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Pan X, Feng S, Wang Y, Chen J, Lin H, Wang Z, Hou F, Lu C, Chen X, Liu Z, Li Z, Cui Y, Liu Z. Spatial distance between tumor and lymphocyte can predict the survival of patients with resectable lung adenocarcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30779. [PMID: 38779006 PMCID: PMC11109847 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Spatial interaction between tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor cells is valuable in predicting the effectiveness of immune response and prognosis amongst patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Recent evidence suggests that the spatial distance between tumor cells and lymphocytes also influences the immune responses, but the distance analysis based on Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) -stained whole-slide images (WSIs) remains insufficient. To address this issue, we aim to explore the relationship between distance and prognosis prediction of patients with LUAD in this study. Methods We recruited patients with resectable LUAD from three independent cohorts in this multi-center study. We proposed a simple but effective deep learning-driven workflow to automatically segment different cell types in the tumor region using the HoVer-Net model, and quantified the spatial distance (DIST) between tumor cells and lymphocytes based on H&E-stained WSIs. The association of DIST with disease-free survival (DFS) was explored in the discovery set (D1, n = 276) and the two validation sets (V1, n = 139; V2, n = 115). Results In multivariable analysis, the low DIST group was associated with significantly better DFS in the discovery set (D1, HR, 0.61; 95 % CI, 0.40-0.94; p = 0.027) and the two validation sets (V1, HR, 0.54; 95 % CI, 0.32-0.91; p = 0.022; V2, HR, 0.44; 95 % CI, 0.24-0.81; p = 0.009). By integrating the DIST with clinicopathological factors, the integrated model (full model) had better discrimination for DFS in the discovery set (C-index, D1, 0.745 vs. 0.723) and the two validation sets (V1, 0.621 vs. 0.596; V2, 0.671 vs. 0.650). Furthermore, the computerized DIST was associated with immune phenotypes such as immune-desert and inflamed phenotypes. Conclusions The integration of DIST with clinicopathological factors could improve the stratification performance of patients with resectable LUAD, was beneficial for the prognosis prediction of LUAD patients, and was also expected to assist physicians in individualized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xipeng Pan
- School of Computer Science and Information Security, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Siyang Feng
- School of Computer Science and Information Security, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Yumeng Wang
- School of Computer Science and Information Security, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiale Chen
- School of Computer Science and Information Security, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Huan Lin
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zimin Wang
- School of Computer Science and Information Security, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Feihu Hou
- School of Computer Science and Information Security, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- School of Computer Science and Information Security, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Computer Science and Information Security, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Zhenbing Liu
- School of Computer Science and Information Security, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Zhenhui Li
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Centre, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Yanfen Cui
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Department of Radiology, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital, Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030013, China
| | - Zaiyi Liu
- School of Computer Science and Information Security, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application, Guangzhou, 510080, China
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Zhan J, Cen W, Zhu J, Ye Y. Development of a Novel Lipid Metabolism-related Gene Prognostic Signature for Patients with Colorectal Cancer. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2024; 19:209-222. [PMID: 37723964 DOI: 10.2174/1574892818666230731121815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to explore the expression profiles of lipid metabolism-related genes in patients with Colorectal Cancer (CRC). METHODS The lipid metabolism statuses of CRC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed. Risk characteristics were constructed by univariate Cox regression and minimum Absolute contraction and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression. A histogram was constructed based on factors such as age, sex, TNM stage, T stage, N stage, and risk score to provide a visual tool for clinicians to predict the probability of 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS for CRC patients. By determining Area Under Curve (AUC) values, the time-dependent Receiver Operating characteristic Curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the efficiency of our model in predicting prognosis. RESULTS A novel risk signal based on lipid metabolism-related genes was constructed to predict the survival of CRC patients. Risk characteristics were shown to be an independent prognostic factor in CRC patients (p <0.001). There were significant differences in the abundance and immune characteristics of tumor-filtering immune cells between high-risk and low-risk groups. The nomogram had a high potential for clinical application and the ROC AUC value was 0.827. Moreover, ROC analysis demonstrated that the nomogram model was more accurate to predict the survival of CRC patients than age, gender, stage and risk score. CONCLUSION In this study, we demonstrated a lipid metabolism-related genes prognosis biomarker associated with the tumor immune micro-environment in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhan
- Department of Surgery, Wenzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Wei Cen
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Junchang Zhu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Yunliang Ye
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
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Zhu L, Zhang X, Zhang S, Zhang Q, Cao L, Zhang Y, Wang D, Liang X, Wu W, Wu S, Jiang R, Liu Y, Zhao X, Zhou G, Xu K, Meng Z. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:2209-2220. [PMID: 36715834 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-00998-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has a relatively good prognosis, yet there are some invasive PTC cases with worse clinicopathological features and poor outcome. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in cancer invasion and metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the expression of marker proteins of CAFs in PTC and their correlations with clinicopathological features through immunohistochemistry. The medical records of 125 PTC patients were reviewed in this study, whose specimens were retrieved for immunohistochemistry. Four CAFs marker proteins, FAP fibroblast activated protein (FAP), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Vimentin and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α(PDGFR-α), were stained and scored. Then, statistical analyses were performed. The immunoreactivity scores of FAP and α-SMA correlated with tumor size, BRAF mutation, extrathyroidal, invasion, pathological subtype, lymph node metastasis and ATA risk stratification. Moreover, binary logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves showed that high FAP and α-SMA immunoreactivity scores were risk factors for extrathyroidal invasion, BRAF mutation, multi-focality and lymph node metastasis (especially N1b) with good sensitivity and accuracy in prediction. A better performance was found in FAP than α-SMA. Strong expressions of CAFs were risk factors for worse thyroid cancer clinicopathological features. FAP was the better CAFs marker for PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhu
- Department of Ultrasound, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuhan Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Qicheng Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, People's Republic of China
| | - Limin Cao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, 300190, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Liang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiming Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuanghu Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruoyu Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Pathology Section, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Guiming Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ke Xu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhaowei Meng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
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Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Response in Lip Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051478. [PMID: 36900270 PMCID: PMC10001350 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) play a significant role in cancer progression and prognosis of patients. The tumor microenvironment (TME) may affect the anti-tumor immune response. We examined the TIL and tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) density in the invading front and inner tumor stroma, and the lymphocyte subpopulation (CD8, CD4, FOXP3) density in 60 squamous cell carcinomas of the lip. Analysis was performed in parallel with markers of hypoxia (hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF1α), lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA)) and angiogenesis. Low TIL density in the invading tumor front was related with larger tumor size (p = 0.05), deep invasion (p = 0.01), high smooth-muscle actin (SMA) expression (p = 0.01), and high HIF1α and LDH5 expression (p = 0.04). FOXP3+ TILs infiltration and FOXP3+/CD8+ ratios were higher in inner tumor areas, linked with LDH5 expression, and higher MIB1 proliferation index (p = 0.03) and SMA expression (p = 0.001). Dense CD4+ lymphocytic infiltration in the invading front is related to high tumor-budding (TB) (p = 0.04) and angiogenesis (p = 0.04 and p = 0.006, respectively). Low CD8+ TIL density, high CD20+ B-cell density, high FOXP3+/CD8+ ratio and high CD68+ macrophage presence characterized tumors with local invasion (p = 0.02, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.006, respectively). High angiogenic activity was linked with high CD4+, FOXP3+, and low CD8+ TIL density (p = 0.05, 0.01 and 0.01, respectively), as well as high CD68+ macrophage presence (p = 0.003). LDH5 expression was linked with high CD4+ and FOXP3+ TIL density (p = 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). Further research is needed to explore the prognostic and therapeutic value of TME/TIL interactions.
