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Meckler JF, Levis DJ, Kong Y, O'Donnell RT, Vang DP, Tuscano JM. Fermented Wheat Germ Protein with Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor AR42 Demonstrates Enhanced Cytotoxicity against Lymphoma Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7866. [PMID: 39063110 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for lymphoma are plagued by substantial toxicity and the inability to overcome drug resistance, leading to eventual relapse and rationalizing the development of novel, less toxic therapeutics and drug combinations. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are a broad class of epigenetic modulators that have been studied in multiple tumor types, including lymphoma. Currently, HDACis are FDA-approved for treating relapsed T-cell lymphomas and multiple myeloma, with ongoing trials in other lymphomas and solid tumors. As single agents, HDACis frequently elicit toxic side effects and have limited efficacy; therefore, many current treatment strategies focus on combinations to boost efficacy while attempting to minimize toxicity. Fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) is a complementary agent that has shown efficacy in several malignancies, including lymphoma. Here, we utilize a more potent FWGE derivative, known as fermented wheat germ protein (FWGP), in combination with the HDACi AR42, to assess for enhanced activity. We report increased in vitro killing, cell cycle arrest, and in vivo efficacy for this combination compared to each agent alone with minimal toxicity, suggesting a potentially new, minimally toxic treatment modality for lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua F Meckler
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Daniel J Levis
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Yanguo Kong
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Robert T O'Donnell
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Daniel P Vang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Joseph M Tuscano
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Northern California Healthcare System, Sacramento, CA 95652, USA
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2
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Na J, Shaji S, Hanemann CO. Targeting histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) to enhance radiation therapy in meningiomas in a 2D and 3D in vitro study. EBioMedicine 2024; 105:105211. [PMID: 38917510 PMCID: PMC11255518 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND External radiation therapy (RT) is often a primary treatment for inoperable meningiomas in the absence of established chemotherapy. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) overexpression, commonly found in cancer, is acknowledged as a driver of cellular growth, and inhibiting HDACs holds promise in improving radiotherapeutic efficacy. Downregulation of HDAC6 facilitates the degradation of β-catenin. This protein is a key element in the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, contributing to the progression of meningiomas. METHODS In order to elucidate the associations and therapeutic potential of HDAC6 inhibitors (HDAC6i) in conjunction with RT, we administered Cay10603, HDAC6i, to both immortalised and patient-derived meningioma cells prior to RT in this study. FINDINGS Our findings reveal an increase in HDAC6 expression following exposure to RT, which is effectively mitigated with pre-treated Cay10603. The combination of Cay10603 with RT resulted in a synergistic augmentation of cytotoxic effects, as demonstrated through a range of functional assays conducted in both 2D as well as 3D settings; the latter containing syngeneic tumour microenvironment (TME). Radiation-induced DNA damage was augmented by pre-treatment with Cay10603, concomitant with the inhibition of β-catenin and minichromosome maintenance complex component 2 (MCM2) accumulation within the nucleus. This subsequently inhibited c-myc oncogene expression. INTERPRETATION Our findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of Cay10603 to improve the radiosensitisation and provide rationale for combining HDAC6i with RT for the treatment of meningioma. FUNDING This work was funded by Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence award to C Oliver Hanemann.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juri Na
- Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Shahana Shaji
- Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - C Oliver Hanemann
- Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom.
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Kim BH, Chung YH, Woo TG, Kang SM, Park S, Kim M, Park BJ. NF2-Related Schwannomatosis (NF2): Molecular Insights and Therapeutic Avenues. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6558. [PMID: 38928264 PMCID: PMC11204266 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2) is a genetic syndrome characterized by the growth of benign tumors in the nervous system, particularly bilateral vestibular schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas. This review consolidates the current knowledge on NF2 syndrome, emphasizing the molecular pathology associated with the mutations in the gene of the same name, the NF2 gene, and the subsequent dysfunction of its product, the Merlin protein. Merlin, a tumor suppressor, integrates multiple signaling pathways that regulate cell contact, proliferation, and motility, thereby influencing tumor growth. The loss of Merlin disrupts these pathways, leading to tumorigenesis. We discuss the roles of another two proteins potentially associated with NF2 deficiency as well as Merlin: Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP), which may promote tumor growth, and Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP), which appears to suppress tumor development. Additionally, this review discusses the efficacy of various treatments, such as molecular therapies that target specific pathways or inhibit neomorphic protein-protein interaction caused by NF2 deficiency. This overview not only expands on the fundamental understanding of NF2 pathophysiology but also explores the potential of novel therapeutic targets that affect the clinical approach to NF2 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bae-Hoon Kim
- Rare Disease R&D Center, PRG S&T Co., Ltd., Busan 46274, Republic of Korea; (B.-H.K.)
