1
|
Bae SH, Hwang T, Han MR. Unraveling the hypoxia modulating potential of VEGF family genes in pan-cancer. Genomics Inform 2023; 21:e44. [PMID: 37852616 PMCID: PMC10788353 DOI: 10.5808/gi.23061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor hypoxia, oxygen deprivation state, occurs in most cancers and promotes angiogenesis, enhancing the potential for metastasis. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family genes play crucial roles in tumorigenesis by promoting angiogenesis. To investigate the malignant processes triggered by hypoxia-induced angiogenesis across pan-cancers, we comprehensively analyzed the relationships between the expression of VEGF family genes and hypoxic microenvironment based on integrated bioinformatics methods. Our results suggest that the expression of VEGF family genes differs significantly among various cancers, highlighting their heterogeneity effect on human cancers. Across the 33 cancers, VEGFB and VEGFD showed the highest and lowest expression levels, respectively. The survival analysis showed that VEGFA and placental growth factor (PGF) were correlated with poor prognosis in many cancers, including kidney renal cell and liver hepatocellular carcinoma. VEGFC expression was positively correlated with glioma and stomach cancer. VEGFA and PGF showed distinct positive correlations with hypoxia scores in most cancers, indicating a potential correlation with tumor aggressiveness. The expression of miRNAs targeting VEGF family genes, including hsa-miR-130b-5p and hsa-miR-940, was positively correlated with hypoxia. In immune subtypes analysis, VEGFC was highly expressed in C3 (inflammatory) and C6 (transforming growth factor β dominant) across various cancers, indicating its potential role as a tumor promotor. VEGFC expression exhibited positive correlations with immune infiltration scores, suggesting low tumor purity. High expression of VEGFA and VEGFC showed favorable responses to various drugs, including BLU-667, which abrogates RET signaling, an oncogenic driver in liver and thyroid cancers. Our findings suggest potential roles of VEGF family genes in malignant processes related with hypoxia-induced angiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- So-Hyun Bae
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea
| | - Taewon Hwang
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Mi-Ryung Han
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vimalraj S, Hariprabu KNG, Rahaman M, Govindasami P, Perumal K, Sekaran S, Ganapathy D. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C and its receptor-3 signaling in tumorigenesis. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:326. [PMID: 37663750 PMCID: PMC10474002 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03719-4] [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: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The cancer-promoting ligand vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) activates VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3). The VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis is expressed by a range of human tumor cells in addition to lymphatic endothelial cells. Activating the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 signaling enhances metastasis by promoting lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis inside and around tumors. Stimulation of VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 signaling promotes tumor metastasis in tumors, such as ovarian, renal, pancreatic, prostate, lung, skin, gastric, colorectal, cervical, leukemia, mesothelioma, Kaposi sarcoma, and endometrial carcinoma. We discuss and update the role of VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 signaling in tumor development and the research is still needed to completely comprehend this multifunctional receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selvaraj Vimalraj
- Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, India
| | | | - Mostafizur Rahaman
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Periyasami Govindasami
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Karthikeyan Perumal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 151 W. Woodruff Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Saravanan Sekaran
- Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 077 India
| | - Dhanraj Ganapathy
- Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 077 India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tekin I, Kosova F. The level pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain under pulse radiofrequency therapy. UKRAINIAN BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.15407/ubj94.03.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain is a frequent and recurrent condition, often with a non-specific cause. Conventional treatment methods are generally insufficient in the treatment of chronic low back pain. The aim of the study was to estimate the level of IFN, IL-1, IL-6 (proinflammatory), IL-10, IL-4 (anti-inflammatory) and VEGF proteins in the serum of patients with chronic mechanical low back pain under Pulse radiofrequency (PRF) therapy. The study was carried out on 40 patients 20-60 years old, diagnosed with chronic low back pain for at least 4 months, primary complaint on lumbosacral low back pain, pain intensity VAS (visual analog scale) score of 5 and above, not responding well to conservative treatment (analgesic drugs, physiotherapy, etc.). Therapeutic Radiofrequency applications were carried out with an RF generator (RFG 3C Plus, Radionics). Blood samples were taken 1 day before interventional treatment (control), then 1 day (group1) and 15 days (group 2) after. The serum level of IFN, IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-4 and VEGF l was analyzed with ELISA test. It was shown that as a result of PRF treatment the level of IL-1 was decreased while the levels of IL-4 and IL-6 were increased. It was concluded that the increase in serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines may be correlated with the severity of pain and that the increase in the level of anti-inflammatory cytokines reduces pain by reducing inflammation. Keywords: chronic low back pain, cytokines, radiofrequency therapy
Collapse
|
4
|
Agarwal A, Jain S, Sharma N. Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Patients With Premalignant Lesions and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Oral Cavity. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 74:2190-2197. [PMID: 36452814 PMCID: PMC9702222 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-020-02082-7] [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: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate and compare expression of VEGF in patients of premalignant lesions and squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity. The cross sectional observational study is undertaken at the department of otorhionolaryngology and pathology, PGIMER and Dr RML Hospital, New Delhi,from 1st Nov 2017 to 31st March 2019,with a sample size of 30 cases each of premalignant lesions and oral squamous cell carcinoma immunohistochemistry by polymer method. In the participants with oral SCC, VEGF expression of Score 1 was observed in verrucous and well differentiated tumor, Score 2 in moderately differentiated SCC & Score 3 in poorly differentiated SCC with a p value of 0.0001. The observed difference and value of proportion p, is statically significant. In this study we concluded that VEGF expression increases as the lesion progresses from premalignant lesions to oral squamous cell carcinoma and is strongly associated with lymph node status (N-staging). Thus, VEGF can be a target in chemotherapy and its therapeutic implications in the HNSCC needs further research. Levels of Evidence 1A: Systematic review of randomized control trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shalini Jain
- Department of Otorhinolargngology, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. RML Hospital, Krishan Kunj Appartments, Dwarka Sector 1A, A-103, Nasirpur, India
| | - Nishi Sharma
- Department of Otorhinolargngology, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. RML Hospital, Krishan Kunj Appartments, Dwarka Sector 1A, A-103, Nasirpur, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
The lymphatic system, composed of initial and collecting lymphatic vessels as well as lymph nodes that are present in almost every tissue of the human body, acts as an essential transport system for fluids, biomolecules and cells between peripheral tissues and the central circulation. Consequently, it is required for normal body physiology but is also involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, most notably cancer. The important role of tumor-associated lymphatic vessels and lymphangiogenesis in the formation of lymph node metastasis has been elucidated during the last two decades, whereas the underlying mechanisms and the relation between lymphatic and peripheral organ dissemination of cancer cells are incompletely understood. Lymphatic vessels are also important for tumor-host communication, relaying molecular information from a primary or metastatic tumor to regional lymph nodes and the circulatory system. Beyond antigen transport, lymphatic endothelial cells, particularly those residing in lymph node sinuses, have recently been recognized as direct regulators of tumor immunity and immunotherapy responsiveness, presenting tumor antigens and expressing several immune-modulatory signals including PD-L1. In this review, we summarize recent discoveries in this rapidly evolving field and highlight strategies and challenges of therapeutic targeting of lymphatic vessels or specific lymphatic functions in cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lothar C Dieterich
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carlotta Tacconi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Ducoli
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Detmar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhu G, Cheng Z, Wang Q, Lin C, Lin P, He R, Chen H, Hoffman RM, Ye J. TRAF6 regulates the signaling pathway influencing colorectal cancer function by ubiquitination mechanisms. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:1393-1405. [PMID: 35179811 PMCID: PMC8990288 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor‐6 (TRAF6) is a ubiquitin E3 ligase. TRAF6 plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. However, the specific mechanism by which TRAF6 promotes colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis is incompletely understood. This study aimed to determine whether TRAF6 affects the LPS‐NF‐κB‐VEGF‐C signaling pathway through ubiquitination, which plays a role in colorectal cancer metastasis. Here, our results showed that TRAF6 affected lymphangiogenesis through the LPS‐NF‐κB‐VEGF‐C signaling pathway. Using ubiquitination experiments, we found that TRAF6 was mainly ubiquitinated with the K63‐linked chains, and LPS promoted ubiquitination of TRAF6 and K63‐linked chains. More importantly, TRAF6 124mut is the main ubiquitination site of TRAF6 interacting with K63‐linked chains. TRAF6 affected the migration, invasion, and lymphatic metastasis of colorectal cancer through its ubiquitination. In subcutaneous xenograft models, TRAF6 124mut inhibited tumor growth. In conclusion, our results provide new insight for studying the mechanism of lymphangiogenesis in colorectal cancer to promote cancer metastasis, which may provide new ideas for tumor immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangwei Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Section, Institute of Abdominal Surgery, Key Laboratory of accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer, The First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Zhibin Cheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Section, Institute of Abdominal Surgery, Key Laboratory of accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer, The First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Section, Institute of Abdominal Surgery, Key Laboratory of accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer, The First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Chunlin Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Section, Institute of Abdominal Surgery, Key Laboratory of accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer, The First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350000, China
| | - Penghang Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Section, Institute of Abdominal Surgery, Key Laboratory of accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer, The First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350000, China
| | - Ruofan He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Section, Institute of Abdominal Surgery, Key Laboratory of accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer, The First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350000, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Section, Institute of Abdominal Surgery, Key Laboratory of accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer, The First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350000, China
| | - Robert M Hoffman
- AntiCancer, Inc, San Diego, CA, U.S.A.,Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, U.S.A
| | - Jianxin Ye
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Section, Institute of Abdominal Surgery, Key Laboratory of accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer, The First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Arcucci V, Stacker SA, Achen MG. Control of Gene Expression by Exosome-Derived Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis. Biomolecules 2021; 11:249. [PMID: 33572413 PMCID: PMC7916238 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract: Tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are hallmarks of cancer and have been associated with tumour progression, tumour metastasis and poor patient prognosis. Many factors regulate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in cancer including non-coding RNAs which are a category of RNAs that do not encode proteins and have important regulatory functions at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Non-coding RNAs can be encapsulated in extracellular vesicles called exosomes which are secreted by tumour cells or other cells in the tumour microenvironment and can then be taken up by the endothelial cells of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. The "delivery" of these non-coding RNAs to endothelial cells in tumours can facilitate tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Here we review recent findings about exosomal non-coding RNAs, specifically microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, which regulate tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in cancer. We then focus on the potential use of these molecules as cancer biomarkers and opportunities for exploiting ncRNAs for the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Arcucci
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St., Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia; (V.A.); (S.A.S.)
