1
|
Duffin K, Mitchell RT, Brougham MFH, Hamer G, van Pelt AMM, Mulder CL. Impacts of cancer therapy on male fertility: Past and present. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 100:101308. [PMID: 39265489 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101308] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, advances in cancer therapy have significantly improved survival rates, particularly in childhood cancers. Still, many treatments pose a substantial risk for diminishing future fertility potential due to the gonadotoxic nature of many cancer regimens, justifying fertility preservation programs for both childhood and adult cancer patients. To assure a balance between offering fertility preservation and actual chance of infertility post-treatment, guidelines are in place. However, assessing the actual risk of infertility after treatment remains challenging, given the multi-faceted approach of many cancer treatment plans, which are continuously evolving. This review discusses the evolution of cancer therapy over the past 20 years and attempts to assess their impact on fertility after treatment. Overall, cancer regimens have shifted from broadly killing fast dividing cells to more targeting therapies, reducing collateral damage in general. Although progress has been made to reduce overall toxicity, unfortunately this does not automatically translate to reduced gonadotoxicity. Therefore, current fertility preservation programs continue to be an important part of cancer care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Duffin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK; Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, 50 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, 50 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK; Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 4-5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Mark F H Brougham
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, 50 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Geert Hamer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Callista L Mulder
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fazekas FE, Ujfaludi Z, Biró K, Páhi ZG, Buzogány I, Sükösd F, Pankotai T, Beöthe T. Complex treatment of residual metastatic germ cell cancer: A single center experience. J Biotechnol 2024; 389:61-67. [PMID: 38692356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2024.04.018] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular cancer is the most common solid malignancy among men aged 15-35. Radical orchiectomy and platinum-based chemotherapy (BEP) are curative in the majority of patients, including advanced, metastatic cases. According to current urooncology guidelines all non-seminoma patients harbouring post-chemotherapy residual masses of ≥ 1 cm should undergo salvage retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND). However, only 10% of residual tumors contain viable disease. OBJECTIVE To assess patient outcomes and complications considering different treatment regimens and clinical characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a retrospective cross-sectional study patients (n=127) who underwent postchemotherapy RPLND between 2007 and 2023 at our referral center were evaluated. The patients received systemic treatment at various oncology centers. The number of BEP cycles received were occasionally different from standard. Only patients with normal postchemotherapy serum tumor markers and primary testicular or extragonadal germ cell neoplasms were included. Treatment groups were established according to the number of BEP cycles received, and the extent of RPLND (bilateral or modified template). Treatment outcomes and complications were assessed. RESULTS Standard 3-4 courses of BEP were received by 100 (78,7%) patients, while 11 (8,7%) patients underwent less, and 16 (12,6%) more courses than standard. On histopathologic evaluation viable germ cell tumor, teratoma, and necrosis/fibrosis was present in 26 (20,5%), 67 (52,7%) and 34 (26,8%) of specimen, respectively. In the 5-6 BEP series subgroup high rate of viable disease (37,5%) was found and significantly more nephrectomies were performed, than other chemotherapy subgroups. Extratesticular GCT, viable disease in residual mass or progression after RPLND indicated lower survival. Mild (Clavien-Dindo I-II) or no postoperative complications were reported in 93,7% of cases. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests no significant benefit from exceeding 3-4 courses of BEP. Timely salvage RPLND should be performed in high volume centers for optimal treatment outcomes with acceptable complication rates. Adherence to the Heidenreich criteria is advisable where practical.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zsuzsanna Ujfaludi
- Institute of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary; Competence Centre of the Life Sciences Cluster of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation, University of Szeged, Dugonics tér, 13, Szeged H-6720, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Biró
- National Institute of Oncology, Dept. of Genitourinary Oncology and Clinical Pharmacology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Gábor Páhi
- Institute of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary; Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Genome Integrity and DNA Repair Core Group, Budapesti út 9, Szeged H-6728, Hungary; Competence Centre of the Life Sciences Cluster of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation, University of Szeged, Dugonics tér, 13, Szeged H-6720, Hungary
| | - István Buzogány
- Péterfy Sándor Hospital, Dept. of Urology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Farkas Sükösd
- Institute of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tibor Pankotai
- Institute of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary; Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Genome Integrity and DNA Repair Core Group, Budapesti út 9, Szeged H-6728, Hungary; Competence Centre of the Life Sciences Cluster of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation, University of Szeged, Dugonics tér, 13, Szeged H-6720, Hungary.