| | - Yeon-Ho Chung
- Rare Disease R&D Center, PRG S&T Co., Ltd., Busan 46274, Republic of Korea; (B.-H.K.)
| | - Tae-Gyun Woo
- Rare Disease R&D Center, PRG S&T Co., Ltd., Busan 46274, Republic of Korea; (B.-H.K.)
| | - So-mi Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Park
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Minju Kim
- Rare Disease R&D Center, PRG S&T Co., Ltd., Busan 46274, Republic of Korea; (B.-H.K.)
| | - Bum-Joon Park
- Rare Disease R&D Center, PRG S&T Co., Ltd., Busan 46274, Republic of Korea; (B.-H.K.)
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
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Joshi R, Sharma A, Kulshreshtha R. Noncoding RNA landscape and their emerging roles as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in meningioma. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200782. [PMID: 38596289 PMCID: PMC10951709 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Meningiomas are among the most prevalent primary CNS tumors in adults, accounting for nearly 38% of all brain neoplasms. The World Health Organization (WHO) grade assigned to meningiomas guides medical care in patients and is primarily based on tumor histology and malignancy potential. Although often considered benign, meningiomas with complicated histology, limited accessibility for surgical resection, and/or higher malignancy potential (WHO grade 2 and WHO grade 3) are harder to combat, resulting in significant morbidity. With limited treatment options and no systemic therapies, it is imperative to understand meningioma tumorigenesis at the molecular level and identify novel therapeutic targets. The last decade witnessed considerable progress in understanding the noncoding RNA landscape of meningioma, with microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) emerging as molecular entities of interest. This review aims to highlight the commonly dysregulated miRNAs and lncRNAs in meningioma and their correlation with meningioma progression, malignancy, recurrence, and radioresistance. The role of "key" miRNAs as biomarkers and their therapeutic potential has also been reviewed in detail. Furthermore, current and emerging therapeutic modalities for meningioma have been discussed, with emphasis on the need to identify and subsequently employ clinically relevant miRNAs and lncRNAs as novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritanksha Joshi
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Anuja Sharma
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Ritu Kulshreshtha
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
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5
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Na B, Shah S, Nghiemphu PL. Cancer Predisposition Syndromes in Neuro-oncology. Semin Neurol 2024; 44:16-25. [PMID: 38096910 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Although most primary central and peripheral nervous system (NS) tumors occur sporadically, there are a subset that may arise in the context of a cancer predisposition syndrome. These syndromes occur due to a pathogenic mutation in a gene that normally functions as a tumor suppressor. With increased understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these tumors, more people have been identified with a cancer predisposition syndrome. Identification is crucial, as this informs surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment options. Moreover, relatives can also be identified through genetic testing. Although there are many cancer predisposition syndromes that increase the risk of NS tumors, in this review, we focus on three of the most common cancer predisposition syndromes, neurofibromatosis type 1, neurofibromatosis type 2, and tuberous sclerosis complex type 1 and type 2, emphasizing the clinical manifestations, surveillance guidelines, and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Na
- Department of Neurology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shilp Shah
- Department of Bioengineering, UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, Los Angeles, California
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Subbotina MV, Berseneva AV. [Neurofibromatosis type 2 in the otorhinolaryngological practice]. Vestn Otorinolaringol 2024; 89:37-41. [PMID: 38506024 DOI: 10.17116/otorino20248901137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare autosomal dominant disease (frequency 1 in 25-90 000) characterized by the formation of tumors of the central nervous system due to a mutation in the NF2 gene on chromosome 22q12. Bilateral vestibular schwannomas are recognized as absolute diagnostic criteria of NF2 and occur in 95% of patients, are accompanied by hearing impairment, manifest at the age of 18-24 years. Skin manifestations can precede vestibular schwannomas for several years and predict the course of the disease: neurofibromas, cafe-au-lait macules, hypopigmented spots, recently described mesh capillary malformations. Despite the benign nature of schwannomas, they can lead to hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, facial nerve paralysis, gait disorders, pain and convulsions, there is a risk of early death from compression of the brain stem. The probability of progressive hearing loss is partly determined by the type of mutation. We described a clinical case of NF2 in a 21-year-old patient with bilateral vestibular schwannomas without hearing loss, whose skin examination by ENT specialist revealed this disease. The importance of the presented observation is that the doctor should assume neurofibromatosis type 2 in a young patient with bilateral vestibular schwannomas. It is necessary to undertake a further examination of this patient, including: skin examination for the identification of characteristic neurofibromas and cafe-au-lait macules, consultation with an ophthalmologist, neurologist, MRI of the brain and spinal cord with contrast, genetic analysis - for timely initiation of therapy that prevents hearing loss and vestibular disorders.