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Gkegka AG, Koukourakis MI, Katotomichelakis M, Giatromanolaki A. Cancer Microenvironment Defines Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Density and Tertiary Lymphoid Structure Formation in Laryngeal Cancer. Head Neck Pathol 2022:10.1007/s12105-022-01517-7. [PMID: 36586079 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-022-01517-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence and activity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is a key parameter related to the antitumor immune response. A large number of studies reveal TIL density as a prognostic marker and predictor of response to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. METHODS We examined the TIL and tertiary lymphoid structure TLS density in the invading front and inner tumor stroma, in a 33 squamous cell laryngeal carcinomas (LSCC) treated with laryngectomy. TIL and TLS densities were in parallel examined with markers of anaerobic metabolism, vascular density (VD), vascular survival ability (VSA), and histopathological parameters. RESULTS TIL and TLS densities significantly decreased in inner tumor areas (p < 0.0001). TIL density in the invading tumor front was inversely related with lymph node involvement (p = 0.03), HIF1α expression (p = 0.008), vessel density (p = 0.02), and MIB1 (p = 0.006). TIL density in inner stroma was inversely linked to local invasion (marginal p = 0.05), tumor budding (TB) (p = 0.005), MIB1 (p = 0.02), and HIF1α expression (p = 0.02). Low-TLS density in the invading front and in inner tumor areas was related to high TB (p = 0.02 and 0.002, respectively), HIF1α (p = 0.003 and 0.01, respectively), and LDH5 expression (p = 0.003 and 0.007, respectively). CD4+, FOXP3+ TIL density, and FOXP3+/CD8+ ratio were directly associated with VSA (p = 0.008, 0.02, and 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION Poor immune response is related to hypoxic background and anaerobic metabolism, as well as increased invasive and metastatic ability. Regulatory TIL markers are linked with increased angiogenic potential. The prognostic, predictive, and therapy-guiding value of TILs in clinical practice demands thorough investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia G Gkegka
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Michael I Koukourakis
- Department of Radiotherapy / Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Michael Katotomichelakis
- Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Democritus University of Thrace-General, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Alexandra Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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Fotsitzoudis C, Koulouridi A, Messaritakis I, Konstantinidis T, Gouvas N, Tsiaoussis J, Souglakos J. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: The Origin, Biological Characteristics and Role in Cancer-A Glance on Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184394. [PMID: 36139552 PMCID: PMC9497276 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor microenvironment is a major contributor to tumor growth, metastasis and resistance to therapy. It consists of many cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which derive from different types of cells. CAFs detected in different tumor types are linked to poor prognosis, as in the case of colorectal cancer. Although their functions differ according to their subtype, their detection is not easy, and there are no established markers for such detection. They are possible targets for therapeutic treatment. Many trials are ongoing for their use as a prognostic factor and as a treatment target. More research remains to be carried out to establish their role in prognosis and treatment. Abstract The therapeutic approaches to cancer remain a considerable target for all scientists around the world. Although new cancer treatments are an everyday phenomenon, cancer still remains one of the leading mortality causes. Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains in this category, although patients with CRC may have better survival compared with other malignancies. Not only the tumor but also its environment, what we call the tumor microenvironment (TME), seem to contribute to cancer progression and resistance to therapy. TME consists of different molecules and cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are a major component. They arise from normal fibroblasts and other normal cells through various pathways. Their role seems to contribute to cancer promotion, participating in tumorigenesis, proliferation, growth, invasion, metastasis and resistance to treatment. Different markers, such as a-SMA, FAP, PDGFR-β, periostin, have been used for the detection of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Their detection is important for two main reasons; research has shown that their existence is correlated with prognosis, and they are already under evaluation as a possible target for treatment. However, extensive research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Fotsitzoudis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Asimina Koulouridi