| | - Tamás Beöthe
- Péterfy Sándor Hospital, Dept. of Urology, Budapest, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu W, Bruggeman JW, Lei Q, van Pelt AMM, Koster J, Hamer G. Germline specific genes increase DNA double-strand break repair and radioresistance in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:38. [PMID: 38216586 PMCID: PMC10786935 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06433-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
In principle, germline cells possess the capability to transmit a nearly unaltered set of genetic material to infinite future generations, whereas somatic cells are limited by strict growth constraints necessary to assure an organism's physical structure and eventual mortality. As the potential to replicate indefinitely is a key feature of cancer, we hypothesized that the activation of a "germline program" in somatic cells can contribute to oncogenesis. Our group recently described over one thousand germline specific genes that can be ectopically expressed in cancer, yet how germline specific processes contribute to the malignant properties of cancer is poorly understood. We here show that the expression of germ cell/cancer (GC) genes correlates with malignancy in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We found that LUAD cells expressing more GC genes can repair DNA double strand breaks more rapidly, show higher rates of proliferation and are more resistant to ionizing radiation, compared to LUAD cells that express fewer GC genes. In particular, we identified the HORMA domain protein regulator TRIP13 to be predominantly responsible for this malignant phenotype, and that TRIP13 inhibition or expression levels affect the response to ionizing radiation and subsequent DNA repair. Our results demonstrate that GC genes are viable targets in oncology, as they induce increased radiation resistance and increased propagation in cancer cells. Because their expression is normally restricted to germline cells, we anticipate that GC gene directed therapeutic options will effectively target cancer, with limited side effects besides (temporary) infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Liu
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem Bruggeman
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Qijing Lei
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Koster
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vontzou N, Pei Y, Mueller JC, Reifová R, Ruiz-Ruano FJ, Schlebusch SA, Suh A. Songbird germline-restricted chromosome as a potential arena of genetic conflicts. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 83:102113. [PMID: 37734346 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Genetic conflicts can arise between components of the genome with different inheritance strategies. The germline-restricted chromosome (GRC) of songbirds shows unusual mitotic and meiotic transmission compared with the rest of the genome. It is excluded from somatic cells and maintained only in the germline. It is usually present in one copy in the male germline and eliminated during spermatogenesis, while in the female germline, it usually occurs in two copies and behaves as a regular chromosome. Here, we review what is known about the GRC's evolutionary history, genetic content, and expression and discuss how it may be involved in different types of genetic conflicts. Finally, we interrogate the potential role of the GRC in songbird germline development, highlighting several unsolved mysteries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niki Vontzou
- Centre for Molecular Biodiversity Research, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Adenauerallee 127, 53113 Bonn, Germany; School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
| | - Yifan Pei
- Centre for Molecular Biodiversity Research, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Adenauerallee 127, 53113 Bonn, Germany; Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany; Department of Organismal Biology - Systematic Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jakob C Mueller
- Department of Ornithology, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Radka Reifová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Francisco J Ruiz-Ruano
- Centre for Molecular Biodiversity Research, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Adenauerallee 127, 53113 Bonn, Germany; Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany. https://twitter.com/@fjruizruano
| | - Stephen A Schlebusch
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alexander Suh
- Centre for Molecular Biodiversity Research, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Adenauerallee 127, 53113 Bonn, Germany; Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany; Department of Organismal Biology - Systematic Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alrubie TM, Alamri AM, Almutairi BO, Alrefaei AF, Arafah MM, Alanazi M, Semlali A, Almutairi MH. Higher Expression Levels of SSX1 and SSX2 in Patients with Colon Cancer: Regulated In Vitro by the Inhibition of Methylation and Histone Deacetylation. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59050988. [PMID: 37241221 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Colon cancer (CC) has a high mortality rate and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage in Saudi Arabia. Thus, the identification and characterization of potential new cancer-specific biomarkers are imperative for improving the diagnosis of CC by detecting it at an early stage. Cancer-testis (CT) genes have been identified as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of various cancers. Among the CT genes are those belonging to the SSX family. In order to assess the usefulness of SSX family genes as cancer biomarkers for the detection of early-stage CC, the goal of this research was to validate the expressions of these genes in patients with CC and in matched patients with normal colons (NCs). Materials and Methods: RT-PCR assays were used to analyze the SSX1, SSX2, and SSX3 family gene expression levels in 30 neighboring NC and CC tissue samples from male Saudi patients. Epigenetic alterations were also tested in vitro using qRT-PCR analysis to determine whether reduced DNA methyltransferase or histone deacetylation could stimulate SSX gene expression via 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and trichostatin treatments, respectively. Results: The RT-PCR results showed SSX1 and SSX2 gene expression in 10% and 20% of the CC tissue specimens, respectively, but not in any of the NC tissue specimens. However, no SSX3 expression was detected in any of the examined CC or NC tissue samples. In addition, the qRT-PCR results showed significantly higher SSX1 and SSX2 expression levels in the CC tissue samples than in the NC tissue samples. The 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and trichostatin treatments significantly induced the mRNA expression levels of the SSX1, SSX2, and SSX3 genes in the CC cells in vitro. Conclusions: These findings suggest that SSX1 and SSX2 are potentially suitable candidate biomarkers for CC. Their expressions can be regulated via hypomethylating and histone deacetylase treatments, subsequently providing a potential therapeutic target for CC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Turki M Alrubie
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Alamri
- Genome Research Chair, Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader O Almutairi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulwahed F Alrefaei
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha M Arafah
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Alanazi
- Genome Research Chair, Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelhabib Semlali
- Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, 2420 Rue de la Terrasse, Local 1758, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Mikhlid H Almutairi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rajpert-De Meyts E. Somatic cancers: Hijacking germ cell immortality tools. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2200212. [PMID: 36470674 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|