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Dimitropoulos K, Pisters LL, Papandreou CN, Daliani D, Karatzas A, Petsiti A, Tassoudis V, Arnaoutoglou E, Vlachostergios PJ, Tzortzis V. The Impact of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol Implementation on Postoperative Pain Management in the Era of Opioid Crisis: The Postchemotherapy Open RPLND Experience. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2023; 23:910-916. [PMID: 37170984 DOI: 10.2174/1568009623666230426093255] [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: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
AIM Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been proven to optimize postoperative outcomes; however, misuse of opioid analgesics can still hinder postoperative recovery due to related side effects and potential complications. INTRODUCTION To determine if the implementation of ERAS protocol in post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) patients could help with reducing postoperative pain and opioid use. METHODS A case-control study of consecutive testicular cancer patients with indications for PCRLPND, who were offered Conventional Post-operative Management (CPM) or ERAS protocol. Outcomes of interest included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)-assessed pain level at postoperative days 3, 7, and 30, and Morphine-Equivalent Doses (MEDs)/postoperative day. Intraoperative parameters and postoperative complications were recorded. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS In total, 100 opioid-naïve PC-RPLND patients were studied. CPM and ERAS groups (36 and 64 patients, respectively) had similar demographic and baseline clinical characteristics). ERAS group patients had significantly lower blood loss (p = 0.005), blood transfusion rate (p < 0.001), and duration of the procedure (p < 0.001). Post-operative complications were comparable between groups. Nausea and bowel disorders were numerically but not statistically more frequent in the CPM group. ERAS patients had shorter mean hospital stay (5.3 ± 1.4 vs. 7.4 ± 1.6 days, p < 0.001), lower daily MEDs (4.73 ± 2.63 vs. 7.04 ± 2.29, p < 0.001), and lower VAS scores on post-operative day 7 (3.89 ± 1.07 vs. 4.67 ± 1.17, p = 0.001). Post-operative pain was similar between groups on post-operative days 3 and 30. CONCLUSION Systematic implementation of ERAS protocol after PC-RPLND improves pain management, optimizes patient recovery, and prevents over-prescription of opioid analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Dimitropoulos
- Department of Urology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Academic Urology Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Louis L Pisters
- Department of Urology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christos N Papandreou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Danai Daliani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Euroclinic, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasios Karatzas
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Argiro Petsiti
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vassilios Tassoudis
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Eleni Arnaoutoglou
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Panagiotis J Vlachostergios
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
- Department of Medical Oncology, IASO Thessalias Hospital, Larissa, Greece
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vassilios Tzortzis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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Vlachostergios PJ, Karathanasis A, Papandreou CN, Tzortzis V. Early mRNA Expression of Neuroendocrine Differentiation Signals Predicts Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy: A Transcriptomic Analysis. World J Oncol 2022; 12:232-239. [PMID: 35059083 PMCID: PMC8734499 DOI: 10.14740/wjon1423] [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: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) of prostate cancer (PC) is a process that often occurs under evolutionary pressure from pharmacologic blockade of androgen receptor signaling at advanced stages of the disease. Identifying a subset of early PC that has a higher likelihood to evolve into this entity is key for developing therapeutic strategies that could more effectively target this phenotype. This study aimed to assess the prognostic relevance of mRNA expression of major players involved in NED of primary prostate tumors. Methods RNA sequencing data from 122 patients with localized PC were analyzed. Transcript levels of key genes involved in NED, with a focus on endothelin axis and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), were assessed and were correlated with time to prostate specific antigen (PSA) recurrence. Copy number alteration of tumor suppressor genes and gene expression of additional signals hallmarking NED was compared between altered and unaltered groups, including lineage determining transcription factors, transcriptional repressors, cell cycle and epigenetic regulators. Results The presence of altered mRNA expression using a z-score threshold of 2 in NFKB1, RELA, EDN1, EDNRA, and EDNRB genes was associated with a higher Gleason score (P < 0.001) and a shorter time to biochemical recurrence (BCR) (P = 0.029). There was a significant direct correlation between NFKB1 and RELA (P < 0.001), NFKB1 and EDNRA (P < 0.001), NFKB1 and EDNRB (P < 0.001), EDNRA and EDNRB expression (P < 0.001). ASCL1 (q < 0.001), ONECUT2 (q < 0.001), DLL3 (q = 0.019), AURKA (q = 0.013), AURKB (q = 0.014), PLK1 (q < 0.001), and EZH2 (q < 0.001) were enriched in patients with tumors harboring alterations in endothelin axis and NF-κB subunit genes whereas REST was downregulated (q < 0.001). Conclusions This analysis suggests that altered mRNA expression of NF-κB and endothelin axis genes in early PC is not only a harbinger of a more aggressive clinical course but is also associated with aberrant gene expression of several transcription factors, transcriptional repressors, cell cycle and epigenetic regulators that are directly involved in NED, in line with their biological roles. This may have implications for closer follow-up and potential use of targeted therapeutic approaches postoperatively in the adjuvant setting to improve outcomes of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis J Vlachostergios
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Athanasios Karathanasis
- Department of Urology, University of Thessaly School of Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41100, Greece
| | - Christos N Papandreou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - Vassilios Tzortzis
- Department of Urology, University of Thessaly School of Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41100, Greece
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Tsoukalas N, Christopoulou A, Papandreou CN, Koumarianou A, Athanasiadis I, Peroukidis S, Samelis G, Psyrri A, Kapodistrias N, Nikolakopoulos A, Andreadis C, Ardavanis A, Samantas E, Bokas A, Vassilios B, Kentepozidis NK, Mavroudis D, Athanasiadis A, Papakotoulas P, Boukovinas I. Thromboprophylaxis in active cancer patients: Is it a controversial clinical issue or not? Preliminary results of ACT4CAT study. J Clin Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.e18803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e18803 Background: Cancer Associated Thrombosis (CAT) is an increasing challenge for oncology patients since oncologists sometimes are reluctant to mitigate the risk with thromboprophylaxis. Active cancer patients while receiving chemotherapy have a 7fold risk of thrombosis compared with no cancer patients. Anticoagulation holds a prominent place in prevention of CAT usually with Low Molecular Weight Heparins (LMWHs). Methods: ACT4CAT is prospective observational study conducted by HeSMO across Greece, aiming to record the clinical practice of CAT prophylaxis in patients with solid tumors. Ambulatory, high thrombotic risk, active cancer patients who received thromboprophylaxis enrolled after signing informed consent. Results: Preliminary results collected from 18 oncology departments. From 431 enrolled patients 322 (65.4%) had completed the study. Tumor types included: lung 28.8%, gastrointestinal 39.8%, gynecological 7.0%, breast 4.4%, urological 7.0% and others 20%. Majority of patients (88.2%) received High-Risk for Thrombosis Chemotherapy Agents (HRTCAs) such as platinum agents (55.9%), antimetabolites (44.7%) and immunotherapy (12.6%). In 1st line were 62.1%, 2nd line 18.4%, adjuvant 8.9% and neoadjuvant 2.4%. The following table depicts: age, gender, metastatic disease, Khorana score ≥2 and HRTCAs. All patients received thromboprophylaxis for 5.3±3.6 months with: tinzaparin 90.8%, fondaparinux 5.5%, bemiparin 1.5%, enoxaparin 1.2%, apixaban 0.5% and rivaroxaban 0.5%. Intermediate doses received 70.9% of patients regardless clinical setting (1st, 2nd, adjuvant & neoadjuvant: 70.2%, 79.2%, 51.3% and 70.0% respectively, p = 0.0254), although intermediate doses were used more in metastatic stages (OR:2.4 95%CI: 1.4-4.2, p = 0.0028). Nine thrombotic events reported (2.1%, 95%CI: 1.1-3.9%), irrespective of clinical setting but with a trend towards prophylactic doses. Eleven grade 1 bleedings reported (2.6%, 95%CI: 1.4-4.5%), despite clinical setting or dose used. Conclusions: Thromboprophylaxis in ambulatory active cancer patients with high thrombotic risk is safe and effective. Oncologists are alerted about CAT negative influences in cancer patients’ prognosis. Apart from Khorana score, factors such as metastases, use of HRTCAs and drug-drug interactions influence the clinical decision of thromboprophylaxis in active cancer patients mainly with LMWHs and quite often with intermediate doses regardless clinical setting. Clinical trial information: NCT03909399. [Table: see text]
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anna Koumarianou
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology, Athens, AZ, Greece
| | | | | | - Georgios Samelis
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology, Athens, Greece
| | - Amanda Psyrri
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexandros Bokas
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology, Athens, Greece
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Tsoukalas N, Christopoulou A, Papandreou CN, Kapodistrias N, Koumarianou A, Peroukidis S, Kalofonos H, Samelis G, Andreadis C, Ardavanis A, Samantas E, Bokas A, Ligdas A, Athanasiadis I, Barbounis V, Kentepozidis NK, Mavroudis D, Athanasiadis A, Papakotoulas P, Boukovinas I. ACT for prevention and prophylaxis of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT). J Clin Oncol 2020. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.e14135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e14135 Background: CAT is the 2nd leading cause of death in oncology patients and there is need for thrombosis management across the natural history of cancer because of its dynamic nature. Anticoagulant therapy is the cornerstone of prevention and treatment, since thrombosis interferes with cancer treatment, increases health care resource utilization, imposes emotional and economic burden. Methods: A prospective observational study conducted by HeSMO across Greece, aiming to record the clinical practice of CAT prophylaxis in patients with solid tumors. Ambulatory, high risk for thrombosis, active cancer patients who received thromboprophylaxis are enrolled after signing informed consent. Results: Preliminary results are collected from 17 oncology departments. From the 272 enrolled patients, 176 (64.7%) have completed second visit (3-4 cycles of anticancer treatment). Primary cancers included: lung 31.3%, pancreas 26.1%, colorectal 13.6%, gynecological cancers 10.2%, stomach 7.8%, bladder 6.3%, and others.75.6% of the patients had metastatic disease. 1/3 of the patients were smokers or ex-smokers, and 33% underwent surgery. Most of patients (65.9%) were at 1st line treatment and 17.6% at 2nd line. The vast majority (90.3%) were treated with High-Risk for Thrombosis Chemotherapy Agents (HRTCAs) such as cisplatin etc. Regarding Khorana score, 65.1% had ≥2. In particular, 86.7% of patients with Khorana score ≤1 received HRTCAs while 95.4% of patients with score = 2.All patients received thromboprophylaxis, specifically: 93.0% tinzaparin, 5.2% fondaparinux and 1.8% other (enoxaparin, bemiparin) with average duration 5.3±3.1 months. 67.1% of the patients received higher than standard prophylactic doses. 3 patients (1.7%) experienced thrombotic events (2 DVT and 1 PE). These 3 patients had metastases and were treated with HRTCAs. Five grade 1 bleeding events were reported (2.8%). Conclusions: Thromboprophylaxis of CAT is both safe and effective. Oncologists are alerted about CAT negative influences in cancer patients’ prognosis. Apart from Khorana score, factors such as metastases, use of HRTCAs along with drug-drug interactions, increase the LMWHs usage often in higher than prophylactic doses in CAT management. Clinical trial information: NCT03909399.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Tsoukalas