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Steven A. Stacker
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St., Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia; (V.A.); (S.A.S.)
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Marc G. Achen
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, 9 Princes Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gu Y, Li T, Kapoor A, Major P, Tang D. Contactin 1: An Important and Emerging Oncogenic Protein Promoting Cancer Progression and Metastasis. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E874. [PMID: 32752094 PMCID: PMC7465769 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Even with recent progress, cancer remains the second leading cause of death, outlining a need to widen the current understanding on oncogenic factors. Accumulating evidence from recent years suggest Contactin 1 (CNTN1)'s possession of multiple oncogenic activities in a variety of cancer types. CNTN1 is a cell adhesion molecule that is dysregulated in many human carcinomas and plays important roles in cancer progression and metastases. Abnormalities in CNTN1 expression associate with cancer progression and poor prognosis. Mechanistically, CNTN1 functions in various signaling pathways frequently altered in cancer, such as the vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC)-VEGF receptor 3 (VEFGR3)/fms-related tyrosine kinase 4 (Flt4) axis, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), Notch signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. These oncogenic events are resulted via interactions between tumor and stroma, which can be contributed by CNTN1, an adhesion protein. CNTN1 expression in breast cancer correlates with the expression of genes functioning in cancer-stroma interactions and skeletal system development. Evidence supports that CNTN1 promotes cancer-stromal interaction, resulting in activation of a complex network required for cancer progression and metastasis (bone metastasis for breast cancer). CNTN1 inhibitions has been proven to be effective in experimental models to reduce oncogenesis. In this paper, we will review CNTN1's alterations in cancer, its main biochemical mechanisms and interactions with its relevant cancer pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gu
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- The Research Institute of St Joe's Hamilton, St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Taosha Li
- Life-Tech Industry Alliance, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Anil Kapoor
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- The Research Institute of St Joe's Hamilton, St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Pierre Major
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Damu Tang
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- The Research Institute of St Joe's Hamilton, St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
An Integrated Genomic Strategy to Identify CHRNB4 as a Diagnostic/Prognostic Biomarker for Targeted Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051324. [PMID: 32455963 PMCID: PMC7281299 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although many studies have shown the association between smoking and the increased incidence and adverse prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the mechanisms and pharmaceutical targets involved remain unclear. Here, we integrated gene expression signatures, genetic alterations, and survival analyses to identify prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets for smoking HNSCC patients, and we discovered that the FDA-approved drug varenicline inhibits the target for cancer cell migration/invasion. We first identified 18 smoking-related and prognostic genes for HNSCC by using RNA-Seq and clinical follow-up data. One of these genes, CHRNB4 (neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit beta-4), increased the risk of death by approximately threefold in CHRNB4-high expression smokers compared to CHRNB4-low expression smokers (log rank, p = 0.00042; hazard ratio, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.55–5.14), former smokers, and non-smokers. Furthermore, we examined the functional enrichment of co-regulated genes of CHRNB4 and its 246 frequently occurring copy number alterations (CNAs). We found that these genes were involved in promoting angiogenesis, resisting cell death, and sustaining proliferation, and contributed to much worse outcomes for CHRNB4-high patients. Finally, we performed CHRNB4 gene editing and drug inhibition assays, and the results validate these observations. In summary, our study suggests that CHRNB4 is a prognostic indicator for smoking HNSCC patients and provides a potential new therapeutic drug to prevent recurrence or distant metastasis.
Collapse
|
10
|
Expression Signatures of Cisplatin- and Trametinib-Treated Early-Stage Medaka Melanomas. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2019; 9:2267-2276. [PMID: 31101653 PMCID: PMC6643878 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Small aquarium fish models provide useful systems not only for a better understanding of the molecular basis of many human diseases, but also for first-line screening to identify new drug candidates. For testing new chemical substances, current strategies mostly rely on easy to perform and efficient embryonic screens. Cancer, however, is a disease that develops mainly during juvenile and adult stage. Long-term treatment and the challenge to monitor changes in tumor phenotype make testing of large chemical libraries in juvenile and adult animals cost prohibitive. We hypothesized that changes in the gene expression profile should occur early during anti-tumor treatment, and the disease-associated transcriptional change should provide a reliable readout that can be utilized to evaluate drug-induced effects. For the current study, we used a previously established medaka melanoma model. As proof of principle, we showed that exposure of melanoma developing fish to the drugs cisplatin or trametinib, known cancer therapies, for a period of seven days is sufficient to detect treatment-induced changes in gene expression. By examining whole body transcriptome responses we provide a novel route toward gene panels that recapitulate anti-tumor outcomes thus allowing a screening of thousands of drugs using a whole-body vertebrate model. Our results suggest that using disease-associated transcriptional change to screen therapeutic molecules in small fish model is viable and may be applied to pre-clinical research and development stages in new drug discovery.
Collapse
|
11
|
Saada-Bouzid E, Le Tourneau C. Beyond EGFR Targeting in SCCHN: Angiogenesis, PI3K, and Other Molecular Targets. Front Oncol 2019; 9:74. [PMID: 30815390 PMCID: PMC6381014 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the molecular landscape of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) has been largely deciphered, only one targeted therapy has been approved to date without any molecular selection, namely cetuximab. Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody targeting EGFR. It has been shown to improve overall survival in the locally advanced setting in combination with radiotherapy and the recurrent and/or metastatic setting in combination with a platinum compound and 5FU. Beside EGFR targeting agents, antiangiogenic agents have been shown to produce antitumor activity but were associated with substantial toxicity. Buparlisib that targets PI3K was also shown to improve survival in combination with paclitaxel in an unselected patient population. Several other targeted therapies have been developed in SCCHN, most of time in all comers, potentially explaining the limited efficacy reported with them. The recent emergence of clinical trials of targeted therapies in enriched patient populations and precision medicine trials such as umbrella trials might boost the clinical development of targeted therapy in SCCHN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esma Saada-Bouzid
- Early Phase Unit, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France.,Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Christophe Le Tourneau
- Department of Drug Development & Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris, France.,INSERM U900 Research Unit, Institut Curie, Saint-Cloud, France.,Paris-Saclay University, Saint-Aubin, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Otto M, Blatt S, Pabst A, Mandic R, Schwarz J, Neff A, Ziebart T. Influence of buffy coat-derived putative endothelial progenitor cells on tumor growth and neovascularization in oral squamous cell carcinoma xenografts. Clin Oral Investig 2019; 23:3767-3775. [PMID: 30693401 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-019-02806-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this murine in vivo study was to investigate whether buffy coat-derived putative endothelial progenitor cells (BCEPC) alter tumor growth and neovascularization in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS A murine xenograft model using the PCI-13 oral cancer cell line was deployed of which n = 24 animals received 2 × 106 BCEPC by transfusion whereas the control group (n = 24) received NaCl (0.9%) instead. Tumor size, volume, and capillary density were determined by sonography and measurement with a caliper. Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out with antibodies specific for Cytokeratins, Flt-4, Podoplanin, and Vimentin. RESULTS In the experimental group, systemic application of BCEPC significantly increased tumor volume to 362.49% (p = 0.0012) and weight to 352.38% (p = 0.0018) as well as vascular densities to 162.15% (p = 0.0021) compared with control tumors. In addition, BCEPC-treated xenografts exhibited higher Cytokeratin expression levels by a factor of 1.47 (p = 0.0417), Podoplanin by a factor of 3.3 (p = 0.0020) and Vimentin by a factor of 2.5 (p = 0.0001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Immunohistochemical investigations support the notion that BCEPC transfusion influences neovascularization and lymphatic vessel density, thereby possibly promoting tumor progression. Future studies, which will include gene expression analysis, should help to define the possible role of BCEPC during OSCC progression in more detail. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) could serve as a target structure for the treatment of OSCC and possibly other solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marius Otto
- Interdisciplinary Head & Neck Oncology Laboratory, Department for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Campus Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, D-35033, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Blatt
- Clinic for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Pabst
- Clinic for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Federal Armed Forces Hospital Koblenz, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Robert Mandic
- Interdisciplinary Head & Neck Oncology Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Schwarz
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Research Group for Bioinformatics, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Neff
- Interdisciplinary Head & Neck Oncology Laboratory, Department for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Campus Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, D-35033, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Ziebart
- Interdisciplinary Head & Neck Oncology Laboratory, Department for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Campus Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, D-35033, Marburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Al-Shareef H, Hiraoka SI, Tanaka N, Shogen Y, Lee AD, Bakhshishayan S, Kogo M. Use of NRP1, a novel biomarker, along with VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, CCR7 and SEMA3E, to predict lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Oncol Rep 2016; 36:2444-2454. [PMID: 27666723 PMCID: PMC5055198 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymph node (LN) metastasis has been suggested as a major prognostic factor for oral cancer. Knockdown of the growth factors and receptors involved in these metastatic mechanisms could significantly reduce LN metastasis and improve the survival of oral cancer patients after treatment. The present study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the expression levels of the following growth factors and receptors in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue: the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‑C and VEGF‑D, which bind to the cell surface tyrosine kinase receptor VEGF receptor‑3 (VEGFR‑3); C‑C motif chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7); neuropilin (NRP)1 and NRP2; and semaphorin 3E (SEMA3E). Furthermore, we assessed microvessel density (MVD) and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) to demonstrate the correlation between these factors and regional LN metastasis, with respect to the clinicopathological features. Finally, we analyzed the correlation between these proteins and overall or disease‑free survival, in order to demonstrate their prognostic value. Univariate analysis revealed a significant association between LN metastasis and the expression levels of VEGF‑C, VEGFR‑3, CCR7, NRP1, and SEMA3E, as well as LVD, in SCC cells. In contrast, multivariate analysis identified associations between LN metastasis and NRP1 expression, as well as between LN metastasis and LVD; however, no correlation was found between LN metastasis and the expression levels of the other proteins. The expression levels of VEGF‑C, VEGFR‑3, NRP1, and SEMA3E, as well as LVD, were correlated with disease‑free survival time. These results indicate that LN metastasis is associated with poor survival in SCC. This study suggests that NRP1 expression and LVD are independent factors that are likely to predict the risk of LN metastasis in SCC of the tongue, whereas the expression of VEGF‑C, VEGFR‑3, CCR7, and SEMA3E are non‑independent predictive factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hani Al-Shareef
