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McCombe JA, Sechi E, Zekeridou A. Neurologic manifestations of autoimmunity with immune checkpoint inhibitors. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 200:449-465. [PMID: 38494296 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823912-4.00024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are cancer immunotherapies that enhance the body's own immune system to treat cancer. ICI treatment, however, can cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that can affect any organ, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Neurologic irAEs (nirAEs) are rare and can affect the peripheral nervous system more commonly than the central nervous system. Treatment is dependent on the severity of the neurologic manifestations and often includs discontinuation of the ICI and initiation of steroid therapy as the first line; other treatments have also been used. NirAEs and cardiac irAEs have higher fatality rates underlying the importance of early recognition and appropriate management. This chapter reviews the clinical manifestations of neurologic immune-related adverse events associated with ICI treatment as well as diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A McCombe
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Elia Sechi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Anastasia Zekeridou
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Center of MS and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
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Kang S, Mansurov A, Kurtanich T, Chun HR, Slezak AJ, Volpatti LR, Chang K, Wang T, Alpar AT, Refvik KC, Hansen OI, Borjas GJ, Shim HN, Hultgren KT, Gomes S, Solanki A, Ishihara J, Swartz MA, Hubbell JA. Engineered IL-7 synergizes with IL-12 immunotherapy to prevent T cell exhaustion and promote memory without exacerbating toxicity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh9879. [PMID: 38019919 PMCID: PMC10686557 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh9879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is moving toward combination regimens with agents of complementary mechanisms of action to achieve more frequent and robust efficacy. However, compared with single-agent therapies, combination immunotherapies are associated with increased overall toxicity because the very same mechanisms also work in concert to enhance systemic inflammation and promote off-tumor toxicity. Therefore, rational design of combination regimens that achieve improved antitumor control without exacerbated toxicity is a main objective in combination immunotherapy. Here, we show that the combination of engineered, tumor matrix-binding interleukin-7 (IL-7) and IL-12 achieves remarkable anticancer effects by activating complementary pathways without inducing any additive immunotoxicity. Mechanistically, engineered IL-12 provided effector properties to T cells, while IL-7 prevented their exhaustion and boosted memory formation as assessed by tumor rechallenge experiments. The dual combination also rendered checkpoint inhibitor (CPI)-resistant genetically engineered melanoma model responsive to CPI. Thus, our approach provides a framework of evaluation of rationally designed combinations in immuno-oncology and yields a promising therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seounghun Kang
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Aslan Mansurov
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Trevin Kurtanich
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hye Rin Chun
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anna J. Slezak
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lisa R. Volpatti
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kevin Chang
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thomas Wang
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Aaron T. Alpar
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kirsten C. Refvik
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - O. Isabella Hansen
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gustavo J. Borjas
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ha-Na Shim
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kevin T. Hultgren
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Suzana Gomes
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ani Solanki
- Animal Resource Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jun Ishihara
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Melody A. Swartz
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Hubbell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Yang K, Halima A, Chan TA. Antigen presentation in cancer - mechanisms and clinical implications for immunotherapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:604-623. [PMID: 37328642 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00789-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the emergence of effective immunotherapies has revolutionized the clinical management of many types of cancers. However, long-term durable tumour control is only achieved in a fraction of patients who receive these therapies. Understanding the mechanisms underlying clinical response and resistance to treatment is therefore essential to expanding the level of clinical benefit obtained from immunotherapies. In this Review, we describe the molecular mechanisms of antigen processing and presentation in tumours and their clinical consequences. We examine how various aspects of the antigen-presentation machinery (APM) shape tumour immunity. In particular, we discuss genomic variants in HLA alleles and other APM components, highlighting their influence on the immunopeptidomes of both malignant cells and immune cells. Understanding the APM, how it is regulated and how it changes in tumour cells is crucial for determining which patients will respond to immunotherapy and why some patients develop resistance. We focus on recently discovered molecular and genomic alterations that drive the clinical outcomes of patients receiving immune-checkpoint inhibitors. An improved understanding of how these variables mediate tumour-immune interactions is expected to guide the more precise administration of immunotherapies and reveal potentially promising directions for the development of new immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailin Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ahmed Halima
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Timothy A Chan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Nikolaou V, Tsimpidakis A, Stratigos A. Cutaneous Adverse Reactions of Immunotherapy in Patients with Advanced Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072084. [PMID: 37046745 PMCID: PMC10093334 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) have been widely used during the last decade for the treatment of various tumors, including advanced and metastatic melanoma. While these agents have improved melanoma patients’ survival rates, they have also been associated with various autoimmune toxicities, with the skin being most commonly affected. The severity of cutaneous toxicity can not only negatively affect patients’ quality of life but can also limit the proper treatment of cancer. Thus, the role of the dermatologist is substantial in early detecting and promptly treating these adverse events. Maculopapular rash, psoriasiform, lichenoid dermatoses and bullous pemphigoid are the most frequent cutaneous adverse events that require immediate intervention. Other rare autoimmune toxicities, e.g., sarcoidosis, dermatomyositis or subacute lupus, have also been reported. In this review, we summarize the aspects of ICB-induced cutaneous toxicities in patients with melanoma, emphasizing their management and treatment options in clinical practice.