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece
| | - Athina Christopoulou
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece
| | - Christos N Papandreou
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kapodistrias
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Koumarianou
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece, Athens, AZ, Greece
| | - Stavros Peroukidis
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Haralabos Kalofonos
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Samelis
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalampos Andreadis
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Ardavanis
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Epaminontas Samantas
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Bokas
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Ligdas
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Ilias Athanasiadis
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece, Athens, AZ, Greece
| | - Vasileios Barbounis
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos K. Kentepozidis
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Mavroudis
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Athanasiadis
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Pavlos Papakotoulas
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Boukovinas
- On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO, http://www.hesmo.gr/en), Athens, Greece
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Kamposioras K, Tsimplouli C, Verbeke C, Anthoney A, Daoukopoulou A, Papandreou CN, Sakellaridis N, Vassilopoulos G, Potamianos SP, Liakouli V, Migneco G, Del Galdo F, Dimas K. Silencing of caveolin-1 in fibroblasts as opposed to epithelial tumor cells results in increased tumor growth rate and chemoresistance in a human pancreatic cancer model. Int J Oncol 2018; 54:537-549. [PMID: 30483772 PMCID: PMC6317659 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) expression has been shown to be associated with tumor growth and resistance to chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer. The primary aim of this study was to explore the significance of Cav-1 expression in pancreatic cancer cells as compared to fibroblasts in relation to cancer cell proliferation and chemoresistance, both in vitro and in vivo, in an immunodeficient mouse model. We also aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of Cav-1 in the epithelial and stromal component of pancreatic cancer tissue specimens. The immunohistochemical staining of poorly differentiated tissue sections revealed a strong and weak Cav-1 expression in the epithelial tumor cells and stromal fibroblasts, respectively. Conversely, the well-differentiated areas were characterized by a weak epithelial Cav-1 expression. Cav-1 downregulation in cancer cells resulted in an increased proliferation in vitro; however, it had no effect on chemoresistance and growth gain in vivo. By contrast, the decreased expression of Cav-1 in fibroblasts resulted in a growth advantage and the chemo-resistance of cancer cells when they were co-injected into immunodeficient mice to develop mixed fibroblast/cancer cell xenografts. On the whole, the findings of this study suggest that the downregulation of Cav-1 in fibroblasts is associated with an increased tumor proliferation rate in vivo and chemoresistance. Further studies are warranted to explore whether the targeting of Cav-1 in the stroma may represent a novel therapeutic approach in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chrysiida Tsimplouli
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Alan Anthoney
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, LS9 7TF Leeds, UK
| | - Argyro Daoukopoulou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Christos N Papandreou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Sakellaridis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - George Vassilopoulos
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Spyros P Potamianos
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Liakouli
- Scleroderma Programme, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, LMBRU, University of Leeds, LS9 7TF Leeds, UK
| | - Gemma Migneco
- Division of Oncology, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, St. James's University Hospital Leeds, LS9 7TF Leeds, UK
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Scleroderma Programme, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, LMBRU, University of Leeds, LS9 7TF Leeds, UK
| | - Konstantinos Dimas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
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6
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Liontos M, Trigka EA, Korkolopoulou P, Tzannis K, Lainakis G, Koutsoukos K, Kostouros E, Lykka M, Papandreou CN, Karavasilis V, Christodoulou C, Papatsoris A, Skolarikos A, Varkarakis I, Adamakis I, Alamanis C, Stravodimos K, Mitropoulos D, Deliveliotis C, Constantinidis CA, Saetta A, Patsouris E, Dimopoulos MΑ, Bamias A. Expression and prognostic significance of VEGF and mTOR pathway proteins in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients: a prognostic immunohistochemical profile for kidney cancer patients. World J Urol 2016; 35:411-419. [PMID: 27395374 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-016-1890-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify prognostic molecular profiles in patients with mRCC treated with sunitinib, we performed immunohistochemical analysis for VEGF and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway components. METHODS The immunohistochemical expression of VEGF, p85α, p110γ, PTEN, p-Akt, p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1 and p-p70S6K was studied in 79 patients with mRCC who received first-line treatment with sunitinib. Expression was correlated with clinicopathological features and survival. RESULTS VEGF was highly expressed (median H-Score 150), while positivity for the markers of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was: p85α 43/66 (65 %), p110γ41/60 (68 %), PTEN 32/64 (50 %), p-Akt57/63 (90 %), p-mTOR48/64 (75 %), p-4E-BP1 58/64 (90 %) and p-p70S6K 60/65 (92 %). No single immunohistochemical marker was found to have prognostic significance. Instead, the combination of increased p-mTOR and low VEGF expression was adversely correlated with overall survival (OS) (3.2 vs. 16.9 months, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Immunohistochemistry for VEGF and p-mTOR proteins may discriminate patients refractory to first-line sunitinib with poor prognosis. Prospective validation of our findings is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Liontos
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 V.Sofias Ave, 11528, Athens, Greece.
| | - Eleni-Andriana Trigka
- 1st Department of Pathology, Laiko Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Penelope Korkolopoulou
- 1st Department of Pathology, Laiko Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kimon Tzannis
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 V.Sofias Ave, 11528, Athens, Greece.,Hellenic GenitoUrinary Cancer Group, Athens, Greece
| | - Giorgos Lainakis
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 V.Sofias Ave, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Koutsoukos
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 V.Sofias Ave, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthymios Kostouros
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 V.Sofias Ave, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Lykka
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 V.Sofias Ave, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos N Papandreou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vassilis Karavasilis
- Department of Medical Oncology, "Papageorgiou" Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Athanasios Papatsoris
- 2nd Department of Urology, Sismanoglio Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Hellenic GenitoUrinary Cancer Group, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Skolarikos
- 2nd Department of Urology, Sismanoglio Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Hellenic GenitoUrinary Cancer Group, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Varkarakis
- 2nd Department of Urology, Sismanoglio Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Hellenic GenitoUrinary Cancer Group, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Adamakis
- 1st Department of Urology, Laiko Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Alamanis
- 1st Department of Urology, Laiko Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Stravodimos
- Hellenic GenitoUrinary Cancer Group, Athens, Greece.,1st Department of Urology, Laiko Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysios Mitropoulos
- Hellenic GenitoUrinary Cancer Group, Athens, Greece.,1st Department of Urology, Laiko Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalambos Deliveliotis
- 2nd Department of Urology, Sismanoglio Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Hellenic GenitoUrinary Cancer Group, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos A Constantinidis
- Hellenic GenitoUrinary Cancer Group, Athens, Greece.,1st Department of Urology, Laiko Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Angelica Saetta
- 1st Department of Pathology, Laiko Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efstratios Patsouris
- 1st Department of Pathology, Laiko Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Meletios Α Dimopoulos
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 V.Sofias Ave, 11528, Athens, Greece.,Hellenic GenitoUrinary Cancer Group, Athens, Greece
| | - Aristotelis Bamias
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 V.Sofias Ave, 11528, Athens, Greece.,Hellenic GenitoUrinary Cancer Group, Athens, Greece
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7
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Papadopoulos V, Tsapakidis K, Riobo Del Galdo NA, Papandreou CN, Del Galdo F, Anthoney A, Sakellaridis N, Dimas K, Kamposioras K. The Prognostic Significance of the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Cancer. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2016; 15:116-27. [PMID: 27032873 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant advances in the management of colorectal cancer (CRC) the identification of new prognostic biomarkers continues to be a challenge. Since its initial discovery, the role of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in carcinogenesis has been extensively studied. We herein review and comment on the prognostic significance of the Hh signaling pathway in CRC. The differential expression of Hh pathway components between malignant and nonmalignant conditions as well as correlation of Hh activation markers with various clinicopathological parameters and the effect on disease-free survival, overall survival, and disease recurrence in patients with CRC is summarized and discussed. According to the studies reviewed herein the activation of the Hh pathway seems to be correlated with adverse clinicopathological features and worse survival. However, to date study results show significant variability with regard to the effect on outcomes. Such results need to be interpreted carefully and emphasize the need for further well designed studies to characterize the actual influence of the Hh pathway in CRC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Natalia A Riobo Del Galdo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Scleroderma Programme, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, LMBRU, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Anthoney
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Nikos Sakellaridis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Dimas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos Kamposioras
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Oncology, The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Wakefield, United Kingdom.
