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Giannini N, Gadducci G, Fuentes T, Gonnelli A, Di Martino F, Puccini P, Naso M, Pasqualetti F, Capaccioli S, Paiar F. Electron FLASH radiotherapy in vivo studies. A systematic review. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1373453. [PMID: 38655137 PMCID: PMC11035725 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1373453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
FLASH-radiotherapy delivers a radiation beam a thousand times faster compared to conventional radiotherapy, reducing radiation damage in healthy tissues with an equivalent tumor response. Although not completely understood, this radiobiological phenomenon has been proved in several animal models with a spectrum of all kinds of particles currently used in contemporary radiotherapy, especially electrons. However, all the research teams have performed FLASH preclinical studies using industrial linear accelerator or LINAC commonly employed in conventional radiotherapy and modified for the delivery of ultra-high-dose-rate (UHDRs). Unfortunately, the delivering and measuring of UHDR beams have been proved not to be completely reliable with such devices. Concerns arise regarding the accuracy of beam monitoring and dosimetry systems. Additionally, this LINAC totally lacks an integrated and dedicated Treatment Planning System (TPS) able to evaluate the internal dose distribution in the case of in vivo experiments. Finally, these devices cannot modify dose-time parameters of the beam relevant to the flash effect, such as average dose rate; dose per pulse; and instantaneous dose rate. This aspect also precludes the exploration of the quantitative relationship with biological phenomena. The dependence on these parameters need to be further investigated. A promising advancement is represented by a new generation of electron LINAC that has successfully overcome some of these technological challenges. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the existing literature on in vivo experiments using electron FLASH radiotherapy and explore the promising clinical perspectives associated with this technology.
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Ius T, Montemurro N, Lombardi G, Berardinelli J, Romano A, Barresi V, Cerretti G, Guarnera A, Tel A, Cavallo LM, Pasqualetti F, Feletti A. Decoding the puzzle: A multidisciplinary systematic review of adult brainstem glioma. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 196:104261. [PMID: 38395241 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Adult brainstem gliomas (BSGs) are a group of rare central nervous system tumors with varying prognoses and controversial standard treatment strategies. To provide an overview of current trends, a systematic review using the PRISMA guidelines, Class of evidence (CE) and strength of recommendation (SR), was conducted. The review identified 27 studies. Surgery was found to have a positive impact on survival, particularly for focal lesions with CE II SR C. Stereotactic image-guided biopsy was recommended when resective surgery was not feasible with CE II and SR B. The role of systemic treatments remains unclear. Eight studies provided molecular biology data. This review gathers crucial literature on diagnosis and management of adult BSGs. It provides evidence-based guidance with updated recommendations for diagnosing and treating, taking into account recent molecular and genetic advancements. The importance of brain biopsy is emphasized to optimize treatment using emerging genetic-molecular findings and explore potential targeted therapies.
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Morelli M, Lessi F, Franceschi S, Ferri G, Giacomarra M, Menicagli M, Gambacciani C, Pieri F, Pasqualetti F, Montemurro N, Aretini P, Santonocito OS, Di Stefano AL, Mazzanti CM. Exploring Regorafenib Responsiveness and Uncovering Molecular Mechanisms in Recurrent Glioblastoma Tumors through Longitudinal In Vitro Sampling. Cells 2024; 13:487. [PMID: 38534332 PMCID: PMC10968984 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma, a deadly brain tumor, shows limited response to standard therapies like temozolomide (TMZ). Recent findings from the REGOMA trial underscore a significant survival improvement offered by Regorafenib (REGO) in recurrent glioblastoma. Our study aimed to propose a 3D ex vivo drug response precision medicine approach to investigate recurrent glioblastoma sensitivity to REGO and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in tumor resistance or responsiveness to treatment. Three-dimensional glioblastoma organoids (GB-EXPs) obtained from 18 patients' resected recurrent glioblastoma tumors were treated with TMZ and REGO. Drug responses were evaluated using NAD(P)H FLIM, stratifying tumors as responders (Resp) or non-responders (NRs). Whole-exome sequencing was performed on 16 tissue samples, and whole-transcriptome analysis on 13 GB-EXPs treated and untreated. We found 35% (n = 9) and 77% (n = 20) of tumors responded to TMZ and REGO, respectively, with no instances of TMZ-Resp being REGO-NRs. Exome analysis revealed a unique mutational profile in REGO-Resp tumors compared to NR tumors. Transcriptome analysis identified distinct expression patterns in Resp and NR tumors, impacting Rho GTPase and NOTCH signaling, known to be involved in drug response. In conclusion, recurrent glioblastoma tumors were more responsive to REGO compared to TMZ treatment. Importantly, our approach enables a comprehensive longitudinal exploration of the molecular changes induced by treatment, unveiling promising biomarkers indicative of drug response.
