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Xiao J, Huang F, Li L, Zhang L, Xie L, Liu B. Expression of four cancer-testis antigens in TNBC indicating potential universal immunotherapeutic targets. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:15003-15011. [PMID: 37610673 PMCID: PMC10602960 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05274-0] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immunotherapy is an attractive treatment for breast cancer. Cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) are potential targets for immunotherapy for their restricted expression. Here, we investigate the expression of CTAs in breast cancer and their value for prognosis. So as to hunt for a potential panel of CTAs for universal immunotherapeutic targets. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 137 breast cancer tissue specimens including 51 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) were assessed for MAGE-A4, MAGEA1, NY-ESO-1, KK-LC-1 and PRAME expression by immunohistochemistry. The expression of PD-L1 and TILs was also calculated and correlated with the five CTAs. Clinical data were collected to evaluate the CTA's value for prognosis. Data from the K-M plotter were used as a validation cohort. RESULTS The expression of MAGE-A4, NY-ESO-1 and KK-LC-1 in TNBC was significantly higher than in non-TNBC (P = 0.012, P = 0.005, P < 0.001 respectively). 76.47% of TNBC expressed at least one of the five CTAs. Patients with positive expression of either MAGE-A4 or PRAME had a significantly extended disease-free survival (DFS). Data from the Kaplan-Meier plotter confirm our findings. CONCLUSIONS MAGE-A4, NY-ESO-1, PRAME and KK-LC-1 are overexpressed in breast cancer, especially in TNBC. Positive expression of MAGE-A4 or PARME may be associated with prolonged DFS. A panel of CTAs is attractive universal targets for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fengli Huang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Lianru Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Xie
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Baorui Liu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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2
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Keshavarz-Fathi M, Rezaei N. Cancer Immunoprevention: Current Status and Future Directions. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2021; 69:3. [PMID: 33638703 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-021-00604-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most serious diseases affecting health and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Despite the development of various therapeutic modalities to deal with cancer, limited improvement in overall survival of patients has been yielded. Since there is no certain cure for cancer, detection of premalignant lesions, and prevention of their progression are vital to the decline of high morbidity and mortality of cancer. Among approaches to cancer prevention, immunoprevention has gained further attention in recent years. Deep understanding of the tumor/immune system interplay and successful prevention of virally-induced malignancies by vaccines have paved the way toward broadening cancer immunoprevention application. The identification of tumor antigens in premalignant lesions was the turning point in cancer immunoprevention that led to designing preventive vaccines for various malignancies including multiple myeloma, colorectal, and breast cancer. In addition to vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors are also being tested for the prevention of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and imiquimod which is an established drug for the prevention of skin SCC, is a non-specific immunomodulator. Herein, to provide a bench-to-bedside understanding of cancer immunoprevention, we will review the role of the immune system in suppression and promotion of tumors, immunoprevention of virally-induced cancers, identification of tumor antigens in premalignant lesions, and clinical advances of cancer immunoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Keshavarz-Fathi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, 14194, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, 14194, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Stockholm, Sweden.
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3
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Jacqueline C, Lee A, Frey N, Minden JS, Finn OJ. Inflammation-Induced Abnormal Expression of Self-molecules on Epithelial Cells: Targets for Tumor Immunoprevention. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 8:1027-1038. [PMID: 32467324 PMCID: PMC7415557 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated antigens (TAA) are self-molecules abnormally expressed on tumor cells, which elicit humoral and cellular immunity and are targets of immunosurveillance. Immunity to TAAs is found in some healthy individuals with no history of cancer and correlates positively with a history of acute inflammatory and infectious events and cancer risk reduction. This suggests a potential role in cancer immunosurveillance for the immune memory elicited against disease-associated antigens (DAA) expressed on infected and inflamed tissues that are later recognized on tumors as TAAs. To understand probable sources for DAA generation, we investigated in vitro the role of inflammation that accompanies both infection and carcinogenesis. After exposure of normal primary breast epithelial cells to proinflammatory cytokines IL1β, IL6, and TNFα, or macrophages producing these cytokines, we saw transient overexpression of well-known TAAs, carcinoembryonic antigen and Her-2/neu, and overexpression and hypoglycosylation of MUC1. We documented inflammation-induced changes in the global cellular proteome by 2D difference gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry and identified seven new DAAs. Through gene profiling, we showed that the cytokine treatment activated NF-κB and transcription of the identified DAAs. We tested three in vitro-identified DAAs, Serpin B1, S100A9, and SOD2, and found them overexpressed in premalignant and malignant breast tissues as well as in inflammatory conditions of the colon, stomach, and liver. This new category of TAAs, which are also DAAs, represent a potentially large number of predictable, shared, immunogenic, and safe antigens to use in preventative cancer vaccines and as targets for cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Jacqueline
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Amanda Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Nolan Frey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jonathan S Minden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Olivera J Finn
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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4