- First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Hiraoka
- First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Noriaki Tanaka
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yosuke Shogen
- First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Atsushi-Doksa Lee
- First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Sanam Bakhshishayan
- First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mikihiko Kogo
- First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite improvements in treatment, survival rates of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are stagnant. The existing chemotherapeutic agents are non-selective and associated with toxicities. Combinations of the only the US FDA-approved epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted agent, cetuximab, with chemotherapy or radiation improves overall survival. However, the response rates to cetuximab are modest. Thus, there is an urgent need for new agents that can be safely integrated into current treatment regimens to improve outcome. AREAS COVERED Current EGFR-targeted drugs under clinical development include mAbs and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The modest efficacy of these drugs implicates intrinsic or acquired resistance. Novel molecular agents inhibiting alternative targets to overcome anti-EGFR resistance in HNSCC are under investigation. Gene therapy and immunotherapy are also promising strategies to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity. EXPERT OPINION To date, only six drugs have been FDA-approved for the treatment of head and neck cancer. Cetuximab is the only approved molecular targeting agent for HNSCC and despite ubiquitous expression of EGFR in HNSCC tumors, clinical responses are limited. Genetic and epigenetic characterization of HNSCC tumors, coupled with improved preclinical models, should facilitate the development of more effective drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Wen
- Sun Yat-Sen University and The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Department of Otolaryngology, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, PR China
- Sun Yat-Sen University and Otolaryngology Institute of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, PR China
- University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Eye and Ear Institute, 200 Lothrop St., Suite 500, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- University of California, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pianka A, Knösel T, Probst FA, Troeltzsch M, Woodlock T, Otto S, Ehrenfeld M, Troeltzsch M. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor isoforms: are they present in oral squamous cell carcinoma? J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2015; 73:897-904. [PMID: 25883000 DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2014.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although the clinical importance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been investigated, there are limited data about the overexpression of VEGF receptors (VEGF-Rs) and their clinical importance. VEGF-R isoforms have proven influence on proliferation rates, metastasis, and survival in different neoplasms. This study was conducted to investigate VEGF-R expression levels in OSCC samples and to identify any clinical relevance. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study design (n = 50) was used. Clinical data were gathered from patient charts. Validated immunohistochemical methods were applied to determine VEGF-R isoform expression by tumor cells. Descriptive and inferential statistics with respect to the variable scale were computed. The significance level was set at a P value less than or equal to .05. RESULTS This study found overexpression of different VEGF-R isoforms in 88% of examined specimens. Statistically important associations were detected between overexpression of specific VEGF-Rs and tumor size, neck node metastasis, and tumor-associated death. Furthermore, a history of common OSCC risk factors (smoking and alcohol consumption) were found considerably more often in patients whose OSCC specimens displayed VEGF-R overexpression. CONCLUSION These findings show that VEGF-R overexpression occurs frequently in OSCC and could have clinical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alix Pianka
- Graduate Student, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Knösel
- Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Andreas Probst
- Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Troeltzsch
- Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Georg - August University of Göttingen, Germany
| | - Timothy Woodlock
- Medical Oncologist, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester; and Unity Health System, Rochester, NY
| | - Sven Otto
- Associate Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Ehrenfeld
- Professor and Department Chair, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Troeltzsch
- Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lin CL, Chiang WF, Tung CL, Hsieh JL, Hsiao JR, Huang WT, Feng LY, Chang CH, Liu SY, Tsao CJ, Feng YH. Sprouty2 protein is downregulated in human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and suppresses cell proliferation in vitro. Mol Med Rep 2014; 11:547-54. [PMID: 25333206 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Sprouty2 is known for its tumor-suppressing effect in various human malignant diseases. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the role of sprouty2 in tumorigenesis and clinical implication remains elusive. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of sprouty2 in patients with HNSCC and its function in vitro. Quantitative analysis of mRNA expression of sprouty2 was performed on frozen tumor samples from 42 patients with HNSCC and 19 with oral verrucous hyperplasia (OVH) with paired counterparts of normal mucosa. Downregulation of sprouty2 expression was demonstrated in 79% of HNSCC samples and in 58% of OVH samples compared with paired samples of normal mucosa. Enhanced expression of sprouty2 protein suppressed the growth of HNSCC cells and signaling of the phosphorylated AKT pathway. Following transfection of the sprouty2 plasmid, HNSCC cells were more sensitive to sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of Raf and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor. The present study suggested that sprouty2 expression was downregulated and behaved as a tumor suppressor in HNSCC. Sprouty2 expression in tumor cells enhanced sensitivity to sorafenib. Further studies are required to define the clinical impact of sprouty2 in patients with HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiang-Liang Lin
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan 73657, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wei-Fan Chiang
- Department of Dentology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan 73657, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chao-Ling Tung
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jeng-Long Hsieh
- Department of Nursing, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Tainan 71703, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jenn-Ren Hsiao
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Tsung Huang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan 73657, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Li-Yia Feng
- National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Kaohsiung 81271, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Hua Chang
- Department of Dentology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan 73657, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shyun-Yeu Liu
- Department of Dentistry, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chao-Jung Tsao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan 73657, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yin-Hsun Feng
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan, R.O.C
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Taghizadeh S, Sankian M, Ajami A, Tehrani M, Hafezi N, Mohammadian R, Farazmandfar T, Hosseini V, Abbasi A, Ajami M. Expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factors a and C in patients with peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. J Gastric Cancer 2014; 14:196-203. [PMID: 25328765 PMCID: PMC4199887 DOI: 10.5230/jgc.2014.14.3.196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important growth factors for metastatic tumors. To clarify the role of VEGF-A and C in patients with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) or gastric cancer (GC), we evaluated the expression levels of these two molecules. We also analyzed the effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on VEGF-A and C expression levels. Materials and Methods Patients with dyspepsia who needed diagnostic endoscopy were selected and divided into three groups: non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD), PUD, and GC, according to their endoscopic and histopathological results. Fifty-two patients with NUD, 50 with PUD, and 38 with GC were enrolled in this study. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by the rapid urease test. After RNA extraction and synthesis of cDNA, the expression levels of VEGF-A and C were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results The VEGF-C expression level in the PUD and GC groups was significantly higher than that in the NUD group. Moreover, the VEGF-A expression level in the PUD and GC groups was higher than in the NUD group, although the differences were not statistically significant. Significant positive correlations were also observed between the expression levels of these two molecules in the PUD and GC groups. In addition, the expression levels of these two molecules were higher in H. pylori positive patients with PUD or GC than in H. pylori negative patients of the same groups; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Up-regulation of VEGF-C expression during gastric mucosal inflammation may play a role in the development of peptic ulcers or GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Taghizadeh
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Sankian
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Ajami
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. ; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohsen Tehrani
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Nasim Hafezi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Rajeeh Mohammadian
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Touraj Farazmandfar
- Faculty of Advanced Medical Science Technology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Vahid Hosseini
- Inflammatory Diseases of Upper GI Tract Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ali Abbasi
- Department of Pathology, Islamic Azad University, Sari Branch, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Ajami
- 7 Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Oyesanya RA, Bhatia S, Menezes ME, Dumur CI, Singh KP, Bae S, Troyer DA, Wells RB, Sauter ER, Sidransky D, Fisher PB, Semmes OJ, Dasgupta S. MDA-9/Syntenin regulates differentiation and angiogenesis programs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oncoscience 2014; 1:725-737. [PMID: 25593999 PMCID: PMC4278274 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the molecular pathways regulating poor differentiation and invasion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In the present study, we aimed to determine the role of MDA-9/Syntenin, a metastasis associated molecule in HNSCC tumorigenesis. Elevated MDA-9/Syntenin expression was evident in 67% (54/81) primary HNSCC tumors (p=0.001-0.002) and 69% (9/13) pre-neoplastic tissues (p=0.02-0.03). MDA-9/Syntenin overexpression was associated with the stage (p=0.001), grade (p=0.001) and lymph node metastasis (p=0.0001). Silencing of MDA-9/Syntenin in 3 poorly differentiated HNSCC cell lines induced squamous epithelial cell differentiation, disrupted angiogenesis and reduced tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. We confirmed SPRR1B and VEGFR1 as the key molecular targets of MDA-9/Syntenin on influencing HNSCC differentiation and angiogenesis respectively. MDA-9/Syntenin disrupted SPRR1B expression interacting through its PDZ1 domain and altered VEGFR1 expression in vitro and in vivo. VEGFR1 co-localized with MDA-9/Syntenin in HNSCC cell lines and primary tumor. Downregulation of growth regulatory molecules CyclinD1, CDK4, STAT3, PI3K and CTNNB1 was also evident in the MDA-9/Syntenin depleted cells, which was reversed following over-expression of MDA-9/Syntenin in immortalized oral epithelial cells. Our results suggest that early induction of MDA-9/Syntenin expression influences HNSCC progression and should be further evaluated for potential biomarker development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regina A Oyesanya