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Pasqualetti F, Gabelloni M, Faggioni L, Aquaro GD, De Vietro F, Mendola V, Spina N, Frey J, Montemurro N, Cantarella M, Caccese M, Gadducci G, Giannini N, Valenti S, Morganti R, Ius T, Caffo M, Vergaro G, Cosottini M, Naccarato AG, Lombardi G, Bocci G, Neri E, Paiar F. Glioblastoma and Internal Carotid Artery Calcium Score: A Possible Novel Prognostic Partnership? J Clin Med 2024; 13:1512. [PMID: 38592330 PMCID: PMC10933913 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Clinical evidence suggests an association between comorbidities and outcome in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). We hypothesised that the internal carotid artery (ICA) calcium score could represent a promising prognostic biomarker in a competing risk analysis in patients diagnosed with GBM. Methods: We validated the use of the ICA calcium score as a surrogate marker of the coronary calcium score in 32 patients with lung cancer. Subsequently, we assessed the impact of the ICA calcium score on overall survival in GBM patients treated with radio-chemotherapy. Results: We analysed 50 GBM patients. At the univariate analysis, methyl-guanine-methyltransferase gene (MGMT) promoter methylation (p = 0.048), gross total tumour resection (p = 0.017), and calcium score (p = 0.011) were significant prognostic predictors in patients with GBM. These three variables also maintained statistical significance in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: the ICA calcium score could be a promising prognostic biomarker in GBM patients.
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Crucitta S, Pasqualetti F, Gonnelli A, Ruglioni M, Luculli GI, Cantarella M, Ortenzi V, Scatena C, Paiar F, Naccarato AG, Danesi R, Del Re M. IDH1 mutation is detectable in plasma cell-free DNA and is associated with survival outcome in glioma patients. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:31. [PMID: 38172718 PMCID: PMC10763009 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11726-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA, liquid biopsy) is a powerful tool to detect molecular alterations. However, depending on tumor characteristics, biology and anatomic localization, cfDNA detection and analysis may be challenging. Gliomas are enclosed into an anatomic sanctuary, which obstacles the release of cfDNA into the peripheral blood. Therefore, the advantages of using liquid biopsy for brain tumors is still to be confirmed. The present study evaluates the ability of liquid biopsy to detect IDH1 mutations and its correlation with survival and clinical characteristics of glioma patients. METHODS Blood samples obtained from glioma patients were collected after surgery prior to the adjuvant therapy. cfDNA was extracted from plasma and IDH1 p.R132H mutation analysis was performed on a digital droplet PCR. χ2-test and Cohen k were used to assess the correlation between plasma and tissue IDH1 status, while Kaplan Meier curve and Cox regression analysis were applied to survival analysis. Statistical calculations were performed by MedCalc and GraphPad Prism software. RESULTS A total of 67 samples were collected. A concordance between IDH1 status in tissue and in plasma was found (p = 0.0024), and the presence of the IDH1 mutation both in tissue (138.8 months vs 24.4, p < 0.0001) and cfDNA (116.3 months vs 35.8, p = 0.016) was associated with longer median OS. A significant association between IDH1 mutation both in tissue and cfDNA, age, tumor grade and OS was demonstrated by univariate Cox regression analysis. No statistically significant association between IDH1 mutation and tumor grade was found (p = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates that liquid biopsy may be used in brain tumors to detect IDH1 mutation which represents an important prognostic biomarker in patients with different types of gliomas, being associated to OS.
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Santonocito OS, Grimod G, DI Stefano AL, Pieri F, Nizzola M, Mazzuca N, Pasqualetti F, Morganti R, Zucchi V, Gambacciani C. O-(2-18F-fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (18F-FET) PET as a potential selection tool for second surgery in glioblastoma patients. J Neurosurg Sci 2023:S0390-5616.23.06019-8. [PMID: 38127301 DOI: 10.23736/s0390-5616.23.06019-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment-related changes still represent a diagnostic challenge in the management of patients with suspect of recurrent glioblastoma. The specificity of conventional MRI in detecting recurrence remains limited. Brain PET imaging provides information on tumor metabolism and can contribute to improving the diagnostic accuracy of cerebral neoplasms. We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate the clinical value of O-(2-18F-fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (18F-FET) PET in the diagnosis of glioblastoma recurrence. METHODS A retrospective analysis on patients considered suitable for salvage surgery for recurrence glioblastoma was performed. 18F-FET-PET was performed to investigate gadolinium enhancement suspected for recurrence. Static and kinetic 18F-FET parameters were analyzed and related to O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) status. RESULTS Forty-two of the 51 patients who underwent 18F-FET-PET were re-operated. In each case, neuropathological diagnosis of tumor recurrence was confirmed. pMGMT hypermethylation was detected in 21 patients. Mean tumor-to-brain ratios (TBR) max was 3.87 (range 2.6-6.0). Static and kinetic 18F-FET parameters were similar according to MGMT status. CONCLUSIONS 18FET-PET can be a reliable tool to improve the selection of patients suitable for salvage surgery for glioblastoma recurrence.