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Guo S, Zheng X, Chen W, Raza U, Zeng A, Akter F, Huang Q, Yao S. From bench to bedside: Advancing towards therapeutic treatment of vestibular schwannomas. Neurooncol Adv 2024; 6:vdae107. [PMID: 39022647 PMCID: PMC11252569 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdae107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Vestibular schwannomas are rare intracranial tumors originating from Schwann cells of the vestibular nerve. Despite their benign nature, these tumors can exert significant mass effects and debilitating symptoms, including gradual hearing loss, vertigo, facial nerve dysfunction, and headaches. Current clinical management options encompass wait-and-scan, surgery, radiation therapy, and off-label medication. However, each approach exhibits its own challenges and harbors limitations that underscore the urgent need for therapeutic treatments. Over the past 2 decades, extensive elucidation of the molecular underpinnings of vestibular schwannomas has unraveled genetic anomalies, dysregulated signaling pathways, downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases, disrupted extracellular matrix, inflammatory tumor microenvironment, and altered cerebrospinal fluid composition as integral factors in driving the development and progression of the disease. Armed with this knowledge, novel therapeutic interventions tailored to the unique molecular characteristics of those conditions are actively being pursued. This review underscores the urgency of addressing the dearth of Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for vestibular schwannoma, highlighting the key molecular discoveries and their potential translation into therapeutics. It provides an in-depth exploration of the evolving landscape of therapeutic development, which is currently advancing from bench to bedside. These ongoing efforts hold the promise of significantly transforming the lives of vestibular schwannoma patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaolei Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenli Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Umar Raza
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ailiang Zeng
- Department of Cancer Biology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Farhana Akter
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Quan Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shun Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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8
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Brown R. Management of Central and Peripheral Nervous System Tumors in Patients with Neurofibromatosis. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:1409-1417. [PMID: 37906356 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01451-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), and schwannomatosis represent a diverse group of genetic tumor predisposition syndromes with a shared feature of tumors affecting the peripheral nerve sheaths. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Many advancements have been made in understanding the biologic underpinnings of these conditions, and in 2016 the first drug was approved by the FDA to treat pediatric symptomatic unresectable plexiform neurofibromas. RECENT FINDINGS: Mek inhibitors have provided a much-needed therapeutic avenue for NF1 patients with unresectable plexiform neurofibromas (PN), both for reduction of tumor bulk and for improvement in symptoms. Selumetinib is the first FDA approved drug for PN, but is only approved for children. Some research suggests that alternative Mek inhibitors and other mixed tyrosine kinase inhibitors may have better efficacy in adults. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor bevacizumab can prolong hearing and delay the need for surgery in NF2 patients with bilateral vestibular schwannomas. This article provides an update regarding considerations and approaches when treating the tumors associated with the neurofibromatoses (NF), including risk and prognosis metrics, clinical trial results, surgical techniques, and radiation therapy recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Brown
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, The Mount Sinai Hospital, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1138, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Director of the Neurofibromatosis Clinic at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue Annenberg Building, 2nd FL, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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9
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Lumpkin CJ, Harris AW, Connell AJ, Kirk RW, Whiting JA, Saieva L, Pellizzoni L, Burghes AHM, Butchbach MER. Evaluation of the orally bioavailable 4-phenylbutyrate-tethered trichostatin A analogue AR42 in models of spinal muscular atrophy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10374. [PMID: 37365234 PMCID: PMC10293174 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37496-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a leading genetic cause for infant death in the world and results from the selective loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord. SMA is a consequence of low levels of SMN protein and small molecules that can increase SMN expression are of considerable interest as potential therapeutics. Previous studies have shown that both 4-phenylbutyrate (4PBA) and trichostatin A (TSA) increase SMN expression in dermal fibroblasts derived from SMA patients. AR42 is a 4PBA-tethered TSA derivative that is a very potent histone deacetylase inhibitor. SMA patient fibroblasts were treated with either AR42, AR19 (a related analogue), 4PBA, TSA or vehicle for 5 days and then immunostained for SMN localization. AR42 as well as 4PBA and TSA increased the number of SMN-positive nuclear gems in a dose-dependent manner while AR19 did not show marked changes in gem numbers. While gem number was increased in AR42-treated SMA fibroblasts, there were no significant changes in FL-SMN mRNA or SMN protein. The neuroprotective effect of this compound was then assessed in SMNΔ7 SMA (SMN2+/+;SMNΔ7+/+;mSmn-/-) mice. Oral administration of AR42 prior to disease onset increased the average lifespan of SMNΔ7 SMA mice by ~ 27% (20.1 ± 1.6 days for AR42-treated mice vs. 15.8 ± 0.4 days for vehicle-treated mice). AR42 treatment also improved motor function in these mice. AR42 treatment inhibited histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity in treated spinal cord although it did not affect SMN protein expression in these mice. AKT and GSK3β phosphorylation were both significantly increased in SMNΔ7 SMA mouse spinal cords. In conclusion, presymptomatic administration of the HDAC inhibitor AR42 ameliorates the disease phenotype in SMNΔ7 SMA mice in a SMN-independent manner possibly by increasing AKT neuroprotective signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey J Lumpkin
