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Karole A, Dinakar YH, Sagar P, Mudavath SL. Self-assembled nanomicelles for oral delivery of luteolin utilizing the intestinal lymphatic pathway to target pancreatic cancer. Nanoscale 2024; 16:7453-7466. [PMID: 38517408 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06638j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and is mainly associated with carcinomas of the pancreatic tissue. Current therapies for treating pancreatic cancer have a major drawback related to their low bioavailability and non-specificity, which leads to low therapeutic efficacy and side effects. Luteolin (LUT) has been clinically used for treatment of various types of cancer, although its clinical use has declined owing to its low oral bioavailability. In this work, we prepared an effervescent-based nanocarrier (NG) that rapidly triggers an effervescent reaction and transforms into nanomicelles to modulate the oral bioavailability of the hydrophobic drug Luteolin (LUT). Furthermore, we performed tests to assess its in vitro epithelial cell permeability and cellular internalization on a Caco-2 monolayer. We also performed in vivo toxicity assessment using animal models. Further, we evaluated the nanocarrier system's in vivo efficacy in tumor xenograft pancreatic cancer models. We validated that being pH responsive, our effervescent carrier disassembles at intestinal pH and is absorbed through the intestinal lymphatic system (ILS) to further site-specifically invade the pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, the negative surface charge and particle size (450 ± 100 nm) of the nanomicelles helped to internalize LUT through the ILS. We observed that LUT-loaded nanomicelles have significant antipancreatic cancer efficacy by activating caspase-3 activity and downregulating VEGF-A, FAK, TNF-α, and Ki-67. Unlike other drug-delivery systems, we developed noninvasive nanocarrier system has the capability of transporting the hydrophobic drug LUT from the intestine to the tumor site by utilizing the ILS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Karole
- Infectious Disease Biology Laboratory, Chemical Biology Unit, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector-81, Mohali-140306, Punjab, India
| | - Yirivinti Hayagreeva Dinakar
- Infectious Disease Biology Laboratory, Chemical Biology Unit, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector-81, Mohali-140306, Punjab, India
| | - Poonam Sagar
- Department of Food and Nutrition, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Shyam Lal Mudavath
- Infectious Disease Biology Laboratory, Chemical Biology Unit, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector-81, Mohali-140306, Punjab, India
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. C.R. Rao Road, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500046 Telangana, India.
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Silva LGDO, Lemos FFB, Luz MS, Rocha Pinheiro SL, Calmon MDS, Correa Santos GL, Rocha GR, de Melo FF. New avenues for the treatment of immunotherapy-resistant pancreatic cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1134-1153. [PMID: 38660642 PMCID: PMC11037047 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i4.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is characterized by its extremely aggressive nature and ranks 14th in the number of new cancer cases worldwide. However, due to its complexity, it ranks 7th in the list of the most lethal cancers worldwide. The pathogenesis of PC involves several complex processes, including familial genetic factors associated with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis, and smoking. Mutations in genes such as KRAS, TP53, and SMAD4 are linked to the appearance of malignant cells that generate pancreatic lesions and, consequently, cancer. In this context, some therapies are used for PC, one of which is immunotherapy, which is extremely promising in various other types of cancer but has shown little response in the treatment of PC due to various resistance mechanisms that contribute to a drop in immunotherapy efficiency. It is therefore clear that the tumor microenvironment (TME) has a huge impact on the resistance process, since cellular and non-cellular elements create an immunosuppressive environment, characterized by a dense desmoplastic stroma with cancer-associated fibroblasts, pancreatic stellate cells, extracellular matrix, and immunosuppressive cells. Linked to this are genetic mutations in TP53 and immunosuppressive factors that act on T cells, resulting in a shortage of CD8+ T cells and limited expression of activation markers such as interferon-gamma. In this way, finding new strategies that make it possible to manipulate resistance mechanisms is necessary. Thus, techniques such as the use of TME modulators that block receptors and stromal molecules that generate resistance, the use of genetic manipulation in specific regions, such as microRNAs, the modulation of extrinsic and intrinsic factors associated with T cells, and, above all, therapeutic models that combine these modulation techniques constitute the promising future of PC therapy. Thus, this study aims to elucidate the main mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy in PC and new ways of manipulating this process, resulting in a more efficient therapy for cancer patients and, consequently, a reduction in the lethality of this aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabian Fellipe Bueno Lemos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Marcel Silva Luz
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Samuel Luca Rocha Pinheiro
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Mariana dos Santos Calmon
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Lima Correa Santos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Reis Rocha
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Freire de Melo
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
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Gardner FP, Wainberg ZA, Fountzilas C, Bahary N, Womack MS, Macarulla T, Garrido-Laguna I, Peterson PM, Borazanci E, Johnson M, Ceccarelli M, Pelzer U. Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 1b/2 Trial of Nabpaclitaxel + Gemcitabine ± Olaratumab in Treatment-Naïve Participants with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1323. [PMID: 38611000 PMCID: PMC11010910 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The efficacy and safety of olaratumab plus nabpaclitaxel and gemcitabine in treatment-naïve participants with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was evaluated. An initial phase 1b dose-escalation trial was conducted to determine the olaratumab dose for the phase 2 trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to compare overall survival (OS) in the olaratumab arm vs. placebo arms. In phase 1b, 22 participants received olaratumab at doses of 15 and 20 mg/kg with a fixed dose of nabpaclitaxel and gemcitabine. In phase 2, 159 participants were randomized to receive olaratumab 20 mg/kg in cycle 1 followed by 15 mg/kg in the subsequent cycles (n = 81) or the placebo (n = 78) on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle, plus nabpaclitaxel and gemcitabine. The primary objective of the trial was not met, with a median OS of 9.1 vs. 10.8 months (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.728, 1.527; p = 0.79) and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.5 vs. 6.4 months (HR = 1.19; 95% CI: 0.806, 1.764; p = 0.38), in the olaratumab vs. placebo arms, respectively. The most common treatment-emergent adverse event of any grade across both arms was fatigue. Olaratumab plus chemotherapy failed to improve the OS or PFS in participants with metastatic PDAC. There were no new safety signals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nathan Bahary
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA;
| | | | - Teresa Macarulla
- Hospital Vall d’Hebrón, Vall d’Hebrón Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Garrido-Laguna
- Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Uwe Pelzer
- Medical Department, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Tumorimmunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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4
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Liberda-Matyja D, Koziol-Bohatkiewicz P, Wrobel TP. Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia detection and duct pathology grading using FT-IR imaging and machine learning. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2024; 309:123756. [PMID: 38154304 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.123756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) is manifested by noninvasive lesions in the epithelium of smaller pancreatic ducts. Generally, cancer development risk from low-grade PanIN is minor, whereas, invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) development is highly related to high-grade PanINs. Therefore, in the case of high-grade PanIN detection, additional surgical resection may be recommended. However, even the low-grade PanINs can indicate possible progression to PDAC. The definition of PanIN is constantly changing and there is a need for new tools to better characterize and understand its behavior. We have recently developed a comprehensive pancreatic cancer classification model with biopsies collected from over 600 biopsies from 250 patients. Here, we take the next step and employ Infrared (IR) spectroscopy to build the first classification model for PanINs detection. Furthermore, we created a Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) model to characterize ducts from benign to cancerous. This model was then used to predict and grade PanINs accordingly to their malignancy level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Liberda-Matyja
- Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Prof. St. Łojasiewicza 11, PL30348 Cracow, Poland; Solaris National Synchrotron Radiation Centre, Jagiellonian University, Czerwone Maki 98, 30-392 Krakow, Poland
| | - Paulina Koziol-Bohatkiewicz
- Solaris National Synchrotron Radiation Centre, Jagiellonian University, Czerwone Maki 98, 30-392 Krakow, Poland; Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science, Jagiellonian University, Lojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - Tomasz P Wrobel
- Solaris National Synchrotron Radiation Centre, Jagiellonian University, Czerwone Maki 98, 30-392 Krakow, Poland.
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5
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Ünal P, Lu Y, Bueno-de-Mesquita B, van Eijck CHJ, Talar-Wojnarowska R, Szentesi A, Gazouli M, Kreivenaite E, Tavano F, Małecka-Wojciesko E, Erőss B, Oliverius M, Bunduc S, Nóbrega Aoki M, Vodickova L, Boggi U, Giaccherini M, Kondrackiene J, Chammas R, Palmieri O, Theodoropoulos GE, Bijlsma MF, Basso D, Mohelnikova-Duchonova B, Soucek P, Izbicki JR, Kiudelis V, Vanella G, Arcidiacono PG, Włodarczyk B, Hackert T, Schöttker B, Uzunoglu FG, Bambi F, Goetz M, Hlavac V, Brenner H, Perri F, Carrara S, Landi S, Hegyi P, Dijk F, Maiello E, Capretti G, Testoni SGG, Petrone MC, Stocker H, Ermini S, Archibugi L, Gentiluomo M, Cavestro GM, Pezzilli R, Di Franco G, Milanetto AC, Sperti C, Neoptolemos JP, Morelli L, Vokacova K, Pasquali C, Lawlor RT, Bazzocchi F, Kupcinskas J, Capurso G, Campa D, Canzian F. Polymorphisms in transcription factor binding sites and enhancer regions and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma risk. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:12. [PMID: 38308339 PMCID: PMC10837899 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00576-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are a powerful tool for detecting variants associated with complex traits and can help risk stratification and prevention strategies against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the strict significance threshold commonly used makes it likely that many true risk loci are missed. Functional annotation of GWAS polymorphisms is a proven strategy to identify additional risk loci. We aimed to investigate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in regulatory regions [transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) and enhancers] that could change the expression profile of multiple genes they act upon and thereby modify PDAC risk. We analyzed a total of 12,636 PDAC cases and 43,443 controls from PanScan/PanC4 and the East Asian GWAS (discovery populations), and the PANDoRA consortium (replication population). We identified four associations that reached study-wide statistical significance in the overall meta-analysis: rs2472632(A) (enhancer variant, OR 1.10, 95%CI 1.06,1.13, p = 5.5 × 10-8), rs17358295(G) (enhancer variant, OR 1.16, 95%CI 1.10,1.22, p = 6.1 × 10-7), rs2232079(T) (TFBS variant, OR 0.88, 95%CI 0.83,0.93, p = 6.4 × 10-6) and rs10025845(A) (TFBS variant, OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.50,1.12, p = 1.32 × 10-5). The SNP with the most significant association, rs2472632, is located in an enhancer predicted to target the coiled-coil domain containing 34 oncogene. Our results provide new insights into genetic risk factors for PDAC by a focused analysis of polymorphisms in regulatory regions and demonstrating the usefulness of functional prioritization to identify loci associated with PDAC risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Ünal
- Genomic Epidemiology Group, German Cancer Research Center, In Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ye Lu
- Genomic Epidemiology Group, German Cancer Research Center, In Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bas Bueno-de-Mesquita
- Department for Determinants of Chronic Diseases, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Casper H J van Eijck
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Andrea Szentesi
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Maria Gazouli
- Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Edita Kreivenaite
- Gastroenterology Department and Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Francesca Tavano
- Division of Gastroenterology and Research Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | | | - Bálint Erőss
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Center for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Division of Pancreatic Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Martin Oliverius
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Stefania Bunduc
- Center for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Division of Pancreatic Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mateus Nóbrega Aoki
- Laboratory for Applied Science and Technology in Health, Carlos Chagas Institute, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Ludmila Vodickova
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Plzeň, Czech Republic
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, Institute of Physiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ugo Boggi
- Division of General and Transplant Surgery, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Jurate Kondrackiene
- Gastroenterology Department and Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Roger Chammas
- Department of Radiology and Oncology, Institute of Cancer of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Orazio Palmieri
- Division of Gastroenterology and Research Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - George E Theodoropoulos
- First Propaedeutic University Surgery Clinic, Hippocratio General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maarten F Bijlsma
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center of Experimental Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daniela Basso
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Pavel Soucek
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Plzeň, Czech Republic
| | - Jakob R Izbicki
- Department of General Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University of Hamburg Medical Institutions, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Vytautas Kiudelis
- Gastroenterology Department and Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Giuseppe Vanella
- PancreatoBiliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Digestive and Liver Disease Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Giorgio Arcidiacono
- PancreatoBiliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Włodarczyk
- Department of Digestive Tract Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Thilo Hackert
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ben Schöttker
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Network Aging Research (NAR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Faik G Uzunoglu
- Department of General Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University of Hamburg Medical Institutions, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Franco Bambi
- Blood Transfusion Service, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Mara Goetz
- Department of General Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University of Hamburg Medical Institutions, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Viktor Hlavac
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Plzeň, Czech Republic
| | - Hermann Brenner
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Network Aging Research (NAR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Preventive Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Francesco Perri
- Division of Gastroenterology and Research Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Silvia Carrara
- Endoscopic Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Landi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Péter Hegyi
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Center for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Division of Pancreatic Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Frederike Dijk
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Evaristo Maiello
- Department of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Giovanni Capretti
- Pancreatic Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Gloria Giulia Testoni
- PancreatoBiliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Petrone
- PancreatoBiliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Hannah Stocker
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Network Aging Research (NAR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefano Ermini
- Blood Transfusion Service, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Livia Archibugi
- PancreatoBiliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Digestive and Liver Disease Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Martina Cavestro
- Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gregorio Di Franco
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Cosimo Sperti
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - John P Neoptolemos
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Luca Morelli
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Klara Vokacova
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, Institute of Physiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Claudio Pasquali
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Rita T Lawlor
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, ARC-Net Centre for Applied Research on Cancer, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Bazzocchi
- Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Juozas Kupcinskas
- Gastroenterology Department and Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Gabriele Capurso
- PancreatoBiliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Digestive and Liver Disease Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Campa
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Canzian
- Genomic Epidemiology Group, German Cancer Research Center, In Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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6
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Loch FN, Kamphues C, Rieger F, Beyer K, Rayya W, Schineis C, Klauschen F, Horst D, Schallenberg S, Dragomir MP. Stepwise Analysis of Resection Margin Impact on Survival and Distant Metastasis in Pancreatic Head Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Surg Pathol 2024:10668969241229342. [PMID: 38303519 DOI: 10.1177/10668969241229342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The prognostic role of tumor cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) of the pancreatic head with direct microscopic infiltration (DMI) or in close proximity (≤1 mm) to the resection margin (RM) remains unclear. This single-center, retrospective study included specimens from 75 patients who underwent oncological resection of pancreatic head PDAC between February 2013 and July 2020. Two pathologists independently re-measured the distance between tumors and the multiple RMs. The impact of RM involvement for DMI, tumor cells within ≤1 mm, in general, and for individual RMs on overall survival (OS) and development of distant pulmonary (PM) and hepatic (HM) metastasis was analyzed. DMI of RMs was significantly associated with a shorter OS (median 5 vs 19 months, P = .02). The presence of tumor cells within ≤1 mm of RMs yielded a negative impact on OS with a trend toward significance (median 9 vs 21 months, P = .09). DMI and tumor cells within ≤1 mm of the pancreatic transection margin (PRM), individually, had a significant negative impact on OS (median 4 vs 19 months and 6 vs 19 months, P < .05), but not for any other individual RM. RM involvement of ≤1 mm of only the vascular circumferential resection margin (VCRM) resulted in a shorter time to HM development (P = 0.05). DMI of the posterior circumferential resection margin (PCRM) and VCRM, individually, showed shorter time to PM (P < .05). Potential clinical considerations include extended intraoperative evaluation of the PRM (1 mm) and intensified preoperative prediction of R1 resection as a basis for neoadjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian N Loch
- Department of Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Freschta Rieger
- Department of Surgery, Park-Klinik Weißensee, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Beyer
- Department of Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wael Rayya
- Department of Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Schineis
- Department of Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frederick Klauschen
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- BIFOLD - The Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, München, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Horst
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon Schallenberg
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mihnea P Dragomir
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Berlin, Germany
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7
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Foglietta F, Panzanelli P, Pizzo R, Giacone M, Pepa CD, Durando G, Serpe L, Canaparo R. Evaluation of the cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects of sonodynamic therapy in human pancreatic cancer spheroids. J Photochem Photobiol B 2024; 251:112842. [PMID: 38232641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2024.112842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) exploits the energy generated by ultrasound (US) to activate sound-sensitive drugs (sonosensitizers), leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cancer cell death. Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures of human pancreatic cancer BxPC-3 cells were chosen as the models with which to investigate the therapeutic effects of the US-activated sonosensitizer IR-780 as pancreatic cancer is still one of the most lethal types of cancer. The effects of SDT, including ROS production, cancer cell death and immunogenic cell death (ICD), were extensively investigated. When subjected to US, IR-780 triggered significant ROS production and caused cancer cell death after 24 h (p ≤ 0.01). Additionally, the activation of dendritic cells (DCs) led to an effective immune response against the cancer cells undergoing SDT-induced death. BxPC-3 spheroids were developed and studied extensively to validate the findings observed in 2D BxPC-3 cell cultures. An analysis of the pancreatic cancer spheroid section revealed significant SDT-induced cancer cell death after 48 h after the treatment (p ≤ 0.01), with this being accompanied by the presence of SDT-induced damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), such as calreticulin (CRT) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). In conclusion, the data obtained demonstrates the anticancer efficacy of SDT and its immunomodulatory potential via action as an ICD-inducer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Foglietta
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 13, 10125 Torino, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Panzanelli
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Pizzo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Marta Giacone
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 13, 10125 Torino, Italy.
| | - Carlo Della Pepa
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 13, 10125 Torino, Italy.
| | - Gianni Durando
- National Institute of Metrological Research (INRIM), Strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Torino, Italy.
| | - Loredana Serpe
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 13, 10125 Torino, Italy.
| | - Roberto Canaparo
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 13, 10125 Torino, Italy.
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Scianò F, Terrana F, Pecoraro C, Parrino B, Cascioferro S, Diana P, Giovannetti E, Carbone D. Exploring the therapeutic potential of focal adhesion kinase inhibition in overcoming chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Future Med Chem 2024; 16:271-289. [PMID: 38269431 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase often overexpressed in PDAC. FAK has been linked to cell migration, survival, proliferation, angiogenesis and adhesion. This review first highlights the chemoresistant nature of PDAC. Second, the role of FAK in PDAC cancer progression and resistance is carefully described. Additionally, it discusses recent developments of FAK inhibitors as valuable drugs in the treatment of PDAC, with a focus on diamine-substituted-2,4-pyrimidine-based compounds, which represent the most potent class of FAK inhibitors in clinical trials for the treatment of PDAC disease. To conclude, relevant computational studies performed on FAK inhibitors are reported to highlight the key structural features required for interaction with the protein, with the aim of optimizing this novel targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Scianò
- Department of Biological, Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo, 90123, Italy
| | - Francesca Terrana
- Department of Biological, Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo, 90123, Italy
| | - Camilla Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo, 90123, Italy
| | - Barbara Parrino
- Department of Biological, Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo, 90123, Italy
| | - Stella Cascioferro
- Department of Biological, Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo, 90123, Italy
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Department of Biological, Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo, 90123, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc) De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, 1081HV, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, San Giuliano Terme, Pisa, 56017, Italy
| | - Daniela Carbone
- Department of Biological, Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo, 90123, Italy
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9
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Wong T, Pattarapuntakul T, Netinatsunton N, Ovartlarnporn B, Sottisuporn J, Yaowmaneerat T, Attasaranya S, Cattapan K, Sripongpun P. Predictive Factors Correlated with Successful Early Endoscopic Removal of Pancreaticolithiasis in Chronic Pancreatitis after Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:172. [PMID: 38248049 PMCID: PMC10814896 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14020172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and symptomatic pancreatic duct (PD) calculi often involves techniques like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), or a combination of both. However, identifying predictive factors for the successful removal of these calculi remains variable. This study aimed to determine the factors predicting successful ESWL and endoscopic removal in CP and PD calculi patients. METHODS We examined data from CP patients who underwent complete PD calculi removal via ESWL combined with ERCP between July 2012 and 2022, and assessed baseline characteristics, imaging findings, and treatment details. Patients were categorized into early- and late-endoscopic complete removal groups (EER and LER groups, respectively). RESULTS Of the 27 patients analyzed, 74.1% were male with an average age of 44 ± 9.6 years. EER was achieved in 74% of the patients. Patients in the EER group exhibited smaller PD calculi diameter (8.5 vs. 19 mm, p = 0.012) and lower calculus density (964.6 vs. 1313.3 HU, p = 0.041) compared to the LER group. Notably, PD stricture and the rate of PD stent insertion were not different between the groups. A calculus density threshold of 1300 HU on non-contrast CT demonstrated 71% sensitivity and 80% specificity in predicting EER. CONCLUSIONS Smaller and low-density PD calculi may serve as predictors for successful EER, potentially aiding in the management of CP patients with PD calculi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanawin Wong
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Songkhla, Thailand
- NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Songklanagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Tanawat Pattarapuntakul
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Songkhla, Thailand
- NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Songklanagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Nisa Netinatsunton
- NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Songklanagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Bancha Ovartlarnporn
- NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Songklanagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Jaksin Sottisuporn
- NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Songklanagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Thanapon Yaowmaneerat
- NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Songklanagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Siriboon Attasaranya
- NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Songklanagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Kamonwon Cattapan
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Pimsiri Sripongpun
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Songkhla, Thailand
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10
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Wang J, Seo JW, Kare AJ, Schneider M, Tumbale SK, Wu B, Raie MN, Pandrala M, Iagaru A, Brunsing RL, Charville GW, Park WG, Ferrara KW. Spatial transcriptomic analysis drives PET imaging of tight junction protein expression in pancreatic cancer theranostics. bioRxiv 2024:2024.01.07.574209. [PMID: 38249519 PMCID: PMC10798647 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.07.574209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
We apply spatial transcriptomics and proteomics to select pancreatic cancer surface receptor targets for molecular imaging and theranostics using an approach that can be applied to many cancers. Selected cancer surfaceome epithelial markers were spatially correlated and provided specific cancer localization, whereas the spatial correlation between cancer markers and immune- cell or fibroblast markers was low. While molecular imaging of cancer-associated fibroblasts and integrins has been proposed for pancreatic cancer, our data point to the tight junction protein claudin-4 as a theranostic target. Claudin-4 expression increased ∼16 fold in cancer as compared with normal pancreas, and the tight junction localization conferred low background for imaging in normal tissue. We developed a peptide-based molecular imaging agent targeted to claudin-4 with accumulation to ∼25% injected activity per cc (IA/cc) in metastases and ∼18% IA/cc in tumors. Our work motivates a new approach for data-driven selection of molecular targets.