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Koutsoukos K, Tzannis K, Christodoulou C, Karavasilis V, Bakoyiannis C, Makatsoris T, Papandreou CN, Pectasides D, Dimopoulos MA, Bamias A. Two cycles of adjuvant carboplatin in stage I seminoma: 8-year experience by the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group (HECOG). World J Urol 2015; 34:853-7. [PMID: 26410826 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-015-1695-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Following the establishment of adjuvant carboplatin in stage I testicular seminoma as a standard, we adopted this treatment for all stage I seminoma patients. We report our 8-year experience and compare these results with our previous adjuvant etoposide/cisplatin (EP) strategy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with stage I seminoma, treated with adjuvant carboplatin and with a minimum follow-up of 1 year, were included. Two cycles of carboplatin [area under the curve (AUC) 6] were administered. RESULTS A total of 138 patients with median age of 34 years, treated from September 2003 to December 2011, were selected. There were 5 relapses [5-year relapse-free rate (RFR) 96.8 % (95 % confidence interval 91.6-98.8)]: 3 relapses at retroperitoneal lymph nodes, 1 relapse at the adrenal gland, and 1 isolated brain metastasis. Four patients with relapse were cured with salvage chemotherapy. All patients with relapse had tumor diameter ≥4 cm and/or age ≤34 years. Patients with at least 1 of the above risk factors (n = 111) had a significantly higher relapse rate compared with a similar population (n = 64) treated with 2 cycles of adjuvant EP: 5-year RFR was 95 % (SE 2 %) versus 100 % (SE 0 %), (p = 0.067). CONCLUSIONS Age and tumor diameter were associated with relapse in stage I seminoma treated with adjuvant carboplatin. Although adjuvant carboplatin in patients with age ≤34 and/or tumor diameter ≥4 cm is associated with higher relapse rates than EP, the prognosis of these patients is excellent, and therefore, the use of less toxic treatment is justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Koutsoukos
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Alexandra Hospital, 80 Vas Sofias Ave, 11528, Athens, Greece.
| | - Kimon Tzannis
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Alexandra Hospital, 80 Vas Sofias Ave, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Vasilios Karavasilis
- Department of Medical Oncology, "Papageorgiou" Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Thomas Makatsoris
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | - C N Papandreou
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Pectasides
- Oncology Section, Second Department of Internal Medicine, "Hippokration" Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Meletios A Dimopoulos
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Alexandra Hospital, 80 Vas Sofias Ave, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Aristotelis Bamias
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Alexandra Hospital, 80 Vas Sofias Ave, 11528, Athens, Greece
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Vlachostergios PJ, Papandreou CN. Efficacy of low dose temozolomide in combination with bortezomib in U87 glioma cells: a flow cytometric analysis. Arch Med Sci 2015; 11:307-10. [PMID: 25995745 PMCID: PMC4424237 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2013.36919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maximizing responses of malignant gliomas is hampered by resistance to temozolomide (TMZ). Increasing efficacy but not toxicity is a key issue when testing drug combinations. The antimyeloma agent bortezomib (BZ) has shown promising results in vitro and is currently being tested in glioblastoma (GBM) patients. In this study we investigate whether reduction of TMZ dosage is feasible without compromising the antitumor effect of TMZ-BZ combination. MATERIAL AND METHODS U87 GBM cells were treated with increasing doses of TMZ (1, 10, 100, 1000 µM), BZ (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1) and the combination during a 48-hour period, and apoptotic or/and necrotic cell death was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS Bortezomib alone at a dose as low as 0.001 µM markedly induced cell death, particularly late apoptosis, to a level which was comparable with high TMZ dosage. For combination treatments, the dose of 0.1 µM BZ, which was more potent than the maximal dose of TMZ (1000 µM), was chosen to be added to increasing TMZ concentrations. The combination of 0.1 BZ µM BZ with low doses of TMZ (1, 10 µM) further increased the cell death rate in an additive manner, at levels higher than those induced by high doses of TMZ monotherapy (100, 1000 µM). CONCLUSIONS Efficacy of TMZ-BZ combination is feasible with low doses of TMZ in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis J Vlachostergios
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis, Larissa, Greece
| | - Christos N Papandreou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis, Larissa, Greece
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10
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Vlachostergios PJ, Papandreou CN. Targeting neuroendocrine prostate cancer: molecular and clinical perspectives. Front Oncol 2015; 5:6. [PMID: 25699233 PMCID: PMC4313607 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate carcinoma, either co-present with the local adenocarcinoma disease or as a result of transdifferentiation later in time, was described as one major process of emerging resistance to androgen deprivation therapies, and at the clinical level it is consistent with the development of rapidly progressive visceral disease, often in the absence of elevated serum prostate-specific antigen level. Until present, platinum-based chemotherapy has been the only treatment modality, able to produce a fair amount of responses but of short duration. Recently, several efforts for molecular characterization of this lethal phenotype have resulted in identification of novel signaling factors involved in microenvironment interactions, mitosis, and neural reprograming as potential therapeutic targets. Ongoing clinical testing of specific inhibitors of these targets, for example, Aurora kinase A inhibitors, in carefully selected patients and exploitation of expression changes of the target before and after manipulation is anticipated to increase the existing data and facilitate therapeutic decision making at this late stage of the disease when hormonal manipulations, even with the newest androgen-directed therapies are no longer feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christos N Papandreou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly , Larissa , Greece
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11
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Karavasilis V, Kosmidis P, Syrigos KN, Mavropoulou P, Dimopoulos MA, Kotoula V, Pectasides D, Boukovinas I, Klouvas G, Kalogera-Fountzila A, Papandreou CN, Fountzilas G, Briasoulis E. Docetaxel and intermittent erlotinib in patients with metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer; a phase II study from the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group. Anticancer Res 2014; 34:5649-5655. [PMID: 25275069] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM To determine the more effective dosing sequence of intermittent erlotinib and docetaxel for treating chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were randomized to receive daily erlotinib for 12 consecutive days prior to docetaxel (Arm A) or after docetaxel (Arm B). Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary end-point; secondary end-points were overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR). RESULTS Fifty eligible patients received a total of 226 treatment cycles (median: 3). Median PFS and OS were 3.6 months and 10.5 months, respectively (differences were not statistically significant between the two arms). Neutropenia grade 3 and 4 occurred in 15 patients, while two patients developed grade 3 diarrhea. There were two treatment-related deaths (pulmonary embolism and non-neutropenic sepsis). CONCLUSION Intermittent administration of erlotinib does not appear to improve the clinical outcome of single-agent docetaxel chemotherapy in unselected patients with NSCLC in the first-line setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilios Karavasilis
- Department of Medical Oncology, "Papageorgiou" Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paris Kosmidis
- Second Department of Medical Oncology, Hygeia Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos N Syrigos
- Oncology Unit GPP, "Sotiria" General Hospital, Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Polyxeni Mavropoulou
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Meletios A Dimopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, "Alexandra" Hospital, University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Kotoula
- Department of Pathology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Pectasides
- Oncology Section, Second Department of Internal Medicine, "Hippokration" Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Boukovinas
- Department of Medical Oncology, "Theagenio" Cancer Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Klouvas
- Second Department of Medical Oncology, "Metropolitan" Hospital, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Anna Kalogera-Fountzila
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos N Papandreou
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - George Fountzilas
- Department of Medical Oncology, "Papageorgiou" Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelos Briasoulis
- Department of Hematology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
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12
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Vlachostergios PJ, Papandreou CN. Bevacizumab in advanced cervical cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2014; 16:935. [PMID: 25183047 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-014-1205-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P J Vlachostergios
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lutheran Medical Center, 150 55th Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11220, USA,
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13
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Fountzilas G, Dafni U, Papadimitriou C, Timotheadou E, Gogas H, Eleftheraki AG, Xanthakis I, Christodoulou C, Koutras A, Papandreou CN, Papakostas P, Miliaras S, Markopoulos C, Dimitrakakis C, Korantzopoulos P, Karanikiotis C, Bafaloukos D, Kosmidis P, Samantas E, Varthalitis I, Pavlidis N, Pectasides D, Dimopoulos MA. Dose-dense sequential adjuvant chemotherapy followed, as indicated, by trastuzumab for one year in patients with early breast cancer: first report at 5-year median follow-up of a Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group randomized phase III trial. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:515. [PMID: 25026897 PMCID: PMC4223601 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dose-dense sequential chemotherapy including anthracyclines and taxanes has been established in the adjuvant setting of high-risk operable breast cancer. However, the preferable taxane and optimal schedule of administration in a dose-dense regimen have not been defined yet. METHODS From July 2005 to November 2008, 1001 patients (990 eligible) were randomized to receive, every 2 weeks, 3 cycles of epirubicin 110 mg/m2 followed by 3 cycles of paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 followed by 3 cycles of intensified CMF (Arm A; 333 patients), or 3 cycles of epirubicin followed by 3 cycles of CMF, as in Arm A, followed 3 weeks later by 9 weekly cycles of docetaxel 35 mg/m2 (Arm B; 331), or 9 weekly cycles of paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 (Arm C; 326). Trastuzumab was administered for one year to HER2-positive patients post-radiation. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 60.5 months, the 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 86%, 90% and 88%, for Arms A, B and C, respectively, while the 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was 96% in all arms. No differences were found in DFS or OS between the combined B and C Arms versus Arm A (DFS: HR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.59-1.11, P = 0.20; OS: HR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.55-1.30, P = 0.43). Among the 255 patients who received trastuzumab, 189 patients (74%) completed 1 year of treatment uneventfully. In all arms, the most frequently reported severe adverse events were neutropenia (30% vs. 27% vs. 26%) and leucopenia (12% vs. 13% vs. 12%), while febrile neutropenia occurred in fifty-one patients (6% vs. 4% vs. 5%). Patients in Arm A experienced more often severe pain (P = 0.002), neurological complications (P = 0.004) and allergic reactions (P = 0.004), while patients in Arm B suffered more often from severe skin reactions (P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS No significant differences in survival between the regimens were found in the present phase III trial. Taxane scheduling influenced the type of severe toxicities. HER2-positive patients demonstrated comparable 3-year DFS and OS rates with those reported in other similar studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12610000151033.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Fountzilas
- Department of Medical Oncology, "Papageorgiou" Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Medicine, Thessaloniki Ring Road, 564 03 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece.