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia.,Department of Biology, Norfolk State University, Virginia
| | - Shilpa Bhatia
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia
| | - Mitchell E Menezes
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia
| | | | - Karan P Singh
- University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center's Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Facility, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sejong Bae
- University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center's Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Facility, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Dean A Troyer
- The Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia
| | - Robert B Wells
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Texas
| | - Edward R Sauter
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Texas
| | - David Sidransky
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Maryland
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia
| | - Oliver J Semmes
- The Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia
| | - Santanu Dasgupta
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
The function of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cancer is not limited to angiogenesis and vascular permeability. VEGF-mediated signalling occurs in tumour cells, and this signalling contributes to key aspects of tumorigenesis, including the function of cancer stem cells and tumour initiation. In addition to VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases, the neuropilins are crucial for mediating the effects of VEGF on tumour cells, primarily because of their ability to regulate the function and the trafficking of growth factor receptors and integrins. This has important implications for our understanding of tumour biology and for the development of more effective therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hira Lal Goel
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yao G, He P, Chen L, Hu X, Gu F, Ye C. MT1-MMP in breast cancer: induction of VEGF-C correlates with metastasis and poor prognosis. Cancer Cell Int 2013; 13:98. [PMID: 24119788 PMCID: PMC3852241 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2867-13-98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests that vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C)- dependent tumour production promotes lymphangiogenesis, while membrane-type matrix 1 metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is involved in the critical steps leading to carcinogenesis. However, the role of MT1-MMP in lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis remains poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between MT1-MMP and VEGF-C in human breast cancer and correlated MT1-MMP and VEGF-C expression with lymphangiogenesis and prognosis. METHODS MT1-MMP and VEGF-C levels were compared in five breast carcinoma cell lines. We used a membrane invasion assay to assess the effect of MT1-MMP and VEGF-C expression, as well as anti-MT1-MMP and VEGF-C antibodies, on cancer cell invasion. We further assessed MT1-MMP and VEGF-C immunoreactivity and lymph vessels in a cohort of human breast cancer specimens (n = 106) and associated MT1-MMP and VEGF-C expression with clinicopathological parameters, such as lymphatic vessel density (LVD), and patient prognosis. RESULTS MT1-MMP and VEGF-C expression differed among the five breast cancer cell lines and MT1-MMP and VEGF-C expression were correlated with tumour cell invasion. VEGF-C mRNA expression levels and invasive activity of MDA-MB-231 cells was inhibited by an anti-MT1-MMP antibody in a concentration-dependent manner. A significant correlation was found between the expression of MT1-MMP and VEGF-C in breast cancer patient samples and elevated MT1-MMP and VEGF-C expression was associated with higher LVD, lymph node metastasis, cancer stage, and a decline in overall survival rates. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that MT1-MMP expression is closely correlated with VEGF-C expression, and that MT1-MMP promotes lymphangiogenesis by up-regulating VEGF-C expression in human breast cancer. Thus, elevated MT1-MMP may serve as a significant prognostic factor in breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Yao
- Breast Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lujia Chen
- Breast Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaolei Hu
- Breast Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fan Gu
- Breast Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Changsheng Ye
- Breast Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhang HH, Qi F, Zu XB, Cao YH, Miao JG, Xu L, Qi L. A proteomic study of potential VEGF-C-associated proteins in bladder cancer T24 cells. Med Sci Monit 2013; 18:BR441-9. [PMID: 23111735 PMCID: PMC3560612 DOI: 10.12659/msm.883537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) has been found to play an important role in malignant progression of various cancer cells, in addition to lymphangiogenesis. However, the mechanisms involved are still largely unknown. Our early research has confirmed that the expression of VEGF-C in bladder cancer was markedly higher than that in normal bladder tissues. VEGF-C can also obviously promote proliferation and invasion of bladder cancer T24 cells. In the present work, we attempted to use proteomic analysis to screen out potential VEGF-C-associated proteins involved in malignant progression of the bladder cancer T24 cells. Material/Methods Lentivirus vector-based RNA interference (RNAi) was employed to diminish VEGF-C expression of bladder cancer T24 cells. Then we performed comparative proteome analysis to explore differentially expressed proteins in T24 cells with and without VEGF-C siRNA, by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Results Twenty-three proteins were identified. Some proteins (matrix metalloproteinase-9, Keratin 8, Serpin B5, Annexin A8) with significant differences were further confirmed by Western blotting. Conclusions The 23 potential VEGF-C-associated proteins identified in our study provide us with further insights into the mechanism of VEGF-C promoting malignant progression of bladder cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-hui Zhang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanhua University, Hengyang city, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chien MH, Liu YF, Hsin CH, Lin CH, Shih CH, Yang SF, Cheng CW, Lin CW. Impact of VEGF-C gene polymorphisms and environmental factors on oral cancer susceptibility in Taiwan. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60283. [PMID: 23593187 PMCID: PMC3617207 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oral cancer, which is the fourth most common male cancer, is associated with environmental carcinogens in Taiwan. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, an angiogenic/lymphangiogenic factor with high expression levels in tumor tissues, plays important roles in the development of several malignancies. This study was designed to examine associations of five VEGF-C gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility to and clinicopathological characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Methodology/Principal Findings Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of VEGF-C were analyzed by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 470 male patients with oral cancer and 426 cancer-free controls. In this study, we found that the VEGF-C rs7664413 and rs2046463 polymorphisms were associated with oral-cancer susceptibility but not with any clinicopathological parameters. The GGACA or GACTG haplotype of five VEGF-C SNPs (rs3775194, rs11947611, rs1485766, rs7664413, and rs2046463) combined was also related to the risk of oral cancer. Among 611 male smokers, VEGF-C polymorphism carriers who also chewed betel quid were found to have a 14.5–24.2-fold risk of having oral cancer compared to the VEGF-C wild-type carrier who did not chew betel quid. Among 461 male betel-quid chewers, VEGF-C polymorphism carriers who also smoked had a 2.7–18.1-fold risk of having oral cancer compared to those who carried the wild type but did not smoke. Conclusions Our results suggest that the two SNPs of VEGF-C (rs7664413 and rs2046463) and either of two haplotypes of five SNPs combined have potential predictive significance in oral carcinogenesis. Gene-environmental interactions among VEGF-C polymorphisms, smoking, and betel-quid chewing might alter one's susceptibility to oral cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hsien Chien
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Wan Fan Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Fan Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Han Hsin
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Huang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Han Shih
- Department of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, Wan Fan Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Wen Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (C-WC); (C-WL)
| | - Chiao-Wen Lin
- Institute of Oral Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (C-WC); (C-WL)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mehta S, Moon J, Hashmi M, Leblanc M, Huang CH, Rinehart E, Wolf GT, Urba SG, Banerjee SK, Williamson S. Predictive factors in patients with advanced and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a study based on SWOG protocol S0420. Oncol Rep 2013; 29:2095-100. [PMID: 23563900 PMCID: PMC3694610 DOI: 10.3892/or.2013.2374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the prognostic values of different protein expression in the progression of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) patients, we conducted immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis in tissue samples of different patients enrolled on SWOG protocol S0420. S0420 was a phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-agent sorafenib in chemotherapy-naïve patients with metastatic or recurrent SCCHN. The primary end point was response probability, i.e., confirmed complete (CR) and partial response (PR). Sorafenib was administered orally at 400 mg twice daily on a continuous basis in 28-day cycles to eligible patients. Responses were evaluated according to RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) criteria. IHC analysis was performed for various markers and data were analyzed statistically. IHC data were obtained from 19 patients enrolled on S0420. There was a high frequency of cases with expression of the angiogenesis markers SMA, HIF-1α, Raf-1, VEGF and VEGF-R. None of the markers were significantly associated with response. Negative HER-2 status was associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS), P=0.04. Negative NRP-1 status was associated with longer overall survival (OS), P=0.04. There were no other significant associations. An almost universal overexpression of angiogenesis markers in the samples analyzed supports the evaluation of angiogenesis inhibition as a potential target for therapy. High levels of NRP-1 and HER-2 in SCCHN samples appear to be associated with decreased survival and earlier progression of disease, respectively, in SCCHN patients and may represent targets for therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Smita Mehta