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ippokratis Messaritakis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2810-394926
| | | | | | - John Tsiaoussis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Souglakos
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
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Alessandrini L, Franz L, Sbaraglia M, Saccardo T, Cappello F, Drigo A, Frigo AC, Marioni G. Tumor-Stroma Ratio and Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Expression in Preoperative Biopsy and Matched Laryngeal Carcinoma Surgical Specimen. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23148053. [PMID: 35887397 PMCID: PMC9319127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) seems to rely on close relations between neoplastic and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Tumor to stroma ratio (TSR) has been associated with prognosis in different malignancies. The aims of this exploratory investigation were to analyze for the first time the: (i) association between TSR, PD-L1 expression and other clinical−pathological features in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) biopsies and paired surgical specimens; (ii) prognostic and predictive role of TSR and PD-L1. TSR, PD-L1 expression (in terms of combined positive score [CPS]), and other clinical−pathological features were analyzed in biopsies and surgical specimens of 43 consecutive LSCC cases. A CPS < 1 evaluated on surgical specimens was associated with a low TSR (stroma rich) on both biopsies and surgical specimens (p = 0.0143 and p = 0.0063). Low TSR showed a significant negative prognostic value when evaluated on both biopsies and surgical specimens (HR = 8.808, p = 0.0003 and HR = 11.207, p = 0.0002). CPS ≥ 1 appeared to be a favorable prognostic factor (HR = 0.100, p = 0.0265). The association between bioptic and surgical specimen TSR and PD-L1 expression should be further investigated for a potential impact on targeted treatments, also with regard to immunotherapeutic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Alessandrini
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.A.); (M.S.); (F.C.)
| | - Leonardo Franz
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.F.); (T.S.); (A.D.)
- Guided Therapeutics (GTx) Program International Scholar, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON M5G2C4, Canada
| | - Marta Sbaraglia
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.A.); (M.S.); (F.C.)
| | - Tommaso Saccardo
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.F.); (T.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Filippo Cappello
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.A.); (M.S.); (F.C.)
| | - Alessandro Drigo
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.F.); (T.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Anna Chiara Frigo
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Gino Marioni
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.F.); (T.S.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-821-2029
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Molecular mechanisms of tumour budding and its association with microenvironment in colorectal cancer. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:521-535. [PMID: 35445707 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Poor survival of CRC associated with the development of tumour metastasis led to the investigation of the potential biomarkers to predict outcomes in CRC patients. Tumour budding (TB) is a well-known independent prognostic marker for poor survival and disease metastasis. Therefore, it has been suggested that TB status is included in routine clinicopathological factors for risk assessment in CRC. In contrast with a vast majority of studies regarding the prognostic power of TB, there is no clear evidence pertaining to the underlying molecular mechanism driving this phenotype, or an understanding of TB relationship with the tumour microenvironment (TME). The aim of the present study is to present a comprehensive review of TB and tumour cell signalling pathways together with the cross-talk of immune cells that could drive TB formation in CRC.