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14
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Abstract
Protein degradation is an indispensable process for cells which is often deregulated in various diseases, including malignant conditions. Depending on the specific cell type and functions of expressed proteins, this aberration may have different effects on the determination of malignant phenotypes. A discrete, inherent feature of malignant glioma is its profound invasive and migratory potential, regulated by the expression of signaling and effector proteins, many of which are also subjected to post-translational regulation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Here we provide an overview of this connection, focusing on important pro-invasive protein signals targeted by the UPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis J Vlachostergios
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology, University of Thessaly University Hospital of Larissa , Larissa , Greece
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15
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Vlachostergios PJ, Voutsadakis IA, Papandreou CN. Mechanisms of proteasome inhibitor-induced cytotoxicity in malignant glioma. Cell Biol Toxicol 2013; 29:199-211. [PMID: 23733249 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-013-9248-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The 26S proteasome constitutes an essential degradation apparatus involved in the consistent recycling of misfolded and damaged proteins inside cells. The aberrant activation of the proteasome has been widely observed in various types of cancers and implicated in the development and progression of carcinogenesis. In the era of targeted therapies, the clinical use of proteasome inhibitors necessitates a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cell death responsible for their cytotoxic action, which are reviewed here in the context of sensitization of malignant gliomas, a tumor type particularly refractory to conventional treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis J Vlachostergios
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, 41110, Greece.
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Abstract
High-grade gliomas represent a group of aggressive brain tumors with poor prognosis due to an inherent capacity of persistent cell growth and survival. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is an intracellular machinery responsible for protein turnover. Emerging evidence implicates various proteins targeted for degradation by the UPS in key survival and proliferation signaling pathways of these tumors. In this review, we discuss the involvement of UPS in the regulation of several mediators and effectors of these pathways in malignant gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis J Vlachostergios
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.
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17
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Vlachostergios PJ, Hatzidaki E, Papandreou CN. MGMT repletion after treatment of glioblastoma cells with temozolomide and O6-benzylguanine implicates NFκB and mutant p53. Neurol Res 2013; 35:879-82. [PMID: 23561593 DOI: 10.1179/1743132813y.0000000191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The DNA repair enzyme O6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) is a major determinant of glioma resistance to alkylating agents. Several strategies have been used to induce sensitization to alkylator-based treatments, including the direct MGMT inhibitor O6-benzylguanine (BG). However, replenishment of MGMT is often observed after the withdrawal of combined schedules of temozolomide (TMZ) and BG, thus preventing further treatment efficacy. In this study we investigated the potential mechanisms of resistance to combination treatment with TMZ and BG in the MGMT-proficient, p53-mutated (mt p53) T98G glioblastoma (GBM) cell line, looking for an effect on nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and mt p53, which are both transcriptional regulators of MGMT. The administration of TMZ alone led to minimal inhibition of T98G cell viability which was, however, enhanced with the addition of BG. This effect coincided with reduced expression of MGMT protein and transcript levels, and a decrease in cellular amount of NFκB and mt p53. However, withdrawal of the drugs led to an increase in cell viability, which was in parallel with repletion of MGMT protein and transcript levels and was also accompanied by elevated protein levels of NFκB and mt p53. Overall, these results suggest that NFκB and mt p53 induction may be responsible for the failure of BG to induce prolonged inhibition of direct repair in TMZ co-treated GBM cells with mt p53 status.
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Papandreou CN, Bogenrieder T, Finstad CL, Freeman RH, Chao MV, Albino AP, Scher HI, Reuter VE, Nanus DM. Reversal of the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor stromal-epithelial expression pattern between benign and malignant human prostate. Urol Oncol 2012; 4:210-7. [PMID: 21227260 DOI: 10.1016/s1078-1439(98)00036-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/1998] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Reduced expression of the low-affinity p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)) occurs in prostate epithelial cells during malignant transformation. Recent studies indicating that the p75(NTR) can transduce signals that induce apoptosis suggest that diminished p75(NTR) in transformed prostate cells may contribute to immortalization. Mutations in the transmembrane domain of the p75(NTR) gene have been associated with decreased p75(NTR) protein expression and may block the ability of the p75(NTR) to induce apoptosis. Therefore, we used Western blot to analyze prostate cancer (PC) cell lines for p75(NTR) protein expression and gene single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and direct DNA sequencing to analyze mutations in the transmembrane domain of the p75(NTR). p75(NTR) Protein was present in all cell lines, and mutations in the p75(NTR) gene were not detected in cDNA derived from any cell line. To define the expression pattern of p75(NTR) in PCs in vivo, we used immunohistochemical techniques to examine tissue specimens from 20 benign, 19 malignant primary, and 14 metastatic prostate specimens. In benign prostate tissues, expression of p75(NTR) was universally detected in basal cells but not in secretory epithelial or stromal cells. In both primary and metastatic PC tissues, p75(NTR) immunoreactivity could not be detected in malignant prostate epithelial cells. However, in contrast to the benign prostate, p75(NTR) protein was expressed in stromal cells surrounding malignant epithelial cells. Stromal p75(NTR) expression was present in 84% (16 of 19) primary and in 86% (12 of 14) metastatic specimens. These data show that in the benign prostate p75(NTR) protein is expressed by basal cells and not stromal cells whereas in malignant prostate p75(NTR) protein is expressed by stromal cells but not prostatic carcinoma cells. Reversal of the p75(NTR) stromal-epithelial pattern of expression between benign and malignant prostate suggests that p75(NTR) may contribute to the development and maintenance of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- C N Papandreou
- Genitourinary Oncology Research Laboratory, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY, 10021, USA; Genitourinary Oncology Service, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY, 10021, USA
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Vlachostergios PJ, Voutsadakis IA, Papandreou CN. The ubiquitin-proteasome system in glioma cell cycle control. Cell Div 2012; 7:18. [PMID: 22817864 PMCID: PMC3462126 DOI: 10.1186/1747-1028-7-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A major determinant of cell fate is regulation of cell cycle. Tight regulation of this process is lost during the course of development and progression of various tumors. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) constitutes a universal protein degradation pathway, essential for the consistent recycling of a plethora of proteins with distinct structural and functional roles within the cell, including cell cycle regulation. High grade tumors, such as glioblastomas have an inherent potential of escaping cell cycle control mechanisms and are often refractory to conventional treatment. Here, we review the association of UPS with several UPS-targeted proteins and pathways involved in regulation of the cell cycle in malignant gliomas, and discuss the potential role of UPS inhibitors in reinstitution of cell cycle control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis J Vlachostergios
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, Larissa, 41110, Greece.