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11
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Busato D, Capolla S, Durigutto P, Mossenta M, Bozzer S, Sblattero D, Macor P, Dal Bo M, Toffoli G. A novel complement-fixing IgM antibody targeting GPC1 as a useful immunotherapeutic strategy for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Transl Med 2023; 21:864. [PMID: 38017492 PMCID: PMC10685509 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04745-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive cancers with a very low survival rate at 5 years. The use of chemotherapeutic agents results in only modest prolongation of survival and is generally associated with the occurrence of toxicity effects. Antibody-based immunotherapy has been proposed for the treatment of PDAC, but its efficacy has so far proved limited. The proteoglycan glypican-1 (GPC1) may be a useful immunotherapeutic target because it is highly expressed on the surface of PDAC cells, whereas it is not expressed or is expressed at very low levels in benign neoplastic lesions, chronic pancreatitis, and normal adult tissues. Here, we developed and characterized a specific mouse IgM antibody (AT101) targeting GPC1. METHODS We developed a mouse monoclonal antibody of the IgM class directed against an epitope of GPC1 in close proximity to the cell membrane. For this purpose, a 46 amino acid long peptide of the C-terminal region was used to immunize mice by an in-vivo electroporation protocol followed by serum titer and hybridoma formation. RESULTS The ability of AT101 to bind the GPC1 protein was demonstrated by ELISA, and by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analysis in the GPC1-expressing "PDAC-like" BXPC3 cell line. In-vivo experiments in the BXPC3 xenograft model showed that AT101 was able to bind GPC1 on the cell surface and accumulate in the BXPC3 tumor masses. Ex-vivo analyses of BXPC3 tumor masses showed that AT101 was able to recruit immunological effectors (complement system components, NK cells, macrophages) to the tumor site and damage PDAC tumor tissue. In-vivo treatment with AT101 reduced tumor growth and prolonged survival of mice with BXPC3 tumor (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that AT101, an IgM specific for an epitope of GPC1 close to PDAC cell surface, is a promising immunotherapeutic agent for GPC1-expressing PDAC, being able to selectively activate the complement system and recruit effector cells in the tumor microenvironment, thus allowing to reduce tumor mass growth and improve survival in treated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Busato
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centro Di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) Di Aviano IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Capolla
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centro Di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) Di Aviano IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Paolo Durigutto
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Monica Mossenta
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centro Di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) Di Aviano IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Bozzer
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centro Di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) Di Aviano IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Daniele Sblattero
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paolo Macor
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Michele Dal Bo
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centro Di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) Di Aviano IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Toffoli
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centro Di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) Di Aviano IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
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12
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Bogut A, Stojanovic B, Jovanovic M, Dimitrijevic Stojanovic M, Gajovic N, Stojanovic BS, Balovic G, Jovanovic M, Lazovic A, Mirovic M, Jurisevic M, Jovanovic I, Mladenovic V. Galectin-1 in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Bridging Tumor Biology, Immune Evasion, and Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15500. [PMID: 37958483 PMCID: PMC10650903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most challenging malignancies to treat, with a complex interplay of molecular pathways contributing to its aggressive nature. Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a member of the galectin family, has emerged as a pivotal player in the PDAC microenvironment, influencing various aspects from tumor growth and angiogenesis to immune modulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted role of Galectin-1 in PDAC. We delve into its contributions to tumor stroma remodeling, angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, and potential implications for therapeutic interventions. The challenges associated with targeting Gal-1 are discussed, given its pleiotropic functions and complexities in different cellular conditions. Additionally, the promising prospects of Gal-1 inhibition, including the utilization of nanotechnology and theranostics, are highlighted. By integrating recent findings and shedding light on the intricacies of Gal-1's involvement in PDAC, this review aims to provide insights that could guide future research and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Bogut
- City Medical Emergency Department, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Bojan Stojanovic
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (B.S.); (G.B.)
- Department of General Surgery, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Marina Jovanovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (M.J.); (V.M.)
| | | | - Nevena Gajovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Bojana S. Stojanovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Goran Balovic
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (B.S.); (G.B.)
| | - Milan Jovanovic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Military Medical Academy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Aleksandar Lazovic
- Department of General Surgery, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Milos Mirovic
- Department of Surgery, General Hospital of Kotor, 85330 Kotor, Montenegro;
| | - Milena Jurisevic
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ivan Jovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Violeta Mladenovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (M.J.); (V.M.)
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Gualtieri P, Cianci R, Frank G, Pizzocaro E, De Santis GL, Giannattasio S, Merra G, Butturini G, De Lorenzo A, Di Renzo L. Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Nutrition: Exploring the Role of Diet and Gut Health. Nutrients 2023; 15:4465. [PMID: 37892540 PMCID: PMC10610120 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of pancreatic cancer is increasing worldwide. The most common form is represented by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) which has been shown to be linked to chronic inflammation. Notably, the gut microbiota has emerged as a critical player in regulating immune responses and inflammation. Indeed, intestinal dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in the gut microbiota composition, can contribute to the initiation of chronic inflammation. Sterile chronic inflammation can occur, probably activated by the translocation of bacterial components, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the major component of Gram-negative microbiota, with the consequent induction of innate mucosal immunity, through the activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Furthermore, the interaction between LPS and TLRs could enhance cancer progression. Recent research has shed light on the pivotal role of nutrition, as a modifiable risk factor, in PDAC immunological processes, particularly focusing on the immuno-modulatory effects of the gut microbiota. Different dietary regimens, fiber intake, immunonutrients, and antioxidants have the potential to either exacerbate or mitigate chronic inflammation, thereby influencing the pathogenesis and natural history of PDAC. These dietary components may affect the gut microbiota composition and, consequently, the level of inflammation, either promoting or protecting against PDAC. In this review of reviews, we discuss the modulatory role of nutrition and the gut microbiota in PDAC's immunological processes to explore a translational therapeutic approach that could improve the survival and quality of life of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Gualtieri
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy (G.M.); (L.D.R.)
| | - Rossella Cianci
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Frank
- School of Specialization in Food Science, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (E.P.); (S.G.)
- PhD School of Applied Medical-Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Erica Pizzocaro
- School of Specialization in Food Science, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (E.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Gemma Lou De Santis
- PhD School of Applied Medical-Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Giannattasio
- School of Specialization in Food Science, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (E.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Merra
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy (G.M.); (L.D.R.)
| | - Giovanni Butturini
- Division of Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic Surgery, P. Pederzoli Hospital, Via Monte Baldo 24, 37019 Peschiera del Garda, Italy;
| | - Antonino De Lorenzo
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy (G.M.); (L.D.R.)
| | - Laura Di Renzo
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy (G.M.); (L.D.R.)
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14
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Cai M, Guo T, Chen Z, Li W, Pu T, Zhang Z, Huang X, Guo X, Yu Y. Development and validation of a network calculator model for safety and efficacy after pancreaticoduodenectomy in the elderly patients with pancreatic head cancer. Cancer Med 2023; 12:19673-19689. [PMID: 37787019 PMCID: PMC10587938 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benefiting from increased life expectancy and improved perioperative management, more elderly patients with pancreatic head cancer (PHC) underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, individualized predictive models for the safety and efficacy of PD is still lacking. this study aimed to developed three safety- and efficacy-related risk calculators for elderly (> = 65 years) PHC patients. METHODS This study was designed with two research cohorts, namely, the training cohort and the validation cohort, and comprises four general steps: (1) Risk factors were analyzed for the incidence of postoperative complications, cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) in the training cohort (N = 271) using logistic and Cox-regression analysis. (2) Nomograms were then plotted based on the above results. (3) The accuracy of the developed nomogram models was then verified with the validation cohort (N = 134) data using consistency index (C-index) and calibration curves. (4) We then evaluated the efficacy of these nomograms using decision curve analysis (DCA) in both the training and validation cohorts, and ultimately constructed three online calculators based on these nomograms. RESULTS We identified ASA, diabetes, smoking, and lymph node invasion as predisposing risk factors for postoperative complications, and the predictive factors that affected both OS and CSS were ASA, diabetes, BMI, CA19-9 level, and tumor diameter. By integrating the above risk factors, we constructed three nomograms on postoperative complication, CSS, and OS. The C-index for complication, CSS, and OS were 0.824, 0.784, and 0.801 in the training cohort and 0.746, 0.718, and 0.708 in the validation cohort. Moreover, the validation curves and DCA demonstrated good calibration and robust compliance in both training and validation cohorts. We then developed three web calculators (https://caiming.shinyapps.io/CMCD/, https://caiming.shinyapps.io/CMCSS/, and https://caiming.shinyapps.io/CMOS/) to facilitate the use of the nomograms. CONCLUSIONS The calculators demonstrated promising performance as an tool for predicting the safety and efficacy of PD in elderly PHC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Cai
- Department of Biliopancreatic SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Tong Guo
- Department of Biliopancreatic SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Zixiang Chen
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Wuhan Li
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated HospitalUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Tian Pu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- Department of Biliopancreatic SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Xiaorui Huang
- Department of Biliopancreatic SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Xinyi Guo
- Department of Biliopancreatic SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yahong Yu
- Department of Biliopancreatic SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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15
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Oflas D, Canaz F, Özer İ, Demir L, Çolak E. Significance of High-Mobility Group A Protein 2 Expression in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Ampullary Adenocarcinoma. Turk J Gastroenterol 2023; 34:1014-1024. [PMID: 37787719 PMCID: PMC10645280 DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2023.22881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Pancreatic and ampullary adenocarcinoma (AAC) are quite resistant to chemotherapy with high metastasis potential. Our study aimed to interpret high-mobility group A protein 2 (HMGA2) expression in benign and precursor pancreatic lesions and pancreatic and ampullary carcinoma and to evaluate its relationship with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and clinicopathological parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, normal-appearing pancreas, chronic pancreatitis (CP), low- (L) and high (H)-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and AAC were evaluated with the immunohistochemical marker of HMGA2. Vimentin and E-cadherin immunohistochemical stains were applied in PDAC and AAC. RESULTS The HMGA2 expression was not detected in normal-appearing pancreas, CP, and L-PanIN. A statistically significant expression was observed in PDAC and H-PanIN (P < .001). A statistically significant correlation was found between loss of membranous E-cadherin expression and vimentin positivity and HMGA2 expression (P > .05). The HMGA2 expression was observed to increase the risk of diseaserelated death and decrease overall survival (OS) in AAC and the neoplasia group (P = .002 and P = .016, respectively). There was no significant difference in OS and risk of death in PDAC (P > .05) with respect to HMGA2 positivity. CONCLUSION High-mobility group A protein 2 is a helpful immunohistochemical marker in differentiating CP from PDAC. It also plays a role in EMT and may serve as a potential new prognostic agent and therapeutic target in tumors of the periampullary region, especially AAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damla Oflas
- Department of Pathology, Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Funda Canaz
- Department of Pathology, Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - İlter Özer
- Department of General Surgery, Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Lütfiye Demir
- Department of Medical Oncology, Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Ertuğrul Çolak
- Department of Biostatistics, Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir, Turkey
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16
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Iliesiu A, Toma RV, Ciongariu AM, Costea R, Zarnescu N, Bîlteanu L. A pancreatic adenocarcinoma mimicking hepatoid carcinoma of uncertain histogenesis: A case report and literature review. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:442. [PMID: 37720666 PMCID: PMC10502951 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In rare cases, metastatic adenocarcinomas of different origin may exhibit the features of hepatoid carcinoma (HC), a rare malignant epithelial tumor, most commonly occurring in the ovaries and stomach, as well as in the pancreas and biliary ducts. A case of a 72-year-old female patient who developed a highly aggressive, poorly differentiated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis, demonstrating hepatoid differentiation upon conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining is reported in the present study. The patient presented with severe abdominal pain, and the radiological investigations performed revealed ovarian and hepatic tumor masses and peritoneal lesions, which were surgically removed. The gross examination of the peritoneum and omentum revealed multiple solid, firm, grey-white nodules, diffusely infiltrating the adipose tissue. The microscopic examination revealed a malignant epithelial proliferation, composed of polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and irregular, pleomorphic nuclei. Certain cells presented with intracytoplasmic mucus inclusions, raising suspicion of a HC with an uncertain histogenesis. Immunohistochemical staining was performed, and the tumor cells were found to be positive for cytokeratin (CK)7, CK18 and mucin 5AC, whereas negative staining for CK20, caudal-type homeobox transcription factor 2, α-fetoprotein, paired box gene 8, GATA-binding protein 3 and Wilms tumor 1 were documented. Thus, the diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma was established. The main aim of the present study was to provide further knowledge concerning poorly differentiated metastatic adenocarcinoma resembling HC, emphasizing the histopathological and immunohistochemical features of these malignant lesions and raising awareness of the diagnostic difficulties that may arise, as well as the importance of the use immunohistochemistry in differentiating carcinomas of uncertain histogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Iliesiu
