Serum circSETDB1 is a promising biomarker for predicting response to platinum-taxane-combined chemotherapy and relapse in high-grade serous ovarian cancer

PURPOSE

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as promising biomarkers for various human malignancies. However, the application of circRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (SOC) remains to be elucidated. Here, we aim to investigate the feasibility of using serum circSETDB1, a tumor-promoting circRNA generated from the SET domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1 (SETDB1), known to be upregulated in SOC，as a biomarker for detecting SOC progression, predicting relapse, and evaluating the effectiveness of SOC treatment.

METHODS

Serum circSETDB1 levels were measured using quantitative real-time RCR in 60 SOC patients (18 primary chemoresistance, 42 primary chemosensitive) and 60 healthy volunteers. Progression-free survival curve was calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Diagnostic value was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) method.

RESULTS

Serum circSETDB1 expression is upregulated in SOC patients. Higher levels of circSETDB1 are positively associated with advanced clinical stage, lymph node metastasis of SOC patients. Notably, serum circSETDB1 levels are significantly increased in primary chemoresistance patients. Patients with higher levels of circSETDB1 have a shorter progression-free survival time. In addition, diagnostic value analyses revealed that serum circSETDB1 can distinguish patients with SOC from healthy volunteers as well as patients with primary chemoresistance from those with primary chemosensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that serum circSETDB1 may serve as a novel non-invasive biomarker for detecting SOC progression and predicting response to chemotherapy and relapse in high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

MicroRNA-645, up-regulated in human adencarcinoma of gastric esophageal junction, inhibits apoptosis by targeting tumor suppressor IFIT2

BACKGROUND

An increasing body of evidence indicates that miRNAs have a critical role in carcinogenesis and cancer progression; however, the role of miRNAs in the tumorigenesis of adencarcinoma of gastric esophageal junction (AGEJ) remains largely unclear.

METHODS

The SGC7901 and BGC-823 gastric cancer cell lines were used. The expressions of miR-645 and IFIT2 (Interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 2) were examined by qRT-PCR, The expressions of IFIT2 was examined by western blotting and immunohistochemistry assay. The cell apoptosis was determined by FACS. MiR-645 inhibitor, mimics and plasmid-IFIT2 transfections were performed to study the loss- and gain-function. Caspase-3/7 activity was examined by caspase-3/7 assay.

RESULTS

In the present study, we have reported an increased expression of miR-645 in AGEJ clinical specimens compared with paired non-cancerous tissues. We also observed a significant miR-645 up-regulation in two gastric cancer (GC) cell lines, SGC7901 and BGC-823, which were used as cell models because there was no available AGEJ cell lines established to date. We found that inhibition of miR-645 could sensitize dramatically SGC7901 and BGC-823 cells to both serum starvation- and chemotherapeutic drug-induced apoptosis by up-regulating IFIT2, a mediator of apoptosis via a mitochondrial pathway, with a potential binding site for miR-645 in its mRNA's 3'UTR. Further investigation exhibited that IFIT2 expression decreases in SGC7901 and BGC-823 cells and AGEJ tissues. IFIT2 ectopic expression leads to promotion of cell apoptosis, indicating that IFIT2 may function as a suppressor in the development of AGEJ. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-645 induces up-regulation of IFIT2 and increased caspase-3/7 activity compared with control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that miR-645 functions as an oncogene in human AGEJ by, at least partially through, targeting IFIT2.

Upregulation of circulating miR130a is correlated with development of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is one of the major known risk factors for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Circulating miRNAs are emerging as predictive biomarkers for early detection of malignancy. However, the potential for circulating miRNAs to be used as biomarkers for BE neoplastic progression to EAC has not been well characterized.

METHOD

We performed a systematic screening approach to identify spectrum miRNAs in the serum of both BE and EAC patients.

RESULTS

miRNA-array web-based software identified 116 sequences differentially expressed between BE patients and healthy controls. Subsequent study revealed that miR130a was significantly upregulated in serum samples of BE and EAC patients compared to healthy controls. We found an increase in serum miR130a in low-grade and high-grade dysplasia BE patients compared to individuals with metaplasia. We also observed that miR130a expression levels increased gradually from early-stage (I, II) to advanced-stage (III, IV) EAC patients.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary results provide evidence that circulating miR130a is correlated with the development of BE and EAC.

Differential MicroRNA Expression Profiles as Potential Biomarkers for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a clinical challenge due to its poor prognosis. Therefore, the early diagnosis of PDAC is extremely important for achieving a cure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) could serve as a potential biomarker for the early detection and prognosis of PDAC. In this work we analyzed plasma samples from healthy persons and PDAC patients to assess differential miRNA expression profiles by next generation sequencing technology and bioinformatics analysis. In this way, 165 mature miRNAs were found to be significantly deregulated in the patient group, of which 75 and 90 mature miRNAs were up- and down-regulated compared with healthy individuals, respectively. Furthermore, 1029 novel miRNAs were identified. In conclusion, plasma miRNA expression profiles are different between healthy individuals and patients with PDAC. These data provide a possibility for use of miRNA as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of PDAC.

