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Benjamin DJ, Haslam A, Prasad V. Cardiovascular/anti-inflammatory drugs repurposed for treating or preventing cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7049. [PMID: 38491813 PMCID: PMC10943275 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7049] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to encouraging pre-clinical data and supportive observational studies, there has been growing interest in applying cardiovascular drugs (including aspirin, angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors, statins, and metformin) approved to treat diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus to the field of oncology. Moreover, given growing costs with cancer care, these medications have offered a potentially more affordable avenue to treat or prevent recurrence of cancer. We sought to investigate the anti-cancer effects of drugs repurposed from cardiology or anti-inflammatories to treat cancer. We specifically evaluated the following drug classes: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors, aspirin, metformin, and both angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. We also included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they exert a similar mechanism to aspirin by blocking prostaglandins and reducing inflammation that is thought to promote the development of cancer. METHODS We performed a systematic literature review using PubMed and Web of Science with search terms including "aspirin," "NSAID," "statin" (including specific statin drug names), "metformin," "ACE inhibitors," and "ARBs" (including specific anti-hypertensive drug names) in combination with "cancer." Searches were limited to human studies published between 2000 and 2023. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The number and percentage of studies reported positive results and pooled estimates of overall survival, progression-free survival, response, and disease-free survival. RESULTS We reviewed 3094 titles and included 67 randomized clinical trials. The most common drugs that were tested were metformin (n = 21; 30.9%), celecoxib (n = 20; 29.4%), and simvastatin (n = 8; 11.8%). There was only one study that tested cardiac glycosides and none that studied ACE inhibitors. The most common tumor types were non-small-cell lung cancer (n = 19; 27.9%); breast (n = 8; 20.6%), colorectal (n = 7; 10.3%), and hepatocellular (n = 6; 8.8%). Most studies were conducted in a phase II trial (n = 38; 55.9%). Most studies were tested in metastatic cancers (n = 49; 72.1%) and in the first-line setting (n = 36; 521.9%). Four studies (5.9%) were stopped early because of difficulty with accrual. The majority of studies did not demonstrate an improvement in either progression-free survival (86.1% of studies testing progression-free survival) or in overall survival (94.3% of studies testing overall survival). Progression-free survival was improved in five studies (7.4%), and overall survival was improved in three studies (4.4%). Overall survival was significantly worse in two studies (3.8% of studies testing overall survival), and progression-free survival was worse in one study (2.8% of studies testing progression-free survival). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Despite promising pre-clinical and population-based data, cardiovascular drugs and anti-inflammatory medications have overall not demonstrated benefit in the treatment or preventing recurrence of cancer. These findings may help guide future potential clinical trials involving these medications when applied in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alyson Haslam
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUnited States
| | - Vinay Prasad
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUnited States
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Kim DG, Yim SH, Min EK, Choi MC, Kim MS, Joo DJ, Lee JG. Effect of statins on the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation: An illusion revealed by exposure density sampling. Liver Int 2023; 43:2017-2025. [PMID: 37365992 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins have been reported to reduce overall death and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence in liver transplantation (LT) recipients. However, previous retrospective studies have significant flaws in immortal time bias. METHODS Using data from 658 patients who received LT for HCC, we matched 140 statin users with statin nonusers in a 1:2 ratio at the time of the first statin administration after LT using the exposure density sampling (EDS). The propensity score, calculated using baseline variables (including explant pathology), was used for EDS to equilibrate both groups. HCC recurrence and overall death were compared after adjusting for information at the time of sampling. RESULTS Among statin users, the median time to statin start was 219 (IQR 98-570) days, and intensity of statins was mainly moderate (87.1%). Statin users and nonusers sampled using EDS showed well-balanced baseline characteristics, including detailed tumour pathology, and similar HCC recurrence with cumulative incidences of 11.3% and 11.8% at 5 years, respectively (p = .861). In multivariate Cox models (HR 1.04, p = .918) and subgroup analyses, statins did not affect HCC recurrence. Conversely, statin users showed a significantly lower risk of overall death than nonusers (HR 0.28, p < .001). There was no difference in the type and intensity of statin usage between statin users who experienced HCC recurrence and those who did not. CONCLUSION Upon controlling immortal time bias by EDS, statins did not affect HCC recurrence but reduced mortality after LT. Statin usage is encouraged for survival benefits but not for preventing HCC recurrence in LT recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deok-Gie Kim
- Department of Surgery, The Research Institute for Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Hyuk Yim
- Department of Surgery, The Research Institute for Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun-Ki Min
- Department of Surgery, The Research Institute for Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mun Chae Choi