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Pectasides D, Papaxoinis G, Kalogeras KT, Eleftheraki AG, Xanthakis I, Makatsoris T, Samantas E, Varthalitis I, Papakostas P, Nikitas N, Papandreou CN, Pentheroudakis G, Timotheadou E, Koutras A, Sgouros J, Bafaloukos D, Klouvas G, Economopoulos T, Syrigos KN, Fountzilas G. XELIRI-bevacizumab versus FOLFIRI-bevacizumab as first-line treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: a Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group phase III trial with collateral biomarker analysis. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:271. [PMID: 22748098 PMCID: PMC3466131 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 09/04/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim was to compare two standard chemotherapy regimens combined with bevacizumab as first-line treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Methods Patients previously untreated for metastatic disease were randomized in: group A (irinotecan, capecitabine, bevacizumab, every 3 weeks; XELIRI-bevacizumab) and group B (irinotecan, leucovorin, fluorouracil, bevacizumab, every 2 weeks; FOLFIRI-bevacizumab). Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Plasma concentrations of nitric oxide, osteopontin, TGF-β1 and VEGF-A were measured at baseline and during treatment. Results Among 285 eligible patients, 143 were randomized to group A and 142 to group B. Fifty-five patients (38.5%) in group A and 57 (40.1%) in group B responded (p = 0.81). After a median follow-up of 42 months, median PFS was 10.2 and 10.8 months (p = 0.74), while median OS was 20.0 and 25.3 months (p = 0.099), for groups A and B, respectively. Most frequent grade 3–4 toxicities (group A vs group B) were neutropenia (13% vs 22%, p = 0.053) and diarrhea (19% vs 11%, p = 0.082). Baseline plasma osteopontin concentrations demonstrated prognostic significance for both PFS and OS. Conclusions This trial did not show significant differences in efficacy between the groups. However, the toxicity profile was different. Baseline plasma osteopontin concentrations demonstrated independent prognostic significance. (Registration number: ACTRN12610000270011)
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Pectasides
- Oncology Section, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
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Patrikidou A, Vlachostergios PJ, Voutsadakis IA, Hatzidaki E, Valeri RM, Destouni C, Apostolou E, Papandreou CN. Neuropeptide-inducible upregulation of proteasome activity precedes nuclear factor kappa B activation in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2012; 12:31. [PMID: 22715899 PMCID: PMC3441896 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2867-12-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) activity and neuroendocrine differentiation are two mechanisms known to be involved in prostate cancer (PC) progression to castration resistance. We have observed that major components of these pathways, including NFκB, proteasome, neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and endothelin 1 (ET-1), exhibit an inverse and mirror image pattern in androgen-dependent (AD) and -independent (AI) states in vitro. METHODS We have now investigated for evidence of a direct mechanistic connection between these pathways with the use of immunocytochemistry (ICC), western blot analysis, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and proteasome activity assessment. RESULTS Neuropeptide (NP) stimulation induced nuclear translocation of NFκB in a dose-dependent manner in AI cells, also evident as reduced total inhibitor κB (IκB) levels and increased DNA binding in EMSA. These effects were preceded by increased 20 S proteasome activity at lower doses and at earlier times and were at least partially reversed under conditions of NP deprivation induced by specific NP receptor inhibitors, as well as NFκB, IκB kinase (IKK) and proteasome inhibitors. AD cells showed no appreciable nuclear translocation upon NP stimulation, with less intense DNA binding signal on EMSA. CONCLUSIONS Our results support evidence for a direct mechanistic connection between the NPs and NFκB/proteasome signaling pathways, with a distinct NP-induced profile in the more aggressive AI cancer state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Patrikidou
- Department of Medicine, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Ioannis A Voutsadakis
- Centre Pluridisciplinaire d’Oncologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eleana Hatzidaki
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Chariklia Destouni
- Department of Cytopathology, “Theagenio” Cancer Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Effie Apostolou
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University and Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Vlachostergios PJ, Papandreou CN. The Role of the Small Ubiquitin-Related Modifier (SUMO) Pathway in Prostate Cancer. Biomolecules 2012; 2:240-55. [PMID: 24970135 PMCID: PMC4030844 DOI: 10.3390/biom2020240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 03/15/2012] [Revised: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMO (small ubiquitin-related modifier) conjugation is a reversible three-step process of protein post-translational modifications mediating protein-protein interactions, subcellular compartmentalization and regulation of transcriptional events. Among divergent transcription factors regulated by SUMOylation and deSUMOylation, the androgen receptor (AR) is of exceptional significance, given its established role in prostate carcinogenesis. The enzymes of the SUMO pathway can have diverse effects on AR transcriptional activity, either via direct modification of the AR or through modification of AR co-regulators. Accumulating in vitro and in vivo evidence implicates the SUMO pathway in AR-dependent signaling. Prostate cancer cell proliferation and hypoxia-induced angiogenesis are also regulated by the SUMO pathway, through an AR-independent mechanism. Thus, an important role has been revealed for members of the SUMO pathway in prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression, offering new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis J Vlachostergios
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis 41110, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Christos N Papandreou
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis 41110, Larissa, Greece.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Gioulbasanis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
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Abstract
The involvement of the heart in metastatic cancer is a rare clinical diagnosis, as it may be asymptomatic or symptoms, when present, may be attributed to other causes. Issues regarding incidence, intracardiac location, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of metastatic cardiac tumors will be discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis J Vlachostergios
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, Biopolis 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Danai D Daliani
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, Biopolis 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Christos N Papandreou
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, Biopolis 41110, Larissa, Greece
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Tsapakidis K, Vlachostergios PJ, Voutsadakis IA, Befani CD, Patrikidou A, Hatzidaki E, Daliani DD, Moutzouris G, Liakos P, Papandreou CN. Bortezomib reverses the proliferative and antiapoptotic effect of neuropeptides on prostate cancer cells. Int J Urol 2012; 19:565-74. [PMID: 22324515 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2042.2012.02967.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neuropeptides are important signal initiators in advanced prostate cancer, partially acting through activation of nuclear factor kappa B. Central to nuclear factor kappa B regulation is the ubiquitin-proteasome system, pharmacological inhibition of which has been proposed as an anticancer strategy. We investigated the putative role of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in neuropeptides signaling effects on prostate cancer cells. METHODS Human prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP and PC-3, were used to examine cell proliferation, levels of proapoptotic (caspase-3, Bad) and cell cycle regulatory proteins (p53, p27, p21), as well as total and phosphorylated Akt and p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase proteins. Furthermore, 20S proteasome activity, subcellular localization of nuclear factor kappa B and transcription of nuclear factor kappa B target genes, interleukin-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor, were assessed. RESULTS Neuropeptides (endothelin-1, bombesin) increased cell proliferation, whereas bortezomib decreased proliferation and induced apoptosis, an effect maintained after cotreatment with neuropeptides. Bad, p53, p21 and p27 were downregulated by neuropeptides in PC-3, and these effects were reversed with the addition of bortezomib. Neuropeptides increased proteasomal activity and nuclear factor kappa B levels in PC-3, and these effects were prevented by bortezomib. Interleukin-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor transcripts were induced after neuropeptides treatment, but downregulated by bortezomib. These results coincided with the ability of bortezomib to reduce mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in both cell lines. CONCLUSIONS These findings are consistent with bortezomib-mediated abrogation of neuropeptides-induced proliferative and antiapoptotic signaling. Thus, the effect of the drug on the neuropeptides axis needs to be further investigated, as neuropeptide action in prostate cancer might entail involvement of the proteasome.
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Voutsadakis IA, Vlachostergios PJ, Daliani DD, Karasavvidou F, Kakkas G, Moutzouris G, Melekos MD, Papandreou CN. CD10 is inversely associated with nuclear factor-kappa B and predicts biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Urol Int 2012; 88:158-64. [PMID: 22286396 DOI: 10.1159/000335299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The cell surface endopeptidase CD10 (neutral endopeptidase) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) have been independently associated with prostate cancer (PC) progression. We investigated the correlations between these two factors and their prognostic relevance in terms of biochemical (prostate-specific antigen, PSA) relapse after radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized PC. PATIENTS AND METHODS The immunohistochemical expression of CD10 and NF-κB in samples from 70 patients who underwent RP for localized PC was correlated with the preoperative PSA level, Gleason score, pathological stage and time to PSA failure. RESULTS CD10 expression was inversely associated with NF-κB expression (p < 0.001), stage (p = 0.03) and grade (p = 0.003), whereas NF-κB was directly related with stage (p = 0.006) and grade (p = 0.002). The median time to PSA failure was 56 months. CD10 and NF-κB were directly (p < 0.001) and inversely (p < 0.001) correlated with biochemical recurrence-free survival, respectively. CD10 expression (p = 0.022) and stage (p = 0.018) were independently associated with time to biochemical recurrence. CONCLUSION Low CD10 expression is an adverse prognostic factor for biochemical relapse after RP in localized PC, which is also associated with high NF-κB expression. Decreased CD10 expression which would lead to increased neuropeptide signaling and NF-κB activity may be present in a subset of early PCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis A Voutsadakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
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Vlachostergios PJ, Karasavvidou F, Kakkas G, Kapatou K, Gioulbasanis I, Daliani DD, Moutzouris G, Papandreou CN. Lack of prognostic significance of p16 and p27 after radical prostatectomy in hormone-naïve prostate cancer. J Negat Results Biomed 2012; 11:2. [PMID: 22221586 PMCID: PMC3267667 DOI: 10.1186/1477-5751-11-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Loss of normal cell cycle control is an early event in the evolution of cancer. The expression of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors p16 and p27 has been previously associated with progression of prostate cancer (PC). 70 patients diagnosed with early stage PCwere treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) at our institution and their tumor specimens were immunohistochemically evaluated for expression of p16 and p27. Available clinical data of time to PSA recurrence were correlated with the examined parameters and combined with pre-operative PSA level, Gleason score and pathological TNM (pT) stage assessment. Results Nuclear overexpression of p16 was not associated with time to biochemical failure (BF) (p = 0.572). Same was the case for nuclear p27 overexpression (p = 1.000). Also, no significant correlations were found between either p16 or p27, and pre-operative PSA level, pT stage and Gleason grade. pT stage emerged as the only independent prognostic factor for biochemical recurrence (p = 0.01). Conclusions These data question previously reported data supporting the prognostic relevance of both p16 and p27 proteins in early PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis J Vlachostergios
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece.