Circular RNA expression profiling identifies novel biomarkers in uterine leiomyoma

Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently been identified in the development and progression of multiple human diseases. However, the significance of circRNAs in uterine leiomyoma (ULM) remains to be elucidated. Here, we aim to explore the expression profile of circRNAs in ULM and the potential of cicRNAs to be used as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Methods Global circRNA expression Profiles for ULM was performed by microarray in ULM tissue and matched adjacent normal myometrium counterpart. Bioinformatics analysis, qRT-PCR validation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) diagnostic accuracy was applied for differentially expressed circRNAs. Cell proliferation and spheroid formation assay were performed to assess the functional role of candidate circRNA. Results 579 up- and 625 down-regulated circRNAs were identified between ULMs and adjacent normal myometrium tissues. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that most differentially expressed circRNAs participate in pathways were related to pathological processes of ULM. The qRT-PCR validation results for 6 circRNAs (hsa_circ_0083920, hsa_circ_0056686, hsa_circ_0062558, hsa_circ_0020376, hsa_circ_0043597, hsa_circ_0026353, and circ_0017248) matched the microarray results. ROC analysis showed that hsa_circ_0083920, hsa_circ_0056686, hsa_circ_0062558, hsa_circ_0020376, and hsa_circ_0043597 could accurately distinguish the ULM samples from the myometrium samples. Additionally, hsa_circ_0056686 was validated to be upregulated in ULM and was associated with the leiomyoma size (P = 0.0446). Reduction of endogenous hsa_circ_0056686 expression significantly suppressed leiomyoma cell proliferation and spheroid formation capacity. Conclusions This study provides an integrated analysis of circRNAs in ULM, and gives new insight into the complex epigenetic mechanisms of ULM. Aberrantly expressed circRNAs may contribute to the pathogenesis of ULM and hsa_circ_0056686 might be a potential therapeutic target.

Tumor DNA From Tumor In Situ Fluid Reveals Mutation Landscape of Minimal Residual Disease After Glioma Surgery and Risk of Early Recurrence

The recurrence of glioma is a difficult problem in clinical treatment. The molecular markers of primary tumors after resection cannot fully represent the characteristics of recurrent tumors. Here, abundant tumor DNA was detected in tumor in situ fluid (TISF). We report that TISF-derived tumor DNA (TISF-DNA) can detect genomic changes in recurrent tumors and facilitate recurrence risk analysis, providing valuable information for diagnosis and prognosis. The tumor DNA in TISF is more representative and sensitive than that in cerebrospinal fluid. It reveals the mutational landscape of minimal residual disease after glioma surgery and the risk of early recurrence, contributing to the clinical management and clinical research of glioma patients.

Genomic alterations of oligodendrogliomas at distant recurrence

BACKGROUND

Oligodendroglioma is known for its relatively better prognosis and responsiveness to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, little is known about the evolution of genetic changes as oligodendroglioma progresses.

METHODS

In this study, we evaluated gene evolution invivo during tumor progression based on deep whole-genome sequencing data (ctDNA). We analyzed longitudinal genomic data from six patients during tumor evolution, of which five patients developed distant recurrence.

RESULTS

Whole-exome sequencing demonstrated that the rate of shared mutations between the primary and recurrent samples was relatively low. In two cases, even well-known major driver mutations in CIC and FUBP1 that were detected in primary tumors were not detected in the relapse samples. Among these cases, two patients had a conversion from the IDH mutation in the originating state to the IDH1 wild state during the process of gene evolution under chemotherapy treatment, indicating that the cell phenotype and genetic characteristics of oligodendroglioma may change during tumor evolution. Two patients received long-term temozolomide (TMZ) treatment before the operation, and we found that recurrence tumors harbored mutations in the PI3K/AKT and Sonic hedgehog (SHh) signaling pathways. Hypermutation occurred with mutations in MMR genes in one patient, contributing to the rapid progression of the tumor.

CONCLUSION

Oligodendroglioma displayed great spatial and temporal heterogeneity during tumor evolution. The PI3K/AKT and SHh signaling pathways may play an important role in promoting treatment resistance and distant relapse during oligodendroglioma evolution. In addition, there was a tendency to increase the degree of tumor malignancy during evolution. Distant recurrence may be a later event duringoligodendroglioma progression.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov, Identifier: NCT05512325.