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Hou Z, Liang X, Wang X, Zhou Z, Shi G. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells infiltration in non-small-cell lung cancer tumor and MAGE-A4 and NY-ESO-1 expression. Oncol Lett 2020; 19:3982-3992. [PMID: 32382343 PMCID: PMC7202317 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer/testis antigens melanoma-associated antigen 4 (MAGE-A4) and New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma-1 (NY-ESO-1) are of clinical interest as biomarkers and present valuable targets for immunotherapy; however, they are poor prognostic markers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are recognized as a key element in tumor escape and progression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of MAGE-A4 and NY-ESO-1, and their association with MDSCs in NSCLC samples. The expression levels of MAGE-A4 and NY-ESO-1, and the infiltration of MDSCs (CD33+), were analyzed by immunohistochemistry of 67 tissue samples from patients with NSCLC. Overall, 58.33% of the NSCLC squamous cell carcinoma tissues and 94.7% of adenocarcinoma tissues were positive for MAGE-A4. NY-ESO-1 expression was observed in 52.78% of the squamous cell carcinoma tissues and 80% of the adenocarcinoma tissues. In primary adenocarcinoma tumor tissues, MAGE-A4 and NY-ESO-1 demonstrated a higher intensity of expression compared with the squamous cell carcinoma tissues. A total of 33 (91.7%) squamous cell carcinoma and 19 (95.0%) adenocarcinoma specimens were positive for CD33. The expression of MAGE-A4 and NY-ESO-1 antigens and infiltration of MDSCs was associated with poor prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Further studies investigating the association between these findings and underlying molecular mechanisms are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenbo Hou
- Department of Pathology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong 255000, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong 255000, P.R. China
| | - Xinmei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong 255000, P.R. China
| | - Ziqiang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong 255000, P.R. China
| | - Guilan Shi
- Department of Immunology, School of Nursing, Zibo Vocational Institute, Zibo, Shandong 255314, P.R. China.,Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
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5
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Expression of tumor-associated antigens in breast cancer subtypes. Breast 2019; 49:202-209. [PMID: 31869767 PMCID: PMC7375652 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are frequently overexpressed in several cancer types. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of TAAs in breast cancer. Material and methods A total of 250 selected invasive breast cancers including 50 estrogen receptor (ER)-positive (Luminal B like), 50 triple-negative (TN), 50 ER-positive lobular type, 50 ER- and progesterone receptor (PgR)-positive (Luminal A like) and 50 cerbB2-positive breast cancers, were assessed for New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma-1 (NY-ESO-1), Wilms tumor antigen (WT-1) and PReferentially expressed Antigen of MElanoma (PRAME) antigen expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results A significantly higher expression of cancer testis (CT)-antigens NY-ESO-1 and WT-1 antigen was detected in TN breast cancers compared with ER-positive tumors. NY-ESO-1 overexpression (score 2 + and 3+) assessed by monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies was detected in 9 (18%) TN cancers as compared to 2 (4%) ER-positive tumors (p = 0.002). WT1 over-expression (score 2 + and 3+) was confirmed in 27 (54%) TN tumor samples as compared to 6 (12%) ER-positive (p < 0.0001). PRAME over-expression (score 2 + and 3+) was detected in 8 (16%) HER2 positive tumor samples as compared to no TN and ER-positive cancers (p = 0.0021). Conclusions NY-ESO-1 and WT1 antigens are overexpressed in TN breast cancers. Because of the limited therapeutic options for this patient subgroup, CT antigen-based vaccines might prove to be useful for patients with this phenotype of breast cancer. Tumor-associated antigens are frequently overexpressed in several cancer types, being also associated with poorer patients’ survival outcomes. Our study confirmed that NY-ESO-1 and WT1 antigens are higher expressed in triple-negative than in other breast cancer subtypes. Given the limited therapeutic options for triple-negative breast cancer patients, the assessment of WT1 and NY-ESO-1 antigens expression in breast cancer tissue at surgery may allow to identify patients potentially candidate to adjuvant peptide vaccines, alone or in combination with other systemic therapies.
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6
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Tessari A, Pilla L, Silvia D, Duca M, Paolini B, Carcangiu ML, Mariani L, de Braud FG, Cresta S. Expression of NY-ESO-1, MAGE-A3, PRAME and WT1 in different subgroups of breast cancer: An indication to immunotherapy? Breast 2018; 42:68-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2018.08.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Abstract
The question of whether human tumors express antigens that can be recognized by the immune system has been answered with a resounding YES. Most were identified through spontaneous antitumor humoral and cellular immune responses found in cancer patients and include peptides, glycopeptides, phosphopeptides, viral peptides, and peptides resulting from common mutations in oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes, or common gene fusion events. Many have been extensively tested as candidates for anticancer vaccines. More recently, attention has been focused on the potentially large number of unique tumor antigens, mutated neoantigens, that are the predicted products of the numerous mutations revealed by exome sequencing of primary tumors. Only a few have been confirmed as targets of spontaneous immunity and immunosurveillance, and even fewer have been tested in preclinical and clinical settings. The field has been divided for a long time on the relative importance of shared versus mutated antigens in tumor surveillance and as candidates for vaccines. This question will eventually need to be answered in a head to head comparison in well-designed clinical trials. One advantage that shared antigens have over mutated antigens is their potential to be used in vaccines for primary cancer prevention. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(5); 347-54. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivera J Finn
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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8
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Dillon PM, Petroni GR, Smolkin ME, Brenin DR, Chianese-Bullock KA, Smith KT, Olson WC, Fanous IS, Nail CJ, Brenin CM, Hall EH, Slingluff CL. A pilot study of the immunogenicity of a 9-peptide breast cancer vaccine plus poly-ICLC in early stage breast cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2017; 5:92. [PMID: 29157306 PMCID: PMC5697108 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-017-0295-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. There is evidence that immunotherapy may play a role in the eradication of residual disease. Peptide vaccines for immunotherapy are capable of durable immune memory, but vaccines alone have shown sparse clinical activity against breast cancer to date. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists and helper peptides are excellent adjuvants for vaccine immunotherapy and they are examined in this human clinical trial. METHODS A vaccine consisting of 9 MHC class I-restricted breast cancer-associated peptides (from MAGE-A1, -A3, and -A10, CEA, NY-ESO-1, and HER2 proteins) was combined with a TLR3 agonist, poly-ICLC, along with a helper peptide derived from tetanus toxoid. The vaccine was administered on days 1, 8, 15, 36, 57, 78. CD8+ T cell responses to the vaccine were assessed by both direct and stimulated interferon gamma ELIspot assays. RESULTS Twelve patients with breast cancer were treated: five had estrogen receptor positive disease and five were HER2 amplified. There were no dose-limiting toxicities. Toxicities were limited to Grade 1 and Grade 2 and included mild injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms, which occurred in most patients. The most common toxicities were injection site reaction/induration and fatigue, which were experienced by 100% and 92% of participants, respectively. In the stimulated ELIspot assays, peptide-specific CD8+ T cell responses were detected in 4 of 11 evaluable patients. Two patients had borderline immune responses to the vaccine. The two peptides derived from CEA were immunogenic. No difference in immune response was evident between patients receiving endocrine therapy and those not receiving endocrine therapy during the vaccine series. CONCLUSIONS Peptide vaccine administered in the adjuvant breast cancer setting was safe and feasible. The TLR3 adjuvant, poly-ICLC, plus helper peptide mixture provided modest immune stimulation. Further optimization is required for this multi-peptide vaccine/adjuvant combination. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (posted 2/15/2012): NCT01532960. Registered 2/8/2012. https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01532960.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Kelly T Smith
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | | | | | - Carmel J Nail
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | | | - Emily H Hall
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
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9
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Hammerl D, Smid M, Timmermans AM, Sleijfer S, Martens JWM, Debets R. Breast cancer genomics and immuno-oncological markers to guide immune therapies. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 52:178-188. [PMID: 29104025 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing awareness of the importance of tumor - immune cell interactions to the evolution and therapy responses of breast cancer (BC). Not surprisingly, numerous studies are currently assessing the clinical value of immune modulation for BC patients. However, till now durable clinical responses are only rarely observed. It is important to realize that BC is a heterogeneous disease comprising several histological and molecular subtypes, which cannot be expected to be equally immunogenic and therefore not equally sensitive to single immune therapies. Here we review the characteristics of infiltrating leukocytes in healthy and malignant breast tissue, the prognostic and predictive values of immune cell subsets across different BC subtypes and the various existing immune evasive mechanisms. Furthermore, we describe the presence of certain groups of antigens as putative targets for treatment, evaluate the outcomes of current clinical immunotherapy trials, and finally, we propose a strategy to better implement immuno-oncological markers to guide future immune therapies in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Hammerl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC - Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M Smid
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC - Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A M Timmermans
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC - Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S Sleijfer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC - Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J W M Martens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC - Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R Debets
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC - Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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10
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Mirandola L, Pedretti E, Figueroa JA, Chiaramonte R, Colombo M, Chapman C, Grizzi F, Patrinicola F, Kast WM, Nguyen DD, Rahman RL, Daver N, Ruvolo P, Post SM, Bresalier RS, Chiriva-Internati M. Cancer testis antigen Sperm Protein 17 as a new target for triple negative breast cancer immunotherapy. Oncotarget 2017; 8:74378-74390. [PMID: 29088794 PMCID: PMC5650349 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast carcinoma is a major health issue for millions of women. Current therapies have serious side effects, and are only partially effective in patients with metastatic tumors. Thus, the need for novel and less toxic therapies is urgent. Moreover, hormonal and antibody therapies effective in other subtypes are not effective in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Immunotherapeutic strategies directed against specific tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and mediated by specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) have been largely underexplored in this disease. Cancer-testis antigens (CTA) are a group of TAAs displaying the ideal characteristics of promising vaccine targets, i.e. strong immunogenicity and cancer specificity. The CTA, Sperm Protein 17 (SP17), has been found to be aberrantly expressed in different neoplasms, including ovarian and esophageal cancers, nervous system tumors and multiple myeloma, and has been suggested as a candidate target for immunotherapy. Here, we evaluated SP17 expression levels in breast cancer cell lines, invasive ductal breast carcinoma, including patients with TNBC, and adjacent non-neoplastic breast tissue, and determined whether SP17 was capable of generating SP17-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vitro. We showed that SP17 is expressed in breast cancer cell lines and primary breast tumors and importantly in TNBC subtype, but not in adjacent non-tumoral breast tissue or unaffected tissues, except in male germinal cells. Furthermore, we detected specific anti-SP17 antibodies in patients’ sera and we generated SP17-specific, HLA class I-restricted, cytotoxic T lymphocytes capable of efficiently killing breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michela Colombo
- Department of Health Sciences, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Caroline Chapman
- Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, Eastern Hub Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK
| | - Fabio Grizzi
- Department of Immunology & Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical & Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Patrinicola
- Department of Immunology & Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical & Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - W Martin Kast
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Naval Daver
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter Ruvolo
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sean M Post
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert S Bresalier
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maurizio Chiriva-Internati
- Kiromic Inc., Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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11