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Ius T, Lombardi G, Baiano C, Berardinelli J, Romano A, Montemurro N, Cavallo LM, Pasqualetti F, Feletti A. Surgical Management of Adult Brainstem Gliomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:9772-9785. [PMID: 37999129 PMCID: PMC10670486 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30110709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review aims to investigate the survival and functional outcomes in adult high-grade brainstem gliomas (BGSs) by comparing data from resective surgery and biopsy. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were screened to conduct a systematic review of the literature, according to the PRISMA statement. Analysis was limited to articles including patients older than 18 years of age and those published from 1990 to September 2022. Case reports, review articles, meta-analyses, abstracts, reports of aggregated data, and reports on multimodal therapy where surgery was not the primary treatment were excluded. The ROBINS-I tool was applied to evaluate the risk of bias. Six studies were ultimately considered for the meta-analysis. The resective group was composed of 213 subjects and the bioptic group comprised 125. The analysis demonstrated a survival benefit in those patients in which an extensive resection was possible (STR HR 0.59 (95% CI 0.42, 0.82)) (GTR HR 0.63 (95% CI 0.43, 0.92)). Although surgical resection is associated with increased survival, the significantly higher complication rate makes it difficult to recommend surgery instead of biopsy for BSGs. Future investigations combining volumetric data and molecular profiles could add important data to better define the proper indication between resection and biopsy.
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Pasqualetti F, Zanotti S. Nonrandomised controlled trial in recurrent glioblastoma patients: the promise of autologous tumour lysate-loaded dendritic cell vaccination. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:895-896. [PMID: 36792723 PMCID: PMC10491746 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02194-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, Liau et al. reported the results of Phase 3 clinical trial testing DCVax-L vaccines on patients with glioblastoma. Despite the promising and significant results obtained, the study design and the long-lasting period of recruitment of this work deserve some reflection.
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Pasqualetti F, Miniati M, Gonnelli A, Gadducci G, Giannini N, Palagini L, Mancino M, Fuentes T, Paiar F. Cancer Stem Cells and Glioblastoma: Time for Innovative Biomarkers of Radio-Resistance? BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1295. [PMID: 37887005 PMCID: PMC10604498 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite countless papers in the field of radioresistance, researchers are still far from clearly understanding the mechanisms triggered in glioblastoma. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are important to the growth and spread of cancer, according to many studies. In addition, more recently, it has been suggested that CSCs have an impact on glioblastoma patients' prognosis, tumor aggressiveness, and treatment outcomes. In reviewing this new area of biology, we will provide a summary of the most recent research on CSCs and their role in the response to radio-chemotherapy in GB. In this review, we will examine the radiosensitivity of stem cells. Moreover, we summarize the current knowledge of the biomarkers of stemness and evaluate their potential function in the study of radiosensitivity.
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Caruso G, Ferrarotto R, Curcio A, Metro L, Pasqualetti F, Gaviani P, Barresi V, Angileri FF, Caffo M. Novel Advances in Treatment of Meningiomas: Prognostic and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4521. [PMID: 37760490 PMCID: PMC10526192 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Meningiomas are the most frequent histotypes of tumors of the central nervous system. Their incidence is approximately 35% of all primary brain tumors. Although they have the status of benign lesions, meningiomas are often associated with a decreased quality of life due to focal neurological deficits that may be related. The optimal treatment is total resection. Histological grading is the most important prognostic factor. Recently, molecular alterations have been identified that are specifically related to particular phenotypes and, probably, are also responsible for grading, site, and prognostic trend. Meningiomas recur in 10-25% of cases. In these cases, and in patients with atypical or anaplastic meningiomas, the methods of approach are relatively insufficient. To date, data on the molecular biology, genetics, and epigenetics of meningiomas are insufficient. To achieve an optimal treatment strategy, it is necessary to identify the mechanisms that regulate tumor formation and progression. Combination therapies affecting multiple molecular targets are currently opening up and have significant promise as adjuvant therapeutic options. We review the most recent literature to identify studies investigating recent therapeutic treatments recently used for meningiomas.