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Westwood, KS 66205, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Guo J, Lou W, Ji Y, Zhang S. Effect of CCR7, CXCR4 and VEGF-C on the lymph node metastasis of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2013; 5:1572-1578. [PMID: 23761820 PMCID: PMC3678632 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2013.1261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the expression of chemokine receptors CCR7 and CXCR4 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and the lymph node metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The mRNA transcription levels of CCR7, CXCR4 and VEGF-C were measured in 24 specimens by real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, while the protein expression levels were measured in 65 specimens by immuohistochemistry. Professional software for pathological image manipulation (Image Pro Plus 6.0) was used to quantitate the results of the immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA and protein expression levels of CCR7, CXCR4 and VEGF-C were all significantly higher in the cancer samples compared with those in the adjacent normal tissue. The CCR7 and VEGF-C mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher in the patients with cancer types exhibiting lymph node metastasis and an advanced International Union Against Cancer (UICC) stage (P<0.05). The greater the number of metastatic lymph nodes, the higher the levels of CCR7 expression (P<0.05). There was a significant positive linear correlation between the mRNA and protein expression levels of CCR7 and VEGF-C (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression levels of CXCR4 were not correlated with the lymph node metastasis (P>0.05), however the strong positive expression of CCR7 and VEGF-C was significantly associated with the lymph node metastasis of PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Motoyama S, Mori K, Kamei T, Miura M, Hinai Y, Sato Y, Yoshino K, Sasaki T, Miyata G, Seto Y, Ogawa JI. Evaluation of the risk of lymph node metastasis using CRP 1846C>T genetic polymorphism in submucosal thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2012; 20:1978-84. [PMID: 23212764 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-012-2765-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 40 % of patients with submucosal esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, the potential presence of undetectable metastasis before treatment prompts surgeons to be aggressive with respect to lymph node dissection. Extending the indication for endoscopic resection, a minimally invasive treatment, to superficial ESCCs will require more accurate and individualized evaluation of lymph node metastasis. METHODS The study participants were 121 esophageal cancer patients who underwent curative surgery for thoracic submucosal ESCC at three Japanese hospitals. DNA was extracted from blood samples, and the C-reactive protein (CRP) 1846C>T genetic polymorphism (rs1205) was investigated using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. We then evaluated the value of CRP 1846C>T polymorphism for diagnosis of lymph node metastasis. RESULTS Forty-nine (40 %) patients had lymph node metastasis. The CRP 1846 C/T genotype was C/C in 19 patients, C/T in 57 patients, and T/T in 45 patients. Fisher's exact analysis of the CRP 1846C>T polymorphism showed a significantly higher frequency of lymph node involvement with the T/T genotype. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models revealed that patients carrying the 1846 T/T genotype had a significantly greater likelihood of developing lymph node metastasis (odds ratio >2.6). Combining the CRP 1846 C/T genotype with clinical diagnosis, mainly using CT, brought a negative predictive value of 80 % to diagnosing lymph node involvement. CONCLUSIONS CRP genetic polymorphism may be a novel predictor of risk of lymph node metastasis in ESCC, which could enable better evaluation of the necessity for lymph node dissection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Motoyama
- Department of Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Agulnik M. New approaches to EGFR inhibition for locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Med Oncol 2012; 29:2481-91. [PMID: 22252310 PMCID: PMC3466428 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-012-0159-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, survival rates for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) have remained poor. The focus of SCCHN therapy has more recently shifted to the molecular level, particularly the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ErbB) pathway. Several agents that target the EGFR pathway, including monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are under investigation for SCCHN. Searches of PubMed and results of key oncology congresses were performed to identify relevant articles and abstracts. The EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibody cetuximab is approved for the treatment of locally advanced SCCHN in combination with radiotherapy, for first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic SCCHN in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy and 5-fluorouracil, and for recurrent or metastatic SCCHN following progression with platinum-based chemotherapy. Other investigational EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibodies (e.g., panitumumab, nimotuzumab, zalutumumab) are in clinical development for SCCHN. Inhibition of the tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR has also been explored as a therapeutic approach in SCCHN using small-molecule reversible inhibitors, such as gefitinib and erlotinib. However, a key challenge in SCCHN is the development of resistance, and strategies are being pursued to delay or overcome resistance to EGFR-targeted agents. These strategies include development of agents that inhibit multiple ErbB receptors simultaneously (e.g., lapatinib) or that bind multiple ErbB family receptors irreversibly (e.g., afatinib, PF-00299804) and investigation of combinations of agents that target multiple pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of SCCHN. Ongoing large clinical trials are evaluating these emerging agents and combinations for the treatment of SCCHN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Agulnik
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 850, Chicago, IL 60611-2942, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Henriques ACG, de Matos FR, Galvão HC, Freitas RDA. Immunohistochemical expression of MMP-9 and VEGF in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. J Oral Sci 2012; 54:105-11. [PMID: 22466894 DOI: 10.2334/josnusd.54.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) account for approximately 95% of all oral malignant neoplasms and for about 38% of all malignant head and neck tumors, especially affecting the tongue and lips. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of MMP-9 and VEGF in oral SCC according to the occurrence of metastasis. Eighteen cases of tongue SCC without metastases and 17 cases of tongue SCC with metastases were subjected to immunohistochemical methods. High immunohistochemical expression of MMP-9 and VEGF by neoplastic cells and stroma was observed in tongue SCCs at the invasion front. Metastatic tumors tended to express higher levels of MMP-9 and VEGF than non-metastatic tumors, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Spearman's correlation test showed no significant correlation between VEGF-immunopositive vessels and metastasis (P > 0.05). The present results demonstrate the importance of the expression of MMP-9 and VEGF for the development of SCC of the tongue. However, no significant association was observed between the overexpression of MMP-9 or VEGF and the presence of metastases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aguida Cristina G Henriques
- Oral Pathology Postgraduate Program, Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Tao YS, Ma XY, Chai DM, Ma L, Feng ZZ, Cheng ZN, Lai MD. Overexpression of MMP-1 and VEGF-C is associated with a less favorable prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 35:651-6. [PMID: 23147541 DOI: 10.1159/000343637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study addresses the association of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with clinicopathologic characteristics in the patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS We profiled the expression of MMP-1 and VEGF-C by cDNA microarray in 4 cases and by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 14 cases of esophageal SCC. Another 90 cases were reviewed by immunohistochemical examination of paraffin-embedded sections. RESULTS Expression of MMP-1 and VEGF-C mRNA in normal esophageal tissue and tumor tissue was compared. Data were fully consistent with the results of RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry showed that compared to the normal mucosa MMP-1 and VEGF-C protein expression was upregulated in both esophageal atypical hyperplasia (n = 16) and esophageal SCC. Depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage were directly associated with prognosis in all cases. Furthermore, median overall survival and disease-free survival were significantly shorter in patients with a higher expression of MMP-1 and VEGF-C than in patients with lower expression levels. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that the expression of both MMP-1 and VEGF-C mRNA and protein was upregulated in esophageal SCC tissues. Protein expression was associated with progressive tumor stage and poor prognosis in patients with esophageal SCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Sheng Tao
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Historically, lymphatic vessels were considered passive participants in tumor metastasis by simply providing channels for tumor cells to transit to draining lymph nodes. The discovery of several key lymphatic-specific molecular markers and an increased availability of in vitro and in vivo experimental systems to study lymphatic biology have however highlighted a much more complex, active role for the lymphatic vasculature in metastatic tumor spread. This review will briefly describe the lymphatic system and lymphangiogenesis and then focus on the role of the lymphatic system in cancer metastasis. The progression of our understanding from the lymphatic system as a somewhat passive conduit for metastasis to an active participant in metastatic tumor dissemination, regulated by a complex array of lymphangiogenic factors, chemokines, and immune cell subsets, will be described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ailsa Christiansen
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Tampouris AI, Kandiloros D, Giotakis I, Gakiopoulou H, Lazaris AC. The role of the VEGF-C/-D/flt-4 autocrine loop in the pathogenesis of salivary neoplasms. Pathol Res Pract 2012; 208:151-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2011.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Revised: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
31
|
Pentheroudakis G, Nicolaou I, Kotoula V, Fountzilas E, Markou K, Eleftheraki AG, Fragkoulidi A, Karasmanis I, Tsigka A, Angouridakis N, Vlachtsis K, Nikolaou A, Pavlidis N, Fountzilas G. Prognostic utility of angiogenesis and hypoxia effectors in patients with operable squamous cell cancer of the larynx. Oral Oncol 2012; 48:709-16. [PMID: 22366437 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2012.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is active in localised laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. We assessed relative messenger RNA (mRNA) and immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGF) A, B, C, their receptors VEGFR1, 2, 3, Neuropilins 1, 2 (NRP1, 2) and Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1A (HIF1A) in paraffin-embedded localised laryngeal carcinomas. In 289 patients with T3-4 (77.8%), node-negative (84.1%) tumours of the larynx, high VEGFA and VEGFR1 mRNA correlated with advanced T stage, while low VEGFB and VEGFC mRNA with alcohol abuse and supraglottic primary, respectively (p<0.05). Age <55 was associated with high IHC expression of VEGFA, C and poor tumour differentiation with high IHC VEGFA. At a median follow-up of 74.5months, patients with VEGFR1-high tumours had significantly poorer disease-free survival (Hazard Ratio [HR] 1.93, p=0.008) and shorter overall survival (OS, HR 1.71, p=0.041). An association with dismal OS was seen for high VEGFR3 tumoural mRNA expression (HR 1.76, p=0.02). IHC expression of VEGF family proteins in the tumour was not prognostic and had poor concordance with mRNA expression (kappa<0.1, p=NS). In multivariate analysis, node-positive status, non-supraglottic localization, high VEGFR1 mRNA and high IHC VEGFA expression were significantly associated with relapse, while node-positive status, high VEGFR1 and VEGFC mRNA expression in the tumour with risk of death. In laryngeal cancer, upregulated mRNA expression of VEGFR1 and VEGFC is associated with poor patient outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Pentheroudakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ioannina University Hospital, Ioannina, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Several molecular pathways are deregulated and activated in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck making this disease attractive for targeted molecular therapies. Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor, improves the overall survival when combined with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Novels agents targeting different molecular pathways in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck are currently under development. Among them, dual (epidermal growth factor receptor/human epidermal growth factor receptor-2) or pan-human epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and drugs that target the insulin growth factor-1 receptor, the MET receptor, or the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway have shown either interesting preclinical activity or promising preliminary clinical efficacy. Angiogenesis inhibitors should be used with caution in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck due to the risk of tumor bleeding. However, only a minority of patients seems to benefit from these new approaches. Understanding the primary and acquired resistance mechanisms to predict the treatment efficacy is of crucial importance to allow a better patient selection.
