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Beigi YZ, Lanjanian H, Fayazi R, Salimi M, Hoseyni BHM, Noroozizadeh MH, Masoudi-Nejad A. Heterogeneity and molecular landscape of melanoma: implications for targeted therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:17. [PMID: 38724687 PMCID: PMC11082128 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00182-2] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Uveal cancer (UM) offers a complex molecular landscape characterized by substantial heterogeneity, both on the genetic and epigenetic levels. This heterogeneity plays a critical position in shaping the behavior and response to therapy for this uncommon ocular malignancy. Targeted treatments with gene-specific therapeutic molecules may prove useful in overcoming radiation resistance, however, the diverse molecular makeups of UM call for a patient-specific approach in therapy procedures. We need to understand the intricate molecular landscape of UM to develop targeted treatments customized to each patient's specific genetic mutations. One of the promising approaches is using liquid biopsies, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), for detecting and monitoring the disease at the early stages. These non-invasive methods can help us identify the most effective treatment strategies for each patient. Single-cellular is a brand-new analysis platform that gives treasured insights into diagnosis, prognosis, and remedy. The incorporation of this data with known clinical and genomics information will give a better understanding of the complicated molecular mechanisms that UM diseases exploit. In this review, we focused on the heterogeneity and molecular panorama of UM, and to achieve this goal, the authors conducted an exhaustive literature evaluation spanning 1998 to 2023, using keywords like "uveal melanoma, "heterogeneity". "Targeted therapies"," "CTCs," and "single-cellular analysis".
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Zohrab Beigi
- Laboratory of System Biology and Bioinformatics (LBB), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Lanjanian
- Software Engineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Istanbul Topkapi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Reyhane Fayazi
- Laboratory of System Biology and Bioinformatics (LBB), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Salimi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz Haji Molla Hoseyni
- Laboratory of System Biology and Bioinformatics (LBB), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ali Masoudi-Nejad
- Laboratory of System Biology and Bioinformatics (LBB), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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KDELR3 Is a Prognostic Biomarker Related to the Immune Infiltration and Chemoresistance of Anticancer Drugs in Uveal Melanoma. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:1930185. [PMID: 36046379 PMCID: PMC9420630 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1930185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is an intraocular malignancy in adults in which approximately 50% of patients develop metastatic diseases and have a poor clinical outcome. Immunotherapies are quickly becoming a need, and recent research has produced some amazing achievements in this area. In the current investigation, an attempt was made to evaluate the prognostic usefulness of KDELR3 in UM, particularly its connection with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). The expression patterns of mRNAs and related clinical data of 80 UM patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). By using RT-PCR, we were able to investigate whether or not UM cells and D78 cells expressed KDELR3. The Kaplan-Meier approach, as well as univariate and multivariate tests, was utilized in order to investigate the potential predictive significance of KDELR3 expression. The associations between KDELR3 and TILs and immunological checkpoints were analyzed in order to evaluate the effect that KDELR3 may have on UM immunotherapy. On the basis of the differential expression of KDELR3, a distribution of the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of various targeted medicines was observed. In this study, we found that the expression of KDELR3 was distinctly increased in most types of tumors. In addition, KDELR3 was highly expressed in UM cells. Moreover, patients with high KDELR3 expression exhibited a shorter overall survival and disease-free survival than those with low KDELR3 expression. Multivariate analyses confirmed that KDELR3 expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with UM. Furthermore, KDELR3 expression was demonstrated to be positively correlated with macrophage M1, T cell CD8, T cell follicular helper, dendritic cell resting, and T cell CD4 memory activated. Meanwhile, the expression of KDELR3 was related to several immune checkpoints. The IC50 of AP-24534, BHG712, bleomycin, camptothecin, cisplatin, cytarabine, GSK1070916, and tipifarnib was higher in the KDELR3 high-expression group. In conclusion, KDELR3 may be applied as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for UM patients.