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Lohmueller J, Finn OJ. Current modalities in cancer immunotherapy: Immunomodulatory antibodies, CARs and vaccines. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 178:31-47. [PMID: 28322974 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Successes of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in curing patients with otherwise lethal cancers have validated immunotherapy as a treatment for cancer and have inspired excitement for its broader potential. Most promising is the ability of each approach to eliminate bulky and advanced-stage cancers and to achieve durable cures. Despite this success, to date only a subset of cancer patients and a limited number of cancer types respond to these therapies. A major goal now is to expand the types of cancer and number of patients who can be successfully treated. To this end a multitude of immunotherapies are being tested clinically in new combinations, and many new immunomodulatory antibodies and CARs are in development. A third major immunotherapeutic approach with renewed interest is cancer vaccines. While over 20years of therapeutic cancer vaccine trials have met with limited success, these studies have laid the groundwork for the use of therapeutic vaccines in combination with other immunotherapies or alone as prophylactic cancer vaccines. Prophylactic vaccines are now poised to revolutionize cancer prevention as they have done for the prevention of infectious diseases. In this review we examine three major cancer immunotherapy modalities: immunomodulatory antibodies, CAR T cell therapy and vaccines. For each we describe the current state of the art and outline major challenges and research directions forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Lohmueller
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Immunology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Olivera J Finn
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Immunology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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12
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Esfandiary A, Ghafouri-Fard S. New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma-1 and cancer immunotherapy. Immunotherapy 2016; 7:411-39. [PMID: 25917631 DOI: 10.2217/imt.15.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 (NY-ESO-1) is a known cancer testis gene with exceptional immunogenicity and prevalent expression in many cancer types. These characteristics have made it an appropriate vaccine candidate with the potential application against various malignancies. This article reviews recent knowledge about the NY-ESO-1 biology, function, immunogenicity and expression in cancers as well as and the results of clinical trials with this antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Esfandiary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19857-17443, Iran
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13
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Finn OJ, Beatty PL. Cancer immunoprevention. Curr Opin Immunol 2016; 39:52-8. [PMID: 26799207 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is now a reality. The results are phenomenal but the cost is outrageous. Even if the cost eventually comes down and immunotherapy becomes more broadly available, using the knowledge derived from immunotherapy to apply to immunoprevention would be a good strategy. The most likely approach to cancer immunoprevention is cancer vaccines. To date, cancer vaccines have been tested mostly in the setting of advanced disease. Numerous immunosuppressive mechanisms have been identified in the tumor microenvironment as well as systemically that compromise the ability of cancer patients to respond to the vaccines. Multiple approaches are being tested to improve therapeutic cancer vaccine efficacy, including combinations with other immunotherapies. An alternative approach is to administer the vaccines to individuals without cancer but at high risk for cancer. Data in support of this approach and immunoprevention in general is accumulating and clinical testing has started.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivera J Finn
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Pamela L Beatty
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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14
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Nelson BH. New insights into tumor immunity revealed by the unique genetic and genomic aspects of ovarian cancer. Curr Opin Immunol 2015; 33:93-100. [PMID: 25710852 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a challenging disease that nonetheless provokes brisk, prognostically favorable immune responses in many patients. The biology of ovarian cancer offers unique insights into the factors that engender protective tumor immunity. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) patterns range from CD8+ TIL alone to complex aggregates that additionally include CD4+ and CD20+ TIL. Patient survival rates increase in step with TIL complexity, suggesting cooperative interactions between these lymphocyte subsets. TIL are associated with high-grade serous histology and BRCA1 disruption; the latter may promote immunity through altered cytokine signaling, oxidative stress responses, or antigen expression. The ovarian tumor genome demonstrates extensive spatial and temporal heterogeneity, yet TIL exhibit relatively homogeneous spatial distributions that may reflect core properties of the tumor. In summary, ovarian cancer attracts the attention of the immune system in ways that create unique challenges and opportunities for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad H Nelson
- Deeley Research Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, British Columbia V8R 6V5, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Adams S, Gray RJ, Demaria S, Goldstein L, Perez EA, Shulman LN, Martino S, Wang M, Jones VE, Saphner TJ, Wolff AC, Wood WC, Davidson NE, Sledge GW, Sparano JA, Badve SS. Prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in triple-negative breast cancers from two phase III randomized adjuvant breast cancer trials: ECOG 2197 and ECOG 1199. J Clin Oncol 2015; 32:2959-66. [PMID: 25071121 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2013.55.0491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 931] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent studies suggest that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are associated with disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in operable triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We seek to validate the prognostic impact of TILs in primary TNBCs in two adjuvant phase III trials conducted by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). PATIENTS AND METHODS Full-face hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections of 506 tumors from ECOG trials E2197 and E1199 were evaluated for density of TILs in intraepithelial (iTILs) and stromal compartments (sTILs). Patient cases of TNBC from E2197 and E1199 were randomly selected based on availability of sections. For the primary end point of DFS, association with TIL scores was determined by fitting proportional hazards models stratified on study. Secondary end points were OS and distant recurrence–free interval (DRFI). Reporting recommendations for tumor marker prognostic studies criteria were followed, and all analyses were prespecified. RESULTS The majority of 481 evaluable cancers had TILs (sTILs, 80%; iTILs, 15%). With a median follow-up of 10.6 years, higher sTIL scores were associated with better prognosis; for every 10% increase in sTILs, a 14% reduction of risk of recurrence or death (P = .02), 18% reduction of risk of distant recurrence (P = .04), and 19% reduction of risk of death (P = .01) were observed. Multivariable analysis confirmed sTILs to be an independent prognostic marker of DFS, DRFI, and OS. CONCLUSION In two national randomized clinical trials using contemporary adjuvant chemotherapy, we confirm that stromal lymphocytic infiltration constitutes a robust prognostic factor in TNBCs. Studies assessing outcomes and therapeutic efficacies should consider stratification for this parameter.