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Bucharest 014461, Romania
- Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
| | - Radu-Valeriu Toma
- Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
- Oncological Institute ‘Alexandru Trestioreanu’, Bucharest 022328, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Ciongariu
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Bucharest 014461, Romania
- Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
| | - Radu Costea
- Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
- Second Department of Surgery, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Bucharest 050098, Romania
| | - Narcis Zarnescu
- Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
- Second Department of Surgery, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Bucharest 050098, Romania
| | - Liviu Bîlteanu
- Oncological Institute ‘Alexandru Trestioreanu’, Bucharest 022328, Romania
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest 050097, Romania
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17
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Bartkeviciene A, Jasukaitiene A, Zievyte I, Stukas D, Ivanauskiene S, Urboniene D, Maimets T, Jaudzems K, Vitkauskiene A, Matthews J, Dambrauskas Z, Gulbinas A. Association between AHR Expression and Immune Dysregulation in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Insights from Comprehensive Immune Profiling of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4639. [PMID: 37760608 PMCID: PMC10526859 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), has an immune suppressive environment that allows tumour cells to evade the immune system. The aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor that can be activated by certain exo/endo ligands, including kynurenine (KYN) and other tryptophan metabolites. Once activated, AHR regulates the expression of various genes involved in immune responses and inflammation. Previous studies have shown that AHR activation in PDAC can have both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic effects, depending on the context. It can promote tumour growth and immune evasion by suppressing anti-tumour immune responses or induce anti-tumour effects by enhancing immune cell function. In this study involving 30 PDAC patients and 30 healthy individuals, peripheral blood samples were analysed. PDAC patients were categorized into Low (12 patients) and High/Medium (18 patients) AHR groups based on gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The Low AHR group showed distinct immune characteristics, including increased levels of immune-suppressive proteins such as PDL1, as well as alterations in lymphocyte and monocyte subtypes. Functional assays demonstrated changes in phagocytosis, nitric oxide production, and the expression of cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10. These findings indicate that AHR's expression level has a crucial role in immune dysregulation in PDAC and could be a potential target for early diagnostics and personalised therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arenida Bartkeviciene
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Aldona Jasukaitiene
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Inga Zievyte
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Darius Stukas
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Sandra Ivanauskiene
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Daiva Urboniene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.U.); (A.V.)
| | - Toivo Maimets
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Kristaps Jaudzems
- Department of Physical Organic Chemistry, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Astra Vitkauskiene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.U.); (A.V.)
| | - Jason Matthews
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 1046 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Zilvinas Dambrauskas
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Antanas Gulbinas
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
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18
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Guccini I, Tang G, To TT, Di Rito L, Le Blanc S, Strobel O, D’Ambrosio M, Pasquini E, Bolis M, Silva P, Kabakci HA, Godbersen S, Alimonti A, Schwank G, Stoffel M. Genetic ablation of ketohexokinase C isoform impairs pancreatic cancer development. iScience 2023; 26:107368. [PMID: 37559908 PMCID: PMC10407955 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although dietary fructose is associated with an elevated risk for pancreatic cancer, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we report that ketohexokinase (KHK), the rate-limiting enzyme of fructose metabolism, is a driver of PDAC development. We demonstrate that fructose triggers KHK and induces fructolytic gene expression in mouse and human PDAC. Genetic inactivation of KhkC enhances the survival of KPC-driven PDAC even in the absence of high fructose diet. Furthermore, it decreases the viability, migratory capability, and growth of KPC cells in a cell autonomous manner. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that genetic ablation of KHKC strongly impairs the activation of KRAS-MAPK pathway and of rpS6, a downstream target of mTORC signaling. Moreover, overexpression of KHKC in KPC cells enhances the downstream KRAS pathway and cell viability. Our data provide new insights into the role of KHK in PDAC progression and imply that inhibiting KHK could have profound implications for pancreatic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Guccini
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Guanghui Tang
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Trang Thuy To
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Di Rito
- Computational Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Richerche Farmacologiche 'Mario Negri' IRCCS, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Solange Le Blanc
- European Pancreas Center, Department of General Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Strobel
- European Pancreas Center, Department of General Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mariantonietta D’Ambrosio
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Universita’ della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Emiliano Pasquini
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Universita’ della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Marco Bolis
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Bioinformatics Core Unit, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, TI, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Pamuditha Silva
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hasan Ali Kabakci
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Svenja Godbersen
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Alimonti
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Universita’ della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerald Schwank
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Stoffel
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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19
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Ramalhete L, Vigia E, Araújo R, Marques HP. Proteomics-Driven Biomarkers in Pancreatic Cancer. Proteomes 2023; 11:24. [PMID: 37606420 PMCID: PMC10443269 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes11030024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease that has a grim prognosis, highlighting the need for improved screening, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Currently, the sole biomarker for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is CA 19-9, which proves to be the most beneficial in tracking treatment response rather than in early detection. In recent years, proteomics has emerged as a powerful tool for advancing our understanding of pancreatic cancer biology and identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review aims to offer a comprehensive survey of proteomics' current status in pancreatic cancer research, specifically accentuating its applications and its potential to drastically enhance screening, diagnosis, and treatment response. With respect to screening and diagnostic precision, proteomics carries the capacity to augment the sensitivity and specificity of extant screening and diagnostic methodologies. Nonetheless, more research is imperative for validating potential biomarkers and establishing standard procedures for sample preparation and data analysis. Furthermore, proteomics presents opportunities for unveiling new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, as well as fostering the development of personalized treatment strategies based on protein expression patterns associated with treatment response. In conclusion, proteomics holds great promise for advancing our understanding of pancreatic cancer biology and improving patient outcomes. It is essential to maintain momentum in investment and innovation in this arena to unearth more groundbreaking discoveries and transmute them into practical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Ramalhete
- Blood and Transplantation Center of Lisbon—Instituto Português do Sangue e da Transplantação, Alameda das Linhas de Torres, n° 117, 1769-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Nova Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
- iNOVA4Health—Advancing Precision Medicine, RG11: Reno-Vascular Diseases Group, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Emanuel Vigia
- Nova Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Department of Hepatobiliopancreatic and Transplantation, 1050-099 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rúben Araújo
- Nova Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
- CHRC—Comprehensive Health Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, 1150-199 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hugo Pinto Marques
- Nova Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Department of Hepatobiliopancreatic and Transplantation, 1050-099 Lisbon, Portugal
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Shimomura O, Endo M, Makishima H, Yamada T, Hashimoto S, Numajiri H, Miyazaki Y, Doi M, Furuya K, Takahashi K, Moriwaki T, Hasegawa N, Yamamoto Y, Niisato Y, Kobayashi M, Mizumoto M, Nakai K, Saito T, Hoshiai S, Saida T, Mathis BJ, Mori K, Nakajima T, Tsuchiya K, Sakurai H, Oda T. Triple modal treatment comprising with proton beam radiation, hyperthermia, and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel for locally advanced pancreatic cancer: a phase I/II study protocol (TT-LAP trial). BMC Cancer 2023; 23:624. [PMID: 37403011 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11110-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), accounting for about 30% of PDAC patients, is difficult to cure by radical resection or systemic chemotherapy alone. A multidisciplinary strategy is required and our TT-LAP trial aims to evaluate whether triple-modal treatment with proton beam therapy (PBT), hyperthermia, and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel is a safe and synergistically effective treatment for patients with locally advanced PDAC. METHODS This trial is an interventional, open-label, non-randomized, single-center, single-arm phase I/II clinical trial organized and sponsored by the University of Tsukuba. Eligible patients who are diagnosed with locally advanced pancreatic cancer, including both borderline resectable (BR) and unresectable locally advanced (UR-LA) patients, and selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria will receive triple-modal treatment consisting of chemotherapy, hyperthermia, and proton beam radiation. Treatment induction will include 2 cycles of chemotherapy (gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel), proton beam therapy, and 6 total sessions of hyperthermia therapy. The initial 5 patients will move to phase II after adverse events are verified by a monitoring committee and safety is ensured. The primary endpoint is 2-year survival rate while secondary endpoints include adverse event rate, treatment completion rate, response rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, resection rate, pathologic response rate, and R0 (no pathologic cancer remnants) rate. The target sample size is set at 30 cases. DISCUSSION The TT-LAP trial is the first to evaluate the safety and effectiveness (phases1/2) of triple-modal treatment comprised of proton beam therapy, hyperthermia, and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This protocol was approved by the Tsukuba University Clinical Research Review Board (reference number TCRB22-007). Results will be analyzed after study recruitment and follow-up are completed. Results will be presented at international meetings of interest in pancreatic cancer plus gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic surgeries and published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, jRCTs031220160. Registered 24 th June 2022, https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCTs031220160 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Shimomura
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masato Endo
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Takeshi Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shinji Hashimoto
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Haruko Numajiri
- Department of Radiation oncology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Miyazaki
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Manami Doi
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Kinji Furuya
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takahashi
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | | | - Naoyuki Hasegawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Yusuke Niisato
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Mariko Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masashi Mizumoto
- Department of Radiation oncology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kei Nakai
- Department of Radiation oncology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Saito
- Department of Radiation oncology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Sodai Hoshiai
- Department of Radiology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Saida
- Department of Radiology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Bryan J Mathis
- International Medical Center, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kensaku Mori
- Department of Radiology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Kiichiro Tsuchiya
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Sakurai
- Department of Radiation oncology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Oda
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
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Iqbal M, Khawaja UA, Soomro U, Rizvi SA, Rizvi ZH. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the elderly – recurrence and survival: A physician's challenge. Advances in Cancer Biology - Metastasis 2023; 7:100092. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adcanc.2023.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
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22
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Doronzo A, Porcelli L, Marziliano D, Inglese G, Argentiero A, Azzariti A, Solimando AG. Gene Expression Comparison between Alcohol-Exposed versus Not Exposed Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Patients Reveals a Peculiar TGFβ-Related Phenotype: An Exploratory Analysis. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:medicina59050872. [PMID: 37241104 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: Over the past few decades, there has been much debate and research into the link between alcohol consumption and the development and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Objectives: To contribute to the ongoing discussion and gain further insights into this topic, our study analysed the gene expression differences in PDAC patients based on their alcohol consumption history. Methods: To this end, we interrogated a large publicly available dataset. We next validated our findings in vitro. Results: Our findings revealed that patients with a history of alcohol consumption showed significant enrichment in the TGFβ-pathway: a signaling pathway implicated in cancer development and tumor progression. Specifically, our bioinformatic dissection of gene expression differences in 171 patients with PDAC showed that those who had consumed alcohol had higher levels of TGFβ-related genes. Moreover, we validated the role of the TGFβ pathway as one of the molecular drivers in producing massive stroma, a hallmark feature of PDAC, in patients with a history of alcohol consumption. This suggests that inhibition of the TGFβ pathway could serve as a novel therapeutic target for PDAC patients with a history of alcohol consumption and lead to increased sensitivity to chemotherapy. Our study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the link between alcohol consumption and PDAC progression. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the potential significance of the TGFβ pathway as a therapeutic target. The development of TGFβ-inhibitors may pave the way for developing more effective treatment strategies for PDAC patients with a history of alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Doronzo