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Cordycepin (3′-Deoxyadenosine) Suppresses Heat Shock Protein 90 Function and Targets Tumor Growth in an Adenosine Deaminase-Dependent Manner. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133122. [PMID: 35804893 PMCID: PMC9264932 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in metabolism and energy production are increasingly being recognized as important drivers of neoplasia, raising the possibility that metabolic analogs could disrupt oncogenic pathways. 3′-deoxyadenosine, also known as cordycepin, is an adenosine analog that inhibits the growth of several types of cancer. However, the effects of cordycepin have only been examined in a limited number of tumor types, and its mechanism of action is poorly understood. We found that cordycepin slows the growth and promotes apoptosis in uveal melanoma, as well as a range of other hard-to-treat malignancies, including retinoblastoma, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors, and diffuse midline gliomas. Interestingly, these effects were dependent on low adenosine deaminase (ADA) expression or activity. Inhibition of ADA using either siRNA or pharmacologic approaches sensitized tumors with higher ADA to cordycepin in vitro and in vivo, with increased apoptosis, reduced clonogenic capacity, and slower migration of neoplastic cells. Our studies suggest that ADA is both a biomarker predicting response to cordycepin and a target for combination therapy. We also describe a novel mechanism of action for cordycepin: competition with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in binding to Hsp90, resulting in impaired processing of oncogenic Hsp90 client proteins.
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RASD2 promotes the development and metastasis of uveal melanoma via enhancing glycolysis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 610:92-98. [PMID: 35461072 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UVM) is a primary intraocular tumor in adults with high mortality. Nearly half of primary UVM tumors metastasize to the liver and lung. RASD2 encodes a Ras-related GTP-binding protein and involves in psychiatric disorders. RASD2 has been shown to be expressed in multiple tissues including skin. However, the function of RASD2 in UVM is not fully studied. Here, we investigated the expression, functional role and expression regulation of RASD2 in UVM. RASD2 expression was significantly elevated in metastasis UVM, while high level of RASD2 indicated poor prognosis of patients with metastasis UVM. Silencing RASD2 dampened cell growth, migration and invasion of UVM cells. Additionally, xenograft tumor model suggested that RASD2 knockdown suppressed in vivo UVM xenograft tumor growth and lung metastasis. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that RASD2 regulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and glycolysis in UVM, which was further confirmed both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, RASD2 knockdown suppressed UVM cell metabolism, with decreased expression of glycolysis-related HK2, LDHA, GLUT1 and PKM2. In addition, we demonstrated that PKM2 knockdown antagonized the effect of RASD2 on cell growth, migration and invasion. In summary, our findings suggest that RASD2 may enhance the development and metastasis of UVM via enhancing glycolysis. Targeting RASD2 could be a novel therapeutic strategy for UVM treatment.
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Pelster MS, Gruschkus SK, Bassett R, Gombos DS, Shephard M, Posada L, Glover MS, Simien R, Diab A, Hwu P, Carter BW, Patel SP. Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: Results From a Single-Arm Phase II Study. J Clin Oncol 2020; 39:599-607. [PMID: 33125309 DOI: 10.1200/jco.20.00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Metastatic uveal melanoma has poor overall survival (OS) and no approved systemic therapy options. Studies of single-agent immunotherapy regimens have shown minimal benefit. There is the potential for improved responses with the use of combination immunotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a phase II study of nivolumab with ipilimumab in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. Any number of prior treatments was permitted. Patients received nivolumab 1 mg/kg and ipilimumab 3 mg/kg for four cycles, followed by nivolumab maintenance therapy for up to 2 years. The primary outcome of the study was overall response rate (ORR) as determined by RECIST 1.1 criteria. Progression-free survival (PFS), OS, and adverse events were also assessed. RESULTS Thirty-five patients were enrolled, and 33 patients were evaluable for efficacy. The ORR was 18%, including one confirmed complete response and five confirmed partial responses. The median PFS was 5.5 months (95% CI, 3.4 to 9.5 months), and the median OS was 19.1 months (95% CI, 9.6 months to NR). Forty percent of patients experienced a grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse event. CONCLUSION The combination regimen of nivolumab plus ipilimumab demonstrates activity in metastatic uveal melanoma, with deep and sustained confirmed responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith S Pelster
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Stephen K Gruschkus
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Roland Bassett