Dynamics of tumor in situ fluid circulating tumor DNA in recurrent glioblastomas forecasts treatment efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade coupled with low-dose bevacizumab

PURPOSE

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies have shown efficacy in various tumors, but long-term responses in glioblastoma are less than 10%. Quantifying tumor in situ fluid circulating tumor DNA (TISF-ctDNA) and therapeutic dynamics may enable real-time GBM disease burden evaluation. This study explores the potential of tumor in situ fluid circulating tumor DNA (TISF-ctDNA) dynamics in predicting treatment efficacy.

METHODS

TISF and peripheral blood samples were collected from patients with recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) undergoing tislelizumab (a programmed death 1 inhibitor) combined with low-dose bevacizumab (an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody) treatment before and during each immunotherapy cycle. Biomarkers evaluated included TISF-ctDNA, measured using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), and host inflammation markers such as the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR).

RESULTS

All 32 patients received tislelizumab plus low-dose bevacizumab regularly. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.0 months, and overall survival (OS) was 22.3 months. An analysis of 19 patients with continuous evaluable TISF showed baseline TISF-ctDNA abundance did not correlate with OS (p = 0.23) or PFS (p = 0.23). However, a change in TISF-ctDNA maximal Somatic Variant Allelic Frequency (MVAF) after six treatment cycles predicted both PFS (p = 0.02) and OS (p < 0.0001). Lower baseline PLR also correlated with better survival outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The combination of tislelizumab and low-dose bevacizumab therapy appears to be effective in extending both OS and PFS in rGBM patients. Continuous TISF-ctDNA testing shows potential utility in complementing radiological monitoring. The temporal change pattern of TISF MVAF is more predictive of immunotherapy response than imaging. PLR before immunotherapy can screen patients likely to benefit from tislelizumab plus low-dose bevacizumab therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial registration number: NCT05502991; Date of registration: 2022-08-14.

Dynamic Tumor in Situ Fluid Circulating Tumor DNA Postsurgery Effectively Predicts Recurrence and Clinical Benefits for Glioblastomas

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Glioblastoma (GBM) recurrence after surgery remains a significant clinical challenge because of limited early detection methods and effective molecular markers. This study investigates the potential of dynamic tumor in situ fluid circulating tumor DNA (TISF-ctDNA) as a tool for monitoring molecular residual disease and evaluating treatment efficacy in postsurgical patients with GBM.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, 75 resectable glioma patients were enrolled between October 2019 to June 2023. Primary tumor tissues and postsurgical TISF samples were collected, along with cranial imaging. TISF-ctDNA was identified through targeted next-generation sequencing, with positivity defined by the presence of one or more variants in the TISF matching those of the primary tumors or an increase of ≥10 single-nucleotide variants across consecutive assessments.

RESULTS

TISF-ctDNA positivity was identified in 62.2% of patients in the early postsurgical period, indicating a high prevalence of molecular residual disease. Patients with positive TISF-ctDNA showed a significantly higher risk of recurrence (hazard ratio 2.512, 95% CI 1.264-4.993, P = .0054). Conversion to TISF-ctDNA negativity post-treatment was associated with improved overall survival, highlighting its role in evaluating treatment response. Multivariate analysis revealed that TISF-ctDNA positivity was an independent predictor of progression-free survival during adjuvant therapy, with high predictive accuracy (sensitivity 86.2%, specificity 100%). Importantly, TISF-ctDNA positivity preceded imaging signs of recurrence by a median of 71 days. In this study, no significant impact of specific tumor markers in each subcohort (EGFR, TP53, PTEN, NF1) on progression-free survival or overall survival was observed.

CONCLUSION

TISF-ctDNA is a promising biomarker for monitoring GBM recurrence and evaluating clinical benefit. It provides insight into tumor genomic evolution and identifies patients who may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. TISF-ctDNA positivity is a robust prognostic indicator for patient outcomes and a marker for molecular recurrence after frontline therapy.

Molecular and clonal evolution in vivo reveal a common pathway of distant relapse gliomas

The evolutionary trajectories of genomic alterations underlying distant recurrence in glioma remain largely unknown. To elucidate glioma evolution, we analyzed the evolutionary trajectories of matched pairs of primary tumors and relapse tumors or tumor in situ fluid (TISF) based on deep whole-genome sequencing data (ctDNA). We found that MMR gene mutations occurred in the late stage in IDH-mutant glioma during gene evolution, which activates multiple signaling pathways and significantly increases distant recurrence potential. The proneural subtype characterized by PDGFRA amplification was likely prone to hypermutation and distant recurrence following treatment. The classical and mesenchymal subtypes tended to progress locally through subclonal reconstruction, trunk genes transformation, and convergence evolution. EGFR and NOTCH signaling pathways and CDNK2A mutation play an important role in promoting tumor local progression. Glioma subtypes displayed distinct preferred evolutionary patterns. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05512325.