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Pasqualetti F, Barberis A, Zanotti S, Montemurro N, De Salvo GL, Soffietti R, Mazzanti CM, Ius T, Caffo M, Paiar F, Bocci G, Lombardi G, Harris AL, Buffa FM. The impact of survivorship bias in glioblastoma research. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 188:104065. [PMID: 37392899 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in the therapy of Central Nervous System (CNS) malignancies, treatment of glioblastoma (GB) poses significant challenges due to GB resistance and high recurrence rates following post-operative radio-chemotherapy. The majority of prognostic and predictive GB biomarkers are currently developed using tumour samples obtained through surgical interventions. However, the selection criteria adopted by different neurosurgeons to determine which cases are suitable for surgery make operated patients not representative of all GB cases. Particularly, geriatric and frail individuals are excluded from surgical consideration in some cancer centers. Such selection generates a survival (or selection) bias that introduces limitations, rendering the patients or data chosen for downstream analyses not representative of the entire community. In this review, we discuss the implication of survivorship bias on current and novel biomarkers for patient selection, stratification, therapy, and outcome analyses.
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Lessi F, Morelli M, Franceschi S, Aretini P, Menicagli M, Marranci A, Pasqualetti F, Gambacciani C, Pieri F, Grimod G, Zucchi V, Cupini S, Di Stefano AL, Santonocito OS, Mazzanti CM. Innovative Approach to Isolate and Characterize Glioblastoma Circulating Tumor Cells and Correlation with Tumor Mutational Status. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10147. [PMID: 37373295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are one of the most important causes of tumor recurrence and distant metastases. Glioblastoma (GBM) has been considered restricted to the brain for many years. Nevertheless, in the past years, several pieces of evidence indicate that hematogenous dissemination is a reality, and this is also in the caseof GBM. Our aim was to optimize CTCs' detection in GBM and define the genetic background of single CTCs compared to the primary GBM tumor and its recurrence to demonstrate that CTCs are indeed derived from the parental tumor. We collected blood samples from a recurrent IDH wt GBM patient. We genotyped the parental recurrent tumor tissue and the respective primary GBM tissue. CTCs were analyzed using the DEPArray system. CTCs Copy Number Alterations (CNAs) and sequencing analyses were performed to compare CTCs' genetic background with the same patient's primary and recurrent GBM tissues. We identified 210 common mutations in the primary and recurrent tumors. Among these, three somatic high-frequency mutations (in PRKCB, TBX1, and COG5 genes) were selected to investigate their presence in CTCs. Almost all sorted CTCs (9/13) had at least one of the mutations tested. The presence of TERT promoter mutations was also investigated and C228T variation was found in parental tumors and CTCs (C228T heterozygous and homozygous, respectively). We were able to isolate and genotype CTCs from a patient with GBM. We found common mutations but also exclusive molecular characteristics.
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Agosti E, Panciani PP, Zeppieri M, De Maria L, Pasqualetti F, Tel A, Zanin L, Fontanella MM, Ius T. Tumor Microenvironment and Glioblastoma Cell Interplay as Promoters of Therapeutic Resistance. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050736. [PMID: 37237548 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The invasive nature of glioblastoma is problematic in a radical surgery approach and can be responsible for tumor recurrence. In order to create new therapeutic strategies, it is imperative to have a better understanding of the mechanisms behind tumor growth and invasion. The continuous cross-talk between glioma stem cells (GSCs) and the tumor microenvironment (TME) contributes to disease progression, which renders research in this field difficult and challenging. The main aim of the review was to assess the different possible mechanisms that could explain resistance to treatment promoted by TME and GSCs in glioblastoma, including the role of M2 macrophages, micro RNAs (miRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) from exosomes from the TME. A systematic review of the literature on the role of the TME in developing and promoting radioresistance and chemoresistance of GBM was performed according to PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) guidelines. A dedicated literature review search was also performed on the immunotherapeutic agents against the immune TME. We identified 367 papers using the reported keywords. The final qualitative analysis was conducted on 25 studies. A growing amount of evidence in the current literature supports the role of M2 macrophages and non-coding RNAs in promoting the mechanisms of chemo and radioresistance. A better insight into how GBM cells interact with TME is an essential step towards comprehending the mechanisms that give rise to resistance to standard treatment, which can help to pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for GBM patients.