- Department of Surgery, The Research Institute for Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Myoung Soo Kim
- Department of Surgery, The Research Institute for Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Jin Joo
- Department of Surgery, The Research Institute for Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae Geun Lee
- Department of Surgery, The Research Institute for Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Cash T, Jonus HC, Tsvetkova M, Beumer JH, Sadanand A, Lee JY, Henry CJ, Aguilera D, Harvey RD, Goldsmith KC. A phase 1 study of simvastatin in combination with topotecan and cyclophosphamide in pediatric patients with relapsed and/or refractory solid and CNS tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30405. [PMID: 37158620 PMCID: PMC11225565 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) can inhibit tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and restore apoptosis in preclinical pediatric solid tumor models. We conducted a phase 1 trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of simvastatin with topotecan and cyclophosphamide in children with relapsed/refractory solid and central nervous system (CNS) tumors. METHODS Simvastatin was administered orally twice daily on days 1-21, with topotecan and cyclophosphamide intravenously on days 1-5 of a 21-day cycle. Four simvastatin dose levels (DLs) were planned, 140 (DL1), 180 (DL2), 225 (DL3), 290 (DL4) mg/m2 /dose, with a de-escalation DL of 100 mg/m2 /dose (DL0) if needed. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses were performed during cycle 1. RESULTS The median age of 14 eligible patients was 11.5 years (range: 1-23). The most common diagnoses were neuroblastoma (N = 4) and Ewing sarcoma (N = 3). Eleven dose-limiting toxicity (DLT)-evaluable patients received a median of four cycles (range: 1-6). There were three cycle 1 DLTs: one each grade 3 diarrhea and grade 4 creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevations at DL1, and one grade 4 CPK elevation at DL0. All patients experienced at least one grade 3/4 hematologic toxicity. Best overall response was partial response in one patient with Ewing sarcoma (DL0) and stable disease for four or more cycles in four patients. Simvastatin exposure increased with higher doses and may have correlated with toxicity. Plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentrations (N = 6) showed sustained IL-6 reductions with decrease to normal values by day 21 in all patients, indicating potential on-target effects. CONCLUSIONS The MTD of simvastatin with topotecan and cyclophosphamide was determined to be 100 mg/m2 /dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Cash
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Hunter C Jonus
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Maya Tsvetkova
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jan H Beumer
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Arhanti Sadanand
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jasmine Y Lee
- Laney Graduate School Cancer Biology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Curtis J Henry
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Laney Graduate School Cancer Biology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dolly Aguilera
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - R Donald Harvey
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Hematology/Medical Oncology and Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kelly C Goldsmith
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Laney Graduate School Cancer Biology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Liu C, Chen H, Hu B, Shi J, Chen Y, Huang K. New insights into the therapeutic potentials of statins in cancer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1188926. [PMID: 37484027 PMCID: PMC10359995 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1188926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The widespread clinical use of statins has contributed to significant reductions of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Increasing preclinical and epidemiological evidences have revealed that dyslipidemia is an important risk factor for carcinogenesis, invasion and metastasis, and that statins as powerful inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase can exert prevention and intervention effects on cancers, and promote sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs. The anti-cancer mechanisms of statins include not only inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis, but also their pleiotropic effects in modulating angiogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy, tumor metastasis, and tumor microenvironment. Moreover, recent clinical studies have provided growing insights into the therapeutic potentials of statins and the feasibility of combining statins with other anti-cancer agents. Here, we provide an updated review on the application potential of statins in cancer prevention and treatment and summarize the underneath mechanisms, with focuses on data from clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyu Liu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bicheng Hu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiajian Shi
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuchen Chen