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Vlachostergios PJ, Papandreou CN. Neuroendocrine differentiation and the ubiquitin-proteasome system in cancer: Partners or enemies? World J Exp Med 2011; 1:7-9. [PMID: 24520526 PMCID: PMC3905580 DOI: 10.5493/wjem.v1.i1.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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: 09/13/2011] [Revised: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation of cancer and deregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) are two processes that have been independently linked to the development of aggressive and treatment-resistant tumors. Striking data suggest a plausible interconnection between these two mechanisms, based on indirect evidence of neuropeptide-induced effects on UPS, reversed by proteasome inhibition and deubiquitinase-like properties of NE markers. Deciphering the model of their exact interactions is one of the keys to targeting the NE malignant phenotype more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis J Vlachostergios
- Panagiotis J Vlachostergios, Christos N Papandreou, Department of Medical Oncology, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Christos N Papandreou
- Panagiotis J Vlachostergios, Christos N Papandreou, Department of Medical Oncology, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis 41110, Larissa, Greece
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Gioulbasanis I, Georgoulias P, Vlachostergios PJ, Baracos V, Ghosh S, Giannousi Z, Papandreou CN, Mavroudis D, Georgoulias V. Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and biochemical markers of cachexia in metastatic lung cancer patients: Interrelations and associations with prognosis. Lung Cancer 2011; 74:516-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2011.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2011] [Revised: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 05/01/2011] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Gioulbasanis I, Patrikidou A, Kitikidou K, Papadimitriou K, Vlachostergios PJ, Tsatsanis C, Margioris AN, Papandreou CN, Mavroudis D, Georgoulias V. Baseline plasma levels of interleukin-8 in stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer patients: relationship with nutritional status and prognosis. Nutr Cancer 2011; 64:41-7. [PMID: 22098075 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2012.630157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-8 promotes cellular proliferation and angiogenesis in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and may be related to cachexia. Our aim was to investigate the relationship of IL-8 levels with nutritional status, and clinical outcome of patients with NSCLC. Patients with metastatic NSCLC referred for first-line therapy were eligible. Baseline IL-8 levels were measured in plasma. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used for the evaluation of the nutritional status, and patients were classified into 3 groups: A (score 24-30) "well nourished," B (score 17-23.5) "risk of malnutrition," and C (0-16.5) "malnourishment." Response to first-line chemotherapy, time-to-tumor progression (TTP), and overall survival (OS) were also recorded. In total, 114 patients (101 males, 88.5%; mean age = 67.5 yr) were evaluated. Performance status was 0-1 in 62% of the patients. According to the MNA, the majority of patients (71%) was either at nutritional risk or malnourished. IL-8 levels were significantly different between MNA groups (P = 0.023) and correlated with TTP (P = 0.013) and OS (P = 0.001) in univariate analysis. Baseline IL-8 levels correlate with the nutritional status of patients with metastatic NSCLC, suggesting that this cytokine may be related with cachexia.
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Giannousi Z, Gioulbasanis I, Pallis AG, Xyrafas A, Dalliani D, Kalbakis K, Papadopoulos V, Mavroudis D, Georgoulias V, Papandreou CN. Nutritional status, acute phase response and depression in metastatic lung cancer patients: correlations and association prognosis. Support Care Cancer 2011; 20:1823-9. [PMID: 21959842 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-011-1282-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Cancer cachexia is a metabolic syndrome related with poor outcome. Cytokines play a key role in the pathophysiology of that syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential correlations between nutritional status, systemic inflammation, and psychological distress in cancer patients. The prognostic significance of the recorded parameters was also assessed. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with metastatic lung cancer were eligible. Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used for the evaluation of nutritional status, Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) for the estimation of systemic inflammation, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for psychological assessment. RESULTS Totally, 122 patients were enrolled (71.3% with NSCLC and 28.7% with SCLC). The following correlations were observed: MNA and GPS (r = 0.289, p = 0.001), MNA and HADS (depression scale) (r = 0.275, p = 0.002), GPS and HADS (depression scale) (r = 0.256, p = 0.004), and GPS and HADS (anxiety scale) (r =0.194, p =0.033). In univariate analysis, GPS (p = 0.002) and MNA (p = 0.010) emerged as significant predictors of survival. In multivariate analysis, both MNA (p = 0.032) and GPS (p = 0.020) retained their importance. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the associations between nutritional status, systemic inflammation, and psychological distress, supporting their common underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and further suggesting the necessity of a holistic anti-cachectic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Giannousi
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Stavrakia and Voutes, Heraklion, 71110, Crete, Greece.
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Befani CD, Vlachostergios PJ, Hatzidaki E, Patrikidou A, Bonanou S, Simos G, Papandreou CN, Liakos P. Bortezomib represses HIF-1α protein expression and nuclear accumulation by inhibiting both PI3K/Akt/TOR and MAPK pathways in prostate cancer cells. J Mol Med (Berl) 2011; 90:45-54. [PMID: 21909688 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-011-0805-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Revised: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bortezomib represents the first proteasome inhibitor (PI) with demonstrated antitumor activity in the clinical setting, particularly for treatment of hematological malignancies. At the preclinical level, its action is shown to be mediated by induction of growth arrest and apoptosis in many tumor types, including androgen-dependent (AD) and androgen-independent (AI) prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which is directly involved in tumor growth, is one of the most studied and promising molecular targets for anti-cancer therapy and is often overexpressed in PCa. Bortezomib has been reported to impair tumor growth by also inhibiting HIF-1α. In this study, we investigated the effect of bortezomib on the expression, activity and localization of HIF-1α in LNCaP (AD) and PC3 (AI) PCa cells. First, we show that hypoxic upregulation of HIF-1α protein levels and activity involves both the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and p44/42 MAPK pathways. Second, bortezomib inhibits expression of HIF-1α protein under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions, represses HIF-1 transcriptional activity and attenuates the release of vascular endothelial growth factor. These effects correlate with the ability of bortezomib to cause dephosphorylation of phospho-Akt, phospho-p70S6K, and phospho-S6RP, thus inactivating a pathway known to be required for HIF-1α protein expression at the translational level. Furthermore, bortezomib also abrogates p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation, which results to reduced nuclear translocation of HIF-1α. Taken together, these results suggest that bortezomib inhibits HIF-1α protein synthesis and its nuclear targeting through suppression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK pathways, respectively, in both AD and AI PCa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina D Befani
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41110 Larissa, Greece
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Fountzilas G, Kourea HP, Bobos M, Televantou D, Kotoula V, Papadimitriou C, Papazisis KT, Timotheadou E, Efstratiou I, Koutras A, Pentheroudakis G, Christodoulou C, Aravantinos G, Miliaras D, Petraki K, Papandreou CN, Papakostas P, Bafaloukos D, Repana D, Razis E, Pectasides D, Dimopoulos AM. Paclitaxel and bevacizumab as first line combined treatment in patients with metastatic breast cancer: the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group experience with biological marker evaluation. Anticancer Res 2011; 31:3007-3018. [PMID: 21868552] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomized studies have shown that bevacizumab combined with taxane-based regimens increases response rates and prolongs progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). However predictive or prognostic biological markers that identify the appropriate target population, thus improving the cost-effectiveness ratio of this treatment, are still needed. PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospectively, 124 patients with MBC treated either with paclitaxel 90 mg/m² weekly x12 plus bevacizumab 10 μg/kg every 2 weeks or 15 μg/kg every 3 weeks (85 patients) or paclitaxel 175 mg/m² plus bevacizumab 15 μg/kg every 3 weeks for 6 cycles (36 patients) were identified. Additionally, the prognostic significance of a panel of key biological markers was evaluated centrally by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 88 evaluable patients. RESULTS More than two thirds of the patients completed chemotherapy, as planned. The response rate was almost identical (55.3% vs. 55.6%) in the patients treated with weekly or 3-weekly paclitaxel, respectively. After a median follow-up time of 23 months, the median PFS of the study population was 13 months, while median survival had not yet been reached. Common severe adverse events were neutropenia (33%), neuropathy (18.6%) and metabolic disturbances (17.6%). The incidence of hypertension of all grades was 28.1%. High expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 3 (VEGFR3) was associated with clinical response, while high expression of VEGFR1 was associated with poor survival. CONCLUSION The safety and activity of the combination of bevacizumab with paclitaxel given either weekly or 3-weekly in patients with MBC is confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Fountzilas
- Department of Medical Oncology, "Papageorgiou" Hospital, Ring Road, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Papandreou CN, Doxani C, Zdoukopoulos N, Vlachostergios PJ, Hatzidaki E, Bakalos G, Ziogas DC, Koufakis T, Zintzaras E. Evidence of association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene and susceptibility to breast cancer: a candidate-gene association study in a South-eastern European population. DNA Cell Biol 2011; 31:193-8. [PMID: 21875371 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2011.1292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene has been proposed as a candidate gene for breast cancer (BC). However, the specific role of MTHFR polymorphisms and haplotypes has not been fully clarified and replicated. We examined the association of two common MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) and their haplotypes in a candidate-gene association study, involving 300 female patients with BC and 283 healthy women. The single locus analysis for the two polymorphisms revealed an association only for the C677T polymorphism [odds ratio (95% confidence interval), OR=2.05 (1.21-3.48)], but adjustment for age diminished this association [OR=1.76 (0.92-3.42)]. The menopausal status showed no significant effect in the association between the MTHFR polymorphisms and BC. The analysis of haplotypes showed an association for the C677-A1298 haplotypes (p=0.04). The available evidence from our study may support a contributory role of MTHFR polymorphisms in BC development. Future larger studies may help in elucidating the genetics of BC further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos N Papandreou
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, 1 Panepistimiou St., Biopolis, Larissa, Greece.
