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Junior JNA, Preto DD'A, Lazarini MEZN, de Lima MA, Bonatelli M, Berardinelli GN, da Silva VD, Pinheiro C, Reis RM, Cárcano FM. PD-L1 expression and microsatellite instability (MSI) in cancer of unknown primary site. Int J Clin Oncol 2024:10.1007/s10147-024-02494-3. [PMID: 38528294 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-024-02494-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer of unknown primary site (CUP) is a heterogeneous group of tumors for which the origin remains unknown. Clinical outcomes might be influenced by regulatory processes in its microenvironment. Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a predictive biomarker for cancer immunotherapy and its status, as well as co-occurrence with PD-L1 expression, is poorly evaluated. We aim to evaluate the expression of PD-L1 and the status of MSI in CUP and their possible associations with clinical-pathological features. METHODS The combined positive score (CPS) PD-L1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. MSI status was assessed using a hexa-plex marker panel by polymerase chain reaction followed by fragment analysis. RESULTS Among the 166 cases, MSI analysis was conclusive in 120, with two cases being MSI positive (1.6%). PD-L1 expression was positive in 18.3% of 109 feasible cases. PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with non-visceral metastasis and a dominance of nodal metastasis. The median overall survival (mOS) was 3.7 (95% CI 1.6-5.8) months and patients who expressed PD-L1 achieved a better mOS compared to those who did not express PD-L1 (18.7 versus 3.0 months, p-value: < .001). ECOG-PS equal to or more than two and PD-L1 expression were independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis (2.37 and 0.42, respectively). CONCLUSION PD-L1 is expressed in a subset (1/5) of patients with CUP and associated with improved overall survival, while MSI is a rare event. There is a need to explore better the tumor microenvironment as well as the role of immunotherapy to change such a bad clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel D 'Almeida Preto
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Barretos School of Health Sciences Dr. Paulo Prata - FACISB, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | | | - Murilo Bonatelli
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | | | - Céline Pinheiro
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Barretos School of Health Sciences Dr. Paulo Prata - FACISB, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Medical School, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- 3ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Flavio Mavignier Cárcano
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.
- Oncoclinicas & Co - Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MEDSIR), Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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Pinto MT, Cárcano FM, Vieira AGS, Cabral ERM, Lopes LF. Molecular Biology of Pediatric and Adult Male Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102349. [PMID: 34068019 PMCID: PMC8152248 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are rare pediatric malignancies, they are the most common malignancies in young adult men. The similarities and differences between TGCTs in adults and children, taking into account the clinic presentation, biology, and molecular changes, are underexplored. In this paper, we aim to provide an overview of the molecular aspects of TGCTs, drawing a parallel between the findings in adult and pediatric groups. Abstract Cancer is a leading cause of death by disease in children and the second most prevalent of all causes in adults. Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) make up 0.5% of pediatric malignancies, 14% of adolescent malignancies, and are the most common of malignancies in young adult men. Although the biology and clinical presentation of adult TGCTs share a significant overlap with those of the pediatric group, molecular evidence suggests that TGCTs in young children likely represent a distinct group compared to older adolescents and adults. The rarity of this cancer among pediatric ages is consistent with our current understanding, and few studies have analyzed and compared the molecular basis in childhood and adult cancers. Here, we review the major similarities and differences in cancer genetics, cytogenetics, epigenetics, and chemotherapy resistance between pediatric and adult TGCTs. Understanding the biological and molecular processes underlying TGCTs may help improve patient outcomes, and fuel further investigation and clinical research in childhood and adult TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Tomazini Pinto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784400, Brazil; (M.T.P.); (F.M.C.); (E.R.M.C.)
- Brazilian Childhood Germ Cell Tumor Study Group, The Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society (SOBOPE), Barretos 14784400, Brazil;
| | - Flavio Mavignier Cárcano
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784400, Brazil; (M.T.P.); (F.M.C.); (E.R.M.C.)
