fusions. Chemotherapy selection based on transcriptomic subtypes and developing stroma- and immune-modulating strategies have yielded encouraging results and may open therapeutic refinement to a broader PDAC population. Notwithstanding, a series of negative late-stage trials over the last year continue to underscore the inherent challenges in the treatment of PDAC. Multifactorial therapy resistance warrants further exploration in PDAC "omics" and tumor-stroma-immune cells crosstalk. Herein, we discuss precision medicine approaches applied to the treatment of PDAC, its current state and future perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Zheng-Lin
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eileen M O'Reilly
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Cornell Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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48
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Ding D, Javed AA, Cunningham D, Teinor J, Wright M, Javed ZN, Wilt C, Parish L, Hodgin M, Ryan A, Judkins C, McIntyre K, Klein R, Azad N, Lee V, Donehower R, De Jesus-Acosta A, Murphy A, Le DT, Shin EJ, Lennon AM, Khashab M, Singh V, Klein AP, Roberts NJ, Hacker-Prietz A, Manos L, Walsh C, Groshek L, Brown C, Yuan C, Blair AB, Groot V, Gemenetzis G, Yu J, Weiss MJ, Burkhart RA, Burns WR, He J, Cameron JL, Narang A, Zaheer A, Fishman EK, Thompson ED, Anders R, Hruban RH, Jaffee E, Wolfgang CL, Zheng L, Laheru DA. Challenges of the current precision medicine approach for pancreatic cancer: A single institution experience between 2013 and 2017. Cancer Lett 2021; 497:221-228. [PMID: 33127389 PMCID: PMC8375587 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent research on genomic profiling of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has identified many potentially actionable alterations. However, the feasibility of using genomic profiling to guide routine clinical decision making for PDAC patients remains unclear. We retrospectively reviewed PDAC patients between October 2013 and December 2017, who underwent treatment at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and had clinical tumor next-generation sequencing (NGS) through commercial resources. Ninety-two patients with 93 tumors tested were included. Forty-eight (52%) patients had potentially curative surgeries. The median time from the tissue available to the NGS testing ordered was 229 days (interquartile range 62-415). A total of three (3%) patients had matched targeted therapies based on genomic profiling results. Genomic profiling guided personalized treatment for PDAC patients is feasible, but the percentage of patients who receive targeted therapy is low. The main challenges are ordering NGS testing early in the clinical course of the disease and the limited evidence of using a targeted approach in these patients. A real-time department level genomic testing ordering system in combination with an evidence-based flagging system for potentially actionable alterations could help address these shortcomings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Ding
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ammar A Javed
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Dea Cunningham
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan Teinor
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Michael Wright
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Zunaira N Javed
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Cara Wilt
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Lindsay Parish
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary Hodgin
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amy Ryan
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Carol Judkins
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Keith McIntyre
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Rachel Klein
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Nilo Azad
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Valerie Lee
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ross Donehower
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ana De Jesus-Acosta
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Adrian Murphy
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Dung T Le
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Eun Ji Shin
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Gastroenterology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Anne Marie Lennon
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Department of Gastroenterology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Mouen Khashab
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Gastroenterology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Vikesh Singh
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Gastroenterology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Alison P Klein
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Nicholas J Roberts
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Amy Hacker-Prietz
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Lindsey Manos
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Christi Walsh
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Lara Groshek
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Caitlin Brown
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Chunhui Yuan
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Alex B Blair
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Vincent Groot
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Georgios Gemenetzis
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Jun Yu
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Matthew J Weiss
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Richard A Burkhart
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - William R Burns
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Jin He
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - John L Cameron
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Amol Narang
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Atif Zaheer
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Elliot K Fishman