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Seifi-Alan M, Shamsi R, Ghafouri-Fard S, Mirfakhraie R, Zare-Abdollahi D, Movafagh A, Modarressi MH, Kazemi G, Geranpayeh L, Najafi-Ashtiani M. Expression analysis of two cancer-testis genes, FBXO39 and TDRD4, in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 14:6625-9. [PMID: 24377578 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2013.14.11.6625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer accounts for one third of new cancer cases among women. The need for biomarkers for early detection is the stimulus to researchers to evaluate altered expression of genes in tumours. Cancer-testis (CT) genes are a group with limited expression in normal tissues except testis but up-regulation in a wide variety of cancers. We here evaluated expression of two CT genes named FBXO39 and TDRD4 in 32 invasive ductal carcinoma samples, 10 fibroadenomas and 6 normal breast tissue samples, in addition to two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, by the means of quantitative real time RT-PCR. FBXO39 showed significant up-regulation in invasive ductal carcinoma samples in comparison with normal samples. It also was expressed in both cell lines and after RHOXF1 gene knock down it was down-regulated in MCF-7 but up-regulated in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. TDRD4 was not expressed in the MCF-7 cell line and any of the tissue samples except testis. However, it was expressed in MDA-MB-231 and was up-regulated after RHOXF1 gene knock down. Our results show that FBXO39 but not TDRD4 can be used for cancer detection and if proved to be immunogenic, might be a putative candidate for breast cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Seifi-Alan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E-mail :
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Shamsi R, Seifi-Alan M, Javaheri M, Tabarestani S. Cancer-testis genes as candidates for immunotherapy in breast cancer. Immunotherapy 2014; 6:165-79. [PMID: 24491090 DOI: 10.2217/imt.13.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-testis (CT) antigens are tumor-associated antigens attracting immunologists for their possible application in the immunotherapy of cancer. Several clinical trials have assessed their therapeutic potentials in cancer patients. Breast cancers, especially triple-negative cancers are among those with significant expression of CT genes. Identification of CT genes with high expression in cancer patients is the prerequisite for any immunotherapeutic approach. CT genes have gained attention not only for immunotherapy of cancer patients, but also for immunoprevention in high-risk individuals. Many CT genes have proved to be immunogenic in breast cancer patients suggesting the basis for the development of polyvalent vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19857-17443, Iran
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18
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Yin B, Zeng Y, Wang X, Liu G, Zhang M, Song Y. Expression and clinical significance of cancer-testis genes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2014; 7:4112-4119. [PMID: 25120790 PMCID: PMC4129025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-testis (CT) antigens, which are encoded by CT genes, have been recognized as a group of highly attractive targets for cancer immunotherapy. However, the expression and clinical relevance of CT genes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains largely unknown. The present study aims to analyze the expression profile of 6 individual CT genes including MAGE-A1, MAGE-A3, MAGE-A12, cTAGE-1, cTAGE-2, and NY-ESO-1 in ccRCC and further investigate their possible correlations with clinicopathologic characteristics. The mRNA expressions of these CT genes were detected using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 105 ccRCC tissue samples (T1-2 in 70 samples, T3-4 in 35 samples; G1-2 in 65 samples, G3-4 in 40 samples) as well as the paired adjacent normal tissues. The most frequently expressed CT gene was MAGE-A3 (27.6%), followed by MAGE-A12 (23.8%), NY-ESO-1 (21%), MAGE-A1 (20%), cTAGE-1 (17.1%), and cTAGE-2 (14.3%). In contrast, no expression of CT genes was detected in the paired adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, the MAGE-A3 protein expression was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. MAGE-A3 protein was expressed in 21.9% ccRCC samples with a cytoplasmic staining pattern. No MAGE-A3 protein expression was found in the paired adjacent normal tissues. There was a significant correlation between MAGE-A3 expression at both mRNA (P =0.045) and protein (P = 0.03) levels with advanced stages of the disease. Taken together, CT genes may serve as promising targets of specific immunotherapy for ccRCC and particularly, MAGE-A3 may serve as a potential prognostic marker for ccRCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yin
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyang 110004, China
| | - Yu Zeng
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyang 110001, China
| | - Xiaosong Wang
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of MedicineHouston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyang 110004, China
| | - Mo Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyang 110004, China
| | - Yongsheng Song
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyang 110004, China
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Mrklić I, Spagnoli GC, Juretić A, Pogorelić Z, Tomić S. Co-expression of cancer testis antigens and topoisomerase 2-alpha in triple negative breast carcinomas. Acta Histochem 2014; 116:740-6. [PMID: 24560456 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2014.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) are characterized by aggressive tumor biology, lack of targeted treatments and poor prognosis. Anthracyclins were shown to induce immunogenic death in target cells, potentially leading to "endogenous" vaccination. We comparatively assessed expression of cancer testis antigens (CTA) and topoisomerase 2-alpha (TOPO2A), a well defined molecular target of anthracyclins, in TNBC fully characterized for basal-like (BL) immunophenotype, BL morphology and conventional clinicopathological factors. The study included 83 patients undergoing surgery between January 2003 and December 2009. Tissue sections were stained with CK5/6, CK14, EGFR, Ki-67, TOPO2A, MAGE-A1, MAGE-A10, NY-ESO and multi-MAGE-A specific reagents. Of the 83 TNBC, >66.3% had BL immunophenotype and 48.2% had BL morphology. MAGE-A1 specific staining was most frequently detectable (69.2%), followed by multi-MAGE-A (58%), NY-ESO (27.1%) and MAGE-A10 (16%) specific staining. MAGE-A10 expression significantly correlated with tumor size (p=0.026). Furthermore, MAGE-A1, MAGE-A10 and multi-MAGE-A specific stainings significantly correlated with advanced clinical stage (p=0.024, p=0.041, p=0.031, respectively). We found no significant association between CTA expression and disease free (DFS) or overall survival (OS). Most interestingly, a significant correlation was observed between expression of MAGE-A10 and NY-ESO and expression of TOPO2A (p=0.005, p=0.013). Expression of defined CTA and TOPO2A are significantly correlated in TNBC. Considering the limited therapeutic options for TNBC, these findings might suggest novel forms of combination therapies that should be further explored.