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Zheng Y, Jiang B, Guo H, Zhang Z, Chen B, Zhang Z, Wu S, Zhao J. The combinational nano-immunotherapy of ferumoxytol and poly(I:C) inhibits melanoma via boosting anti-angiogenic immunity. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 49:102658. [PMID: 36708910 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a key role in the progression and metastasis of melanoma, and the pro-angiogenic effect of macrophages is one major reason for the failure of current anti-angiogenic therapies. Here, a nano-immunotherapy combining ferumoxytol and poly(I:C) (ferumoxytol/poly(I:C)) has been developed to boost the anti-angiogenic activities of macrophages to inhibit melanoma. Our findings demonstrated that ferumoxytol/poly(I:C) was a highly efficacious anti-tumor therapy with limited toxicity. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that this combination was successful in impeding angiogenesis. Ferumoxytol/poly(I:C) was demonstrated to reduce the viability of endothelial cells, thus hindering tube formation. Particularly, ferumoxytol/poly(I:C) was able to polarize macrophages to the M1 phenotype and decrease the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, which in turn amplified the anti-angiogenic properties of ferumoxytol/poly(I:C). This combination of ferumoxytol/poly(I:C) nano-immunotherapy enriches the anti-angiogenic therapeutic nature of ferumoxytol and will shed new light on the treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunuo Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, Jiangsu Joint International Center of Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, Jiangsu Joint International Center of Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China; Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou 221009, China
| | - Hongmei Guo
- Department of Ultrasonography, Weinan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Weinan 714000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhonghai Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, Jiangsu Joint International Center of Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China; Department of Physiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Institute of Materials Science and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Zhengkui Zhang
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China.
| | - Shaoyuan Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, Jiangsu Joint International Center of Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China.
| | - Jiaojiao Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, Jiangsu Joint International Center of Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China.
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Kayali S, Pasta A, Plaz Torres MC, Jaffe A, Strazzabosco M, Marenco S, Giannini EG. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in malignancies after liver transplantation: A systematic review and pooled analysis. Liver Int 2023; 43:8-17. [PMID: 36102312 PMCID: PMC10087158 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Treatment of de novo malignancies and recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in liver transplant recipients (LT) is an attractive strategy that is infrequently pursued because of the lack of strong evidence regarding their safety and efficacy. In this systematic review with pooled analysis, we aimed to assess safety and efficacy of ICI therapy following LT. METHODS We performed a systematic search of case reports and series published until January 2022. We included 31 publications reporting a total of 52 patients treated with ICIs after LT and assessed in a pooled analysis the risk of graft rejection and the outcome of ICI therapy. RESULTS Acute graft rejection occurred in 15 patients (28.8%) and 7 patients (13.4% of the total cohort) died because of graft loss. Rejection was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (17.2 months, confidence interval [CI] 12.1-22.2 vs. 3.5 months, CI 1.6-5.4, p < 0.001). Disease control rate was 44.2% (n = 23), and in these patients, OS was longer than in non-responders (26.4 months, CI 20.8-32.0 vs. 3.4 months, CI 2.1-4.7, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Observational, off-label experience suggests that treatment with ICI for advanced malignancies in LT recipients might not be discarded a priori. This notwithstanding, ICI treatment in these patients is associated with a substantial risk of graft rejection and mortality. Prospective studies are needed to provide adequate safety and efficacy figures of ICI treatment in this fragile population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Kayali
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Pasta
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Corina Plaz Torres
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ariel Jaffe
- Liver Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Smilow Cancer Hospital and Liver Cancer Program, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mario Strazzabosco
- Liver Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Smilow Cancer Hospital and Liver Cancer Program, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Simona Marenco
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Edoardo G Giannini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Yang J, Song X, Lai Y, Liu Q, Sun X, Wang D, Yu H. A nomogram for predicting overall survival of patients with sinonasal melanoma: A population-based study. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2022; 7:1837-1848. [PMID: 36544933 PMCID: PMC9764764 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.951] [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: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Sinonasal melanoma (SMM) is a rare but aggressive malignancy with 5-year overall survival (OS) rates below 40% in published studies. However, the clinicopathological predictors of the prognosis of SMM remain undefined. We aimed to establish a model to predict the survival outcomes of SMM. Methods We searched the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for patients diagnosed with SMM between 1975 and 2016. Data on patient demographics, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes were retrieved. Risk factors for OS were evaluated by survival and Cox regression analyses. We also developed and validated a nomogram for OS, and compared its performance with that of conventional staging systems. Results Overall, 305 SMM patients were included in this population-based study. Multivariate Cox regression showed that primary site, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, radiotherapy, and surgery were significant risk factors for survival. A nomogram was established using the regression model. The C-indices, areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis demonstrated reliable performance of the nomogram. Conclusion The nomogram predicting survival outcomes of SMM patients based on clinical information showed good discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy compared with conventional stage classifications. Our nomogram could be used to predict the survival probabilities for SMM patients at different timepoints. Level of Evidence 2b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye and ENT HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xiaole Song