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Thompson
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Robert Anders
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ralph H Hruban
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Elizabeth Jaffee
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Christopher L Wolfgang
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Surgery the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Lei Zheng
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Daniel A Laheru
- The Pancreatic Cancer "Precision Medicine" Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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49
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Fusco MJ, Saeed-Vafa D, Carballido EM, Boyle TA, Malafa M, Blue KL, Teer JK, Walko CM, McLeod HL, Hicks JK, Extermann M, Fleming JB, Knepper TC, Kim DW. Identification of Targetable Gene Fusions and Structural Rearrangements to Foster Precision Medicine in KRAS Wild-Type Pancreatic Cancer. JCO Precis Oncol 2021; 5:PO.20.00265. [PMID: 34250383 PMCID: PMC8232071 DOI: 10.1200/po.20.00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It has recently been described that alternative oncogenic drivers may be found in KRAS wild-type (KRAS WT) pancreatic cancers. This study aimed to determine the incidence of targetable gene fusions present in KRAS WT pancreatic adenocarcinoma and response to targeted therapy. METHODS One hundred consecutive patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent targeted next-generation sequencing using DNA sequencing with RNA sequencing (n = 47) or without RNA sequencing (n = 53) at a single institution were included in the study. The frequency and landscape of targetable fusions in KRAS WT pancreatic adenocarcinoma was characterized and compared with the frequency of fusions in KRAS-mutated (KRAS MUT) pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Results were validated in two independent cohorts using data from AACR GENIE (n = 1,252) and TCGA (n = 150). The clinical history of fusion-positive patients who received targeted treatment is described. RESULTS Pancreatic cancers from 13 of 100 patients (13%) were found to be KRAS WT. Targetable fusions were identified in 4/13 (31%) KRAS WT tumors compared with 0/87 (0%) KRAS MUT pancreatic adenocarcinomas (P = .0002). One patient with a novel MET fusion had a complete response to targeted therapy with crizotinib that is ongoing at 12+ months of treatment. In the validation cohorts, gene fusions were identified in 18/97 (19%) and 2/10 (20%) KRAS WT tumors reported in the AACR GENIE and TCGA cohorts, respectively. CONCLUSION Oncogene fusions are present in KRAS WT pancreatic adenocarcinomas at an increased frequency when compared with KRAS MUT pancreatic adenocarcinomas. As these fusions may be susceptible to targeted therapy, molecular analyses for the detection of fusions in KRAS WT pancreatic adenocarcinomas may warrant increased consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Fusco
- Department of Individualized Cancer Management Section of Precision Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | | | | | - Theresa A. Boyle
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Mokenge Malafa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Kirsten L. Blue
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Jamie K. Teer
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Christine M. Walko
- Department of Individualized Cancer Management Section of Precision Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Howard L. McLeod
- Geriatric Oncology Consortium, Tampa, FL
- USF Taneja College of Pharmacy, Tampa, FL
| | - J. Kevin Hicks
- Department of Individualized Cancer Management Section of Precision Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Martine Extermann
- Department of Senior Adult Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Jason B. Fleming
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Todd C. Knepper
- Department of Individualized Cancer Management Section of Precision Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Dae Won Kim
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
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50
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Abrams SL, Akula SM, Martelli AM, Cocco L, Ratti S, Libra M, Candido S, Montalto G, Cervello M, Gizak A, Rakus D, Steelman LS, McCubrey JA. Sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, signal transduction inhibitors and nutraceuticals can be regulated by WT-TP53. Adv Biol Regul 2021; 79:100780. [PMID: 33451973 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2020.100780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly metastatic malignancy. Approximately 85% of pancreatic cancers are classified as PDACs. The survival of PDAC patients is very poor and only 5-10% of patients survive 5 years after diagnosis. Mutations at the KRAS and TP53 gene are frequently observed in PDAC patients. The PANC-28 cell line lacks wild-type (WT) TP53. In the following study, we have investigated the effects of restoration of WT TP53 activity on the sensitivity of PANC-28 pancreatic cancer cells to various drugs which are used to treat PDAC patients as well as other cancer patients. In addition, we have examined the effects of signal transduction inhibitors which target critical pathways frequently deregulated in cancer. The effects of the anti-diabetes drug metformin and the anti-malarial drug chloroquine were also examined as these drugs may be repurposed to treat other diseases. Finally, the effects of certain nutraceuticals which are used to treat various ailments were also examined. Introduction of WT-TP53 activity in PANC-28 PDAC cells, can increase their sensitivity to various drugs. Attempts are being made clinically to increase TP53 activity in various cancer types which will often inhibit cell growth by multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA, 27834
| | - Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA, 27834
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA, 27834
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA, 27834.
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