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784400, Brazil
- Barretos School of Health Sciences Dr. Paulo Prata—FACISB, Barretos 14785002, Brazil
| | - Ana Glenda Santarosa Vieira
- Brazilian Childhood Germ Cell Tumor Study Group, The Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society (SOBOPE), Barretos 14784400, Brazil;
- Barretos Children’s Cancer Hospital from Hospital de Amor, Barretos 14784400, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Ramos Martins Cabral
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784400, Brazil; (M.T.P.); (F.M.C.); (E.R.M.C.)
| | - Luiz Fernando Lopes
- Brazilian Childhood Germ Cell Tumor Study Group, The Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society (SOBOPE), Barretos 14784400, Brazil;
- Barretos Children’s Cancer Hospital from Hospital de Amor, Barretos 14784400, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-17-3321-6600
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Fernandes FG, Silveira HCS, Júnior JNA, da Silveira RA, Zucca LE, Cárcano FM, Sanches AON, Neder L, Scapulatempo-Neto C, Serrano SV, Jonasch E, Reis RM, Evangelista AF. Somatic Copy Number Alterations and Associated Genes in Clear-Cell Renal-Cell Carcinoma in Brazilian Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2265. [PMID: 33668731 PMCID: PMC7956176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic copy number aberrations (CNAs) have been associated with clear-cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) pathogenesis and are a potential source of new diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Recurrent CNAs include loss of chromosome arms 3p, 14q, 9p, and gains of 5q and 8q. Some of these regional CNAs are suspected of altering gene expression and could influence clinical outcomes. Despite many studies of CNAs in RCC, there are currently no descriptions of genomic copy number alterations in a Brazilian ccRCC cohort. This study was designed to evaluate the chromosomal profile of CNAs in Brazilian ccRCC tumors and explore clinical associations. A total of 92 ccRCC Brazilian patients that underwent nephrectomy at Barretos Cancer Hospital were analyzed for CNAs by array comparative genomic hybridization. Most patients in the cohort had early-stage localized disease. The most significant alterations were loss of 3p (87.3%), 14q (35.8%), 6q (29.3%), 9p (28.6%) and 10q (25.0%), and gains of 5q (59.7%), 7p (29.3%) and 16q (20.6%). Bioinformatics analysis revealed 19 genes mapping to CNA significant regions, including SETD2, BAP1, FLT4, PTEN, FGFR4 and NSD1. Moreover, gain of 5q34-q35.3 (FLT4 and NSD1) and loss of 6q23.2-q23.3 (MYB) and 9p21.3 (MLLT3) had gene expression levels that correlated with TCGA data and was also associated with advanced disease features, such as larger tumors, Fuhrman 3, metastasis at diagnosis and death. The loss of region 14q22.1 which encompasses the NIN gene was associated with poor overall survival. Overall, this study provides the first CNA landscape of Brazilian patients and pinpoints genomic regions and specific genes worthy of more detailed investigations. Our results highlight important genes that are associated with copy number changes involving large chromosomal regions that are potentially related to ccRCC tumorigenesis and disease biology for future clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Gonçalves Fernandes
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (F.G.F.); (H.C.S.S.); (R.A.d.S.)
| | | | - João Neif Antonio Júnior
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (J.N.A.J.); (L.E.Z.); (F.M.C.); (A.O.N.S.); (S.V.S.)
| | - Rosana Antunes da Silveira
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (F.G.F.); (H.C.S.S.); (R.A.d.S.)
| | - Luis Eduardo Zucca
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (J.N.A.J.); (L.E.Z.); (F.M.C.); (A.O.N.S.); (S.V.S.)
| | - Flavio Mavignier Cárcano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (J.N.A.J.); (L.E.Z.); (F.M.C.); (A.O.N.S.); (S.V.S.)
- Barretos School of Health Sciences Dr Paulo Prata-FACISB, Barretos 14785-002, Brazil
| | - André Octavio Nicolau Sanches
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (J.N.A.J.); (L.E.Z.); (F.M.C.); (A.O.N.S.); (S.V.S.)
| | - Luciano Neder
- Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (L.N.); (C.S.-N.)
| | | | - Sergio Vicente Serrano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (J.N.A.J.); (L.E.Z.); (F.M.C.); (A.O.N.S.); (S.V.S.)