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Tongji-RongCheng Biomedical Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Bhoopathi P, Mannangatti P, Das SK, Fisher PB, Emdad L. Chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Overcoming resistance to therapy. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:285-341. [PMID: 37268399 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a prominent cause of cancer deaths worldwide, is a highly aggressive cancer most frequently detected at an advanced stage that limits treatment options to systemic chemotherapy, which has provided only marginal positive clinical outcomes. More than 90% of patients with PDAC die within a year of being diagnosed. PDAC is increasing at a rate of 0.5-1.0% per year, and it is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by 2030. The resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, which can be innate or acquired, is the primary factor contributing to the ineffectiveness of cancer treatments. Although many PDAC patients initially responds to standard of care (SOC) drugs they soon develop resistance caused partly by the substantial cellular heterogeneity seen in PDAC tissue and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which are considered key factors contributing to resistance to therapy. A deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in PDAC progression and metastasis development, and the interplay of the TME in all these processes is essential to better comprehend the etiology and pathobiology of chemoresistance observed in PDAC. Recent research has recognized new therapeutic targets ushering in the development of innovative combinatorial therapies as well as enhancing our comprehension of several different cell death pathways. These approaches facilitate the lowering of the therapeutic threshold; however, the possibility of subsequent resistance development still remains a key issue and concern. Discoveries, that can target PDAC resistance, either alone or in combination, have the potential to serve as the foundation for future treatments that are effective without posing undue health risks. In this chapter, we discuss potential causes of PDAC chemoresistance and approaches for combating chemoresistance by targeting different pathways and different cellular functions associated with and mediating resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Bhoopathi
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Padmanabhan Mannangatti
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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6
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Beutel AK, Halbrook CJ. Barriers and opportunities for gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer therapy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 324:C540-C552. [PMID: 36571444 PMCID: PMC9925166 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00331.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths across the world. A lack of durable responses to standard-of-care chemotherapies renders its treatment particularly challenging and largely contributes to the devastating outcome. Gemcitabine, a pyrimidine antimetabolite, is a cornerstone in PDA treatment. Given the importance of gemcitabine in PDA therapy, extensive efforts are focusing on exploring mechanisms by which cancer cells evade gemcitabine cytotoxicity, but strategies to overcome them have not been translated into patient care. Here, we will introduce the standard treatment paradigm for patients with PDA, highlight mechanisms of gemcitabine action, elucidate gemcitabine resistance mechanisms, and discuss promising strategies to circumvent them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alica K Beutel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christopher J Halbrook
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Orange, California
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Andersson CR, Ye J, Blom K, Fryknäs M, Larsson R, Nygren P. Assessment in vitro of interactions between anti-cancer drugs and noncancer drugs commonly used by cancer patients. Anticancer Drugs 2023; 34:92-102. [PMID: 36066384 PMCID: PMC9760465 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Cancer patients often suffer from cancer symptoms, treatment complications and concomitant diseases and are, therefore, often treated with several drugs in addition to anticancer drugs. Whether such drugs, here denoted as 'concomitant drugs', have anticancer effects or interact at the tumor cell level with the anticancer drugs is not very well known. The cytotoxic effects of nine concomitant drugs and their interactions with five anti-cancer drugs commonly used for the treatment of colorectal cancer were screened over broad ranges of drug concentrations in vitro in the human colon cancer cell line HCT116wt. Seven additional tyrosine kinase inhibitors were included to further evaluate key findings as were primary cultures of tumor cells from patients with colorectal cancer. Cytotoxic effects were evaluated using the fluorometric microculture cytotoxicity assay (FMCA) and interaction analysis was based on Bliss independent interaction analysis. Simvastatin and loperamide, included here as an opioid agonists, were found to have cytotoxic effects on their own at reasonably low concentrations whereas betamethasone, enalapril, ibuprofen, metformin, metoclopramide, metoprolol and paracetamol were inactive also at very high concentrations. Drug interactions ranged from antagonistic to synergistic over the concentrations tested with a more homogenous pattern of synergy between simvastatin and protein kinase inhibitors in HCT116wt cells. Commonly used concomitant drugs are mostly neither expected to have anticancer effects nor to interact significantly with anticancer drugs frequently used for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiawei Ye
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kristin Blom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mårten Fryknäs
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rolf Larsson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Nygren
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Anbari K, Amiri MM, Heidari-Soureshjani S, Sherwin CM, Kasiri K. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Role of Statins in the Prevention of Mortality Following Pancreatic Cancer. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2023; 23:2073-2082. [PMID: 37622694 DOI: 10.2174/1871520623666230824095226] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a type of cancer with a high incidence and case-fatality rate. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the role of statins in preventing mortality following PC based on scientific evidence with systematic review and meta-analysis method. METHODS This meta-analysis considered studies published from 1980 till the end of 2022 in ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Embase databases. Funnel diagrams and Begg's and Egger's tests were used to assess the publication bias. RESULTS In general, this meta-analysis has included 19 studies (13 cohort studies, 4 case-control, and 2 randomized clinical trials (RCTs)) and a total of 100,888 patients with PC. The risk of mortality of PC in statin users in total was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.80 - 0.92, P-value <0.001); in the case-control studies, it was equal to 0.53 (0.34-0.83); in the cohort studies, it was equal to 0.87 (0.82-0.92, P-value <0.001); in RCTs, it was equal to 1.19 (0.99-1.42, P-value <0.001); in studies with good quality score category, it was equal to 0.92 (0.86-0.99, P-value <0.001), and in articles of the moderate quality score category, it was equal to 0.73 (0.64-0.84, P-value <0.001). The results of statistical tests indicated the existence of publication bias (Begg's test (P-value = 0.002) and Egger's test (P-value = 0.004)). CONCLUSION Statins reduce the risk of mortality in patients with PC. However, no significant relation has been observed in RCTs. Therefore, it is necessary to be cautious in interpreting the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khatereh Anbari
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Science, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohammadian Amiri
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Iran
| | | | - Catherine Mt Sherwin
- Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pediatrics, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton Children's Hospital, One Children's Plaza, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Karamali Kasiri
- Department of Pediatrics, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Zhang W, Qian W, Gu J, Gong M, Zhang W, Zhang S, Zhou C, Jiang Z, Jiang J, Han L, Wang X, Wu Z, Ma Q, Wang Z. Mutant p53 driven-LINC00857, a protein scaffold between FOXM1 and deubiquitinase OTUB1, promotes the metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 552:215976. [PMID: 36272615 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Tumour metastasis is the major adverse factor for recurrence and death in pancreatic cancer (PC) patients. P53 mutations are considered to be the second most common type of mutation in PC and significantly promote PC metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of p53 mutations, especially the regulatory relationship of the protein with long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), remain unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that the lncRNA LINC00857 exhibits a significantly elevated level in PC and that it is associated with poor prognosis; furthermore, TCGA data showed that LINC00857 expression was significantly upregulated in the mutant p53 group compared with the wild-type p53 group. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments showed that LINC00857 promotes the metastasis of PC cells. We further found that LINC00857 upregulates FOXM1 protein expression and thus accelerates metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC00857 bound simultaneously to FOXM1 and to the deubiquitinase OTUB1, thereby serving as a protein scaffold and enhancing the interaction between FOXM1 and OTUB1, which inhibits FOXM1 degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Interestingly, we found that mutant p53 promotes LINC00857 transcription by binding to its promoter region. Finally, atorvastatin, a commonly prescribe lipid-lowering drug, appeared to inhibit PC metastasis by inhibiting the mutant p53-LINC00857 axis. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the biology driving PC metastasis and indicate that the mutant p53-LINC00857 axis might represent a novel therapeutic target for PC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Weikun Qian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jingtao Gu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Mengyuan Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wunai Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Simei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Cancan Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhengdong Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Liang Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qingyong Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China; Pancreatic Disease Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China.
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10
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Simvastatin Attenuated Tumor Growth in Different Pancreatic Tumor Animal Models. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15111408. [PMID: 36422538 PMCID: PMC9692350 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer increases year by year, while the prognosis of pancreatic cancer has not been very good. Statin drugs were found to have protective effects against a variety of cancers, but their association with pancreatic cancer remains to be clarified. This study used different pancreatic cancer cell lines and in different animal models to confirm the relationship between simvastatin and pancreatic cancer. Flow cytometry and luciferase-based bioluminescent images were used to investigate the cell cycle and tumor growth changes under simvastatin treatment. Simvastatin decreased the MIA PaCa-2 cells, PANC-1 cells, and BxPC-3 cell viability significantly and may arrest the cell cycle in the G0 phase. During in vivo study, subcutaneously implanted simvastatin pre-treated pancreatic cancer cells and intraperitoneally treated simvastatin continuously demonstrated a slower tumor growth rate and decreased the tumor/body weight ratio significantly. In intravenous implant models, implanted simvastatin-pre-treated BxPC-3 cells and cells treated along with simvastatin significantly decreased the tumor growth curve. Implanting the simvastatin-pre-treated pancreatic cells in the subcutaneous model showed better growth inhibition than the intravenous model. These results suggest simvastatin treatment may relate to different signaling pathways in local growth and metastasis. Pancreatic cancer cells presented different growth patterns in different animal-induced models, which could be important for clinical reference when it comes to the relationship of long-term statin use and pancreatic cancer.