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Li J, Chen D, Shen M. Tumor Microenvironment Shapes Colorectal Cancer Progression, Metastasis, and Treatment Responses. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:869010. [PMID: 35402443 PMCID: PMC8984105 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.869010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most devastating diseases that accounts for numerous deaths worldwide. Tumor cell-autonomous pathways, such as the oncogenic signaling activation, significantly contribute to CRC progression and metastasis. Recent accumulating evidence suggests that the CRC microenvironment also profoundly promotes or represses this process. As the roles of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in CRC progression and metastasis is gradually uncovered, the importance of these non-cell-autonomous signaling pathways is appreciated. However, we are still at the beginning of this TME function exploring process. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the TME in CRC progression and metastasis by focusing on the gut microbiota and host cellular and non-cellular components. We also briefly discuss TME-remodeling therapies in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Dawei Chen
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Minhong Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology and Microenvironment Research Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Minhong Shen,
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Delinassios JG, Hoffman RM. The cancer-inhibitory effects of proliferating tumor-residing fibroblasts. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1877:188673. [PMID: 34953931 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188673] [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: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Initiation, local progression, and metastasis of cancer are associated with specific morphological, molecular, and functional changes in the extracellular matrix and the fibroblasts within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In the early stages of tumor development, fibroblasts are an obstacle that cancer cells must surpass or nullify to progress. Thus, in early tumor progression, specific signaling from cancer cells activates bio-pathways, which abolish the innate anticancer properties of fibroblasts and convert a high proportion of them to tumor-promoting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Following this initial event, a wide spectrum of gene expression changes gradually leads to the development of a stromal fibroblast population with complex heterogeneity, creating fibroblast subtypes with characteristic profiles, which may alternate between being tumor-promotive and tumor-suppressive, topologically and chronologically in the TME. These fibroblast subtypes form the tumor's histological landscape including areas of cancer growth, inflammation, angiogenesis, invasion fronts, proliferating and non-proliferating fibroblasts, cancer-cell apoptosis, fibroblast apoptosis, and necrosis. These features reflect general deregulation of tissue homeostasis within the TME. This review discusses fundamental and current knowledge that has established the existence of anticancer fibroblasts within the various interacting elements of the TME. It is proposed that the maintenance of fibroblast proliferation is an essential parameter for the activation of their anticancer capacity, similar to that by which normal fibroblasts would be activated in wound repair, thus maintaining tissue homeostasis. Encouragement of research in this direction may render new means of cancer therapy and a greater understanding of tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Delinassios
- International Institute of Anticancer Research, 1(st) km Kapandritiou-Kalamou Rd., Kapandriti, 19014 Attica, Greece.
| | - Robert M Hoffman
- Department of Surgery, University of California, 9300 Campus Point Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; AntiCancer Inc., 7917 Ostrow St, San Diego, CA 92111, USA.
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Kamali Zonouzi S, Pezeshki PS, Razi S, Rezaei N. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2021; 24:757-769. [PMID: 34839457 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02734-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of mortality among cancers. Many aspects of this cancer are under investigation to find established markers of diagnosis, prognosis, and also potential drug targets. In this review article, we are going to discuss the possible solution to all these aims by investigating the literature about cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) involved in CRC. Moreover, we are going to review their interaction with the tumor microenvironment (TME) and vitamin D and their role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Moreover, we are going to expand more on some markers produced by them or related to them including FAP, a-SMA, CXCL12, TGF- β, POSTN, and β1-Integrin. Some signaling pathways related to CAFs are as follows: FAK, AKT, activin A, and YAP/TAZ. Some genes related to the CAFs which are found to be possible therapeutic targets include COL3A1, JAM3, AEBP1 and, CAF-derived TGFB3, WNT2, and WNT54.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kamali Zonouzi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - P S Pezeshki
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - S Razi
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - N 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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Deng L, Jiang N, Zeng J, Wang Y, Cui H. The Versatile Roles of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Colorectal Cancer and Therapeutic Implications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:733270. [PMID: 34660589 PMCID: PMC8517274 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.733270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is populated by abundant cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that radically influence the disease progression across many cancers, including the colorectal cancer (CRC). In theory, targeting CAFs holds great potential in optimizing CRC treatment. However, attempts to translate the therapeutic benefit of CAFs into clinic practice face many obstacles, largely due to our limited understanding of the heterogeneity in their origins, functions, and mechanisms. In recent years, accumulating evidence has uncovered some cellular precursors and molecular markers of CAFs and also revealed their versatility in impacting various hallmarks of CRC, together helping us to better define the population of CAFs and also paving the way toward their future therapeutic targeting for CRC treatment. In this review, we outline the emerging concept of CAFs in CRC, with an emphasis on their origins, biomarkers, prognostic significance, as well as their functional roles and underlying mechanisms in CRC biology. At last, we discuss the prospect of harnessing CAFs as promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Deng
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nianfen Jiang
- Health Management Center, Southwest University Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Zeng
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Department of General Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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