- Barretos School of Health Sciences Dr Paulo Prata-FACISB, Barretos 14785-002, Brazil
| | - Eric Jonasch
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (F.G.F.); (H.C.S.S.); (R.A.d.S.)
- Life and Health Sci Research Institute (ICVS), Medical School, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Adriane Feijó Evangelista
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (F.G.F.); (H.C.S.S.); (R.A.d.S.)
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Pinto F, Cárcano FM, da Silva ECA, Vidal DO, Scapulatempo-Neto C, Lopes LF, Reis RM. Brachyury oncogene is a prognostic factor in high-risk testicular germ cell tumors. Andrology 2018; 6:597-604. [PMID: 29749711 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The T-box transcription factor Brachyury has been considered a cancer-specific marker and a novel oncotarget in solid tumors. Brachyury overexpression has been described in various cancers, being associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and poor prognosis. However, its clinical association with testicular germ cell tumor is unknown. We analyzed the expression of Brachyury by immunohistochemistry in a series of well-characterized testicular germ cell tumor samples and at transcript level by in silico analysis. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of Brachyury in testicular germ cell tumor. Brachyury cytoplasm immunostaining was present in 89.6% (86/96) of cases with nuclear staining observed in 24% (23/96) of testicular germ cell tumor. Bioinformatics microarray expression analysis of two independent cohorts of testicular germ cell tumors showed similar results with increased levels of Brachyury in testicular germ cell tumors and metastasis compared with normal testis. Clinically, Brachyury nuclear staining was statistically associated with lower event-free survival (p = 0.04) and overall survival (p = 0.01) in intermediate/high-risk testicular germ cell tumors. Univariate analysis showed that Brachyury nuclear subcellular localization was a predictor of poor prognosis (p = 0.02), while a tendency was observed by multivariate analysis (HR: 3.56, p = 0.06). In conclusion, these results indicate that Brachyury plays an oncogenic role in testicular germ cell tumors and its subcellular localization in the nucleus may constitute a novel biomarker of poor prognosis and a putative oncotarget for intermediate/high-risk testicular germ cell tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto - IPATIMUP, Porto, Portugal
| | - F M Cárcano
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Barretos School of Health Sciences, Dr. Paulo Prata-FACISB, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - E C A da Silva
- Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - D O Vidal
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Children's Cancer Hospital, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - C Scapulatempo-Neto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - L F Lopes
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Children's Cancer Hospital, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - R M Reis
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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5
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Santos MTD, Souza BFD, Cárcano FM, Vidal RDO, Scapulatempo-Neto C, Viana CR, Carvalho AL. An integrated tool for determining the primary origin site of metastatic tumours. J Clin Pathol 2017; 71:584-593. [PMID: 29248889 PMCID: PMC6204949 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2017-204887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aims Cancers of unknown primary sites account for 3%–5% of all malignant neoplasms. Current diagnostic workflows based on immunohistochemistry and imaging tests have low accuracy and are highly subjective. We aim to develop and validate a gene-expression classifier to identify potential primary sites for metastatic cancers more accurately. Methods We built the largest Reference Database (RefDB) reported to date, composed of microarray data from 4429 known tumour samples obtained from 100 different sources and divided into 25 cancer superclasses formed by 58 cancer subclass. Based on specific profiles generated by 95 genes, we developed a gene-expression classifier which was first trained and tested by a cross-validation. Then, we performed a double-blinded retrospective validation study using a real-time PCR-based assay on a set of 105 metastatic formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. A histopathological review performed by two independent pathologists served as a reference diagnosis. Results The gene-expression classifier correctly identified, by a cross-validation, 86.6% of the expected cancer superclasses of 4429 samples from the RefDB, with a specificity of 99.43%. Next, the performance of the algorithm for classifying the validation set of metastatic FFPE samples was 83.81%, with 99.04% specificity. The overall reproducibility of our gene-expression-classifier system was 97.22% of precision, with a coefficient of variation for inter-assays and intra-assays and intra-lots <4.1%. Conclusion We developed a complete integrated workflow for the classification of metastatic tumour samples which may help on tumour primary site definition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Tadeu Dos Santos
- ONKOS Molecular Diagnostics, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Research and Development (R&D), Fleury Group, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ramon de Oliveira Vidal
- Department of Research and Development (R&D), Fleury Group, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