Collapse
|
33
|
Tarquinio SBC, Zhang Z, Neiva KG, Polverini PJ, Nör JE. Endothelial cell Bcl-2 and lymph node metastasis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Oral Pathol Med 2011; 41:124-30. [PMID: 21936874 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0714.2011.01081.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loco-regional spread of disease causes high morbidity and is associated with the poor prognosis of malignant oral tumors. Better understanding of mechanisms underlying the establishment of lymph node metastasis is necessary for the development of more effective therapies for patients with oral cancer. The aims of this work were to evaluate a possible correlation between endothelial cell Bcl-2 and lymph node metastasis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and to study signaling pathways that regulate Bcl-2 expression in lymphatic endothelial cells. METHODS Endothelial cells were selectively retrieved from paraffin-embedded tissue sections of primary human OSCC from patients with or without lymph node metastasis by laser capture microdissection. RT-PCR was used to evaluate Bcl-2 expression in tumor-associated endothelial cells and in tumor cells. In vitro, mechanistic studies were performed to examine the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C on the expression of Bcl-2 in primary human lymphatic endothelial cells. RESULTS We observed that Bcl-2 expression is upregulated in the endothelial cells of human oral tumors with lymph node metastasis as compared to endothelial cells from stage-matched tumors without metastasis. VEGF-C induced Bcl-2 expression in lymphatic endothelial cells via VEGFR-3 and PI3k/Akt signaling. Notably, OSCC cells express VEGF-C and induce Bcl-2 in lymphatic endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this work unveiled a mechanism for the induction of Bcl-2 in lymphatic endothelial cells and suggested that endothelial cell Bcl-2 contributes to lymph node metastasis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra B C Tarquinio
- Department of Oral Pathology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
London C, Mathie T, Stingle N, Clifford C, Haney S, Klein MK, Beaver L, Vickery K, Vail DM, Hershey B, Ettinger S, Vaughan A, Alvarez F, Hillman L, Kiselow M, Thamm D, Higginbotham ML, Gauthier M, Krick E, Phillips B, Ladue T, Jones P, Bryan J, Gill V, Novasad A, Fulton L, Carreras J, McNeill C, Henry C, Gillings S. Preliminary evidence for biologic activity of toceranib phosphate (Palladia(®)) in solid tumours. Vet Comp Oncol 2011; 10:194-205. [PMID: 22236194 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5829.2011.00275.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to provide an initial assessment of the potential biologic activity of toceranib phosphate (Palladia®, Pfizer Animal Health, Madison, NJ, USA) in select solid tumours in dogs. Cases in which toceranib was used to treat dogs with apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA), metastatic osteosarcoma (OSA), thyroid carcinoma, head and neck carcinoma and nasal carcinoma were included. Clinical benefit (CB) was observed in 63/85 (74%) dogs including 28/32 AGASACA [8 partial response (PR), 20 stable disease (SD)], 11/23 OSAs (1 PR and 10 SD), 12/15 thyroid carcinomas (4 PR and 8 SD), 7/8 head and neck carcinomas [1 complete response (CR), 5 PR and 1 SD] and 5/7 (1 CR and 4 SD) nasal carcinomas. For dogs experiencing CB, the median dose of toceranib was 2.8 mg kg(-1) , 36/63 (58.7%) were dosed on a Monday/Wednesday/Friday basis and 47/63 (74.6%) were treated 4 months or longer. Although these data provide preliminary evidence that toceranib exhibits CB in dogs with certain solid tumours, future prospective studies are necessary to define its true activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C London
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Liu P, Zhou J, Zhu H, Xie L, Wang F, Liu B, Shen W, Ye W, Xiang B, Zhu X, Shi R, Zhang S. VEGF-C promotes the development of esophageal cancer via regulating CNTN-1 expression. Cytokine 2011; 55:8-17. [PMID: 21482472 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2011.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2010] [Revised: 01/30/2011] [Accepted: 03/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is a key regulator of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. VEGF-C is also implicated in the development of esophageal cancer. We investigated the mRNA levels of VEGF-C and its receptors in 38 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma specimens (ESCCs) and matched adjacent normal esophageal tissues via real-time PCR. The mRNA levels of VEGF-C, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 were significantly upregulated in ESCCs versus respective side normal tissues. To explore the influence of VEGF-C on esophageal cancer progression, the expression of VEGF-C was manipulated in esophageal cancer cell lines TE-1 and Eca-109. VEGF-C transcription, translation and secretion were significantly enhanced in cells stably transfected with a VEGF-C overexpression vector or attenuated in VEGF-C shRNA-transfected cell lines. In vitro, TE-1 cells stably transfected with a VEGF-C overexpression vector exhibited an increased rate of cell proliferation, migration and focus formation, whereas knockdown of VEGF-C inhibited cell proliferation, migration and focus formation. Similar results were obtained for Eca-109 cells. VEGF-C mediated biological function through transcription of CNTN-1, which is implicated in tumor invasion and metastasis. The expression of VEGF-C was correlated with that of CNTN-1 and cell proliferation and migration induced by VEGF-C were reversed by silencing of CNTN-1. In addition, nude mice inoculated with VEGF-C shRNA-transfected cells exhibited a significantly decreased tumor size in vivo via reduced VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 phosphorylation and microvessel formation. VEGF-C upregulation may be involved in esophageal tumor progression. Vector-based RNA interference (RNAi) targeting VEGF-C is a potential therapeutic method for human esophageal carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University, Jiangyin 214400, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Schmitz S, Machiels JP. Molecular biology of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: relevance and therapeutic implications. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2011; 10:1471-84. [PMID: 20836682 DOI: 10.1586/era.10.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
More than 90% of all head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinoma. Despite advances in the management of patients with this disease, the survival rate has not been significantly improved. Several mechanisms of carcinogenesis have been elucidated and molecular targeted agents seem to be promising therapeutic tools. Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody inhibitor of the EGF receptor, improves survival rates in association with radiotherapy in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) or in palliative disease, and is nowadays the only targeted agent approved in this indication. Other targeted agents are also clinically relevant to the treatment of different malignancies, including SCCHN. This article focuses on the major molecular pathways implicated in SCCHN carcinogenesis and provides an overview of their therapeutic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Schmitz
- Centre du Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Clinique de Cancérologie Cervico-Maxillo-Faciale, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Sagsoz H, Ketani MA. The role of estrogen receptors, erbB receptors, vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors, and vascular endothelial growth inhibitor in the development of the rat mammary gland. Growth Factors 2010; 28:379-93. [PMID: 20572782 DOI: 10.3109/08977194.2010.495718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We identified the localization and distribution of cell-specific epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs: erbB-1, erbB-2, erbB-3, erbB-4), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptors [VEGFRs: VEGF-R1 (flt-1), VEGF-R2 (flk-1/KDR), VEGF-R3 (flt-4)], vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI), and estrogen receptor (ER), and determined whether or not these growth factors in rat mammary glands are functional. Thirty-five adult female Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups, each of which were at the 7th, 14th, and 21st day of pregnancy; 7th day post-delivery; and 7th day after weaning. It was determined that erbB, VEGF and its receptors, VEGI, and ER stained at different intensities. Intense staining was observed, in particular, in erbB receptors during pregnancy and involution, and also in VEGF and its receptors during lactation, while ER stained during the last periods of pregnancy and lactation. In conclusion, the expression of erbB, VEGF and its receptors, and ER were determined at varying intensities at different sites of the mammary gland during pregnancy, lactation, and involution periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Sagsoz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dicle University, 21280, Diyarbakır, Turkey.
