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Falahi F, Akbari-Birgani S, Mortazavi Y, Johari B. Caspase-9 suppresses metastatic behavior of MDA-MB-231 cells in an adaptive organoid model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15116. [PMID: 38956424 PMCID: PMC11219723 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65711-z] [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: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Caspase-9, a cysteine-aspartate protease traditionally associated with intrinsic apoptosis, has recently emerged as having non-apoptotic roles, including influencing cell migration-an aspect that has received limited attention in existing studies. In our investigation, we aimed to explore the impact of caspase-9 on the migration and invasion behaviors of MDA-MB-231, a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line known for its metastatic properties. We established a stable cell line expressing an inducible caspase-9 (iC9) in MDA-MB-231 and assessed their metastatic behavior using both monolayer and the 3D organotypic model in co-culture with human Foreskin fibroblasts (HFF). Our findings revealed that caspase-9 had an inhibitory effect on migration and invasion in both models. In monolayer culture, caspase-9 effectively suppressed the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells, comparable to the anti-metastatic agent panitumumab (Pan). Notably, the combination of caspase-9 and Pan exhibited a significant additional effect in reducing metastatic behavior. Interestingly, caspase-9 demonstrated superior efficacy compared to Pan in the organotypic model. Molecular analysis showed down regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migratory markers, in caspase-9 activated cells. Additionally, flow cytometry analysis indicated a cell cycle arrest. Moreover, pre-treatment with activated caspase-9 sensitized cells to the chemotherapy of doxorubicin, thereby enhancing its effectiveness. In conclusion, the anti-metastatic potential of caspase-9 presents avenues for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for TNBC/metastatic breast cancer. Although more studies need to figure out the exact involving mechanisms behind this behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Falahi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan, 45137-66731, Iran
| | - Shiva Akbari-Birgani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan, 45137-66731, Iran.
- Research Center for Basic Sciences and Modern Technologies (RBST), Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan, 45137-66731, Iran.
| | - Yousef Mortazavi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Behrooz Johari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Jaradat SK, Ayoub NM, Al Sharie AH, Aldaod JM. Targeting Receptor Tyrosine Kinases as a Novel Strategy for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241234780. [PMID: 38389413 PMCID: PMC10894558 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241234780] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprises a group of aggressive and heterogeneous breast carcinoma. Chemotherapy is the mainstay for the treatment of triple-negative tumors. Nevertheless, the success of chemotherapeutic treatments is limited by their toxicity and development of acquired resistance leading to therapeutic failure and tumor relapse. Hence, there is an urgent need to explore novel targeted therapies for TNBC. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are a family of transmembrane receptors that are key regulators of intracellular signaling pathways controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and motility. Aberrant activity and/or expression of several types of RTKs have been strongly connected to tumorigenesis. RTKs are frequently overexpressed and/or deregulated in triple-negative breast tumors and are further associated with tumor progression and reduced survival in patients. Therefore, targeting RTKs could be an appealing therapeutic strategy for the treatment of TNBC. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the antitumor activity of RTK inhibitors in preclinical models of TNBC. The review also provides insights into the clinical trials evaluating the use of RTK inhibitors for the treatment of patients with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K. Jaradat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan
| | - Nehad M. Ayoub
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ahmed H. Al Sharie
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan
| | - Julia M. Aldaod
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan
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3
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Ma J, Dong C, Cao YZ, Ma BL. Dual Target of EGFR and mTOR Suppresses Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Growth by Regulating the Phosphorylation of mTOR Downstream Proteins. BREAST CANCER (DOVE MEDICAL PRESS) 2023; 15:11-24. [PMID: 36691572 PMCID: PMC9864233 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s390017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Objective To detect the activation of the EGFR and mTOR signaling pathways in the triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 and investigate the inhibitory effect of gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, and everolimus, a target protein inhibitor of rapamycin, on triple negative breast cancer cells. Methods Triple negative human breast cancer MDA-MB-468 cells were cultured and blank control group, single EGFR inhibitor gefitinib group, single mTOR inhibitor everolimus group, and two drug combination group were set up respectively to detect the effects of single and combined drugs on cell proliferation activity, cell cycle and apoptosis, and the expression of EGFR and mTOR signal pathway proteins in cell lines after single and combined drug intervention was detected again by Western blot. Results The level of EGFR and p-mTOR protein in triple negative breast cancer was higher than in non triple negative breast cancer (P<0.05). The level of mTOR, S6K1, p-EGFR, p-S6K1 was significantly increased when treated with EGF (0ng/mL, 10ng/mL, 100ng/mL) for 1h, compared to without EGF stimulation (P<0.05). The level of p-EGFR, p-mTOR, p-S6K1 protein increased significantly when the cells were exposed to EGF for 2h, respectively (P<0.05). EGFR inhibitor gefitinib alone and the mTOR inhibitor everolimus alone could significantly inhibit the proliferation of human triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-468 cells in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). The level of p-4EBP1 protein in EGFR and mTOR signal pathway was significantly increased after the intervention of gefitinib alone, everolimus alone, and the combination of two drugs (P<0.05). Conclusion EGFR and mTOR signaling pathways can be activated in triple negative breast cancer; Both the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib alone and the mTOR inhibitor everolimus alone can significantly inhibit the proliferation of human triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-468 cells. The combination of the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib and the mTOR inhibitor everolimus may achieve anti-tumor effect similar to that of single drug by reducing the drug dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ma