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Nicosia L, Franceschini D, Perrone-Congedi F, Molinari A, Gerardi MA, Rigo M, Mazzola R, Perna M, Scotti V, Fodor A, Iurato A, Pasqualetti F, Gadducci G, Chiesa S, Niespolo RM, Bruni A, Cappelli A, D'Angelo E, Borghetti P, Di Marzo A, Ravasio A, De Bari B, Sepulcri M, Aiello D, Mortellaro G, Sangalli C, Franceschini M, Montesi G, Aquilanti FM, Lunardi G, Valdagni R, Fazio I, Scarzello G, Vavassori V, Maranzano E, Maria Magrini S, Arcangeli S, Gambacorta MA, Valentini V, Paiar F, Ramella S, Di Muzio NG, Loi M, Jereczek-Fossa BA, Casamassima F, Osti MF, Scorsetti M, Alongi F. A predictive model of polymetastatic disease from a multicenter large retrospectIve database on colorectal lung metastases treated with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy: The RED LaIT-SABR study. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2023; 39:100568. [PMID: 36935855 PMCID: PMC10014322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2022.100568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) showed increasing survival in oligometastatic patients. Few studies actually depicted oligometastatic disease (OMD) evolution and which patient will remain disease-free and which will rapidly develop a polymetastatic disease (PMD) after SABR. Therefore, apart from the number of active metastases, there are no clues on which proven factor should be considered for prescribing local treatment in OMD. The study aims to identify predictive factors of polymetastatic evolution in lung oligometastatic colorectal cancer patients. Methods This international Ethical Committee approved trial (Prot. Negrar 2019-ZT) involved 23 Centers and 450 lung oligometastatic patients. Primary end-point was time to the polymetastatic conversion (tPMC). Additionally, oligometastases number and cumulative gross tumor volume (cumGTV) were used as combined predictive factors of tPMC. Oligometastases number was stratified as 1, 2-3, and 4-5; cumGTV was dichotomized to the value of 10 cc. Results The median tPMC in the overall population was 26 months. Population was classified in the following tPMC risk classes: low-risk (1-3 oligometastases and cumGTV ≤ 10 cc) with median tPMC of 35.1 months; intermediate-risk (1-3 oligometastases and cumGTV > 10 cc), with median tPMC of 13.9 months, and high-risk (4-5 oligometastases, any cumGTV) with median tPMC of 9.4 months (p = 0.000). Conclusion The present study identified predictive factors of polymetastatic evolution after SABR in lung oligometastatic colorectal cancer. The results demonstrated that the sole metastases number is not sufficient to define the OMD since patients defined oligometastatic from a numerical point of view might rapidly progress to PMD when the cumulative tumor volume is high. A tailored approach in SABR prescription should be pursued considering the expected disease evolution after SABR, with the aim to avoid unnecessary treatment and toxicity in those at high risk of polymetastatic spread, and maximize local treatment in those with a favorable disease evolution.
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Innocenti L, Ortenzi V, Scarpitta R, Montemurro N, Pasqualetti F, Asseri R, Lazzi S, Szumera-Cieckiewicz A, De Ieso K, Perrini P, Naccarato AG, Scatena C, Fanelli GN. The Prognostic Impact of Gender, Therapeutic Strategies, Molecular Background, and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Glioblastoma: A Still Unsolved Jigsaw. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:501. [PMID: 36833428 PMCID: PMC9956148 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the adoption of novel therapeutical approaches, the outcomes for glioblastoma (GBM) patients remain poor. In the present study, we investigated the prognostic impact of several clinico-pathological and molecular features as well as the role of the cellular immune response in a series of 59 GBM. CD4+ and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were digitally assessed on tissue microarray cores and their prognostic role was investigated. Moreover, the impact of other clinico-pathological features was evaluated. The number of CD4+ and CD8+ is higher in GBM tissue compared to normal brain tissue (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0005 respectively). A positive correlation between CD4+ and CD8+ in GBM is present (rs = 0.417-p = 0.001). CD4+ TILs are inversely related to overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.1-3.1, p = 0.035). The presence of low CD4+ TILs combined with low CD8+ TILs is an independent predictor of longer OS (HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.18-0.79, p = 0.014). Female sex is independently related to longer OS (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.22-0.77, p = 0.006). Adjuvant treatment, methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation, and age remain important prognostic factors but are influenced by other features. Adaptive cell-mediated immunity can affect the outcomes of GBM patients. Further studies are needed to elucidate the commitment of the CD4+ cells and the effects of different TILs subpopulations in GBM.