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Patrikidou A, Vlachostergios PJ, Voutsadakis IA, Hatzidaki E, Valeri RM, Destouni C, Apostolou E, Daliani D, Papandreou CN. Inverse baseline expression pattern of the NEP/neuropeptides and NFκB/proteasome pathways in androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2011; 11:13. [PMID: 21569620 PMCID: PMC3121665 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2867-11-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 05/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Castration-resistance in prostate cancer (PC) is a critical event hallmarking a switch to a more aggressive phenotype. Neuroendocrine differentiation and upregulation of NFκB transcriptional activity are two mechanisms that have been independently linked to this process. Methods We investigated these two pathways together using in vitro models of androgen-dependent (AD) and androgen-independent (AI) PC. We measured cellular levels, activity and surface expression of Neutral Endopeptidase (NEP), levels of secreted Endothelin-1 (ET-1), levels, sub-cellular localisation and DNA binding ability of NFκB, and proteasomal activity in human native PC cell lines (LnCaP and PC-3) modelling AD and AI states. Results At baseline, AD cells were found to have high NEP expression and activity and low secreted ET-1. In contrast, they exhibited a low-level activation of the NFκB pathway associated with comparatively low 20S proteasome activity. The AI cells showed the exact mirror image, namely increased proteasomal activity resulting in a canonical pathway-mediated NFκB activation, and minimal NEP activity with increased levels of secreted ET-1. Conclusions Our results seem to support evidence for divergent patterns of expression of the NFκB/proteasome pathway with relation to components of the NEP/neuropeptide axis in PC cells of different level of androgen dependence. NEP and ET-1 are inversely and directly related to an activated state of the NFκB/proteasome pathway, respectively. A combination therapy targeting both pathways may ultimately prove to be of benefit in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Patrikidou
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.
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Papazisis KT, Kontovinis LF, Papandreou CN, Kouvatseas G, Lafaras C, Antonakis E, Christopoulou M, Andreadis C, Mouratidou D, Kortsaris AH. Brain natriuretic peptide precursor (NT-pro-BNP) levels predict for clinical benefit to sunitinib treatment in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2010; 10:489. [PMID: 20840755 PMCID: PMC2946311 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-10-489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sunitinib is an oral, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been approved for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Although the majority of sunitinib-treated patients receive a clinical benefit, almost a third of the patients will not respond. Currently there is no available marker that can predict for response in these patients. Methods We estimated the plasma levels of NT-pro-BNP (the N-terminal precursor of brain natriuretic peptide) in 36 patients that were treated with sunitinib for metastatic clear-cell renal carcinoma. Results From the 36 patients, 9 had progressive disease and 27 obtained a clinical benefit (objective response or disease stabilization). Increases in plasma NT-pro-BNP were strongly correlated to clinical outcome. Patients with disease progression increased plasma BNP at statistically significant higher levels than patients that obtained a clinical benefit, and this was evident from the first 15 days of treatment (a three-fold increase in patients with progressive disease compared to stable NT-pro-BNP levels in patients with clinical benefit, p < 0.0001). Median progression-free survival was 12.0 months in patients with less than 1.5 fold increases (n = 22) and 3.9 months in patients with more than 1.5 fold increases in plasma NT-pro-BNP (n = 13) (log-rank test, p = 0.001). Conclusions This is the first time that a potential "surrogate marker" has been reported with such a clear correlation to clinical benefit at an early time of treatment. Due to the relative small number of accessed patients, this observation needs to be further addressed on larger cohorts. More analyses, including multivariate analyses are needed before such an observation can be used in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos T Papazisis
- 3rd Department of Medical Oncology, Theagenion Cancer Hospital, Al, Simeonidi str 2, 54007 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Vlachostergios PJ, Daliani DD, Dimopoulos V, Patrikidou A, Voutsadakis IA, Papandreou CN. Nonbacterial thrombotic (marantic) endocarditis in a patient with colorectal cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 33:456-9. [PMID: 20838062 DOI: 10.1159/000317342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marantic endocarditis, presently termed nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE), is an infrequent post-mortem diagnosis in the adult population but a not so rare event in the course of neoplastic conditions. CASE REPORT We describe the case of a 74-year-old woman with advanced sigmoid adenocarcinoma, who developed aseptic vegetations in the right atrium of the heart. Systemic anticoagulation therapy was started, and upon clinical improvement systemic chemotherapy was added, resulting in partial response to antineoplastic therapy along with improvement of her cardiopulmonary status. A new cardiac assessment upon tumor recurrence was unable to distinguish the previously described lesions but disclosed a small mitral valve vegetation, in the absence of any signs or symptoms. The patient was again treated with chemotherapy and remains asymptomatic with stable disease. CONCLUSIONS Although a hypercoagulable state may be etiologically related to malignant conditions, a strong clinical suspicion of NBTE is required. In these cases, it is often difficult to establish a definite diagnosis; however, immediate anticoagulation treatment is mandatory for the prevention of de novo or further thromboembolic events.
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Voutsadakis IA, Patrikidou A, Tsapakidis K, Karagiannaki A, Hatzidaki E, Stathakis NE, Papandreou CN. Additive inhibition of colorectal cancer cell lines by aspirin and bortezomib. Int J Colorectal Dis 2010; 25:795-804. [PMID: 20397022 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-010-0939-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) inhibitor aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) and proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in the proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cell lines. METHODS MTT assay, trypan blue exclusion and DNA fragmentation have been used to investigate cell proliferation and apoptosis in the presence of drugs. For the determination of Cox activity a colorimetric method was used. Western blotting was used for the measurement of the effect of the drugs in different proteins expression. RESULTS Bortezomib together with aspirin inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116, HT-29, and CaCo2 more than each drug alone. In the first two cell lines ASA inhibitory effects are Cox-2 independent because HCT116 cells do not express the enzyme while in HT-29 cells, Cox-2 has no activity as shown by a Cox activity assay. In CaCo2 cells that express enzymatically active Cox-2 this activity is inhibited by ASA. ASA is also able to suppress the increase in Cox-2 activity induced by bortezomib in these cells. Cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p27 are induced in the three cell lines by bortezomib and the combination treatment. Akt1 kinase is down-regulated in all three lines by the same treatments. Transcription factor NF-kappaB is retained in the cytoplasm by drug treatment in cell lines HCT116 and HT-29, a fact that may play a role in their pro-apoptotic activity. Pro-apoptotic bcl-2 family member, bad is down-regulated in cell lines HCT116 and CaCo2 by bortezomib treatment, a neoplasia-promoting event that is reversed by combination treatment. CONCLUSION The combination of bortezomib and ASA cooperates to decrease proliferation and induce apoptosis in three human colorectal cell lines with different genetic lesions. These effects are at least in some cases Cox-2 independent and involve common and diverse mechanisms in the three lines.
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Vlachostergios PJ, Voutsadakis IA, Papandreou CN. Orbital metastasis of breast carcinoma. Breast Cancer (Auckl) 2009; 3:91-7. [PMID: 21556252 PMCID: PMC3086305] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of orbital metastasis in a previously diagnosed metastatic breast cancer in a 46-year old woman presenting with diplopia and proptosis of her left eye bulb. An orbital computed-tomography (CT) and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) both revealed an intra-orbital extra-bulbar mass of 1.5 × 3 cm in size, in the left orbit. The patient had been diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer 4 years before. She had received chemotherapy with docetaxel and was on hormone therapy at the time of presentation of her eye symptoms. Current treatment included systemic combination therapy with docetaxel and capecitabine as well as local irradiation with stereotactic radiosurgery (cyberknife). There was a gradual improvement of local symptoms and signs. The metastatic involvement of the orbit in malignant tumors is a rarely diagnosed condition. Breast cancer accounts for the majority of these cases. The appearance of eye symptoms in patients with a history of cancer should always be investigated with a consideration of ocular metastatic disease.
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Vlachostergios PJ, Patrikidou A, Daliani DD, Papandreou CN. The ubiquitin-proteasome system in cancer, a major player in DNA repair. Part 1: post-translational regulation. J Cell Mol Med 2009; 13:3006-18. [PMID: 19522845 PMCID: PMC4516461 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2009.00824.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA repair is a fundamental cellular function, indispensable for cell survival, especially in conditions of exposure to environmental or pharmacological effectors of DNA damage. The regulation of this function requires a flexible machinery to orchestrate the reversal of harmful DNA lesions by making use of existing proteins as well as inducible gene products. The accumulation of evidence for the involvement of ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in DNA repair pathways, that is reviewed here, has expanded its role from a cellular waste disposal basket to a multi-dimensional regulatory system. This review is the first of two that attempt to illustrate the nature and interactions of all different DNA repair pathways where UPS is demonstrated to be involved, with special focus on cancer- and chemotherapy-related DNA-damage repair. In this first review, we will be presenting the proteolytic and non-proteolytic roles of UPS in the post-translational regulation of DNA repair proteins, while the second review will focus on the UPS-dependent transcriptional response of DNA repair after DNA damage and stress.
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Vlachostergios PJ, Patrikidou A, Daliani DD, Papandreou CN. The ubiquitin-proteasome system in cancer, a major player in DNA repair. Part 2: transcriptional regulation. J Cell Mol Med 2009; 13:3019-31. [PMID: 19522844 PMCID: PMC4516462 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2009.00825.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA repair is an indispensable part of a cell’s defence system against the devastating effects of DNA-damaging conditions. The regulation of this function is a really demanding situation, particularly when the stressing factors persist for a long time. In such cases, the depletion of existing DNA repair proteins has to be compensated by the induction of the analogous gene products. In addition, the arrest of transcription, which is another result of many DNA-damaging agents, needs to be overcome through regulation of transcription-specific DNA repair pathways. The involvement of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in cancer- and chemotherapy-related DNA-damage repair relevant to the above transcriptional modification mechanisms are illustrated in this review. Furthermore, the contribution of UPS to the regulation of localization and accessibility of DNA repair proteins to chromatin, in response to cellular stress is discussed.