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Dong
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Zhen Cao
- Pathology Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin-Lin Ma
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830000, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Bin-Lin Ma, Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 789, Suzhou East Street, Xinshi District, Urumqi, 830000, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86 991 7819082, Email
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You KS, Yi YW, Cho J, Park JS, Seong YS. Potentiating Therapeutic Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:589. [PMID: 34207383 PMCID: PMC8233743 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subset of breast cancer with aggressive characteristics and few therapeutic options. The lack of an appropriate therapeutic target is a challenging issue in treating TNBC. Although a high level expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been associated with a poor prognosis among patients with TNBC, targeted anti-EGFR therapies have demonstrated limited efficacy for TNBC treatment in both clinical and preclinical settings. However, with the advantage of a number of clinically approved EGFR inhibitors (EGFRis), combination strategies have been explored as a promising approach to overcome the intrinsic resistance of TNBC to EGFRis. In this review, we analyzed the literature on the combination of EGFRis with other molecularly targeted therapeutics or conventional chemotherapeutics to understand the current knowledge and to provide potential therapeutic options for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Sic You
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 3116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
| | - Yong Weon Yi
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (J.C.)
| | - Jeonghee Cho
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (J.C.)
| | - Jeong-Soo Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
| | - Yeon-Sun Seong
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 3116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (J.C.)
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Pesch AM, Pierce LJ, Speers CW. Modulating the Radiation Response for Improved Outcomes in Breast Cancer. JCO Precis Oncol 2021; 5:PO.20.00297. [PMID: 34250414 DOI: 10.1200/po.20.00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Pesch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lori J Pierce
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Corey W Speers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Reddy TP, Choi DS, Anselme AC, Qian W, Chen W, Lantto J, Horak ID, Kragh M, Chang JC, Rosato RR. Simultaneous targeting of HER family pro-survival signaling with Pan-HER antibody mixture is highly effective in TNBC: a preclinical trial with PDXs. Breast Cancer Res 2020; 22:48. [PMID: 32414394 PMCID: PMC7227035 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-020-01280-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family, notably EGFR, is overexpressed in most triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cases and provides cancer cells with compensatory signals that greatly contribute to the survival and development of resistance in response to therapy. This study investigated the effects of Pan-HER (Symphogen, Ballerup, Denmark), a novel mixture of six monoclonal antibodies directed against members of the HER family EGFR, HER2, and HER3, in a preclinical trial of TNBC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). METHODS Fifteen low passage TNBC PDX tumor samples were transferred into the right mammary fat pad of mice for engraftment. When tumors reached an average size of 100-200 mm3, mice were randomized (n ≥ 6 per group) and treated following three 1-week cycles consisting of three times/week intraperitoneal (IP) injection of either formulation buffer (vehicle control) or Pan-HER (50 mg/kg). At the end of treatment, tumors were collected for Western blot, RNA, and immunohistochemistry analyses. RESULTS All 15 TNBC PDXs were responsive to Pan-HER treatment, showing significant reductions in tumor growth consistent with Pan-HER-mediated tumor downmodulation of EGFR and HER3 protein levels and significantly decreased activation of associated HER family signaling pathways AKT and ERK. Tumor regression was observed in five of the models, which corresponded to those PDX tumor models with the highest level of HER family activation. CONCLUSIONS The marked effect of Pan-HER in numerous HER family-dependent TNBC PDX models justifies further studies of Pan-HER in TNBC clinical trials as a potential therapeutic option.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- ErbB Receptors/antagonists & inhibitors
- ErbB Receptors/genetics
- ErbB Receptors/metabolism
- Female
- Humans
- Mice
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Mutation
- Receptor, ErbB-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, ErbB-2/genetics
- Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism
- Receptor, ErbB-3/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, ErbB-3/genetics
- Receptor, ErbB-3/metabolism
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejaswini P Reddy
- Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Dong S Choi
- Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ann C Anselme
- Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Wei Qian
- Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wen Chen
- Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Johan Lantto