- U.O.C. Oncologia-Ospedale Mons. R. Dimiccoli, 76121 Barletta, Italy
| | - Letizia Porcelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Donatello Marziliano
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-(DiMePRe-J), School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Inglese
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-(DiMePRe-J), School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Argentiero
- Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Amalia Azzariti
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Giovanni Solimando
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-(DiMePRe-J), School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
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23
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Hung J, Perez SM, Dasa SSK, Hall SP, Heckert DB, Murphy BP, Crawford HC, Kelly KA, Brinton LT. A Bitter Taste Receptor as a Novel Molecular Target on Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:389. [PMID: 36986488 PMCID: PMC10058050 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) execute diverse and complex functions in cancer progression. While reprogramming the crosstalk between CAFs and cancer epithelial cells is a promising avenue to evade the adverse effects of stromal depletion, drugs are limited by their suboptimal pharmacokinetics and off-target effects. Thus, there is a need to elucidate CAF-selective cell surface markers that can improve drug delivery and efficacy. Here, functional proteomic pulldown with mass spectrometry was used to identify taste receptor type 2 member 9 (TAS2R9) as a CAF target. TAS2R9 target characterization included binding assays, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and database mining. Liposomes conjugated to a TAS2R9-specific peptide were generated, characterized, and compared to naked liposomes in a murine pancreatic xenograft model. Proof-of-concept drug delivery experiments demonstrate that TAS2R9-targeted liposomes bind with high specificity to TAS2R9 recombinant protein and exhibit stromal colocalization in a pancreatic cancer xenograft model. Furthermore, the delivery of a CXCR2 inhibitor by TAS2R9-targeted liposomes significantly reduced cancer cell proliferation and constrained tumor growth through the inhibition of the CXCL-CXCR2 axis. Taken together, TAS2R9 is a novel cell-surface CAF-selective target that can be leveraged to facilitate small-molecule drug delivery to CAFs, paving the way for new stromal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Hung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | | | - Siva Sai Krishna Dasa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | | | | | | | - Howard C. Crawford
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Henry Ford Pancreatic Cancer Center, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Kimberly A. Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- ZielBio Inc., Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
| | - Lindsey T. Brinton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- ZielBio Inc., Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
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24
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Lee B, Yoon YS, Kang M, Park Y, Lee E, Jo Y, Lee JS, Lee HW, Cho JY, Han HS. Validation of the Anatomical and Biological Definitions of Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer According to the 2017 International Consensus for Survival and Recurrence in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Undergoing Upfront Surgery. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:3444-3454. [PMID: 36695994 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-13043-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The International Consensus Criteria (ICC) (2017) redefined patients with borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (BR-PDAC) according to anatomical, biological, and conditional aspects. However, these new criteria have not been validated comprehensively. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to validate the anatomical and biological definitions of BR-PDAC for oncological outcomes in patients with resectable (R) and BR-PDAC undergoing upfront surgery. METHODS A total of 404 patients who underwent upfront surgery for R- and BR-PDAC from 2004 to 2020 were included. The patients were classified according to the ICC as follows: resectable (R) (n = 259), anatomical borderline (BR-A) (n = 43), biological borderline (BR-B) (n = 81), and anatomical and biologic borderline (BR-AB) (n = 21). RESULTS Compared with the R and BR-B groups, the BR-A and BR-AB groups had higher postoperative complication rates (16.5% and 27.2% vs 32.5% and 33.4%; P < 0.001) and significantly lower R0 resection rates (85.7% and 80.2% vs 65.1% and 61.9%; P = 0.003). In contrast, compared with the R and BR-A groups, the BR-B (32.1%) and BR-AB (57.1%) groups had higher early recurrence rates (within postoperative 6 months) (16.5% and 25.6% vs 32.1% and 57.1%; P < 0.001) and significantly lower 3-year recurrence-free survival rates (36.1% and 20.7% vs 12.1% and 7.8%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Anatomically defined BR-PDAC was associated with a higher risk of margin-positive resection and postoperative complication rates, while biologically defined BR-PDAC was associated with higher early recurrence rates and lower survival rates. Thus, the anatomical and biological definitions are useful in predicting the prognosis and determining the usefulness of neoadjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boram Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Yoo-Seok Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea.
| | - MeeYoung Kang
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Yeshong Park
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Eunhye Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Yeongsoo Jo
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Jun Suh Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Hae Won Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Jai Young Cho
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Ho-Seong Han
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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25
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Loch FN, Kamphues C, Beyer K, Schineis C, Rayya W, Lauscher JC, Horst D, Dragomir MP, Schallenberg S. The Immune Checkpoint Landscape in Tumor Cells of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032160. [PMID: 36768480 PMCID: PMC9917344 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) has shown promising potential in the treatment of multiple solid tumors. However, the role of ICT in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains limited. Patterns of immune checkpoints (ICs) in PDAC represent the basis for establishing a potent ICT. The aim of this study is to create a profile of IC expression and its prognostic relevance in cancer cells of PDAC. Therefore, tumor cells from peripheral and central tissue microarray (TMA) spots from histologically confirmed PDAC of 68 patients after tumor resection were investigated in terms of expressions of TIM3, IDO, B7H4, LAG3, VISTA, and PD-L1 using immunohistochemistry. The presence of the respective ICs was compared to overall survival (OS). The presence of VISTA and PD-L1 significantly correlates with shorter OS (median OS: 22 months vs. 7 months and 22 months vs. 11 months, respectively, p < 0.05). For the presence of TIM3, IDO, B7H4, and LAG3, no difference in OS was observed (p > 0.05). The analysis of OS of combined subgroups for VISTA and PD-L1 (VISTA and PD-L1 neg., VISTA pos. and PD-L1 neg., VISTA neg. and PD-L1 pos., and VISTA and PD-L1 pos.) yielded overall statistical significance difference (p = 0.02). These results suggest that the presence of VISTA and PD-L1 is of prognostic relevance and potentially qualifies them as targets for ICT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian N. Loch
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)30-450552722
| | - Carsten Kamphues
- Department of Surgery, Park-Klinik Weißensee, 13086 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Beyer
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Schineis
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wael Rayya
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes C. Lauscher
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - David Horst
- Institute of Pathology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mihnea P. Dragomir
- Institute of Pathology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, 69210 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Schallenberg
- Institute of Pathology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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26
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Chianese U, Papulino C, Ali A, Ciardiello F, Cappabianca S, Altucci L, Carafa V, Benedetti R. FASN multi-omic characterization reveals metabolic heterogeneity in pancreatic and prostate adenocarcinoma. J Transl Med 2023; 21:32. [PMID: 36650542 PMCID: PMC9847120 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03874-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and prostate cancer (PCa) are among the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide. There is now a comprehensive understanding of metabolic reprogramming as a hallmark of cancer. Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a key regulator of the lipid metabolic network, providing energy to favor tumor proliferation and development. Whereas the biological role of FASN is known, its response and sensitivity to inhibition have not yet been fully established in these two cancer settings. METHODS To evaluate the association between FASN expression, methylation, prognosis, and mutational profile in PDAC and PCa, we interrogated public databases and surveyed online platforms using TCGA data. The STRING database was used to investigate FASN interactors, and the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis platform Reactome database was used to perform an enrichment analysis using data from RNA sequencing public databases of PDAC and PCa. In vitro models using PDAC and PCa cell lines were used to corroborate the expression of FASN, as shown by Western blot, and the effects of FASN inhibition on cell proliferation/cell cycle progression and mitochondrial respiration were investigated with MTT, colony formation assay, cell cycle analysis and MitoStress Test. RESULTS The expression of FASN was not modulated in PDAC compared to normal pancreatic tissues, while it was overexpressed in PCa, which also displayed a different level of promoter methylation. Based on tumor grade, FASN expression decreased in advanced stages of PDAC, but increased in PCa. A low incidence of FASN mutations was found for both tumors. FASN was overexpressed in PCa, despite not reaching statistical significance, and was associated with a worse prognosis than in PDAC. The biological role of FASN interactors correlated with lipid metabolism, and GSEA indicated that lipid-mediated mitochondrial respiration was enriched in PCa. Following validation of FASN overexpression in PCa compared to PDAC in vitro, we tested TVB-2640 as a FASN inhibitor. PCa proliferation arrest was modulated by FASN inhibition in a dose- and time-dependent manner, whereas PDAC proliferation was not altered. In line with this finding, mitochondrial respiration was found to be more affected in PCa than in PDAC. FASN inhibition interfered with metabolic signaling causing lipid accumulation and affecting cell viability with an impact on the replicative processes. CONCLUSIONS FASN exhibited differential expression patterns in PDAC and PCa, suggesting a different evolution during cancer progression. This was corroborated by the fact that both tumors responded differently to FASN inhibition in terms of proliferative potential and mitochondrial respiration, indicating that its use should reflect context specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Chianese
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Papulino
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ahmad Ali
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cappabianca
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy ,grid.428067.f0000 0004 4674 1402Biogem Institute of Molecular and Genetic Biology, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy ,grid.429047.c0000 0004 6477 0469IEOS, Institute for Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Carafa
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy ,grid.428067.f0000 0004 4674 1402Biogem Institute of Molecular and Genetic Biology, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Rosaria Benedetti
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
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27
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Akrami S, Tahmasebi A, Moghadam A, Ramezani A, Niazi A. Integration of mRNA and protein expression data for the identification of potential biomarkers associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Comput Biol Med 2023; 157:106529. [PMID: 36921457 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.106529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most death-dealing tumors, with a tremendously poor prognosis. Here, we, through interrogation of mRNA and protein data combined with a system biology approach, identified several key genes, functional processes, and pathways that can have critical roles in PDAC. We detected an interesting module related to the clinical traits that enriched in the ribosome, hematopoietic cell lineage, and cell adhesion molecules-related pathways. We also identified several hub genes in important modules that are associated with immune system processes. The results also indicated some lncRNAs, such as FAM30A, and MIR223HG with essential functions that are involved in PDAC. Additionally, five genes, including CD53, ITGAL, WDFY4, TLX1, and LMAN1L were screened by survival analysis and can be considered as candidate biomarkers or therapeutic targets. According to our strategy, the findings of this study may provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and suggest potential prognostic and therapeutic targets for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Akrami
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Tahmasebi
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran; Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Moghadam
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amin Ramezani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Ali Niazi
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
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28
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Szekerczés T, Selvam AK, Moro CF, Elduayen SP, Dillner J, Björnstedt M, Ghaderi M. Exploration of Patient-Derived Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Ex Vivo Tissue for Treatment Response. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12010167. [PMID: 36671030 PMCID: PMC9855166 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived tissue culture models are valuable tools to investigate drug effects and targeted treatment approaches. Resected tumor slices cultured ex vivo have recently gained interest in precision medicine, since they reflect the complex microenvironment of cancer tissue. In this study, we examined the treatment response to an internally developed ex vivo tissue culture model from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and in vitro analysis. Seven PDAC tissues were cultured and subsequently treated with indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPA). IPA, which is known as an agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway, has antioxidant properties. Genome-wide transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed activation of AHR pathway genes (CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, significant upregulation of AHR repressor genes AHRR and TiPARP was also observed (p ≤ 0.05), which is indicative of the negative feedback loop activation of AHR pathway signaling. The overall transcriptomic response to IPA indicated that the tissues are biologically active and respond accordingly to exogenous treatment. Cell culture analysis confirmed the significant induction of selected AHR genes by IPA. A morphological examination of the paraffin-embedded formalin-fixed tissue did not show obvious signs of IPA treatment related to tumor cell damage. This study is a proof of concept that ex vivo patient-derived tissue models offer a valuable tool in precision medicine to monitor the effect of personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tímea Szekerczés
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Arun Kumar Selvam
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Carlos Fernández Moro
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Soledad Pouso Elduayen
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joakim Dillner
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Björnstedt
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mehran Ghaderi
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (M.G.)