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye and ENT HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China,Mucosal Melanoma Treatment Center, Eye and ENT HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Lai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye and ENT HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Quan Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye and ENT HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xicai Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye and ENT HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Dehui Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye and ENT HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Hongmeng Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye and ENT HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China,Research Units of New Technologies of Endoscopic Surgery in Skull Base TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingPeople's Republic of China
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Rashid S, Shaughnessy M, Tsao H. Melanoma classification and management in the era of molecular medicine. Dermatol Clin 2022; 41:49-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2022.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma with a Combination of Immunotherapies and Molecularly Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153779. [PMID: 35954441 PMCID: PMC9367420 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapies and molecularly targeted therapies have drastically changed the therapeutic approach for unresectable advanced or metastatic melanoma. The majority of melanoma patients have benefitted from these therapies; however, some patients acquire resistance to them. Novel combinations of immunotherapies and molecularly targeted therapies may be more efficient in treating these patients. In this review, we discuss various combination therapies under pre-clinical and clinical development which can reduce toxicity, enhance efficacy, and prevent recurrences in patients with metastatic melanoma. Abstract Melanoma possesses invasive metastatic growth patterns and is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer. In 2021, it is estimated that 7180 deaths were attributed to melanoma in the United States alone. Once melanoma metastasizes, traditional therapies are no longer effective. Instead, immunotherapies, such as ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, and nivolumab, are the treatment options for malignant melanoma. Several biomarkers involved in tumorigenesis have been identified as potential targets for molecularly targeted melanoma therapy, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Unfortunately, melanoma quickly acquires resistance to these molecularly targeted therapies. To bypass resistance, combination treatment with immunotherapies and single or multiple TKIs have been employed and have been shown to improve the prognosis of melanoma patients compared to monotherapy. This review discusses several combination therapies that target melanoma biomarkers, such as BRAF, MEK, RAS, c-KIT, VEGFR, c-MET and PI3K. Several of these regimens are already FDA-approved for treating metastatic melanoma, while others are still in clinical trials. Continued research into the causes of resistance and factors influencing the efficacy of these combination treatments, such as specific mutations in oncogenic proteins, may further improve the effectiveness of combination therapies, providing a better prognosis for melanoma patients.
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Prognostic Value of IGF2 mRNA-Binding Protein 3 (IGF2BP3) Intratumoral Expression in Melanoma Patients at the Time of Diagnosis: Comparative Analysis of RT-qPCR Versus Immunohistochemistry. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092319. [PMID: 35565448 PMCID: PMC9100051 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Around 80% of skin cancer deaths are due to melanoma. An accurate prognosis of melanoma clinical behavior from primary tumors is important for therapeutic patient management, currently based on histopathological features. The aim of our retrospective study was to investigate the clinical significance of IGF2BP3 mRNA and protein expression in melanoma progression and to evaluate which quantification method, RT-qPCR or immunohistochemistry, provides a more reliable prognostic value of IGF2BP3 expression in primary tumors. We found that IGF2BP3 mRNA expression correlated better with clinicopathologic melanoma features than the corresponding proteins and that patients with higher IGF2BP3 mRNA levels were at more risk for earlier development of metastasis, confirming its impact on melanoma survival. Our findings support the use of IGF2BP3 mRNA levels as an independent prognostic biomarker and the implementation of its RT-qPCR analysis for routine melanoma assessment, even for the earliest stages, to improve melanoma clinical outcomes and individualized treatment. Abstract Screening for prognostic biomarkers is crucial for clinical melanoma management. Insulin-like growth factor-II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) has emerged as a potential melanoma diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. It is commonly tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Our study retrospectively examines IGF2BP3 mRNA and protein expression in primary melanomas, their correlation with clinicopathologic factors, clinical outcome, and selected miRNAs expression, and their efficiency in predicting melanoma progression and survival. RT-qPCR and IHC on IGF2BP3 expression were performed in 61 cryopreserved and 63 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary melanomas, respectively, and correlated to clinicopathologic factors, distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and melanoma -specific survival (MSS). The correlation between RT-qPCR and IHC was significant but moderate. IGF2BP3 mRNA showed a stronger association with clinicopathologic factors (Breslow thickness, ulceration, mitosis rate, growth phase, development of metastasis, and melanoma-specific survival) than its protein counterpart. Interestingly, higher IGF2BP3 mRNA expression was detected in primary melanomas that further metastasized to distant sites and was an independent prognostic factor for the risk of unfavorable DMFS and MSS. RT-qPCR outperformed IHC in sensitivity and in predicting worse clinical outcomes. Therefore, RT-qPCR may successfully be implemented for routine IGF2BP3 assessing for the selection of melanoma patients with a higher risk of developing distant metastasis and dying of melanoma.
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