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11
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Becchetti C, Dirchwolf M, Schropp J, Magini G, Müllhaupt B, Immer F, Dufour J, Banz V, Berzigotti A, Bosch J. Use of statins after liver transplantation is associated with improved survival: results of a nationwide study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 56:1194-1204. [PMID: 35979872 PMCID: PMC9545989 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited information on the effects of statins on the outcomes of liver transplantation (LT), regarding either their use by LT recipients or donors. AIM To analyse the association between statin exposure and recipient and graft survival. METHODS We included adult LT recipients with deceased donors in a nationwide prospective database study. Using a multistate modelling approach, we examined the effect of statins on the transition hazard between LT, biliary and vascular complications and death, allowing for recurring events. The observation time was 3 years. RESULTS We included 998 (696 male, 70%, mean age 54.46 ± 11.14 years) LT recipients. 14% of donors and 19% of recipients were exposed to statins during the study period. During follow-up, 141 patients died; there were 40 re-LT and 363 complications, with 66 patients having two or more complications. Treatment with statins in the recipient was modelled as a concurrent covariate and associated with lower mortality after LT (HR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.12-0.98; p = 0.047), as well as a significant reduction of re-LT (p = 0.004). However, it was not associated with lower incidence of complications (HR = 1.25; 95% CI = 0.85-1.83; p = 0.266). Moreover, in patients developing complications, statin use was significantly associated with decreased mortality (HR = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.01-0.81; p = 0.030), and reduced recurrence of complications (HR = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.20-0.93; p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS Statin use by LT recipients may confer a survival advantage. Statin administration should be encouraged in LT recipients when clinically indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Becchetti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, InselspitalBern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Melisa Dirchwolf
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, InselspitalBern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland,Liver UnitHospital Privado de RosarioSanta FeArgentina
| | - Jonas Schropp
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, InselspitalBern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Giulia Magini
- Service de TransplantationHôpitaux Universitaires de GenèveGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Beat Müllhaupt
- Swiss HPB (Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary) Center and Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity Hospital ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Franz Immer
- Swisstransplant, the Swiss National Foundation for Organ Donation and TransplantationBernSwitzerland
| | - Jean‐François Dufour
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, InselspitalBern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland,Centre des Maladies Digestives LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Vanessa Banz
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, InselspitalBern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, InselspitalBern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Jaume Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, InselspitalBern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland
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12
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Yin X, Xu R, Song J, Ruze R, Chen Y, Wang C, Xu Q. Lipid metabolism in pancreatic cancer: emerging roles and potential targets. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 42:1234-1256. [PMID: 36107801 PMCID: PMC9759769 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most serious health issues in developed and developing countries, with a 5-year overall survival rate currently <9%. Patients typically present with advanced disease due to vague symptoms or lack of screening for early cancer detection. Surgical resection represents the only chance for cure, but treatment options are limited for advanced diseases, such as distant metastatic or locally progressive tumors. Although adjuvant chemotherapy has improved long-term outcomes in advanced cancer patients, its response rate is low. So, exploring other new treatments is urgent. In recent years, increasing evidence has shown that lipid metabolism can support tumorigenesis and disease progression as well as treatment resistance through enhanced lipid synthesis, storage, and catabolism. Therefore, a better understanding of lipid metabolism networks may provide novel and promising strategies for early diagnosis, prognosis estimation, and targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer patients. In this review, we first enumerate and discuss current knowledge about the advances made in understanding the regulation of lipid metabolism in pancreatic cancer. In addition, we summarize preclinical studies and clinical trials with drugs targeting lipid metabolic systems in pancreatic cancer. Finally, we highlight the challenges and opportunities for targeting lipid metabolism pathways through precision therapies in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinpeng Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesPeking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100023P. R China
| | - Ruiyuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesPeking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100023P. R China
| | - Jianlu Song
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesPeking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100023P. R China
| | - Rexiati Ruze
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesPeking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100023P. R China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesPeking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100023P. R China
| | - Chengcheng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesPeking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100023P. R China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesPeking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100023P. R China
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13
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Shinoda S, Nakamura N, Roach B, Bernlohr DA, Ikramuddin S, Yamamoto M. Obesity and Pancreatic Cancer: Recent Progress in Epidemiology, Mechanisms and Bariatric Surgery. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1284. [PMID: 35740306 PMCID: PMC9220099 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 30% of people in the United States (US) are classified as obese, and over 50% are considered significantly overweight. Importantly, obesity is a risk factor not only for the development of metabolic syndrome but also for many cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC is the third leading cause of cancer-related death, and 5-year survival of PDAC remains around 9% in the U.S. Obesity is a known risk factor for PDAC. Metabolic control and bariatric surgery, which is an effective treatment for severe obesity and allows massive weight loss, have been shown to reduce the risk of PDAC. It is therefore clear that elucidating the connection between obesity and PDAC is important for the identification of a novel marker and/or intervention point for obesity-related PDAC risk. In this review, we discussed recent progress in obesity-related PDAC in epidemiology, mechanisms, and potential cancer prevention effects of interventions, including bariatric surgery with preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Shinoda
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (S.S.); (N.N.); (B.R.); (S.I.)