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29
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Liu X, Peng X, Cen S, Yang C, Ma Z, Shi X. Wogonin induces ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting the Nrf2/GPX4 axis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1129662. [PMID: 36909174 PMCID: PMC9992170 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1129662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a common gastrointestinal tract malignancy. Currently, the therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancers include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy; however, the surgical procedure is invasive, and the overall curative outcomes are poor. Furthermore, pancreatic cancers are usually asymptomatic during early stages and have a high degree of malignancy, along with a high rate of recurrence and metastasis, thereby increasing the risk of mortality. Studies have shown that ferroptosis regulates cell proliferation and tumour growth and reduces drug resistance. Hence, ferroptosis could play a role in preventing and treating cancers. Wogonin is a flavonoid with anticancer activity against various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. It is extracted from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. In this study, we show that wogonin inhibits the survival and proliferation of human pancreatic cancer cell lines and induces cell death. We performed RNA-sequencing and analysed the differentially expressed gene and potential molecular mechanism to determine if wogonin reduced cell survival via ferroptosis. Our results showed that wogonin upregulates the levels of Fe2+, lipid peroxidation and superoxide and decreases the protein expression levels of ferroptosis suppressor genes, and downregulates level of glutathione in pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, ferroptosis inhibitors rescue the ferroptosis-related events induced by wogonin, thereby confirming the role of ferroptosis. A significant increase in ferroptosis-related events was observed after treatment with both wogonin and ferroptosis inducer. These results show that wogonin could significantly reduces pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and induce ferroptosis via the Nrf2/GPX4 axis. Therefore, wogonin could be potentially used for treating patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhui Peng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Cen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cuiting Yang
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhijie Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyuan Shi
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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30
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Golan T, Raitses-Gurevich M, Beller T, Carroll J, Brody JR. Strategies for the Management of Patients with Pancreatic Cancer with PARP Inhibitors. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 186:125-142. [PMID: 37978134 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-30065-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
A subset of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinomas (PDAC) harbor mutations that are exploitable in the context of DNA-damage response and repair (DDR) inhibitory strategies. Between 8-18% of PDACs harbor specific mutations in the DDR pathway such as BRCA1/2 mutations, and a higher prevalence exists in high-risk populations (e.g., Ashkenazi Jews). Herein, we will review the current trials and data on the treatment of PDAC patients who harbor such mutations and who appear sensitive to platinum and/or poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) based therapies due to a concept known as synthetic lethality. Although this current best-in-class precision treatment shows clinical promise, the specter of resistance limits the extent of therapeutic responses. We therefore also evaluate promising pre-clinical and clinical approaches in the pipeline that may either work with existing therapies to break resistance or work separately with combination therapies against this subset of PDACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia Golan
- Cancer Center, Chaim Sheba Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Maria Raitses-Gurevich
- Cancer Center, Chaim Sheba Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamar Beller
- Cancer Center, Chaim Sheba Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - James Carroll
- Department of Surgery, Brenden Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jonathan R Brody
- Department of Surgery, Brenden Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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31
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Abdelmoneim M, Eissa IR, Aboalela MA, Naoe Y, Matsumura S, Sibal PA, Bustos-Villalobos I, Tanaka M, Kodera Y, Kasuya H. Metformin enhances the antitumor activity of oncolytic herpes simplex virus HF10 (canerpaturev) in a pancreatic cell cancer subcutaneous model. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21570. [PMID: 36513720 PMCID: PMC9747797 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25065-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virus (OV) therapy is a promising cancer immunotherapy, especially for cold tumors by inducing the direct lysis of cancer cells and initiation of potent antitumor response. Canerpaturev (C-REV) is an attenuated oncolytic herpes simplex virus-1, which demonstrated a potent antitumor effect in various preclinical models when used either alone or combined. Metformin is a commonly prescribed antidiabetic drug that demonstrated a potent immune modulator effect and antitumor response. We combined C-REV with metformin in a low immunogenic bilateral murine tumor model to enhance C-REV's antitumor efficacy. In vitro, metformin does not enhance the C-REV cell cytotoxic effect. However, in in vivo model, intratumoral administration of C-REV with the systemic administration of metformin led to synergistic antitumor effect on both sides of tumor and prolonged survival. Moreover, combination therapy increased the effector CD44+ CD8+ PD1- subset and decreased the proportion of terminally-differentiated CD103+ KLRG-1+ T-regulatory cells on both sides of tumor. Interestingly, combination therapy efficiently modulates conventional dendritic cells type-1 (cDC1) on tumors, and tumor-drained lymph nodes. Our findings suggest that combination of C-REV and metformin enhances systemic antitumor immunity. This study may provide insights into the mechanism of action of OV therapy plus metformin combination against various tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdelmoneim
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan ,grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan ,grid.31451.320000 0001 2158 2757Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Ragab Eissa
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan ,grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan ,grid.412258.80000 0000 9477 7793Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Mona Alhussein Aboalela
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan ,grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan ,grid.31451.320000 0001 2158 2757Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Yoshinori Naoe
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shigeru Matsumura
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Patricia Angela Sibal
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Itzel Bustos-Villalobos
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Maki Tanaka
- grid.410820.fTakara Bio Inc., Kusatsu, Shiga Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kodera
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideki Kasuya
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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Al-Akkad W, Acedo P, Vilia MG, Frenguelli L, Ney A, Rodriguez-Hernandez I, Labib PL, Tamburrino D, Spoletini G, Hall AR, Canestrari S, Osnato A, Garcia-Bernardo J, Sejour L, Vassileva V, Vlachos IS, Fusai G, Luong TV, Whittaker SR, Pereira SP, Vallier L, Pinzani M, Rombouts K, Mazza G. Tissue-Specific Human Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds Promote Pancreatic Tumour Progression and Chemotherapy Resistance. Cells 2022; 11. [PMID: 36429078 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 80% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are diagnosed at a late stage and are locally advanced or with concurrent metastases. The aggressive phenotype and relative chemo- and radiotherapeutic resistance of PDAC is thought to be mediated largely by its prominent stroma, which is supported by an extracellular matrix (ECM). Therefore, we investigated the impact of tissue-matched human ECM in driving PDAC and the role of the ECM in promoting chemotherapy resistance. Decellularized human pancreata and livers were recellularized with PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 (PDAC cell lines), as well as PK-1 cells (liver-derived metastatic PDAC cell line). PANC-1 cells migrated into the pancreatic scaffolds, MIA PaCa-2 cells were able to migrate into both scaffolds, whereas PK-1 cells were able to migrate into the liver scaffolds only. These differences were supported by significant deregulations in gene and protein expression between the pancreas scaffolds, liver scaffolds, and 2D culture. Moreover, these cell lines were significantly more resistant to gemcitabine and doxorubicin chemotherapy treatments in the 3D models compared to 2D cultures, even after confirmed uptake by confocal microscopy. These results suggest that tissue-specific ECM provides the preserved native cues for primary and metastatic PDAC cells necessary for a more reliable in vitro cell culture.
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Liu Q, Bai Y, Shi X, Guo D, Wang Y, Wang Y, Guo WZ, Zhang S. High RAS-related protein Rab-7a (RAB7A) expression is a poor prognostic factor in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17492. [PMID: 36261459 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22355-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a frequent type of cancer in adults worldwide, and the search for better biomarkers is one of the current challenges. Although RAB7A is associated with tumour progression in multiple tumour types, there are only a few reports in PAAD. Therefore, in this paper, RNA sequencing data were obtained from TCGA(The Cancer Genome Atlas) and GTEx to analyse RAB7A expression and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PAAD. The functional enrichment of RAB7A-associated DEGs was analysed by protein‒protein interaction (PPI) networks, immune cell infiltration analysis and GO/KEGG analyses. Additionally, Kaplan‒Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to determine the clinical significance of RAB7A in PAAD. High RAB7A expression was associated with poor prognosis in 182 PAAD specimens, including subgroups of patients aged ≤ 65 years, with male sex, not receiving radiotherapy, and with a history of previous alcohol consumption (P < 0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that elevated RAB7A was an independent prognostic factor, and the prognostic nomogram model included radiotherapy status, presence of postoperative tumour residual and histologic grade. Overall, RAB7A overexpression may serve as a biomarker for poor outcome in pancreatic cancer. The DEGs and pathways revealed in this work provide a tentative molecular mechanism for the pathogenesis and progression of PAAD.
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Jiang S, Fagman JB, Ma Y, Liu J, Vihav C, Engstrom C, Liu B, Chen C. A comprehensive review of pancreatic cancer and its therapeutic challenges. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:7635-7649. [PMID: 36173644 PMCID: PMC9550249 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating and lethal human malignancy with no curable chemo-treatments available thus far. More than 90% of pancreatic tumors are formed from ductal epithelium as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which often accompany with the expression of mutant K-ras. The incidences of pancreatic cancer are expected to increase rapidly worldwide in the near future, due to environmental pollution, obesity epidemics and etc. The dismal prognosis of this malignancy is contributed to its susceptibility to tumor micro-metastasis from inception and the lack of methods to detect precursor lesions at very early stages of the onset until clinical symptoms occur. In recent years, basic and clinical studies have been making promising progresses for discovering markers to determine the subtypes or stages of this malignancy, which allow effectively implementing personalized therapeutic interventions. The purpose of this review is to discuss the existing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of pancreatic cancer and the current state of treatment options with the emphasis on targeting therapeutic approaches. The specific focuses are on the molecular mechanisms of the disease, identifications of drug resistance, establishment of immune escaping mechanisms as well as potential of targeting identified pathways in combinations with existing chemo-drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Jiang
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Bourghardt Fagman
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yunyun Ma
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jian Liu
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, PR China
| | - Caroline Vihav
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Engstrom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Beidong Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Changyan Chen
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Zeng Y, Fan R. Identification and verification of CCNB1 as a potential prognostic biomarker by comprehensive analysis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16153. [PMID: 36167975 PMCID: PMC9515086 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20615-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the most common types of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly invasive and lethal. This study aims to develop biomarkers and targets for the diagnosis and treatment of PDAC. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened via GEO2R, protein network was constructed through STRING and Cytoscape. Functional enrichment analysis was performed, followed by survival analysis and expression validation. A total of 115 DEGs were identified, including 108 upregulated and 7 downregulated genes. After enrichment, survival analysis, one potential gene, Cyclin B1 (CCNB1), was selected for further expression verification at the mRNA and protein level. Taker together, CCNB1 may act as a potential biomarker which provided new idea for elucidation of the pathogenesis of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinzhen Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. .,Central Laboratory, Tianjin Xiqing Hospital, Xiqing Road 403rd, Tianjin, 300380, People's Republic of China.