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Paiar F, Gabelloni M, Pasqualetti F, Cocuzza P, Montrone S, Arena C, Faggioni L, Falaschi Z, Del Secco L, Alberich-Bayarri A, Bonmati LM, Neri E. Correlation of Pre- and Post-radio-chemotherapy MRI Texture Features With Tumor Response in Rectal Cancer. Anticancer Res 2023; 43:781-788. [PMID: 36697103 DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.16218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The present study aimed to investigate radiomics features derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated data of 53 patients (32 males, 21 females) with T3/T4 or N+ rectal cancer who underwent MRI before and after CRT. Twenty-seven texture radiomics features were extracted from regions of interest, delimiting the tumor on T2-weighted images. RESULTS All 27 radiomics features extracted before CRT showed a statistically significant association with the tumor regression grade (TRG) (p<0.05), whereas, after CRT, only the Cluster Prominence value was the only variable to predict TRG (p=0.037, r=0.291). CONCLUSION All 27 features extracted before CRT were able to predict response to CRT and Cluster Prominence continued to be statistically significant even after CRT. The impact of radiomics features derived from MRI could be further investigated in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
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Morelli M, Stefano ALD, Picca A, Lessi F, Santonocito O, Menicagli M, Pasqualetti F, Franceschi S, Aretini P, Sanson M, Mazzanti CM. BIOM-35. A NEW PRECISION-MEDICINE APPROACH TO PREDICT TUMOR TREATMENT RESPONSE IDENTIFIES IN GLIOBLASTOMA A 17 GENE SIGNATURE PROGNOSTIC OF TMZ RESPONSE AND SURVIVAL WITH ROBUST PREDICTIVE VALUE. Neuro Oncol 2022. [PMCID: PMC9660525 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac209.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The Glioblastoma (GB) field has been experiencing a therapeutic standstill since 2005, primarily due to ineffective preclinical approaches to test anti-cancer treatments. Therefore, better treatment screening approaches are required. We developed a NADH FLIM-based functional precision medicine approach, that within one week after surgery identified two groups of TMZ Responder and Non-Responder tumors. A 17 gene molecular signature able to classify with 100% precision the TMZ responder and non-responder samples was discovered and identified by Kaplan Meier analysis, a Low-Risk and a High-Risk survival group, interrogating the TCGA GB database (Hazard Ratio = 1.87 p=0.00098,n=148) and TCGA LGG database (Hazard Ratio = 7.66 p=1.197e−35, n=660). Same results were obtained in the CCGA datasets. The 17 gene signature power for independently predicting prognosis (Hazard Ratio = 1.9, p=0.002) was then confirmed by direct RNAseq analysis of a separate clinically characterized cohort of 235 GB patients. Then, we combined the methylation status of the MGMT promoter to analyze the survival status of patients. The survival analysis based on the 17 gene risk signature and MGMT promoter methylation status demonstrated remarkable stratification of the clinical courses into four subgroups. Patients with MGMT promoter unmethylation and 17 gene High-Risk score had the worst prognosis, while patients with MGMT promoter methylation and 17 gene Low-Risk score had the best prognosis. In the latter group, a significant 24-month increase in survival was observed with 10% of 100 months Long Survivors with a difference of 35 months compared to the other groups. Our data indicate a new statistically strong RNAseq-based prognostic survival and TMZ response tool for patients with malignant glioma. The accuracy of this functional precision medicine approach allowed the development of a new prognostic gene signature that can improve the clinical management of GB patients. The approach could be implemented on other cancers as well.
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Pasqualetti F, Rizzo M, Franceschi S, Lessi F, Paiar F, Buffa FM. New perspectives in liquid biopsy for glioma patients. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:705-712. [PMID: 36093876 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Gliomas are the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system. They are characterized by a disappointing prognosis and ineffective therapy that has shown no substantial improvements in the past 20 years. The lack of progress in treating gliomas is linked with the inadequacy of suitable tumor samples to plan translational studies and support laboratory developments. To overcome the use of tumor tissue, this commentary review aims to highlight the potential for the clinical application of liquid biopsy (intended as the study of circulating biomarkers in the blood), focusing on circulating tumor cells, circulating DNA and circulating noncoding RNA. RECENT FINDINGS Thanks to the increasing sensitivity of sequencing techniques, it is now possible to analyze circulating nucleic acids and tumor cells (liquid biopsy). SUMMARY Although studies on the use of liquid biopsy are still at an early stage, the potential clinical applications of liquid biopsy in the study of primary brain cancer are many and have the potential to revolutionize the approach to neuro-oncology, and importantly, they offer the possibility of gathering information on the disease at any time during its history.
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Morelli M, Lessi F, Di Stefano A, Santonocito O, Gambacciani C, Pieri F, Aquila F, Ferri G, Snuderl M, Mulholland P, Ottaviani D, Aretini P, Pasqualetti F, Franceschi S, Mazzanti C. P15.01.A Metabolic-imaging of human glioblastoma explants: a new precision-medicine model to predict treatment response early. Neuro Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac174.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Glioblastoma (GB) is the most severe form of brain cancer, with a 12-15 month median survival. Although cell therapies for GB are on the near horizon, surgical resection, temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy (RT) remain the primary therapeutic options for GB, and no new small-molecule therapies have been introduced in recent years. This therapeutic standstill is partially because preclinical models of GB do not reflect the complexities of GB cell biology. Furthermore, the aggressive progression of GB makes it critical to identify patient-tailored therapeutic strategies early.
Material and Methods
We developed a novel in-vitro 3D glioblastoma explants (GB-EXPs) model derived from patients’ resected tumors maintaining cytoarchitecture seen in the tumors. We then performed metabolic-imaging by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) on live GB-EXPs to predict drug response, using TMZ as test drug.
Results
The entire process was successfully completed within 1 week since surgery. A unique drug response sample stratification emerged that was well reflected at the molecular level, highlighting new targets associated with TMZ treatment and identifying a molecular signature associated with survival.
Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that FLIM-based metabolic imaging is used on live glioblastoma explants to test anti-neoplastic drugs. FLIM-based readouts of drug response in GB explants could accelerate precision treatment of patients with GB and the identification of new anti-GB drugs.
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Lessi F, Morelli M, Aretini P, Menicagli M, Franceschi S, Pasqualetti F, Gambacciani C, Di Stefano A, Santonocito O, Mazzanti CM. P14.01.B Isolation and characterization of circulating tumor cells in a glioblastoma case with recurrence at distance and correlation with tumor mutational status. Neuro Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac174.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) are considered to be one of the important causes of tumor recurrence and distant metastasis. For many years, glioblastoma (GB) was thought to be restricted to the brain. Nevertheless, a growing body of evidence indicates that, like many other cancers, hematogenic dissemination is a reality. The absence of a procedural uniformity in literature prompted us to develop an innovative and sensitive method to obtain CTCs in GB. Our aim is to define the genetic background of single CTCs compared with the primary GB tumor and its recurrence to assess whether or not their presence in the peripheral circulation correlates with GB migration and dissemination.
Material and Methods
CTCs were enriched from whole blood of one patient with recurrent GB with Parsortix Cell Separation System and analysed on DEPArray system. After that, CTCs Copy Number Aberrations (CNAs) and sequencing analysis was performed to compare CTCs genetic background with the same patient’s primary and recurrence tissues, analysed by NextSeq 500 (whole exome sequencing).
Results
We obtained 211 mutations in common between primary and recurrence tumor. Among these, three somatic mutations (c.430 G>A in PRKCB gene, c.815 C>T in TBX1 gene and c.1554 T>G in COG5 gene) were selected to investigate their presence in recurrence CTCs. Almost all of the sorted CTCs (9/13) had at least one of the mutations tested.
Conclusion
In confirmation of the hypothesis, the CTCs detected in the patient's blood were actually cancer cells deriving from GB tumor.
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Morelli M, Lessi F, Barachini S, Liotti R, Montemurro N, Perrini P, Santonocito OS, Gambacciani C, Snuderl M, Pieri F, Aquila F, Farnesi A, Naccarato AG, Viacava P, Cardarelli F, Ferri G, Mulholland P, Ottaviani D, Paiar F, Liberti G, Pasqualetti F, Menicagli M, Aretini P, Signore G, Franceschi S, Mazzanti CM. Metabolic-imaging of human glioblastoma live tumors: A new precision-medicine approach to predict tumor treatment response early. Front Oncol 2022; 12:969812. [PMID: 36132155 PMCID: PMC9483168 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.969812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma (GB) is the most severe form of brain cancer, with a 12-15 month median survival. Surgical resection, temozolomide (TMZ) treatment, and radiotherapy remain the primary therapeutic options for GB, and no new therapies have been introduced in recent years. This therapeutic standstill is primarily due to preclinical approaches that do not fully respect the complexity of GB cell biology and fail to test efficiently anti-cancer treatments. Therefore, better treatment screening approaches are needed. In this study, we have developed a novel functional precision medicine approach to test the response to anticancer treatments in organoids derived from the resected tumors of glioblastoma patients. Methods GB organoids were grown for a short period of time to prevent any genetic and morphological evolution and divergence from the tumor of origin. We chose metabolic imaging by NAD(P)H fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to predict early and non-invasively ex-vivo anti-cancer treatment responses of GB organoids. TMZ was used as the benchmark drug to validate the approach. Whole-transcriptome and whole-exome analyses were performed to characterize tumor cases stratification. Results Our functional precision medicine approach was completed within one week after surgery and two groups of TMZ Responder and Non-Responder tumors were identified. FLIM-based metabolic tumor stratification was well reflected at the molecular level, confirming the validity of our approach, highlighting also new target genes associated with TMZ treatment and identifying a new 17-gene molecular signature associated with survival. The number of MGMT gene promoter methylated tumors was higher in the responsive group, as expected, however, some non-methylated tumor cases turned out to be nevertheless responsive to TMZ, suggesting that our procedure could be synergistic with the classical MGMT methylation biomarker. Conclusions For the first time, FLIM-based metabolic imaging was used on live glioblastoma organoids. Unlike other approaches, ex-vivo patient-tailored drug response is performed at an early stage of tumor culturing with no animal involvement and with minimal tampering with the original tumor cytoarchitecture. This functional precision medicine approach can be exploited in a range of clinical and laboratory settings to improve the clinical management of GB patients and implemented on other cancers as well.