| | - Naohiko Nakamura
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (S.S.); (N.N.); (B.R.); (S.I.)
| | - Brett Roach
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (S.S.); (N.N.); (B.R.); (S.I.)
| | - David A. Bernlohr
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Sayeed Ikramuddin
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (S.S.); (N.N.); (B.R.); (S.I.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Masato Yamamoto
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (S.S.); (N.N.); (B.R.); (S.I.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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14
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Subtypes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma based on niche factor dependency show distinct drug treatment responses. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:89. [PMID: 35272688 PMCID: PMC8908673 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02301-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by abundant stroma in which microenvironmental (niche) factors promote PDAC progression. In mouse models, reduction of the stroma increased the proportion of poorly differentiated PDAC with a worse prognosis. Here, we aimed to clarify the effects of stroma on PDAC that may define the PDAC phenotype and induce distinct therapeutic responses. Methods The molecular features of PDAC based on differentiation grade were clarified by genome and transcriptome analysis using PDAC organoids (PDOs). We identified the dependency on niche factors that might regulate the differentiation grade. A three-dimensional co-culture model with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) was generated to determine whether CAFs provide niche factors essential for differentiated PDAC. PDOs were subtyped based on niche factor dependency, and the therapeutic responses for each subtype were compared. Results The expression profiles of PDOs differed depending on the differentiation grade. Consistent with the distinct profiles, well differentiated types showed high niche dependency, while poorly differentiated types showed low niche dependency. The three-dimensional co-culture model revealed that well differentiated PDOs were strongly dependent on CAFs for growth, and moderately differentiated PDOs showed plasticity to change morphology depending on CAFs. Differentiated PDOs upregulated the expression of mevalonate pathway-related genes correlated with the niche dependency and were more sensitive to simvastatin than poorly differentiated PDOs. Conclusions Our findings suggest that CAFs maintain the differentiated PDAC phenotype through secreting niche factors and induce distinct drug responses. These results may lead to the development of novel subtype-based therapeutic strategies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02301-9.
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15
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Beyond Lipid-Lowering: Effects of Statins on Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases and Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020151. [PMID: 35215263 PMCID: PMC8877351 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, also known as statins, are administered as first-line therapy for hypercholesterolemia, both as primary and secondary prevention. Besides the lipid-lowering effect, statins have been suggested to inhibit the development of cardiovascular disease through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vascular endothelial function-improving, plaque-stabilizing, and platelet aggregation-inhibiting effects. The preventive effect of statins on atherothrombotic stroke has been well established, but statins can influence other cerebrovascular diseases. This suggests that statins have many neuroprotective effects in addition to lowering cholesterol. Furthermore, research suggests that statins cause pro-apoptotic, growth-inhibitory, and pro-differentiation effects in various malignancies. Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that statins inhibit tumor growth and induce apoptosis in specific cancer cell types. The pleiotropic effects of statins on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases have been well established; however, the effects of statins on cancer patients have not been fully elucidated and are still controversial. This review discusses the recent evidence on the effects of statins on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and cancer. Additionally, this study describes the pharmacological action of statins, focusing on the aspect of ‘beyond lipid-lowering’.