- Symphogen A/S, Pederstrupvej 93, DK-2750, Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Ivan D Horak
- Symphogen A/S, Pederstrupvej 93, DK-2750, Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Michael Kragh
- Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Jenny C Chang
- Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Roberto R Rosato
- Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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7
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Co-targeting EGFR and mTOR with gefitinib and everolimus in triple-negative breast cancer cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6367. [PMID: 32286420 PMCID: PMC7156377 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) are unlikely to respond to hormonal therapies and anti-HER2-targeted therapies. TNBCs overexpress EGFR and exhibit constitutive activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. We hypothesized that simultaneously blocking EGFR and mTOR could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of TNBC. We examined the antitumour activity of the mTOR inhibitor everolimus combined with the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib in TNBC cell with or without activating mutations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. We demonstrated that everolimus and gefitinib induced synergistic growth inhibition in the PI3K and PTEN-mutant CAL-51 cell line but not in the PTEN-null HCC-1937 cell line. The antiproliferative effect was associated with synergistic inhibition of mTOR and P70S6K phosphorylation, as well as a significant reduction in 4E-BP1 activation in the CAL-51 cell line. We also showed that combination therapy significantly inhibited cell cycle progression and increased apoptosis in this cell line. Gene and protein expression analysis revealed significant downregulation of cell cycle regulators after exposure to combined treatment. Collectively, these results suggested that dual inhibition of mTOR and EGFR may be an effective treatment for TNBC with activating mutations of PI3K.
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8
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Guigay J, Tahara M, Licitra L, Keilholz U, Friesland S, Witzler P, Mesía R. The Evolving Role of Taxanes in Combination With Cetuximab for the Treatment of Recurrent and/or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Evidence, Advantages, and Future Directions. Front Oncol 2019; 9:668. [PMID: 31497530 PMCID: PMC6712586 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The addition of cetuximab to platinum-based chemotherapy (cisplatin or carboplatin plus 5-fluorouracil [5-FU]), followed by maintenance cetuximab until disease progression (EXTREME), resulted in the first regimen to yield significantly improved survival outcomes in the first-line treatment of patients with recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN) in over 30 years. Currently, the EXTREME regimen is a guideline-recommended treatment in the first-line R/M setting, and, therefore, it is used as a control arm in all new first-line, phase 3 immunotherapy trials. More recently, new checkpoint inhibitor approaches have emerged and are changing the treatment landscape for PD-L1-positive patients with R/M SCCHN. Additionally, alternative chemotherapy backbones in R/M SCCHN are continually investigated. Replacing 5-FU with a taxane in the EXTREME regimen seeks to take advantage of the potential immunogenic and proapoptotic synergy between cetuximab and docetaxel or paclitaxel. These cetuximab-, platinum-, and taxane-based treatments have demonstrated promising survival results and cytoreductive properties in single-arm studies. Thus, these combination treatments may be of importance to patients with high tumor burden and dangerous site involvements (e.g., causing bleeding, suffocation, dysphagia, or ulceration), in whom symptom relief is a key treatment goal. TPExtreme is the first large, randomized trial comparing a cetuximab, platinum, and taxane combination regimen with EXTREME. Currently, the substitution of 5-FU with a taxane is a feasible and clinically beneficial option for patients with contraindications to 5-FU. The TPEx regimen appears to be a new option in first-line R/M SCCHN, with a shorter time on CT and significantly lower toxicity than the EXTREME regimen. For patients with R/M disease in whom further cisplatin- or carboplatin-based treatment is unsuitable, or whose disease has already progressed on first-line R/M therapy, treatment options such as cetuximab plus a taxane, which capitalize on the combinative ability of the 2 agents, can be considered. Notably, it is as of yet unknown what second-line treatments may be suitable to follow a checkpoint inhibitor-based first-line therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joël Guigay
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Makoto Tahara
- Department of Head and Neck Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Lisa Licitra
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Ricard Mesía
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology, B-ARGO Group–Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Gurdal H, Tuglu M, Bostanabad S, Dalkili� B. Partial agonistic effect of cetuximab on epidermal growth factor receptor and Src kinase activation in triple‑negative breast cancer cell lines. Int J Oncol 2019; 54:1345-1356. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Gurdal
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ankara, 06100�Ankara, Turkey
| | - Matilda Tuglu
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ankara, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Saber Bostanabad
- Biotechnology Institute of Ankara University, 06110 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Başak Dalkili�
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ankara, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
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10