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Zucca LE, Morini Matushita MA, da Silva Oliveira RJ, Scapulatempo-Neto C, de Lima MA, Ribeiro GG, Viana CR, Cárcano FM, Reis RM. Expression of tyrosine kinase receptor AXL is associated with worse outcome of metastatic renal cell carcinomas treated with sunitinib. Urol Oncol 2017; 36:11.e13-11.e21. [PMID: 28986088 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents 2%-3% of all cancers of the Western countries. Currently, sunitinib, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, particularly of PDGF and VEGF receptors, is the first-line therapy for metastatic RCC (mRCC), with significant improvement in clinical outcome. However, there is a lack of predictive biomarkers of sunitinib response. Recently, others and our group suggested that the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL may modify the response to sunitinib. OBJECTIVE To study the expression of AXL in a series patients with of mRCC treated with sunitinib and to correlate it with patient's clinic-pathological features and therapeutic response. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-four patients with mRCC (51 clear cell carcinomas (CCCs) and 13 non-CCCs) were evaluated for AXL expression by immunohistochemistry in the primary tumor. RESULTS AXL positivity was observed in 47% (30/64) of cases, namely in 43% (22/51) of CCCs and 61% (8/13) of non-CCC. Considering only the clear cell subtype, the univariate analysis showed that AXL expression was statistically associated with a poor prognosis, with a median overall survival of 13 months vs. 43 months in patients with negative AXL. In this subtype, along with the AXL positivity, other prognostic factors were absence of nephrectomy, Karnofsky performance status, more than 1 site of metastasis and liver metastasis. Moreover, AXL expression was associated with shorter progression to sunitinib. Overall, the multivariate survival analysis showed that absence of nephrectomy (HR = 4.85, P = 0.001), more than 1 site of metastasis (HR = 2.99, P = 0.002), bone metastasis (HR = 2.95, P = 0.001), together with AXL expression (HR = 2.01, P = 0.048) were independent poor prognostic factor in patients with mRCC. CONCLUSION AXL expression was associated with worse clinical outcome and may be an important prognostic biomarker in sunitinib-treated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Eduardo Zucca
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Medical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Cristovam Scapulatempo-Neto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Alves de Lima
- Nucleous of Epidemiology and Statistics, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Flavio Mavignier Cárcano
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Medical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil; Barretos School of Health Sciences, Dr. Paulo Prata-FACISB, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Health Sciences School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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Paiva CE, Araujo RLC, Paiva BSR, de Pádua Souza C, Cárcano FM, Costa MM, Serrano SV, Lima JPN. What are the personal and professional characteristics that distinguish the researchers who publish in high- and low-impact journals? A multi-national web-based survey. Ecancermedicalscience 2017; 11:718. [PMID: 28194230 PMCID: PMC5295845 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2017.718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study identifies the personal and professional profiles of researchers with a greater potential to publish high-impact academic articles. METHOD The study involved conducting an international survey of journal authors using a web-based questionnaire. The survey examined personal characteristics, funding, and the perceived barriers of research quality, work-life balance, and satisfaction and motivation in relation to career. The processes of manuscript writing and journal publication were measured using an online questionnaire that was developed for this study. The responses were compared between the two groups of researchers using logistic regression models. RESULTS A total of 269 questionnaires were analysed. The researchers shared some common perceptions; both groups reported that they were seeking recognition (or to be leaders in their areas) rather than financial remuneration. Furthermore, both groups identified time and funding constraints as the main obstacles to their scientific activities. The amount of time that was spent on research activities, having >5 graduate students under supervision, never using text editing services prior to the publication of articles, and living in a developed and English-speaking country were the independent variables that were associated with their article getting a greater chance of publishing in a high-impact journal. In contrast, using one's own resources to perform studies decreased the chance of publishing in high-impact journals. CONCLUSIONS The researchers who publish in high-impact journals have distinct profiles compared with the researchers who publish in low-impact journals. English language abilities and the actual amount of time that is dedicated to research and scientific writing, as well as aspects that relate to the availability of financial resources are the factors that are associated with a successful researcher's profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Eduardo Paiva
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil, 14784-400; Institute of Education and Research/Pio XII Foundation, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil, 14784-400
| | - Raphael L C Araujo