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Ashlee W Harris
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Andrew J Connell
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Ryan W Kirk
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Joshua A Whiting
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Luciano Saieva
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Livio Pellizzoni
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arthur H M Burghes
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew E R Butchbach
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, 4462 E400 DuPont Experimental Station, 200 Powder Mill Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Ghalavand MA, Asghari A, Farhadi M, Taghizadeh-Hesary F, Garshasbi M, Falah M. The genetic landscape and possible therapeutics of neurofibromatosis type 2. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:99. [PMID: 37217995 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02940-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a genetic condition marked by the development of multiple benign tumors in the nervous system. The most common tumors associated with NF2 are bilateral vestibular schwannoma, meningioma, and ependymoma. The clinical manifestations of NF2 depend on the site of involvement. Vestibular schwannoma can present with hearing loss, dizziness, and tinnitus, while spinal tumor leads to debilitating pain, muscle weakness, or paresthesias. Clinical diagnosis of NF2 is based on the Manchester criteria, which have been updated in the last decade. NF2 is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the NF2 gene on chromosome 22, leading the merlin protein to malfunction. Over half of NF2 patients have de novo mutations, and half of this group are mosaic. NF2 can be managed by surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, monoclonal antibody bevacizumab, and close observation. However, the nature of multiple tumors and the necessity of multiple surgeries over the lifetime, inoperable tumors like meningiomatosis with infiltration of the sinus or in the area of the lower cranial nerves, the complications caused by the operation, the malignancies induced by radiotherapy, and inefficiency of cytotoxic chemotherapy due to the benign nature of NF-related tumors have led a march toward exploring targeted therapies. Recent advances in genetics and molecular biology have allowed identifying and targeting of underlying pathways in the pathogenesis of NF2. In this review, we explain the clinicopathological characteristics of NF2, its genetic and molecular background, and the current knowledge and challenges of implementing genetics to develop efficient therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Ghalavand
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alimohamad Asghari
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Skull Base Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Hazrat Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Farhadi
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Taghizadeh-Hesary
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Radiation Oncology Department, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Garshasbi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Masoumeh Falah
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Welling DB. Targeted Therapies in the Treatment of Vestibular Schwannomas: Current State and New Horizons. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2023; 56:543-556. [PMID: 37024334 DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Vestibular schwannomas continue to cause hearing loss, facial nerve paralysis, imbalance, and tinnitus. These symptoms are compounded by germline neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene loss and multiple intracranial and spinal cord tumors associated with NF2-related schwannomatosis. The current treatments of observation, microsurgical resection, or stereotactic radiation may prevent catastrophic brainstem compression but are all associated with the loss of cranial nerve function, particularly hearing loss. Novel targeted treatment options to stop tumor progression include small molecule inhibitors, immunotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, radio-sensitizing and sclerosing agents, and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bradley Welling
- Harvard Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Massachusetts General Hospital.
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Ijad N, Dahal A, Kim AE, Wakimoto H, Juratli TA, Brastianos PK. Novel Systemic Approaches for the Management of Meningiomas. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2023; 34:447-454. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2023.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
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13
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Advances in Targeted Therapy for Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)-Associated Vestibular Schwannomas. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:531-537. [PMID: 36933171 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01388-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is an autosomal-dominant genetic disorder characterized by bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VS), meningiomas, ependymomas, spinal and peripheral schwannomas, optic gliomas, and juvenile cataracts. Ongoing studies provide new insight into the role of the NF2 gene and merlin in VS tumorigenesis. RECENT FINDINGS As NF2 tumor biology becomes increasingly understood, therapeutics targeting specific molecular pathways have been developed and evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies. NF2-associated VS are a source of significant morbidity with current treatments including surgery, radiation, and observation. Currently, there are no FDA-approved medical therapies for VS, and the development of selective therapeutics is a high priority. This manuscript reviews NF2 tumor biology and current therapeutics undergoing investigation for treatment of patients with VS.