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Dan S Gombos
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Michael Shephard
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Liberty Posada
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Maura S Glover
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Rinata Simien
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Adi Diab
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Patrick Hwu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Brett W Carter
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Sapna P Patel
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Metastasis of Uveal Melanoma with Monosomy-3 Is Associated with a Less Glycogenetic Gene Expression Profile and the Dysregulation of Glycogen Storage. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082101. [PMID: 32751097 PMCID: PMC7463985 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The prolonged storage of glucose as glycogen can promote the quiescence of tumor cells, whereas the accumulation of an aberrant form of glycogen without the primer protein glycogenin can induce the metabolic switch towards a glycolytic phenotype. Here, we analyzed the expression of n = 67 genes involved in glycogen metabolism on the uveal melanoma (UM) cohort of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) study and validated the differentially expressed genes in an independent cohort. We also evaluated the glycogen levels with regard to the prognostic factors via a differential periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. UMs with monosomy-3 exhibited a less glycogenetic and more insulin-resistant gene expression profile, together with the reduction of glycogen levels, which were associated with the metastases. Expression of glycogenin-1 (Locus: 3q24) was lower in the monosomy-3 tumors, whereas the complementary isoform glycogenin-2 (Locus: Xp22.33) was upregulated in females. Remarkably, glycogen was more abundant in the monosomy-3 tumors of male versus female patients. We therefore provide the first evidence to the dysregulation of glycogen metabolism as a novel factor that may be aggravating the course of UM particularly in males.
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Hou Q, Han S, Yang L, Chen S, Chen J, Ma N, Wang C, Tang J, Chen X, Chen F, Dong XDE, Tu L. The Interplay of MicroRNA-34a, LGR4, EMT-Associated Factors, and MMP2 in Regulating Uveal Melanoma Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 60:4503-4510. [PMID: 31661551 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-26477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a) has been implicated in many biological processes. It is downregulated in uveal melanoma, and introduction of miR-34a inhibits the proliferation and migration of uveal melanoma cells. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) is a novel target of miR-34a identified first in retinal pigment epithelial cells. In this study, we sought to evaluate the interaction of miR-34a and LGR4 in uveal melanoma and its downstream mechanisms. Methods The expression of LGR4, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated factors, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in uveal melanoma cells was assessed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analysis. MicroRNA-34a mimic molecules, LGR4 small interfering RNA (siRNA), or MMP2-specific siRNA were transiently transfected into uveal melanoma cells. In vitro scratch and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the migratory and invasive potential of the resultant uveal melanoma cells. Results LGR4 is upregulated in uveal melanoma cells. Introduction of miR-34a significantly decreased the expression level of LGR4. Transfection with miR-34a or knockdown of LGR4 attenuated the aggressiveness of uveal melanoma cells. In addition, there was a decrease in the expression of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin, vimentin, and Snail following miR-34a introduction or knockdown of LGR4. Finally, MMP2 was found to be a downstream effector for miR-34a and LGR4 that regulates the migration and invasion of uveal melanoma cells. Conclusions MicroRNA-34a negatively controls LGR4, thereby inhibiting the migration and invasion of uveal melanoma cells. Ultimately, both miR-34a and LGR4 impact the aggressiveness of uveal melanoma with alterations in the markers of the EMT. MMP2 is a downstream effector that influences the metastasis seen with uveal melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Hou
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuxian Han
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin Yang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shengwen Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junxiu Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Nan Ma
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiajia Tang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaogang Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Da Eric Dong
- Department of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, United States
| | - LiLi Tu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Nahon-Esteve S, Martel A, Maschi C, Caujolle JP, Baillif S, Lassalle S, Hofman P. The Molecular Pathology of Eye Tumors: A 2019 Update Main Interests for Routine Clinical Practice. Curr Mol Med 2019; 19:632-664. [DOI: 10.2174/1566524019666190726161044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few years, we have seen constant development of molecular