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Park JH, Ahn JH, Kim SB. How shall we treat early triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): from the current standard to upcoming immuno-molecular strategies. ESMO Open 2018; 3:e000357. [PMID: 29765774 PMCID: PMC5950702 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2018-000357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a long-lasting orphan disease in terms of little therapeutic progress during the past several decades and still the standard of care remains chemotherapy. Experimental discovery of molecular signatures including the ‘BRCAness’ highlighted the innate heterogeneity of TNBC, generating the diversity of TNBC phenotypes. As it contributes to enhancing genomic instability, it has widened the therapeutic spectrum of TNBC. In particular, unusual sensitivity to DNA damaging agents was denoted in patients with BRCA deficiency, suggesting therapeutic benefit from platinum and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. However, regardless of enriched chemosensitivity and immunogenicity, majority of patients with TNBC still suffer from dismal clinical outcomes including early relapse and metastatic spread. Therefore, efforts into more precise and personalised treatment are critical at this point. Accordingly, the advance of multiomics has revealed novel actionable targets including PI3K-Akt-mTOR and epidermal growth factor receptor signalling pathways, which might actively participate in modulating the chemosensitivity and immune system. Also, TNBC has long been considered a potential protagonist of immunotherapy in breast cancer, supported by abundant tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and heterogeneous tumour microenvironment. Despite that, earlier studies showed somewhat unsatisfactory results of monotherapy with immune-checkpoint inhibitors, consistently durable responses in responders were noteworthy. Based on these results, further combinatorial trials either with other chemotherapy or targeted agents are underway. Incorporating immune-molecular targets into combination as well as refining the standard chemotherapy might be the key to unlock the future of TNBC. In this review, we share the current and upcoming treatment options of TNBC in the framework of scientific and clinical data, especially focusing on early stage of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Park
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea; Department of Hemato-Oncology, Konkuk Medical Center, University of Konkuk College of Medicine, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Ahn
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Bae Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea.
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11
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Butti R, Das S, Gunasekaran VP, Yadav AS, Kumar D, Kundu GC. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in breast cancer: signaling, therapeutic implications and challenges. Mol Cancer 2018; 17:34. [PMID: 29455658 PMCID: PMC5817867 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0797-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease and driven by aberrant regulation of cell signaling pathways due to the acquisition of genetic and epigenetic changes. An array of growth factors and their receptors is involved in cancer development and metastasis. Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) constitute a class of receptors that play important role in cancer progression. RTKs are cell surface receptors with specialized structural and biological features which respond to environmental cues by initiating appropriate signaling cascades in tumor cells. RTKs are known to regulate various downstream signaling pathways such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT. These pathways have a pivotal role in the regulation of cancer stemness, angiogenesis and metastasis. These pathways are also imperative for a reciprocal interaction of tumor and stromal cells. Multi-faceted role of RTKs renders them amenable to therapy in breast cancer. However, structural mutations, gene amplification and alternate pathway activation pose challenges to anti-RTK therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Butti
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science, SP Pune University Campus, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Sumit Das
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science, SP Pune University Campus, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Vinoth Prasanna Gunasekaran
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science, SP Pune University Campus, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Amit Singh Yadav
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science, SP Pune University Campus, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Dhiraj Kumar
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 77054, USA
| | - Gopal C Kundu
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science, SP Pune University Campus, Pune, 411007, India.
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12
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NRF2 Regulates HER1 Signaling Pathway to Modulate the Sensitivity of Ovarian Cancer Cells to Lapatinib and Erlotinib. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2017; 2017:1864578. [PMID: 29410730 PMCID: PMC5749283 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1864578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Revised: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) regulates the transcription of a battery of metabolic and cytoprotective genes. NRF2 and epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs/HERs) are regulators of cellular proliferation and determinants of cancer initiation and progression. NRF2 and HERs confer cancers with resistance to several therapeutic agents. Nevertheless, there is limited understanding of the regulation of HER expression and activation and the link between NRF2 and HER signalling pathways. We show that NRF2 regulates both basal and inducible expression of HER1, as treatment of ovarian cancer cells (PEO1, OVCAR3, and SKOV3) with NRF2 activator tBHQ inducing HER1, while inhibition of NRF2 by siRNA knockdown or with retinoid represses HER1. Furthermore, treatment of cells with tBHQ increased total and phosphorylated NRF2, HER1, and AKT levels and compromised the cytotoxic effect of lapatinib or erlotinib. Treatment with siRNA or retinoid antagonised the effect of tBHQ on NRF2 and HER1 levels and enhanced the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to lapatinib or erlotinib. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of NRF2 and/or treatment with lapatinib or erlotinib elevated cellular ROS and depleted glutathione. This extends the understanding of NRF2 and its regulation of HER family receptors and opens a strategic target for improving cancer therapy.
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