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Wang L, Song Y, Wang H, Zhang X, Wang M, He J, Li S, Zhang L, Li K, Cao L. Advances of Artificial Intelligence in Anti-Cancer Drug Design: A Review of the Past Decade. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:253. [PMID: 37259400 PMCID: PMC9963982 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-cancer drug design has been acknowledged as a complicated, expensive, time-consuming, and challenging task. How to reduce the research costs and speed up the development process of anti-cancer drug designs has become a challenging and urgent question for the pharmaceutical industry. Computer-aided drug design methods have played a major role in the development of cancer treatments for over three decades. Recently, artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful and promising technology for faster, cheaper, and more effective anti-cancer drug designs. This study is a narrative review that reviews a wide range of applications of artificial intelligence-based methods in anti-cancer drug design. We further clarify the fundamental principles of these methods, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, we collate a large number of databases, including the omics database, the epigenomics database, the chemical compound database, and drug databases. Other researchers can consider them and adapt them to their own requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kang Li
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
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15
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Mair MJ, Berghoff AS, Brastianos PK, Preusser M. Emerging systemic treatment options in meningioma. J Neurooncol 2023; 161:245-258. [PMID: 36181606 PMCID: PMC9989003 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-022-04148-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Meningiomas are the most frequently diagnosed intracranial neoplasms. Usually, they are treated by surgical resection in curative intent. Radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery are commonly applied in the adjuvant setting in newly diagnosed atypical (CNS WHO grade 2), and anaplastic (CNS WHO grade 3) meningioma, especially if gross total resection is not feasible, and in recurrent cases. Conversely, the evidence for pharmacotherapy in meningioma is scarce. METHODS The available literature of systemic treatment in meningioma was screened using PubMed, and ongoing clinical trials were explored using ClinicalTrials.gov. RESULTS Classical cytotoxic agents, somatostatin analogs, and antihormone treatments have shown only limited efficacy. In contrast, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, especially those targeting angiogenic signaling such as sunitinib and bevacizumab, have shown promising antitumoral activity in small phase 2 trials. Moreover, results of recent landmark studies on (epi-)genetic alterations in meningioma revealed potential therapeutic targets which are currently under investigation. These include inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK), phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), sonic hedgehog signaling, and histone deacetylases. In addition, clinical trials evaluating immune checkpoint inhibitors such as ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab and avelumab are currently being conducted and early results suggest clinically meaningful responses in a subset of patients. CONCLUSIONS There is a paucity of high-level evidence on systemic treatment options in meningioma. However, interesting novel treatment targets have been identified in the last decade. Positive signals of anti-angiogenic agents, genomically targeted agents and immunotherapy in early phase trials should be confirmed in large prospective controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian J Mair
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna S Berghoff
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Priscilla K Brastianos
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthias Preusser
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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16
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Lynes J, Flores-Milan G, Rubino S, Arrington J, Macaulay R, Liu JKC, Beer-Furlan A, Tran ND, Vogelbaum MA, Etame AB. Molecular determinants of outcomes in meningiomas. Front Oncol 2022; 12:962702. [PMID: 36033542 PMCID: PMC9413043 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.962702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningiomas are the most common intracranial primary tumor in adults. Surgery is the predominant therapeutic modality for symptomatic meningiomas. Although the majority of meningiomas are benign, there exists a subset of meningiomas that are clinically aggressive. Recent advances in genetics and epigenetics have uncovered molecular alterations that drive tumor meningioma biology with prognostic and therapeutic implications. In this review, we will discuss the advances on molecular determinants of therapeutic response in meningiomas to date and discuss findings of targeted therapies in meningiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Lynes
- Division of Neurosurgery, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Gabriel Flores-Milan
- Division of Neurosurgery, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Sebastian Rubino
- Division of Neurosurgery, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - John Arrington
- Department of Radiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Robert Macaulay
- Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - James K. C. Liu
- Division of Neurosurgery, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Andre Beer-Furlan
- Division of Neurosurgery, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Nam D. Tran
- Division of Neurosurgery, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Michael A. Vogelbaum
- Division of Neurosurgery, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Arnold B. Etame
- Division of Neurosurgery, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Arnold B. Etame,
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