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16
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Uemura N, Hayashi H, Baba H. Statin as a therapeutic agent in gastroenterological cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:110-123. [PMID: 35116106 PMCID: PMC8790423 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i1.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Statins inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway, and are widely used as an effective and safe approach handle hypercholesterolemia. The mevalonate pathway is a vital metabolic pathway that uses acetyl-CoA to generate isoprenoids and sterols that are crucial to tumor growth and progression. Multiple studies have indicated that statins improve patient prognosis in various carcinomas. Basic research on the mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of statins is underway. The development of new anti-cancer drugs is progressing, but increasing medical costs from drug development have become a major obstacle. Readily available, inexpensive and well-tolerated drugs like statins have not yet been successfully repurposed for cancer treatment. Identifying the cancer patients that may benefit from statins is key to improved patient treatment. This review summarizes recent advances in statin research in cancer and suggests important considerations for the clinical use of statins to improve outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norio Uemura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
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17
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Lavogina D, Laasfeld T, Vardja M, Lust H, Jaal J. Viability fingerprint of glioblastoma cell lines: roles of mitotic, proliferative, and epigenetic targets. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20338. [PMID: 34645858 PMCID: PMC8514540 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99630-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the use of multimodal treatment combinations, the prognosis of glioblastoma (GB) is still poor. To prevent rapid tumor recurrence, targeted strategies for the treatment of GB are widely sought. Here, we compared the efficacy of focused modulation of a set of signaling pathways in two GB cell lines, U-251 MG and T98-G, using a panel of thirteen compounds targeting cell cycle progression, proliferation, epigenetic modifications, and DNA repair mechanism. In parallel, we tested combinations of these compounds with temozolomide and lomustine, the standard chemotherapy agents used in GB treatment. Two major trends were found: within individual compounds, the lowest IC50 values were exhibited by the Aurora kinase inhibitors, whereas in the case of mixtures, the addition of DNA methyltransferase 1 inhibitor azacytidine to lomustine proved the most beneficial. The efficacy of cell cycle-targeting compounds was further augmented by combination with radiation therapy using two different treatment regimes. The potency of azacytidine and lomustine mixtures was validated using a unique assay pipeline that utilizes automated imaging and machine learning-based data analysis algorithm for assessment of cell number and DNA damage extent. Based on our results, the combination of azacytidine and lomustine should be tested in GB clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darja Lavogina
- grid.10939.320000 0001 0943 7661Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, L. Puusepa 8, 50406 Tartu, Estonia ,grid.10939.320000 0001 0943 7661Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tõnis Laasfeld
- grid.10939.320000 0001 0943 7661Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia ,grid.10939.320000 0001 0943 7661Department of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Markus Vardja
- grid.412269.a0000 0001 0585 7044Department of Radiotherapy and Oncological Therapy, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Helen Lust
- grid.10939.320000 0001 0943 7661Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, L. Puusepa 8, 50406 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jana Jaal
- grid.10939.320000 0001 0943 7661Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, L. Puusepa 8, 50406 Tartu, Estonia ,grid.412269.a0000 0001 0585 7044Department of Radiotherapy and Oncological Therapy, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
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18
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Lim WJ, Lee M, Oh Y, Fang XQ, Lee S, Lim CH, Park J, Lim JH. Statins Decrease Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) by Inhibiting AKT and β-Catenin Signaling. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092488. [PMID: 34572136 PMCID: PMC8472538 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrospective observational studies have reported that statins improve clinical outcomes in patients previously treated with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)-targeting monoclonal antibodies for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In multiple mouse cancer models, de novo synthesis of mevalonate and cholesterol inhibitors was found to synergize with anti-PD-1 antibody therapy. In the present study, we investigated whether statins affect programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in cancer cells. Four statins, namely simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, and fluvastatin, decreased PD-L1 expression in melanoma and lung cancer cells. In addition, we found that AKT and β-catenin signaling involved PD-L1 suppression by statins. Our cellular and molecular studies provide inspiring evidence for extending the clinical evaluation of statins for use in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor-based cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Jin Lim
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (W.-J.L.); (Y.O.); (X.-Q.F.); (S.L.); (C.-H.L.); (J.P.)
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, BK21 Program, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea
| | - Mingyu Lee
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Yerin Oh
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (W.-J.L.); (Y.O.); (X.-Q.F.); (S.L.); (C.-H.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Xue-Quan Fang
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (W.-J.L.); (Y.O.); (X.-Q.F.); (S.L.); (C.-H.L.); (J.P.)