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Abstract
Ampullary carcinoma is the second most common cancer of the peri-ampullary area after pancreatic carcinoma and metastasizes mostly intra-abdominally and to the liver. Extra-abdominal metastases are less frequent. In this report we describe the case of a patient with resected adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater who developed skeletal metastases in the lower extremity and brain metastases. We briefly discuss aspects of this comparatively rare gastrointestinal malignancy.
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Daliani DD, Tannir NM, Papandreou CN, Wang X, Swisher S, Wood CG, Swanson DA, Logothetis CJ, Jonasch E. Prospective assessment of systemic therapy followed by surgical removal of metastases in selected patients with renal cell carcinoma. BJU Int 2009; 104:456-60. [PMID: 19338544 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2009.08490.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To prospectively establish objective selection criteria for metastasectomy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Between 1991 and 1999, 38 patients with mRCC with responsive or stable disease after initial systemic therapy, and with potentially resectable disease, were enrolled. Patients had a metastasectomy with curative intent and received consolidative adjuvant systemic therapy. RESULTS Of the patients enrolled, 79% had stable disease after initial systemic therapy and 21% had a partial or complete response. Most (84%) had metastasectomy of one organ site. There was surgically no evidence of disease (sNED) in 76%. Operative morbidity and mortality were acceptable and 90% of the patients received adjuvant systemic therapy. The median (95% confidence interval) survival was 4.7 (3.0-7.8) years, and the median time to progression was 1.8 (0.8-3.1) years. Eight of 38 patients (21%) remained free of disease by the end of the study. Significant predictors of outcome were lack of sNED after metastasectomy, and the presence of pulmonary metastases. The median overall survival for those who had sNED was 5.6 years, vs 1.4 years for those who did not (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Metastasectomy in patients with mRCC not progressing after systemic therapy is feasible, with acceptable morbidity. Predictive factors for long-term outcome include pulmonary metastases and sNED. Future work evaluating treatments that can convert patients into surgical candidates will increase the cure rate of patients with mRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danai D Daliani
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Mzourlo, Larrissa, Greece
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Daponte A, Kostopoulou E, Papandreou CN, Daliani DD, Minas M, Koukoulis G, Messinis IE. Prognostic significance of fascin expression in advanced poorly differentiated serous ovarian cancer. Anticancer Res 2008; 28:1905-1910. [PMID: 18630479] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High expression of the actin-bundling protein fascin correlates well with histological grade and clinical stage of ovarian carcinoma. This study addresses fascin expression in advanced poorly differentiated serous ovarian cancer with respect to progression free interval (PFI) and overall survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fascin and Ki-67 expression were analysed in paraffin blocks tissue sections of 56 stage III, poorly differentiated (G3) serous adenocarcinoma patients by immunohistochemistry. Fascin expression was tested for correlation with PFI and overall survival. RESULTS Fascin expression inversely correlated with Ki-67 expression (p=0.016). Strong fascin immunoreactivity was associated with poor prognosis; patients with low fascin expression had a median survival of 36.5 months versus 32 months for high fascin expression (p=0.041), and the median PFI was 24 versus 17.5 months (p=0.034). CONCLUSION Fascin expression is an independent prognostic factor for survival of advanced ovarian serous carcinoma, and may represent a novel therapeutic target for patients with aggressive forms of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis, Larissa 41110, Greece.
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Daponte A, Kostopoulou E, Papandreou CN, Chiotoglou I, Voutsadakis I, Vanakara P, Minas M, Nakou M, Kallitsaris A, Kollia P, Koukoulis G, Messinis IE. Retinoid receptor alpha and Beta expression in serous ovarian tumors. Oncology 2008; 73:81-9. [PMID: 18334854 DOI: 10.1159/000120633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2007] [Accepted: 09/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The expression of retinoid acid receptors alpha (RARalpha) and beta (RARbeta) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting in normal ovaries, serous cystadenoma (n = 20), serous borderline (n = 14), and serous ovarian cancer (n = 47) and was correlated in cancer cases with stage, grade, progress-free survival (PFS), and survival. RARalpha was increasingly expressed in benign cystadenomas, borderline, and low-stage and advanced-stage neoplasms (p < 0.001). In stage III, G3 serous carcinoma, increased RARalpha expression was an independent prognostic factor associated with lower chemoresponse to first-line chemotherapy (taxol and carboplatin) and shorter PFS (p < 0.002).RARbeta and ERalpha expression did not correlate with RARalpha tumor characteristics or PFS and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.
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Assikis VJ, Do KA, Wen S, Wang X, Cho-Vega JH, Brisbay S, Lopez R, Logothetis CJ, Troncoso P, Papandreou CN, McDonnell TJ. Clinical and biomarker correlates of androgen-independent, locally aggressive prostate cancer with limited metastatic potential. Clin Cancer Res 2004; 10:6770-8. [PMID: 15501953 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-04-0275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We have identified a subset of patients exhibiting extended survival with metastases from androgenindependent prostate cancer of which the principal site of progression was the tumor primary. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of selected biomarkers to characterize this subset of prostate cancer patients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A 105 core tissue microarray was constructed from primary tumor samples from 16 patients, with matched lymph node metastases in 5 cases. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate selected biomarkers associated with prostate cancer progression. Standard statistical methodologies were used to compute the distribution of time to progression and overall survival associations between pairs of biomarkers. Hierarchical clustering was done between groups of biomarkers, and we devised new methods to assess homogeneity of biomarker expression. RESULTS The median interval from diagnosis to salvage surgery was 65 months. The profile of biomarker expression was notable for virtual absence of neuroendocrine features, high CD10, low matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, high E-cadherin expression, and high membranous beta-catenin. The mean proliferative index was 12.1 +/- 10.1%, and the mean apoptotic index was 3.48 +/- 2.22%, and there was a significant correlation between these indices. Expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor was associated with phospho-AKT and proliferative index but inversely associated with phospho-STAT3. CONCLUSIONS The cohort of prostate cancer patients, characterized by locally aggressive disease rather than lethal metastatic progression, was associated with a distinctive biomarker signature. The biomarker profile was, in general, more consistent with low-grade prostate cancer exhibiting local growth rather than metastatic progression. Ongoing studies will establish whether this unique subset of patients can be identified prospectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasily J Assikis
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Abstract
Androgen ablation and chemotherapy provide effective palliation for most patients with advanced prostate cancer, but eventually progressing androgen-independent prostate cancer threatens the lives of patients usually within a few years, mandating improvement in therapy. Proteasome inhibition has been proposed as a therapy target for the treatment of solid and hematological malignancies. The proteasome is a ubiquitous enzyme complex that is a hub for the regulation of many intracellular regulatory pathways; because of its essential function, this enzyme has become a new target for cancer treatment. Studies with bortezomib (VELCADE, formerly known as PS-341) and other proteasome inhibitors indicate that cancer cells are especially dependent on the proteasome for survival, and several mechanisms used by prostate cancer cells require proteasome function. Bortezomib has been studied extensively in vitro and in vivo, and anticancer activity has been seen in cell and animal models for several solid tumor types, including prostate cancer. A Phase I trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose of once-weekly bortezomib has been completed. This trial included a large fraction of patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer. The maximum tolerated dose was reached at 1.6 mg/m(2). A correlation was seen among bortezomib dose, proteasome inhibition, and positive modulation of serum prostate-specific antigen. There was also evidence of down-regulation of serum interleukin 6, a downstream nuclear factor kappaB effector. This Phase I trial and preclinical studies support additional testing of bortezomib in combination with radiation or chemotherapy for androgen-independent prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos N Papandreou
- Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Papandreou CN, Daliani DD, Nix D, Yang H, Madden T, Wang X, Pien CS, Millikan RE, Tu SM, Pagliaro L, Kim J, Adams J, Elliott P, Esseltine D, Petrusich A, Dieringer P, Perez C, Logothetis CJ. Phase I trial of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in patients with advanced solid tumors with observations in androgen-independent prostate cancer. J Clin Oncol 2004; 22:2108-21. [PMID: 15169797 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2004.02.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 344] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the dose-limiting toxicity and maximum-tolerated dose of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib administered intravenously weekly for 4 every 5 weeks; to determine the bortezomib pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics using plasma levels and an assay for 20S proteasome inhibition (PI) in whole blood; to correlate toxicity with bortezomib dose and degree of 20S PI; and to conduct a preliminary determination of the antitumor activity of bortezomib in patients with androgen independent prostate cancer (AIPCa). PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-three patients (48 with AIPCa) received 128 cycles of bortezomib in doses ranging from 0.13 to 2.0 mg/m(2)/dose, utilizing a careful escalation scheme with a continuous reassessment method. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies were performed in 24 patients (at 1.45 to 2.0 mg/m(2)). RESULTS A dose-related 20S PI was seen, with dose-limiting toxicity at 2.0 mg/m(2) (diarrhea, hypotension) occurring at an average 1-hour post-dose of >/= 75% 20S PI. Other side effects were fatigue, hypertension, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. No relationship was seen between body-surface area and bortezomib clearance over the narrow dose range tested. There was evidence of biologic activity (decline in serum prostate-specific antigen and interleukin-6 levels) at >/= 50% 20S PI. Two patients with AIPCa had prostate-specific antigen response and two patients had partial response in lymph nodes. CONCLUSION The maximum-tolerated dose and recommended phase II dose of bortezomib in this schedule is 1.6 mg/m(2). Biologic activity (inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B-related markers) and antitumor activity is seen in AIPCa at tolerated doses of bortezomib. This agent should be further explored with chemotherapy agents in advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos N Papandreou
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Box 0427, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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