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Yang F, Zhou X, Miao X, Zhang T, Hang X, Tie R, Liu N, Tian F, Wang F, Yuan J. MAGEC2, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition inducer, is associated with breast cancer metastasis. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2014; 145:23-32. [PMID: 24687377 PMCID: PMC3984411 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-014-2915-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
MAGEC2 is a member of melanoma antigen (MAGE) family of cancer-testis antigens and associated with tumor relapse and metastasis. Here, we investigated the expression of MAGEC2 in patients with breast cancer and its clinical effects with underlying mechanisms. The expression levels of MAGEC2 were compared between 420 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and 120 ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast. Correlations between MAGEC2 expression and clinico-pathologic factors or survival of patients with IDC were analyzed. In addition, MAGEC2 expression levels in tumor tissues dissected from the primary focus and matched tumor-invaded axillary lymph nodes were analyzed in 8 breast cancer patients. The functional effects of MAGEC2 overexpression were assessed in vitro using scratch assay and transwell chamber assay. MAGEC2 expression was increased in metastatic breast cancer in comparison to the non-metastatic. MAGEC2 expression was significantly associated with ER negative expression (P = 0.037), high tumor grade (P = 0.014) and stage (P = 0.002), high incidence of axillary lymph node metastasis (P = 0.013), and distant metastasis (P = 0.004). Patients with tumor with MAGEC2 positive expression have a worse prognosis and a shorter metastasis free interval. Multivariate analyses showed that MAGEC2 expression was an independent risk factor for patient overall survival and metastasis-free survival. Breast cancer cells that overexpressed MAGEC2 had stronger migratory and invasive potential than control-treated cells. Epithelial markers (E-cadherin and cytokeratin) were down-regulated in MAGEC2-overexpressing cells compared to controls, whereas mesenchymal markers (vimentin and fibronectin) were upregulated. Our results indicate that MAGEC2 has a role in breast cancer metastasis through inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In addition, MAGEC2 is a novel independent poor prognostic factor in patients with IDC. Thus, targeting MAGEC2 may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 Shaanxi Province China
| | - Xingchun Zhou
- Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province China
| | - Xia Miao
- Department of Radiation Medicine, College of Preventive Medicine, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaojun Hang
- Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province China
| | - Ru Tie
- Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province China
| | - Nan Liu
- Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province China
| | - Fei Tian
- Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province China
| | - Fuli Wang
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 Shaanxi Province China
| | - Jianlin Yuan
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 Shaanxi Province China
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21
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Eccles SA, Aboagye EO, Ali S, Anderson AS, Armes J, Berditchevski F, Blaydes JP, Brennan K, Brown NJ, Bryant HE, Bundred NJ, Burchell JM, Campbell AM, Carroll JS, Clarke RB, Coles CE, Cook GJR, Cox A, Curtin NJ, Dekker LV, dos Santos Silva I, Duffy SW, Easton DF, Eccles DM, Edwards DR, Edwards J, Evans DG, Fenlon DF, Flanagan JM, Foster C, Gallagher WM, Garcia-Closas M, Gee JMW, Gescher AJ, Goh V, Groves AM, Harvey AJ, Harvie M, Hennessy BT, Hiscox S, Holen I, Howell SJ, Howell A, Hubbard G, Hulbert-Williams N, Hunter MS, Jasani B, Jones LJ, Key TJ, Kirwan CC, Kong A, Kunkler IH, Langdon SP, Leach MO, Mann DJ, Marshall JF, Martin LA, Martin SG, Macdougall JE, Miles DW, Miller WR, Morris JR, Moss SM, Mullan P, Natrajan R, O’Connor JPB, O’Connor R, Palmieri C, Pharoah PDP, Rakha EA, Reed E, Robinson SP, Sahai E, Saxton JM, Schmid P, Smalley MJ, Speirs V, Stein R, Stingl J, Streuli CH, Tutt ANJ, Velikova G, Walker RA, Watson CJ, Williams KJ, Young LS, Thompson AM. Critical research gaps and translational priorities for the successful prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2013; 15:R92. [PMID: 24286369 PMCID: PMC3907091 DOI: 10.1186/bcr3493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Breast cancer remains a significant scientific, clinical and societal challenge. This gap analysis has reviewed and critically assessed enduring issues and new challenges emerging from recent research, and proposes strategies for translating solutions into practice. METHODS More than 100 internationally recognised specialist breast cancer scientists, clinicians and healthcare professionals collaborated to address nine thematic areas: genetics, epigenetics and epidemiology; molecular pathology and cell biology; hormonal influences and endocrine therapy; imaging, detection and screening; current/novel therapies and biomarkers; drug resistance; metastasis, angiogenesis, circulating tumour cells, cancer 'stem' cells; risk and prevention; living with and managing breast cancer and its treatment. The groups developed summary papers through an iterative process which, following further appraisal from experts and patients, were melded into this summary account. RESULTS The 10 major gaps identified were: (1) understanding the functions and contextual interactions of genetic and epigenetic changes in normal breast development and during malignant transformation; (2) how to implement sustainable lifestyle changes (diet, exercise and weight) and chemopreventive strategies; (3) the need for tailored screening approaches including clinically actionable tests; (4) enhancing knowledge of molecular drivers behind breast cancer subtypes, progression and metastasis; (5) understanding the molecular mechanisms of tumour heterogeneity, dormancy, de novo or acquired resistance and how to target key nodes in these dynamic processes; (6) developing validated markers for chemosensitivity and radiosensitivity; (7) understanding the optimal duration, sequencing and rational combinations of treatment for improved personalised therapy; (8) validating multimodality imaging biomarkers for minimally invasive diagnosis and monitoring of responses in primary and metastatic disease; (9) developing interventions and support to improve the survivorship experience; (10) a continuing need for clinical material for translational research derived from normal breast, blood, primary, relapsed, metastatic and drug-resistant cancers with expert bioinformatics support to maximise its utility. The proposed infrastructural enablers include enhanced resources to support clinically relevant in vitro and in vivo tumour models; improved access to appropriate, fully annotated clinical samples; extended biomarker discovery, validation and standardisation; and facilitated cross-discipline working. CONCLUSIONS With resources to conduct further high-quality targeted research focusing on the gaps identified, increased knowledge translating into improved clinical care should be achievable within five years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne A Eccles
- The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, London SM2 5MG, UK
| | - Eric O Aboagye
- Imperial College London, Exhibition Rd, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Simak Ali
- Imperial College London, Exhibition Rd, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | | | - Jo Armes
- Kings College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | | | - Jeremy P Blaydes
- University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Keith Brennan
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Nicola J Brown
- University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Helen E Bryant
- University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Nigel J Bundred
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | | | | | - Jason S Carroll
- Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Research Institute/University of Cambridge, Trinity Lane, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Robert B Clarke
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Charlotte E Coles
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Gary JR Cook
- Kings College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Angela Cox
- University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Nicola J Curtin
- Newcastle University, Claremont Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | | | | | - Stephen W Duffy
- Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Douglas F Easton
- Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Research Institute/University of Cambridge, Trinity Lane, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Diana M Eccles
- University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Dylan R Edwards
- University of East Anglia, Earlham Road, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Joanne Edwards
- University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - D Gareth Evans
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Deborah F Fenlon
- University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | | | - Claire Foster
- University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | | | | | - Julia M W Gee
- University of Cardiff, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Andy J Gescher
- University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 4RH, UK
| | - Vicky Goh
- Kings College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Ashley M Groves
- University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Michelle Harvie
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Bryan T Hennessy
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, 123, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Ingunn Holen
- University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Sacha J Howell
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Anthony Howell
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | | | | | | | - Bharat Jasani
- University of Cardiff, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Louise J Jones
- Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Timothy J Key
- University of Oxford, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Cliona C Kirwan
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Anthony Kong
- University of Oxford, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Ian H Kunkler
- University of Edinburgh, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Simon P Langdon
- University of Edinburgh, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Martin O Leach
- The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, London SM2 5MG, UK
| | - David J Mann
- Imperial College London, Exhibition Rd, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - John F Marshall
- Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Lesley Ann Martin
- The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, London SM2 5MG, UK
| | - Stewart G Martin
- University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Sue M Moss
- Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Paul Mullan
- Queen’s University Belfast, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Rachel Natrajan
- The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, London SM2 5MG, UK
| | | | | | - Carlo Palmieri
- The University of Liverpool, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK
| | - Paul D P Pharoah
- Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Research Institute/University of Cambridge, Trinity Lane, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Emad A Rakha
- University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Elizabeth Reed
- Princess Alice Hospice, West End Lane, Esher KT10 8NA, UK
| | - Simon P Robinson
- The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, London SM2 5MG, UK
| | - Erik Sahai
- London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
| | - John M Saxton
- University of East Anglia, Earlham Road, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Peter Schmid
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9PX, UK
| | | | | | - Robert Stein
- University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - John Stingl
- Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Research Institute/University of Cambridge, Trinity Lane, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Christine J Watson
- Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Research Institute/University of Cambridge, Trinity Lane, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Kaye J Williams
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Leonie S Young
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, 123, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Lazzeroni M, Serrano D. Potential use of vaccines in the primary prevention of breast cancer in high-risk patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 7:281-7. [PMID: 23904830 DOI: 10.1159/000342167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines are an emerging therapeutic and prophylactic modality that may play a more important role in cancer prevention and treatment in the future. Therapeutic cancer vaccines are designed to generate a targeted, immune-mediated antitumor response. Successful prophylactic vaccines are those against oncogenic viral infections, such as the human papillomavirus and cervical cancer. However, a tough challenge for the majority of tumor vaccines is the self-nature of tumor antigens. Ongoing studies are investigating methods to enhance vaccine strategies including immune-modulating agents. The present review analyzes the potential use of vaccines in the primary prevention of breast cancer, focusing on the recent extension of vaccine target selection to self-proteins that are overexpressed during the early stages of tumor development but whose expression no longer occurs as we age, a feature that may avoid clinically significant autoimmune sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lazzeroni
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
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Pandey A, Kurup A, Shrivastava A, Radhi S, Nguyen DD, Arentz C, D'Chuna N, Hardwick F, D'Souza MJ, Jenkins M, Grizzi F, Kast WM, Cobos E, Rahman R, Chiriva-Internati M, Chiaramonte R, Platonova N. Cancer testes antigens in breast cancer: biological role, regulation, and therapeutic applicability. Int Rev Immunol 2013; 31:302-20. [PMID: 23083343 DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2012.723511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women across the world. The last few decades have seen significant reduction in mortality owing to earlier detection and better adjuvant treatments that were developed based on clinical staging and morphological features. As these treatments have evolved, the heterogeneity of breast cancer poses a new challenge, since there is no standard gold-therapy suitable for all tumors of the mammary gland. Therefore, contemporary management and research efforts are directed toward specific prognostic and predictive molecular signatures that can guide targeted individualized therapy. The goal of ongoing research in this field is to identify specific molecular targets for developing novel therapeutic approaches. These targets can also serve to improve screening of breast cancer. This review focuses on the role of cancer testis antigens (CTAs) in breast carcinogenesis and explores the potential for development of targeted screening and therapeutic approaches. Normally found in the testes, these antigens are highly correlative with cancers of the breast, skin, and ovaries. These implications have been further corroborated through uncovering the interaction of CTAs with genes and proteins involved in tumor suppression and homeostasis like p53. There is some evidence that these genes can be targeted for early detection in addition to being candidates for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apurva Pandey