- Institute of Education and Research/Pio XII Foundation, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil, 14784-400; Department of Upper Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil, 14784-400
| | | | | | - Flavio Mavignier Cárcano
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil, 14784-400; Barretos School of Health Sciences, Dr Paulo Prata, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Moreira Costa
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil, 14784-400
| | - Sérgio Vicente Serrano
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil, 14784-400; Barretos School of Health Sciences, Dr Paulo Prata, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
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Martinelli CMDS, Lengert AVH, Cárcano FM, Silva ECA, Brait M, Lopes LF, Vidal DO. MGMT and CALCA promoter methylation are associated with poor prognosis in testicular germ cell tumor patients. Oncotarget 2016; 8:50608-50617. [PMID: 28881587 PMCID: PMC5584175 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) represent the second main cause of cancer-related death in young men. Despite high cure rates, refractory disease results in poor prognosis. Epigenetic reprogramming occurs during the development of seminomas and non-seminomas. Understanding the molecular and genetic basis of these tumors would represent an important advance in the search for new TGCT molecular markers. Hence the frequency of methylation of a gene panel (VGF, MGMT, ADAMTS1, CALCA, HOXA9, CDKN2B, CDO1 and NANOG) was evaluated in 72 primary TGCT by quantitative methylation specific PCR. A high frequency of MGMT (90.9%, 20/22; p=0.019) and CALCA (90.5%, 19/21; p<0.026) methylation was associated with non-seminomatous tumors while CALCA methylation was also associated with refractory disease (47.4%, 09/19; p=0.005). Moreover, promoter methylation of both genes predicts poor clinical outcome for TGCT patients (5-year EFS: 50.5% vs 77.1%; p=0.032 for MGMT and 51.3% vs 77.0%; p=0.029 for CALCA). The findings of this study indicate that methylation of MGMT and CALCA are frequent and could be used as new molecular markers of prognosis in TGCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Maria da Silva Martinelli
- Pediatric Oncology Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil.,Brazilian Childhood Germ Cell Tumor Study Group, Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - André van Helvoort Lengert
- Pediatric Oncology Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil.,Brazilian Childhood Germ Cell Tumor Study Group, Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Flavio Mavignier Cárcano
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil.,Barretos School of Health Sciences, Dr. Paulo Prata/FACISB, Barretos, SP, Brazil.,Brazilian Childhood Germ Cell Tumor Study Group, Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Caetano Albino Silva
- Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil.,Brazilian Childhood Germ Cell Tumor Study Group, Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Brait
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luiz Fernando Lopes
- Barretos School of Health Sciences, Dr. Paulo Prata/FACISB, Barretos, SP, Brazil.,Barretos Children's Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil.,Brazilian Childhood Germ Cell Tumor Study Group, Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel Onofre Vidal
- Pediatric Oncology Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil.,Barretos Children's Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil.,Brazilian Childhood Germ Cell Tumor Study Group, Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Cárcano FM, Lengert AH, Vidal DO, Scapulatempo Neto C, Queiroz L, Marques H, Baltazar F, Berardinelli GN, Martinelli CMS, da Silva ECA, Reis RM, Lopes LF. Absence of microsatellite instability and BRAF (V600E) mutation in testicular germ cell tumors. Andrology 2016; 4:866-72. [PMID: 27153176 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are the most common malignant neoplasm in young men. DNA mismatch repair deficiency can lead to microsatellite instability (MSI), an important mechanism of genetic instability. A mutation of the BRAF gene has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several solid tumors and has recently become an important therapeutic target. The role of MSI and BRAF gene mutation in TGCT, particularly in refractory disease, is poorly understood and reported findings are controversial. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency and clinical impact of MSI status and BRAF mutations in TGCT. DNA was isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue from 150 TGCT cases. The MSI phenotype was evaluated using multiplex PCR for five quasimonomorphic mononucleotide repeat markers. Exon 15 of the BRAF oncogene (V600E) was analyzed by PCR, followed by direct sequencing. Sixteen percent of cases were considered to have refractory disease. In a small subset of cases (17 for MSI and 18 for BRAF), the quantity and quality of DNA recovery were poor and therefore, were unable to be analyzed. The remaining 133 TGCT cases showed a complete absence of MSI. Of the 132 cases successfully evaluated for BRAF mutations, all were V600E wild-type. In conclusion, despite a distinct response of testicular germ cell tumors to therapy, microsatellite instability, and the BRAF V600E mutation were absent in all testicular germ cell tumors tested in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Cárcano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Barretos School of Health Sciences, Dr. Paulo Prata - FACISB, Barretos, Brazil
| | - A H Lengert