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Pasqualetti F, Giampietro C, Montemurro N, Giannini N, Gadducci G, Orlandi P, Natali E, Chiarugi P, Gonnelli A, Cantarella M, Scatena C, Fanelli GN, Naccarato AG, Perrini P, Liberti G, Morganti R, Franzini M, Paolicchi A, Pellegrini G, Bocci G, Paiar F. Old and New Systemic Immune-Inflammation Indexes Are Associated with Overall Survival of Glioblastoma Patients Treated with Radio-Chemotherapy. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13061054. [PMID: 35741816 PMCID: PMC9223226 DOI: 10.3390/genes13061054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Systemic immunity and inflammation indexes (SI) derived from blood cells have gained increasing attention in clinical oncology as potential biomarkers that are associated with survival. Materials and methods. We tested 12 different SI using blood tests from patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 wild-type glioblastomas, treated with radio-chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was their overall survival. Results. A total of 77 patients, comprising 43 males and 34 females, with a median age of 64 years (age range 26-84), who were treated between October 2010 and July 2020, were included in the present analysis (approved by a local ethics committee). In the univariate Cox regression analysis, all the indexes except two showed a statistically significant impact on OS. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, neutrophil × platelet × leukocyte/(lymphocyte × monocyte) (NPW/LM) and neutrophil × platelet × monocyte/lymphocyte (NPM/L) maintained their statistically significant impact value. Conclusions. This univariate analysis confirms the potential of systemic inflammation indexes in patients with glioblastoma, while the multivariate analysis verifies the prognostic value of NPW/LM and NPM/L.
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Pasqualetti F, Calistri E, Fuentes T, Sainato A, Manfredi B, Morganti R, Galli L, Mercinelli C, Sammarco E, Baldaccini D, Coraggio G, Panichi M, Erba PA, Paiar F. Early Versus Late Postoperative Radiotherapy in Patients With Prostate Cancer: Results of a Single-centre Retrospective Study. Anticancer Res 2022; 42:2997-3001. [PMID: 35641255 DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.15783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM A much-debated topic relating to patients at risk of local prostate cancer recurrence, but with post-operative leveIs of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) lower than 0.2 ng/ml, concerns the best timing of postoperative radiotherapy (RT), adjuvant or salvage? The present monocentric, retrospective study aimed to investigate the best PSA value at which to plan salvage RT for patients with recurrent prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS From January 2011 to December 2019, 158 patients were treated with adjuvant RT at Pisa University Hospital, whilst 91 patients underwent salvage RT. We grouped the patients treated with salvage RT using their PSA values at the time of salvage RT: PSA >0.5 ng/ml, PSA between 0 and 0.5 ng/ml, and PSA ≤0.2 ng/ml. The median follow-up was 63 months. Biochemical recurrence-free survival (BFS) measured from surgery was the primary endpoint. RESULTS Salvage RT led to shorter BFS compared to adjuvant RT considering the whole cohort of patients, with a hazard ratio of 3.195 (95% confidence interval=1.534-6.655, p=0.002). However, analysing only the group of patients with PSA ≤0.2 ng/ml at the time of salvage RT, salvage RT led to BFS similar to that achieved with adjuvant RT (p=0.35). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that when scheduled for patients with a PSA ≤0.2 ng/ml, salvage RT results in equivalent biochemical control to that with adjuvant RT.
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Cucchiara F, Luci G, Giannini N, Giorgi FS, Orlandi P, Banchi M, Di Paolo A, Pasqualetti F, Danesi R, Bocci G. Association of plasma levetiracetam concentration, MGMT methylation and sex with survival of chemoradiotherapy-treated glioblastoma patients. Pharmacol Res 2022; 181:106290. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Franceschi S, Lessi F, Morelli M, Menicagli M, Pasqualetti F, Aretini P, Mazzanti CM. Sedoheptulose Kinase SHPK Expression in Glioblastoma: Emerging Role of the Nonoxidative Pentose Phosphate Pathway in Tumor Proliferation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115978. [PMID: 35682658 PMCID: PMC9180619 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common form of malignant brain cancer and is considered the deadliest human cancer. Because of poor outcomes in this disease, there is an urgent need for progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of GBM therapeutic resistance, as well as novel and innovative therapies for cancer prevention and treatment. The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is a metabolic pathway complementary to glycolysis, and several PPP enzymes have already been demonstrated as potential targets in cancer therapy. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the role of sedoheptulose kinase (SHPK), a key regulator of carbon flux that catalyzes the phosphorylation of sedoheptulose in the nonoxidative arm of the PPP. SHPK expression was investigated in patients with GBM using microarray data. SHPK was also overexpressed in GBM cells, and functional studies were conducted. SHPK expression in GBM shows a significant correlation with histology, prognosis, and survival. In particular, its increased expression is associated with a worse prognosis. Furthermore, its overexpression in GBM cells confirms an increase in cell proliferation. This work highlights for the first time the importance of SHPK in GBM for tumor progression and proposes this enzyme and the nonoxidative PPP as possible therapeutic targets.
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