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
High VEGFC expression is associated with unique gene expression profiles and predicts adverse prognosis in pediatric and adult acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2010; 116:1747-54. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-03-270991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
High VEGFC mRNA expression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts is related to increased in vitro and in vivo drug resistance. Prognostic significance of VEGFC on long-term outcome and its associated gene expression profiles remain to be defined. We studied effect of VEGFC on treatment outcome and investigated gene expression profiles associated with VEGFC using microarray data of 525 adult and 100 pediatric patients with AML. High VEGFC expression appeared strongly associated with reduced complete remission rate (P = .004), reduced overall and event-free survival (OS and EFS) in adult AML (P = .002 and P < .001, respectively). Multivariable analysis established high VEGFC as prognostic indicator independent of cytogenetic risk, FLT3-ITD, NPM1, CEBPA, age, and white blood cell count (P = .038 for OS; P = .006 for EFS). Also, in pediatric AML high VEGFC was related to reduced OS (P = .041). A unique series of differentially expressed genes was identified that distinguished AML with high VEGFC from AML with low VEGFC, that is, 331 up-regulated genes (representative of proliferation, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor activity, signal transduction) and 44 down-regulated genes (eg, related to apoptosis) consistent with a role in enhanced chemoresistance. In conclusion, high VEGFC predicts adverse long-term prognosis and provides prognostic information in addition to well-known prognostic factors.
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the eighth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Despite advances in surgery and chemoradiation therapy, there has been little improvement in survival rates over the past 4 decades. Additionally, surgery and chemoradiotherapy have serious side effects. The development of agents with greater efficacy and tolerability is needed. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW EGFR is the only proven molecular target for HNSCC therapy. Cetuximab, the sole FDA-approved molecular targeted HNSCC therapy, and other potential targeted therapies are being evaluated in preclinical, clinical and post-marketing studies. Here, we review the emerging targets for biological agents in HNSCC and the rationale for their selection. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN Key information in the development of new drug targets and the emergence of new biomarkers are discussed. Readers will gain insight regarding the limitations of current therapies, the impact of recently approved targeted therapies and the influence that predictive biomarkers will have on drug development. TAKE HOME MESSAGE The head and neck cancer drug market is rapidly evolving. Coordination between drug and biomarker development efforts may soon yield targeted therapies that can achieve the promise of personalized cancer medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Fung
- University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Physician-Scientist Training Program, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Medical Fellows Program, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Eye and Ear Institute, 200 Lothrop St., Suite 500, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Vascular endothelial growth factor-C promotes the growth and invasion of gallbladder cancer via an autocrine mechanism. Mol Cell Biochem 2010; 345:77-89. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-010-0562-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
41
|
Smith NR, Baker D, James NH, Ratcliffe K, Jenkins M, Ashton SE, Sproat G, Swann R, Gray N, Ryan A, Jürgensmeier JM, Womack C. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 are localized primarily to the vasculature in human primary solid cancers. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 16:3548-61. [PMID: 20606037 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-2797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling is key to tumor angiogenesis and is an important target in the development of anticancer drugs. However, VEGF receptor (VEGFR) expression in human cancers, particularly the relative expression of VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 in tumor vasculature versus tumor cells, is poorly defined. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN VEGFR-2- and VEGFR-3-specific antibodies were identified and used in the immunohistochemical analysis of human primary cancers and normal tissue. The relative vascular localization of both receptors in colorectal and breast cancers was determined by coimmunofluorescence with vascular markers. RESULTS VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 were expressed on vascular endothelium but not on malignant cells in 13 common human solid tumor types (n > 400, bladder, breast, colorectal, head and neck, liver, lung, skin, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, renal, stomach, and thyroid). The signal intensity of both receptors was significantly greater in vessels associated with malignant colorectal, lung, and breast than adjacent nontumor tissue. In colorectal cancers, VEGFR-2 was expressed on both intratumoral blood and lymphatic vessels, whereas VEGFR-3 was found predominantly on lymphatic vessels. In breast cancers, both receptors were localized to and upregulated on blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 are primarily localized to, and significantly upregulated on, tumor vasculature (blood and/or lymphatic) supporting the majority of solid cancers. The primary clinical mechanism of action of VEGF signaling inhibitors is likely to be through the targeting of tumor vessels rather than tumor cells. The upregulation of VEGFR-3 on tumor blood vessels indicates a potential additional antiangiogenic effect for dual VEGFR-2/VEGFR-3-targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neil R Smith
- Cancer Bioscience, AstraZeneca, Cheshire, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) in esophageal cancer correlates with lymph node metastasis and poor patient prognosis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2010; 29:83. [PMID: 20584281 PMCID: PMC2917417 DOI: 10.1186/1756-9966-29-83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background The diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in esophageal cancer by the presence and number of metastatic lymph nodes is an extremely important prognostic factor. In addition, the indication of non-surgical therapy is gaining more attention. Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is potentially lymphangiogenic and selectively induces hyperplasia of the lymphatic vasculature. In this study, we investigated the expression of VEGF-C and whether it correlated with various clinico-pathologic findings. Methods KYSE series of esophageal cancer cell lines and 106 patients with primary esophageal squamous cell carcinomas who had undergone radical esophagectomy were analyzed. VEGF-C mRNA expression was determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Results High expression of VEGF-C was detected in most of the KYSE cell lines, especially KYSE410, yet, in an esophageal normal epithelium cell line, Het-1A, VEGF-C was not detected. In the clinical specimen, the expression of VEGF-C in the cancerous tissue was higher than in the corresponding noncancerous esophageal mucosa (p = 0.026). The expression of VEGF-C was found to be higher in Stage2B-4A tumors than in Stage0-2A tumors (p = 0.049). When the patients were divided into two groups according to their expression levels of VEGF-C (a group of 53 cases with high expression and a group of 53 cases with low expression), the patients with high VEGF-C expression had significantly shorter survival after surgery than the patients with low expression (p = 0.0065). Although univariate analysis showed that high expression of VEGF-C was a statistically significant prognostic factor, this was not shown in multivariate analysis. In the subgroup of patients with Tis and T1 tumors, the expression of VEGF-C was higher in N1 tumors than in N0 tumors (p = 0.029). The survival rate of patients from the high expression group (n = 10) was lower than that in the low expression group (n = 11), and all the patients in the low VEGF-C expression group survived. Conclusions The expression of VEGF-C correlates with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis. In patients with Tis and T1 esophageal tumors, the expression of VEGF-C may be a good diagnostic factor for determining metastasis of the lymph node.
Collapse
|
43
|
Williamson SK, Moon J, Huang CH, Guaglianone PP, LeBlanc M, Wolf GT, Urba SG. Phase II evaluation of sorafenib in advanced and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Southwest Oncology Group Study S0420. J Clin Oncol 2010; 28:3330-5. [PMID: 20498388 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.25.6834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We conducted a phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-agent sorafenib in chemotherapy-naïve patients with metastatic or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The primary end point was response probability (ie, confirmed complete and partial response [PR]). PATIENTS AND METHODS Chemotherapy-naïve patients with metastatic, persistent, or recurrent SCCHN who received one induction or fewer or received an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen, who had adequate organ function, and who had a performance status <or= 1 were eligible. Sorafenib was administered orally at 400 mg twice daily on a continuous basis in 28-day cycles. Responses were evaluated according to RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors). RESULTS Sorafenib was generally well tolerated. Of the 41 eligible patients assessed for adverse events, one experienced a grade 4 adverse event as a result of an asymptomatic pulmonary embolus. The most common grades 2 to 3 adverse events were fatigue, anorexia, stomatitis/oral pain, abdominal pain, hand-foot syndrome, weight loss, and hypertension. There was one confirmed PR and two unconfirmed PRs. The estimated confirmed response probability was 2% (95% CI, 0% to 13%). The estimated median progression-free survival was 4 months (95% CI, 2 to 4 months), and the estimated median overall survival was 9 months (95% CI, 7 to 14 months). CONCLUSION Sorafenib was well tolerated. Although response was poor, progression-free and overall survival times compare favorably with previous Southwest Oncology Group, phase II, single-agent trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen K Williamson
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Hematology/Oncology Division, Westwood, KS 66205, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Palomba A, Gallo O, Brahimi A, Franchi A. Evaluation of lymphangiogenesis in premalignant conditions of the head and neck mucosa. Head Neck 2010; 32:1681-5. [DOI: 10.1002/hed.21388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
|
45
|
Machiels JPH, Henry S, Zanetta S, Kaminsky MC, Michoux N, Rommel D, Schmitz S, Bompas E, Dillies AF, Faivre S, Moxhon A, Duprez T, Guigay J. Phase II Study of Sunitinib in Recurrent or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: GORTEC 2006-01. J Clin Oncol 2010; 28:21-8. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.23.8584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeTo assess the efficacy and toxicity of sunitinib monotherapy in palliative squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).Patients and MethodsThirty-eight patients with SCCHN having evidence of progressive disease (PD) were treated with sunitinib 37.5 mg/d given continuously until PD or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was the rate of disease control, defined as stable disease (SD) or partial response (PR) at 6 to 8 weeks after treatment initiation (two-stage design, Simon). Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) was performed in a subset of patients before and 6 to 8 weeks after treatment. The volume transfer constant of the contrast agent (Ktrans) was used to measure changes in the microcirculation blood flow and endothelial permeability of the tumor.ResultsA PR was observed in one patient, SD in 18, and PD in 19 (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST]), resulting in a disease control rate of 50%. Among the 18 patients with SD, there were five unconfirmed PRs and six additional minor responses. A significant decrease in Ktranswas seen in three of the four patients who received DCE-MRI monitoring. Grade 5 head and neck bleeds occurred in four patients. Local complications, including the appearance or worsening of tumor skin ulceration or tumor fistula, were recorded in 15 patients.ConclusionSunitinib demonstrated modest activity in palliative SSCHN. The severity of some of the complications highlights the importance of improved patient selection for future studies with sunitinib in head and neck cancer. Sunitinib should not be used outside clinical trials in SSCHN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pascal H. Machiels