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Barretos Children's Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - D O Vidal
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Barretos Children's Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - C Scapulatempo Neto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - L Queiroz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - H Marques
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - F Baltazar
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Health Sciences School, University of Minho, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - G N Berardinelli
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - C M S Martinelli
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - E C A da Silva
- Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - R M Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Health Sciences School, University of Minho, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - L F Lopes
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Barretos Children's Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
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Cárcano FM, Vidal DO, van Helvoort Lengert A, Neto CS, Queiroz L, Marques H, Baltazar F, da Silva Martinelli CM, Soares P, da Silva ECA, Lopes LF, Reis RM. Hotspot TERT promoter mutations are rare events in testicular germ cell tumors. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:4901-7. [PMID: 26526580 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4317-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The abnormal activation of telomerase, codified by the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene, is related to one of cancer hallmarks. Hotspot somatic mutations in the promoter region of TERT, specifically the c.-124:C>T and c.-146:C>T, were recently identified in a range of human cancers and have been associated with a more aggressive behavior. Testicular germ cell tumors frequently exhibit a good prognosis; however, the development of refractory disease is still a clinical challenge. In this study, we aim to evaluate for the first time the presence of the hotspot telomerase reverse transcriptase gene promoter mutations in testicular germ cell tumors. A series of 150 testicular germ cell tumor cases and four germ cell tumor cell lines were evaluated by PCR followed by direct Sanger sequencing and correlated with patient's clinical pathological features. Additionally, we genotyped the telomerase reverse transcriptase gene promoter single nucleotide polymorphism rs2853669 (T>C) located at -245 position. We observed the presence of the TERT promoter mutation in four patients, one exhibited the c.-124:C>T and three the c.-146:C>T. No association between TERT mutation status and clinicopathological features could be identified. The analysis of the rs2853669 showed that variant C was present in 22.8 % of the cases. In conclusion, we showed for the first time that TERT promoter mutations occur in a small subset (~3 %) of testicular germ cell tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Mavignier Cárcano
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Barretos School of Health Sciences, Dr. Paulo Prata-FACISB, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Daniel Onofre Vidal
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, 1331, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela St, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Barretos Children's Cancer Hospital, 3025, Avenida João Baroni, Barretos, Brazil
| | - André van Helvoort Lengert
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, 1331, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela St, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Barretos Children's Cancer Hospital, 3025, Avenida João Baroni, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Cristovam Scapulatempo Neto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, 1331, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela St, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Luisa Queiroz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Fátima Baltazar
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Health Sciences School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Camila Maria da Silva Martinelli
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, 1331, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela St, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Soares
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto-IPATIMUP, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Medical Faculty, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Luiz Fernando Lopes
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, 1331, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela St, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil. .,Barretos Children's Cancer Hospital, 3025, Avenida João Baroni, Barretos, Brazil.
| | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, 1331, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela St, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil. .,Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Health Sciences School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. .,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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dos Santos LV, dos Anjos Jácome AA, Cárcano FM, da Silveira Nogueira Lima JP, Serrano SV. Watch and wait policy remains experimental for the management of rectal cancer. Colorectal Dis 2010; 12:833. [PMID: 20497198 DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2010.02332.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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