pathology for the care of patients with cancer. The information obtained from molecular
data has transformed our thinking about the biological diversity of cancers, particularly in
the field of ophthalmic oncology. It has reoriented the way in which therapeutic decisions
and decisions concerning patient surveillance are made, both in the area of pediatric
cancers, including rhabdomyosarcoma and retinoblastoma, and adult cancers, such as
uveal melanoma and lymphomas. A better definition of the molecular classification of
these cancers and of the different biological pathways involved is essential to the
understanding of both the pathologist and the onco-ophthalmologist. Molecular tests
based on targeted or expanded analysis of gene panels are now available. These tests
can be performed with tumor tissue or biofluids (especially blood) to predict the
prognosis of tumors and, above all, the benefit of targeted therapies, immunotherapy or
even chemotherapy. Looking for the BAP1 mutation in uveal melanoma is essential
because of the associated metastatic risk. When treating retinoblastoma, it is mandatory
to assess the heritable status of RB1. Conjunctival melanoma requires investigation into
the BRAF mutation in the case of a locally advanced tumor. The understanding of
genomic alterations, the results of molecular tests and/or other biological tests predictive
of a therapeutic response, but also of the limits of these tests with respect to the
available biological resources, represents a major challenge for optimal patient
management in ophthalmic oncology. In this review, we present the current state of
knowledge concerning the different molecular alterations and therapeutic targets of
interest in ophthalmic oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arnaud Martel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Cote d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Célia Maschi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Cote d'Azur, Nice, France
| | | | | | - Sandra Lassalle
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, University Cote d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Paul Hofman
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, University Cote d'Azur, Nice, France
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Bustamante P, Miyamoto D, Goyeneche A, de Alba Graue PG, Jin E, Tsering T, Dias AB, Burnier MN, Burnier JV. Beta-blockers exert potent anti-tumor effects in cutaneous and uveal melanoma. Cancer Med 2019; 8:7265-7277. [PMID: 31588689 PMCID: PMC6885887 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Melanoma is a life‐threatening group of cancers mainly affecting the skin (cutaneous melanoma, CM) and the eyes (uveal melanoma, UM). Nearly half of patients with UM develop liver metastases regardless of the primary treatment. For this reason, adjuvant therapy to prevent disease progression is essential to improve survival of patients with melanoma. Beta‐adrenoceptors (β‐AR) have emerged as novel targets to inhibit tumor growth and dissemination in CM, but have not been investigated in UM. Methods The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the effects of a non‐selective β‐blocker in UM and CM. Propranolol was tested on four UM and two CM cell lines to determine the effects of this beta‐blocker. The expression of β‐AR in UM was assessed in enucleated eyes of 36 patients. Results The results showed that propranolol exerts potent anti‐proliferative effects, attenuates migration, reduces VEGF and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in both UM and CM in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, levels of cell‐free DNA released from the cells correlated to propranolol treatment and may be an indicator of treatment response. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis revealed the expression of β1 and β2 adrenoceptors in all UM patients, with higher expression seen in the more aggressive epithelioid versus less aggressive spindle cells. Conclusions Collectively our data suggest that a nonselective beta‐blocker may be effective against melanoma. For the first time, we show potent anti‐tumor effects in UM cells following propranolol administration and expression of β1 and β2 adrenoceptors in patient tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prisca Bustamante
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Denise Miyamoto
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alicia Goyeneche
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Eva Jin
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Thupten Tsering
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ana Beatriz Dias
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Miguel N Burnier
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julia V Burnier