- From the Centre du Cancer, Departments of Medical Oncology, Imaging, and Head and Neck Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels; Department of Medical Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Mont-Godinne and Saint-Elisabeth, Yvoir and Namur, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre G-F Leclerc, Dijon; Department of Medical Oncology Centre Alexis Vautrin, Nancy; Department of Medical Oncology Centre
| | - Stéphanie Henry
- From the Centre du Cancer, Departments of Medical Oncology, Imaging, and Head and Neck Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels; Department of Medical Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Mont-Godinne and Saint-Elisabeth, Yvoir and Namur, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre G-F Leclerc, Dijon; Department of Medical Oncology Centre Alexis Vautrin, Nancy; Department of Medical Oncology Centre
| | - Sylvie Zanetta
- From the Centre du Cancer, Departments of Medical Oncology, Imaging, and Head and Neck Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels; Department of Medical Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Mont-Godinne and Saint-Elisabeth, Yvoir and Namur, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre G-F Leclerc, Dijon; Department of Medical Oncology Centre Alexis Vautrin, Nancy; Department of Medical Oncology Centre
| | - Marie-Christine Kaminsky
- From the Centre du Cancer, Departments of Medical Oncology, Imaging, and Head and Neck Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels; Department of Medical Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Mont-Godinne and Saint-Elisabeth, Yvoir and Namur, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre G-F Leclerc, Dijon; Department of Medical Oncology Centre Alexis Vautrin, Nancy; Department of Medical Oncology Centre
| | - Nicolas Michoux
- From the Centre du Cancer, Departments of Medical Oncology, Imaging, and Head and Neck Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels; Department of Medical Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Mont-Godinne and Saint-Elisabeth, Yvoir and Namur, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre G-F Leclerc, Dijon; Department of Medical Oncology Centre Alexis Vautrin, Nancy; Department of Medical Oncology Centre
| | - Denis Rommel
- From the Centre du Cancer, Departments of Medical Oncology, Imaging, and Head and Neck Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels; Department of Medical Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Mont-Godinne and Saint-Elisabeth, Yvoir and Namur, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre G-F Leclerc, Dijon; Department of Medical Oncology Centre Alexis Vautrin, Nancy; Department of Medical Oncology Centre
| | - Sandra Schmitz
- From the Centre du Cancer, Departments of Medical Oncology, Imaging, and Head and Neck Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels; Department of Medical Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Mont-Godinne and Saint-Elisabeth, Yvoir and Namur, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre G-F Leclerc, Dijon; Department of Medical Oncology Centre Alexis Vautrin, Nancy; Department of Medical Oncology Centre
| | - Emmanuelle Bompas
- From the Centre du Cancer, Departments of Medical Oncology, Imaging, and Head and Neck Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels; Department of Medical Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Mont-Godinne and Saint-Elisabeth, Yvoir and Namur, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre G-F Leclerc, Dijon; Department of Medical Oncology Centre Alexis Vautrin, Nancy; Department of Medical Oncology Centre
| | - Anne-Françoise Dillies
- From the Centre du Cancer, Departments of Medical Oncology, Imaging, and Head and Neck Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels; Department of Medical Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Mont-Godinne and Saint-Elisabeth, Yvoir and Namur, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre G-F Leclerc, Dijon; Department of Medical Oncology Centre Alexis Vautrin, Nancy; Department of Medical Oncology Centre
| | - Sandrine Faivre
- From the Centre du Cancer, Departments of Medical Oncology, Imaging, and Head and Neck Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels; Department of Medical Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Mont-Godinne and Saint-Elisabeth, Yvoir and Namur, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre G-F Leclerc, Dijon; Department of Medical Oncology Centre Alexis Vautrin, Nancy; Department of Medical Oncology Centre
| | - Anne Moxhon
- From the Centre du Cancer, Departments of Medical Oncology, Imaging, and Head and Neck Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels; Department of Medical Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Mont-Godinne and Saint-Elisabeth, Yvoir and Namur, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre G-F Leclerc, Dijon; Department of Medical Oncology Centre Alexis Vautrin, Nancy; Department of Medical Oncology Centre
| | - Thierry Duprez
- From the Centre du Cancer, Departments of Medical Oncology, Imaging, and Head and Neck Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels; Department of Medical Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Mont-Godinne and Saint-Elisabeth, Yvoir and Namur, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre G-F Leclerc, Dijon; Department of Medical Oncology Centre Alexis Vautrin, Nancy; Department of Medical Oncology Centre
| | - Joel Guigay
- From the Centre du Cancer, Departments of Medical Oncology, Imaging, and Head and Neck Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels; Department of Medical Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Mont-Godinne and Saint-Elisabeth, Yvoir and Namur, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre G-F Leclerc, Dijon; Department of Medical Oncology Centre Alexis Vautrin, Nancy; Department of Medical Oncology Centre
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
|
47
|
Sinn BV, Darb-Esfahani S, Wirtz RM, Faggad A, Weichert W, Buckendahl AC, Noske A, Müller BM, Budczies J, Sehouli J, Braicu EI, Dietel M, Denkert C. Vascular endothelial growth factor C mRNA expression is a prognostic factor in epithelial ovarian cancer as detected by kinetic RT-PCR in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. Virchows Arch 2009; 455:461-7. [PMID: 19911196 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-009-0851-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2009] [Revised: 09/24/2009] [Accepted: 10/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is a well described chemotactic and growth factor for lymphatic endothelial cells. Its inhibition leads to suppression of lymphatic and distant metastases in mouse models. In ovarian cancer, the relationship between VEGF-C expression and tumor behavior has not yet been determined by a quantitative method in vivo. Therefore, we used a new technique of RNA extraction from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples and determined the expression levels of VEGF-C mRNA in a study group of 97 ovarian cancer patients. Expression levels were correlated with clinicopathological features and patient survival. High VEGF-C expression was associated with worse overall (p = 0.0393) and progression-free (p = 0.0155) patient survival. In the subgroups of serous tumors and high-grade tumors, VEGF-C mRNA was still a negative indicator for patient survival (p = 0.0190 and 0.0311, respectively). A trend was observed among patients with high clinical stage (p = 0.0634). In multivariate survival analysis VEGF-C mRNA retained its prognostic influence on progression-free survival (p = 0.006, HR = 0.319 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.142-0.720). High VEGF-C expression was further associated with an increased residual tumor mass after primary cytoreductive surgery. We found no correlation of VEGF-C expression with tumor grade, FIGO stage, lymph node, or distant metastases. Our study demonstrates that high VEGF-C expression is associated with aggressive tumor behavior in ovarian cancer. mRNA extracted from paraffin-embedded tumor samples is suitable for VEGF-C gene expression studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno V Sinn
- Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Paydas S, Seydaoglu G, Ergin M, Erdogan S, Yavuz S. The prognostic significance of VEGF-C and VEGF-A in non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Leuk Lymphoma 2009; 50:366-73. [PMID: 19347725 DOI: 10.1080/10428190802706665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis and lymphangiogensis are important in the proliferation and survival of the malignant hemeopoietic neoplasms. The aim of this study is to determine the prognostic role of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in the development of lymphoma. For this aim, VEGF-A and VEGF-C were explored by immunohistochemistry in 177 cases. VEGF-C and VEGF-A were found to be positive in 34 and 61% of the samples. There was a good correlation between VEGF-C and VEGF-A expression (p = 0.0001). The clinical prognostic indicators were not significantly different between VEGF-C (+) and (-) and/or VEGF-A (+) and (-) cases. Overall survival (OS) rate was shorter in cases with VEGF-A (+) and VEGF-C (+) cases than with negative cases (p = 0.03 and p = 0.0005, respectively). The OS was significantly shorter in aggressive lymphomas expressing VEGF-A and VEGF-C but not in indolent lymphomas. The results of Cox regression analyses showed that VEGF-A and VEGF-C expressions are independent prognostic parameters (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.3-5.0 for both (+) cases). In conclusion, VEGF-C and VEGF-A were positive in 34 and 61%, respectively, of the cases with NHL. The significant correlation between VEGF-C and VEGF-A suggests that lymphangiogenesis is important in the pathogenesis of lymphomas as shown in angiogenesis. The significantly shorter survival rates of VEGF-C and/or VEGF-A expressions indicate that angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are important in clinical outcome. Autocrine VEGF-A and VEGF-C crosstalks in lymphoma cells are important in lymphoma biology and inhibition of these signals with anti-angiogenic/anti-lymphangiogenic drugs and combination with chemo-immunotherapy regimens will be more useful in these cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Semra Paydas
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Oncology, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
A phase II study of sunitinib in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic non-nasopharyngeal head and neck cancer. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2009; 65:649-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-009-1070-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2009] [Accepted: 07/06/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
50
|
Choong NW, Kozloff M, Taber D, Hu HS, Wade J, Ivy P, Karrison TG, Dekker A, Vokes EE, Cohen EEW. Phase II study of sunitinib malate in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Invest New Drugs 2009; 28:677-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s10637-009-9296-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2009] [Accepted: 07/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|