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Maneenet J, Tawila AM, Omar AM, Phan ND, Ojima C, Kuroda M, Sato M, Mizoguchi M, Takahashi I, Awale S. Chemical Constituents of Callistemon subulatus and Their Anti-Pancreatic Cancer Activity against Human PANC-1 Cell Line. Plants 2022; 11:2466. [PMID: 36235333 PMCID: PMC9570665 DOI: 10.3390/plants11192466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
An n-hexane extract of Callistemon subulatus was found to exhibit potent cytotoxicity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells, preferentially under nutrition starvation conditions, with a PC50 value of 6.2 µg/mL. Phytochemical investigation of this bioactive extract resulted in the isolation of fifteen compounds (1–15), including a new compound, subulatone A (–). The structure of compound 1 was elucidated using HRFABMS and NMR spectroscopic analyses. The isolated compounds were tested for their preferential cytotoxicity against the PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cell line, using an anti-austerity strategy. Among these, myrtucommulone A (2) showed highly potent preferential cytotoxicity, with a PC50 value of 0.28 µM. Myrtucommulone A (2) was found to alter PANC-1 cell morphology, inhibit cell migration, and downregulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and autophagy signaling pathways in nutrient-deprived media, leading to cancer cell death. Therefore, myrtucommulone A (2) is a lead compound for anticancer drug development based on an anti-austerity strategy.
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Busato D, Mossenta M, Dal Bo M, Macor P, Toffoli G. The Proteoglycan Glypican-1 as a Possible Candidate for Innovative Targeted Therapeutic Strategies for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810279. [PMID: 36142190 PMCID: PMC9499405 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for 90% of all pancreatic cancers, with a 5-year survival rate of 7% and 80% of patients diagnosed with advanced or metastatic malignancies. Despite recent advances in diagnostic testing, surgical techniques, and systemic therapies, there remain limited options for the effective treatment of PDAC. There is an urgent need to develop targeted therapies that are able to differentiate between cancerous and non-cancerous cells to reduce side effects and better inhibit tumor growth. Antibody-targeted strategies are a potentially effective option for introducing innovative therapies. Antibody-based immunotherapies and antibody-conjugated nanoparticle-based targeted therapies with antibodies targeting specific tumor-associated antigens (TAA) can be proposed. In this context, glypican-1 (GPC1), which is highly expressed in PDAC and not expressed or expressed at very low levels in non-malignant lesions and healthy pancreatic tissues, is a useful TAA that can be achieved by a specific antibody-based immunotherapy and antibody-conjugated nanoparticle-based targeted therapy. In this review, we describe the main clinical features of PDAC. We propose the proteoglycan GPC1 as a useful TAA for PDAC-targeted therapies. We also provide a digression on the main developed approaches of antibody-based immunotherapy and antibody-conjugated nanoparticle-based targeted therapy, which can be used to target GPC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Busato
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0434-659816
| | - Monica Mossenta
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Michele Dal Bo
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Paolo Macor
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Toffoli
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy
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Stanciu S, Ionita-Radu F, Stefani C, Miricescu D, Stanescu-Spinu II, Greabu M, Ripszky Totan A, Jinga M. Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer: From Molecular to Clinical Aspects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10132. [PMID: 36077529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although pancreatic cancer (PC) was considered in the past an orphan cancer type due to its low incidence, it may become in the future one of the leading causes of cancer death. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most frequent type of PC, being a highly aggressive malignancy and having a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. Non-modifiable (family history, age, genetic susceptibility) and modifiable (smoking, alcohol, acute and chronic pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, intestinal microbiota) risk factors are involved in PC pathogenesis. Chronic inflammation induced by various factors plays crucial roles in PC development from initiation to metastasis. In multiple malignant conditions such as PC, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors activate the class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway, which plays key roles in cell growth, survival, proliferation, metabolism, and motility. Currently, mTOR, AKT, and PI3K inhibitors are used in clinical studies. Moreover, PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors are being tested in vitro and in vivo with promising results for PC patients. The main aim of this review is to present PC incidence, risk factors, tumor microenvironment development, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR dysregulation and inhibitors used in clinical, in vivo, and in vitro studies.
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Kowada A. Cost-effectiveness of MicroRNA for Pancreatic Cancer Screening in Patients With Diabetes. Pancreas 2022; 51:1019-28. [PMID: 36607949 DOI: 10.1097/MPA.0000000000002130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of microRNA compared with carbohydrate antigen 19-9, abdominal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic ultrasound, computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and no screening for pancreatic cancer (PC) screening in patients with diabetes. METHODS We developed a state-transition model from a health care payer perspective and a lifetime horizon. We targeted 3 hypothetical cohorts of patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes (LSD), new-onset diabetes (NOD), and LSD having intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), aged 40, 50, 60, and 70 years. The main outcomes were costs, quality-adjusted life-years, life expectancy life-years, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, and deaths from PC. RESULTS In the base-case analysis, abdominal ultrasound in patients with LSD and microRNA in patients with NOD and LSD having IPMN were the most cost-effective for all age groups. Cost-effectiveness was sensitive to PC incidence and the cost of microRNA. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that microRNA was 42% to 54% cost-effective for NOD and 76% to 78% cost-effective for LSD having IPMN at a willingness-to-pay level of US $100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. MicroRNA prevented 30,641 PC deaths in diabetic patients compared with no screening. CONCLUSIONS In patients with NOD and LSD having IPMN, microRNA-based PC screening is cost-effective and recommended for early PC detection.
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Nauheim D, Moskal D, Renslo B, Chadwick M, Jiang W, Yeo CJ, Nevler A, Bowne W, Lavu H. KRAS mutation allele frequency threshold alters prognosis in right-sided resected pancreatic cancer. J Surg Oncol 2022; 126:314-321. [PMID: 35333412 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Next-generation sequencing (NGS) provides information on genetic mutations and mutant allele frequency in tumor specimens. We investigated the prognostic significance of KRAS mutant allele frequency in patients with right-sided pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treated with surgical resection. METHODS A retrospective study reviewed patients who underwent surgical resection for PDAC and analyzed tumors with an in-house mutational panel. Microdissected samples were studied using an NGS-based assay to detect over 200 hotspot mutations in 42 genes (Pan42) commonly involved in PDAC. RESULTS A total of 144 PDAC right-sided surgical patients with a Pan42 panel were evaluated between 2015 and 2020; 121 patients (84%) harbored a KRAS mutation. Detected mutant allele frequencies were categorized as less than 20% (low mKRAS, n = 92) or greater than or equal to 20% (high mKRAS, n = 29). High mKRAS (KRAS ≥ 20%) patients were noted to have shorter disease-free survival after surgery (11.5 ± 2.1 vs. 19.5 ± 3.5 months, p = 0.03), more advanced tumor stage (p = 0.02), larger tumors (3.6 vs. 2.7 cm, p = 0.001), greater tumor cellularity (26% vs. 18%, p = 0.001), and higher rate of distant recurrence (p = 0.03) than low mKRAS patients. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the importance of KRAS mutant allele frequency on pathological characteristics and prognosis in right-sided PDAC treated with surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nauheim
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David Moskal
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bryan Renslo
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew Chadwick
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charles J Yeo
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Avinoam Nevler
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wilbur Bowne
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Harish Lavu
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Carmona-carmona CA, Dalla Pozza E, Ambrosini G, Cisterna B, Palmieri M, Decimo I, Cuezva JM, Bottani E, Dando I. Mitochondrial Elongation and OPA1 Play Crucial Roles during the Stemness Acquisition Process in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3432. [PMID: 35884493 PMCID: PMC9322438 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal neoplasia and the currently used treatments are not effective in a wide range of patients. Presently, the evidence points out that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are key players during tumor development, metastasis, chemoresistance, and tumor relapse. The study of the metabolism of CSCs, specifically the mitochondrial alterations, could pave the way to the discovery of new therapeutical targets. In this study, we show that during progressive de-differentiation, pancreatic CSCs undergo changes in mitochondrial mass, dynamics, and function. Interestingly, the silencing of OPA1, a protein involved in mitochondrial fusion, significantly inhibits the formation of CSCs. These results reveal new insight into mitochondria and stemness acquisition that could be useful for the design of novel potential therapies in PDAC. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer with an overall 5-year survival rate of less than 9%. The high aggressiveness of PDAC is linked to the presence of a subpopulation of cancer cells with a greater tumorigenic capacity, generically called cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs present a heterogeneous metabolic profile that might be supported by an adaptation of mitochondrial function; however, the role of this organelle in the development and maintenance of CSCs remains controversial. To determine the role of mitochondria in CSCs over longer periods, which may reflect more accurately their quiescent state, we studied the mitochondrial physiology in CSCs at short-, medium-, and long-term culture periods. We found that CSCs show a significant increase in mitochondrial mass, more mitochondrial fusion, and higher mRNA expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis than parental cells. These changes are accompanied by a regulation of the activities of OXPHOS complexes II and IV. Furthermore, the protein OPA1, which is involved in mitochondrial dynamics, is overexpressed in CSCs and modulates the tumorsphere formation. Our findings indicate that CSCs undergo mitochondrial remodeling during the stemness acquisition process, which could be exploited as a promising therapeutic target against pancreatic CSCs.
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Dhanjal CR, Lingamsetty R, Pareddy A, Kim S, Raval R. Dual Role of Chitin as the Double Edged Sword in Controlling the NLRP3 Inflammasome Driven Gastrointestinal and Gynaecological Tumours. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:452. [PMID: 35877745 PMCID: PMC9323176 DOI: 10.3390/md20070452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of NLRP3 in the tumour microenvironment is elusive. In some cancers, the activation of NLRP3 causes a worse prognosis and in some cancers, NLRP3 increases chances of survivability. However, in many cases where NLRP3 has a protumorigenic role, inhibition of NLRP3 would be a crucial step in therapy. Consequently, activation of NLRP3 would be of essence when inflammation is required. Although many ways of inhibiting and activating NLRP3 in cancers have been discussed before, not a lot of focus has been given to chitin and chitosan in this context. The availability of these marine compounds and their versatility in dealing with inflammation needs to be investigated further in relation with cancers, along with other natural extracts. In this review, the effects of NLRP3 on gastrointestinal and gynaecological cancers and the impact of different natural extracts on NLRP3s with special emphasis on chitin and chitosan is discussed. A research gap in using chitin derivatives as anti/pro-inflammatory agents in cancer treatment has been highlighted.