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Anand K, Roszik J, Gombos D, Upshaw J, Sarli V, Meas S, Lucci A, Hall C, Patel S. Pilot Study of Circulating Tumor Cells in Early-Stage and Metastatic Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E856. [PMID: 31226786 PMCID: PMC6628316 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly 50% of uveal melanoma (UM) patients develop metastatic disease, and there remains no current standard assay for detection of minimal residual disease. We conducted a pilot study to check the feasibility of circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection in UM. We enrolled 40 patients with early or metastatic UM of which 20 patients had early-stage disease, 19 had metastatic disease, and one was not evaluable. At initial blood draw, 36% of patients had detectable CTCs (30% in early-stage vs. 42% in metastatic), which increased to 54% at data cutoff (40% in early-stage vs. 68% in metastatic). Five early-stage patients developed distant metastases, 60% (3/5) had detectable CTCs before radiographic detection of the metastasis. Landmark overall survival (from study enrollment) at 24 months was statistically lower in CTC-positive vs. negative early-stage UM (p < 0.05). Within this small dataset, the presence of CTCs in early-stage UM predicted an increased risk of metastatic disease and was associated with worse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik Anand
- Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Jason Roszik
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Dan Gombos
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Joshua Upshaw
- Department of Surgical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Vanessa Sarli
- Department of Surgical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Salyna Meas
- Department of Surgical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Anthony Lucci
- Department of Surgical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Carolyn Hall
- Department of Surgical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Sapna Patel
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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11
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Croce M, Ferrini S, Pfeffer U, Gangemi R. Targeted Therapy of Uveal Melanoma: Recent Failures and New Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E846. [PMID: 31216772 PMCID: PMC6628160 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among Uveal Melanoma (UM) driver mutations, those involving GNAQ or GNA11 genes are the most frequent, while a minor fraction of tumors bears mutations in the PLCB4 or CYSLTR2 genes. Direct inhibition of constitutively active oncoproteins deriving from these mutations is still in its infancy in UM, whereas BRAFV600E-targeted therapy has obtained relevant results in cutaneous melanoma. However, UM driver mutations converge on common downstream signaling pathways such as PKC/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and YAP/TAZ, which are presently considered as actionable targets. In addition, BAP1 loss, which characterizes UM metastatic progression, affects chromatin structure via histone H2A deubiquitylation that may be counteracted by histone deacetylase inhibitors. Encouraging results of preclinical studies targeting signaling molecules such as MAPK and PKC were unfortunately not confirmed in early clinical studies. Indeed, a general survey of all clinical trials applying new targeted and immune therapy to UM displayed disappointing results. This paper summarizes the most recent studies of UM-targeted therapies, analyzing the possible origins of failures. We also focus on hyperexpressed molecules involved in UM aggressiveness as potential new targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Croce
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | | | - Ulrich Pfeffer
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
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Uveal Melanoma: A European Network to Face the Many Challenges of a Rare Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11060817. [PMID: 31200439 PMCID: PMC6628377 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most frequent primary ocular cancer in adults, accounting for 5% of all melanomas. Despite effective treatments for the primary tumour, up to 50% of UM patients will develop metastasis, leading to a very poor prognosis and a median overall survival of 6 to 12 months, with no major improvements in the last 30 years. There is no standard oncological treatment available for metastatic UM patients, and BRAF/MEK and immune checkpoint inhibitors show disappointing results when compared to cutaneous melanoma (CM). Recent advances in biology, however, identified specific gene and chromosome alterations, potentially permitting an actively tailored surveillance strategy, and dedicated clinical studies. Being a rare cancer, UM patients have to overcome issues such as identifying referral centres, having access to information, and partnering with oncologists for specific management strategies and research priorities. Here, we describe how the European Rare Adult solid Cancer Network (EURACAN) will help in addressing these challenges and accelerating international collaborations to enhance the development of innovative treatments in UM.
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Kennedy S, Rice M, Toomey S, Horgan N, Hennessey BT, Larkin A. An insight into the molecular genetics of a uveal melanoma patient cohort. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 144:1861-1868. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-2705-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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