- Department of Internal Medicine at the Division of Hematology & Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Southwest Cancer Treatment and Research Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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Zhou X, Yang F, Zhang T, Zhuang R, Sun Y, Fang L, Zhang C, Ma Y, Huang G, Ma F, Song C, Jin B. Heterogeneous expression of CT10, CT45 and GAGE7 antigens and their prognostic significance in human breast carcinoma. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2013; 43:243-50. [PMID: 23315387 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hys236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to detect the intertumoral heterogeneity of CT10, CT45 and GAGE7 expression and further to analyze their prognostic value. METHODS The intertumoral heterogeneity of three cancer/testis antigens was examined by immunohistochemistry using 120 samples from patients with infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma. The expression patterns were classified and correlated with the clinicopathologic variables and outcome of the patients. RESULTS CT10 showed punctate, focal and diffuse expression patterns according to the characteristic of its distribution. CT45 showed cytoplasmic, nuclear or combined cytoplasmic and nuclear expression patterns according to its subcellular location. GAGE7 exhibited nuclear, cytoplasmic and nucleolar expression patterns. Three cancer/testis antigens were also observed coordinately expressed in infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma. Patients with tumors with CT10 expression was significantly correlated with nodal metastases (P < 0.001) and advanced clinical stages (P = 0.001). Patients with tumors with cytoplasmic GAGE7 and with the expression of two or more cancer/testis antigens were significantly correlated with advanced clinical stages (P = 0.001 and P = 0.030). No significant difference was identified between the different expression patterns of CT45 and clinicopathologic variables. In addition, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that diffuse CT10 expression and coexpression of three cancer/testis antigens were related to the poor prognosis of patients with infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS Diffuse CT10 expression and the coexpression of three cancer/testis antigens can be used as a biomarker to distinguish patients with a poorer outcome of the breast carcinoma. Our finding may provide useful data for evaluating the prognosis of this disease and improving the effectiveness of therapeutic application based on the three cancer/testis antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingchun Zhou
- Fourth Military Medical University, No. 17 Changle West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P.R. China.
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25
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Cabezón T, Gromova I, Gromov P, Serizawa R, Timmermans Wielenga V, Kroman N, Celis JE, Moreira JMA. Proteomic profiling of triple-negative breast carcinomas in combination with a three-tier orthogonal technology approach identifies Mage-A4 as potential therapeutic target in estrogen receptor negative breast cancer. Mol Cell Proteomics 2012; 12:381-94. [PMID: 23172894 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m112.019786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a very heterogeneous disease, encompassing several intrinsic subtypes with various morphological and molecular features, natural history and response to therapy. Currently, molecular targeted therapies are available for estrogen receptor (ER)(-) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2)-positive breast tumors. However, a significant proportion of primary breast cancers are negative for ER, progesterone receptor (PgR), and Her2, comprising the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) group. Women with TNBC have a poor prognosis because of the aggressive nature of these tumors and current lack of suitable targeted therapies. As a consequence, the identification of novel relevant protein targets for this group of patients is of great importance. Using a systematic two dimensional (2D) gel-based proteomic profiling strategy, applied to the analysis of fresh TNBC tissue biopsies, in combination with a three-tier orthogonal technology (two dimensional PAGE/silver staining coupled with MS, two dimensional Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry) approach, we aimed to identify targetable protein markers that were present in a significant fraction of samples and that could define therapy-amenable sub-groups of TNBCs. We present here our results, including a large cumulative database of proteins based on the analysis of 78 TNBCs, and the identification and validation of one specific protein, Mage-A4, which was expressed in a significant fraction of TNBC and Her2-positive/ER negative lesions. The high level expression of Mage-A4 in the tumors studied allowed the detection of the protein in the tumor interstitial fluids as well as in sera. The existence of immunotherapeutics approaches specifically targeting this protein, or Mage-A protein family members, and the fact that we were able to detect its presence in serum suggest novel management options for TNBC and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive/estrogen receptor negative patients bearing Mage-A4 positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Cabezón
- Department of Proteomics in Cancer, Institute of Cancer Biology, Danish Cancer Society, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
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26
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Dianatpour M, Mehdipour P, Nayernia K, Mobasheri MB, Ghafouri-Fard S, Savad S, Modarressi MH. Expression of Testis Specific Genes TSGA10, TEX101 and ODF3 in Breast Cancer. IRANIAN RED CRESCENT MEDICAL JOURNAL 2012; 14:722-6. [PMID: 23396665 PMCID: PMC3560543 DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.3611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2011] [Revised: 02/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women around the world so finding new biomarkers for early detection and also study on molecular aspects of breast cancer is valuable. Cancer testis genes are a group of genes expressed solely in testis and in a range of human malignancies. OBJECTIVES In this study we determined the expression of cancer testis genes Tsga10, TEX101 and ODF3 in patients with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty patients with breast cancer were enrolled in this study. Breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 were also used to determine the expression of testis cancer genes. For both patients and cell lines, cancer testis genes of TSGA10, TEX101 and ODF3 were determined by RT-PCR. The presence of auto antibody against these genes in patients' serums was carried on by ELISA method. RESULTS Seventy percent of patients showed TSGA10 expression but none of them showed expression of TEX101 and ODF3. Fourteen percent of patients were positive for anti TSGA10 but all patients were negative for anti TEX101 and anti ODF3. Both of breast cancer cell lines exhibited very strong expression of TSGA10. CONCLUSIONS Because of the important roles of Tsga10 in cell proliferation, we concluded that this gene may have a role in proliferation and survival of breast cancer cells and could be used for diagnosis and immunotherapy of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Dianatpour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Parvin Mehdipour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Karim Nayernia
- Institute of Human Genetics, North East England, Stem Cell Institute, International Center for Life, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Maryam-Beigom Mobasheri
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Shahram Savad
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Modarressi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Mohammad Hossein Modarressi, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel.: +98-2188953005, Fax: +98-2188953005, E-mail:
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