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Kaplon H. Translational Learnings in the Development of Chemo-Immunotherapy Combination to Bypass the Cold Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:835502. [PMID: 35664786 PMCID: PMC9159762 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.835502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most lethal cancers, with a 5-year relative survival rate of 5%. The desmoplastic stroma found in the tumor microenvironment of PDAC is suggested to be partly responsible for the resistance to most therapeutic strategies. This review outlines the clinical results obtained with an immune checkpoint inhibitor in PDAC and discusses the rationale to use a combination of chemotherapy and immune checkpoint therapy. Moreover, essential parameters to take into account in designing an efficient combination have been highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Kaplon
- Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, Translational Medicine Department, Servier, Suresnes, France
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Koltai T, Reshkin SJ, Carvalho TMA, Di Molfetta D, Greco MR, Alfarouk KO, Cardone RA. Resistance to Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Physiopathologic and Pharmacologic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2486. [PMID: 35626089 PMCID: PMC9139729 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a very aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and inadequate response to treatment. Many factors contribute to this therapeutic failure: lack of symptoms until the tumor reaches an advanced stage, leading to late diagnosis; early lymphatic and hematic spread; advanced age of patients; important development of a pro-tumoral and hyperfibrotic stroma; high genetic and metabolic heterogeneity; poor vascular supply; a highly acidic matrix; extreme hypoxia; and early development of resistance to the available therapeutic options. In most cases, the disease is silent for a long time, andwhen it does become symptomatic, it is too late for ablative surgery; this is one of the major reasons explaining the short survival associated with the disease. Even when surgery is possible, relapsesare frequent, andthe causes of this devastating picture are the low efficacy ofand early resistance to all known chemotherapeutic treatments. Thus, it is imperative to analyze the roots of this resistance in order to improve the benefits of therapy. PDAC chemoresistance is the final product of different, but to some extent, interconnected factors. Surgery, being the most adequate treatment for pancreatic cancer and the only one that in a few selected cases can achieve longer survival, is only possible in less than 20% of patients. Thus, the treatment burden relies on chemotherapy in mostcases. While the FOLFIRINOX scheme has a slightly longer overall survival, it also produces many more adverse eventsso that gemcitabine is still considered the first choice for treatment, especially in combination with other compounds/agents. This review discusses the multiple causes of gemcitabine resistance in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephan Joel Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Tiago M. A. Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Khalid Omer Alfarouk
- Zamzam Research Center, Zamzam University College, Khartoum 11123, Sudan;
- Alfarouk Biomedical Research LLC, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, USA
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
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45
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Zhou B, Zhang J, Zhu H, Wu S, Yuchi A. A Potential Prognostic Marker PRDM1 in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Journal of Oncology 2022; 2022:1-10. [PMID: 35607327 PMCID: PMC9123419 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1934381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a major threat to people's health. PRDM1 is a transcription factor with multiple functions, and its functions have been validated in a variety of tumors; however, there are few studies reported on PRDM1 in PAAD. Using the GEPIA2 database, this research found that PRDM1 expression in PAAD was significantly higher than that in normal pancreatic tissue. The Kaplan-Meier Plotter database showed that high expression of PRDM1 in PAAD has a poor prognosis, suggesting that PRDM1 may be a potential prognostic marker in PAAD. The cBioPortal database shows that the expression of PRDM1 in PAAD is significantly correlated with its methylation degree. Further analysis on the coexpressed genes of PRDM1 in PAAD was performed by using LinkedOmics database to explore potential mechanisms. Based on gene enrichment analysis, PRDM1 was implicated in many pathways involved in tumor progression. In the construction of a PPI network of PRDM1 and its coexpressed gene protein via the STRING database, we found that PRDM1 may be involved in the pathogenesis and development of PAAD. TIMER database suggested that a high level of PRDM1 has a significant positive correlation with macrophages, neutrophils, and DCs. Potential methylation sites of PRDM1 were found through DNMIVD database, and MethSurv database explored eight sites which were significantly related with the prognosis of PAAD. In conclusion, PRDM1 may work as a prognostic marker or even provide a potential therapeutic strategy in PAAD.
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Vellan CJ, Jayapalan JJ, Yoong BK, Abdul-Aziz A, Mat-Junit S, Subramanian P. Application of Proteomics in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Biomarker Investigations: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2093. [PMID: 35216204 PMCID: PMC8879036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis is usually detected at the advanced stage of the disease. The only US Food and Drug Administration-approved biomarker that is available for PDAC, CA 19-9, is most useful in monitoring treatment response among PDAC patients rather than for early detection. Moreover, when CA 19-9 is solely used for diagnostic purposes, it has only a recorded sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 82% in symptomatic individuals. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify reliable biomarkers for diagnosis (specifically for the early diagnosis), ascertain prognosis as well as to monitor treatment response and tumour recurrence of PDAC. In recent years, proteomic technologies are growing exponentially at an accelerated rate for a wide range of applications in cancer research. In this review, we discussed the current status of biomarker research for PDAC using various proteomic technologies. This review will explore the potential perspective for understanding and identifying the unique alterations in protein expressions that could prove beneficial in discovering new robust biomarkers to detect PDAC at an early stage, ascertain prognosis of patients with the disease in addition to monitoring treatment response and tumour recurrence of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Jane Vellan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (C.J.V.); (A.A.-A.); (S.M.-J.)
| | - Jaime Jacqueline Jayapalan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (C.J.V.); (A.A.-A.); (S.M.-J.)
- University of Malaya Centre for Proteomics Research (UMCPR), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Boon-Koon Yoong
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Azlina Abdul-Aziz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (C.J.V.); (A.A.-A.); (S.M.-J.)
| | - Sarni Mat-Junit
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (C.J.V.); (A.A.-A.); (S.M.-J.)
| | - Perumal Subramanian
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Annamalai University, Chidambaram 608002, Tamil Nadu, India;
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Du J, Gu J, Deng J, Kong L, Guo Y, Jin C, Bao Y, Fu D, Li J. The expression and survival significance of sodium glucose transporters in pancreatic cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:116. [PMID: 35090421 PMCID: PMC8796473 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-09060-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sodium glucose transporters (SGLTs) play vital roles in glucose uptake in many solid cancers, including pancreatic cancer (PC). However, their expression profile in pancreatic cancer and correlation with prognosis are not clear. Thus, we aimed to analyse the expression profile and prognostic significance of SGLT-1 and SGLT-2 in PC. Methods Eighty-eight patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) undergoing surgery in Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, from July 2017 to June 2020 were enrolled in the study. Specimens for immunohistochemistry were obtained through surgical resection. Bioinformatics analysis was performed based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Oncomine and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. The statistics were calculated using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 20 and R 4.1.1. P values lower than 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. Results SGLT-1 but not SGLT-2 was significantly overexpressed in PDAC. Survival analysis showed that the median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with high SGLT-1 expression were significantly longer than that of patients with low SGLT-1 expression. Cox regression indicated that high SGLT-1 expression was an independent predictor for a better prognosis, while residual tumour status (R1 and R2) was an independent risk factor for a poor prognosis. Finally, PDZK1-interacting protein 1 (PDZK1IP1), a protein participating in the generation of reactive oxygen species, was overexpressed in PDAC and its expression was significantly correlated with SGLT-1. Conclusions SGLT-1 but not SGLT-2 was overexpressed in PDAC, and the overexpression of SGLT-1 could be a predictor of a better prognosis. Residual tumour status (R1 and R2) was a risk factor for poor prognosis and disease progression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-09060-4.
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Sturm N, Ettrich TJ, Perkhofer L. The Impact of Biomarkers in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma on Diagnosis, Surveillance and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:217. [PMID: 35008381 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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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Suzuki S, Ogawa M, Miyazaki M, Ota K, Kazama H, Hirota A, Takano N, Hiramoto M, Miyazawa K. Lysosome‑targeted drug combination induces multiple organelle dysfunctions and non‑canonical death in pancreatic cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2021; 47:40. [PMID: 34958115 PMCID: PMC8759104 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality and has the lowest 5-year survival rate. Therefore, novel strategies are urgently required to treat pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells rely on enhanced lysosomal function for survival and proliferation to facilitate the degradation of contents accumulated via autophagy and macropinocytosis. Previously, we have reported that the combination of epidermal growth factor receptor/HER2 inhibitor lapatinib and sphingosine analog fingolimod (FTY720) confers a significant cytostatic effect in lung cancer cells. In the present study, the combined effects of these drugs on PDAC cell lines, BxPC-3, KP-4, PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2, were examined. It was observed that FTY720 enhanced the lapatinib-induced cytotoxic effect and caused non-canonical and lysosome-dependent death in PDAC cells. Lapatinib and FTY720 induced lysosomal swelling and inhibited lysosomal acidification. Combination treatment with lapatinib and FTY720 increased lysosomal membrane permeability, induced mitochondrial depolarization, induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and disturbed intracellular calcium homeostasis. Additionally, the cytotoxic effect of lapatinib was enhanced by hydroxychloroquine or the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib, both of which induce lysosomal dysfunction. Collectively, these results indicated that the lysosome-targeted drug combination induces multiple organelle dysfunction and exerts a marked cytotoxic effect in PDAC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumire Suzuki
- Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑8402, Japan
| | - Masato Ogawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑8402, Japan
| | - Masaya Miyazaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑8402, Japan
| | - Kohki Ota
- Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑8402, Japan
| | - Hiromi Kazama
- Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑8402, Japan
| | - Ayako Hirota
- Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑8402, Japan
| | - Naoharu Takano
- Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑8402, Japan
| | - Masaki Hiramoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑8402, Japan
| | - Keisuke Miyazawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑8402, Japan
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Digiacomo L, Quagliarini E, La Vaccara V, Coppola A, Coppola R, Caputo D, Amenitsch H, Sartori B, Caracciolo G, Pozzi D. Detection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma by Ex Vivo Magnetic Levitation of Plasma Protein-Coated Nanoparticles. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5155. [PMID: 34680304 PMCID: PMC8533958 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adeno Carcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide, and the development of sensitive and specific technologies for its early diagnosis is vital to reduce morbidity and mortality rates. In this proof-of-concept study, we demonstrate the diagnostic ability of magnetic levitation (MagLev) to detect PDAC by using levitation of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles (NPs) decorated by a biomolecular corona of human plasma proteins collected from PDAC and non-oncological patients (NOP). Levitation profiles of corona-coated GO NPs injected in a MagLev device filled with a paramagnetic solution of dysprosium(III) nitrate hydrate in water enables to distinguish PDAC patients from NOP with 80% specificity, 100% sensitivity, and global classification accuracy of 90%. Our findings indicate that Maglev could be a robust and instrumental tool for the early detection of PDAC and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Digiacomo
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.D.); (G.C.)
| | - Erica Quagliarini
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo La Vaccara
- Department of Surgery, University Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (V.L.V.); (A.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Alessandro Coppola
- Department of Surgery, University Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (V.L.V.); (A.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Roberto Coppola
- Department of Surgery, University Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (V.L.V.); (A.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Damiano Caputo
- Department of Surgery, University Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (V.L.V.); (A.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Heinz Amenitsch
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9/IV, 8010 Graz, Austria; (H.A.); (B.S.)
| | - Barbara Sartori
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9/IV, 8010 Graz, Austria; (H.A.); (B.S.)
| | - Giulio Caracciolo
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.D.); (G.C.)
| | - Daniela Pozzi
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.D.); (G.C.)
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