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, BK21 Program, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea
| | - Sujin Lee
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (W.-J.L.); (Y.O.); (X.-Q.F.); (S.L.); (C.-H.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Chang-Hoon Lim
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (W.-J.L.); (Y.O.); (X.-Q.F.); (S.L.); (C.-H.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Jooho Park
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (W.-J.L.); (Y.O.); (X.-Q.F.); (S.L.); (C.-H.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Ji-Hong Lim
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (W.-J.L.); (Y.O.); (X.-Q.F.); (S.L.); (C.-H.L.); (J.P.)
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, BK21 Program, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-43-840-3567
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19
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Støer NC, Bouche G, Pantziarka P, Sloan EK, Andreassen BK, Botteri E. Use of non-cancer drugs and survival among patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a nationwide registry-based study in Norway. Acta Oncol 2021; 60:1146-1153. [PMID: 34338111 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2021.1953136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis of pancreatic cancer is poor and new treatment strategies are urgently needed. To identify non-cancer drugs that could be re-purposed for cancer, we investigated the association between the use of selected drugs and cancer-specific mortality in a nationwide cohort of pancreatic cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study is based on linkage between the Cancer Registry of Norway and the Norwegian Prescription Database, comprising 2614 pancreatic cancer patients diagnosed between 2007 and 2014. We evaluated the association between use at diagnosis of a pre-defined list of non-cancer drugs, including metformin, antihypertensives, and statins, and pancreatic cancer-specific mortality, using Cox regression. Patients were defined as users of a particular drug if it was prescribed before diagnosis, and the prescription covered the date of diagnosis. RESULTS In total, 2096 (80.2%) patients died from pancreatic cancer; median survival was 6 months. Statin users (n = 621) had lower mortality (hazard ratio (HR): 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76-0.97) compared to non-users (n = 1993). This association was more pronounced (P-heterogeneity 0.062) in users of hydrophilic (n = 37, HR: 0.61; 95% CI 0.42-0.90) than lipophilic (n = 587, HR: 0.87; 95% CI 0.78-0.98) statins. An indication for lower mortality (HR: 0.85; 95% CI 0.69-1.05) was observed in users of non-selective beta-blockers (n = 113) compared to non-users (n = 2501). Notably, when compared to users of other antihypertensives (n = 643), users of non-selective beta-blockers (n = 40) had lower mortality (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.47-0.96). The use of other drugs, including selective beta-blockers and metformin, was not associated with mortality. CONCLUSION The findings suggest an association between the use of statins and non-selective beta-blockers and reduced pancreatic cancer mortality, and add to the literature supporting the design of randomised clinical trials to evaluate those drugs in the management of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Erica K. Sloan
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Division of Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Edoardo Botteri
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Section for Colorectal Cancer Screening, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
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Bartolacci C, Andreani C, El-Gammal Y, Scaglioni PP. Lipid Metabolism Regulates Oxidative Stress and Ferroptosis in RAS-Driven Cancers: A Perspective on Cancer Progression and Therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:706650. [PMID: 34485382 PMCID: PMC8415548 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.706650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
HRAS, NRAS and KRAS, collectively referred to as oncogenic RAS, are the most frequently mutated driver proto-oncogenes in cancer. Oncogenic RAS aberrantly rewires metabolic pathways promoting the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). In particular, lipids have gained increasing attention serving critical biological roles as building blocks for cellular membranes, moieties for post-translational protein modifications, signaling molecules and substrates for ß-oxidation. However, thus far, the understanding of lipid metabolism in cancer has been hampered by the lack of sensitive analytical platforms able to identify and quantify such complex molecules and to assess their metabolic flux in vitro and, even more so, in primary tumors. Similarly, the role of ROS in RAS-driven cancer cells has remained elusive. On the one hand, ROS are beneficial to the development and progression of precancerous lesions, by upregulating survival and growth factor signaling, on the other, they promote accumulation of oxidative by-products that decrease the threshold of cancer cells to undergo ferroptosis. Here, we overview the recent advances in the study of the relation between RAS and lipid metabolism, in the context of different cancer types. In particular, we will focus our attention on how lipids and oxidative stress can either promote or sensitize to ferroptosis RAS driven cancers. Finally, we will explore whether this fine balance could be modulated for therapeutic gain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pier Paolo Scaglioni
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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21
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Okubo K, Miyai K, Kato K, Asano T, Sato A. Simvastatin-romidepsin combination kills bladder cancer cells synergistically. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101154. [PMID: 34144348 PMCID: PMC8220249 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simvastatin-romidepsin combination kills bladder cancer cells synergistically. The combination induces histone acetylation by activating AMPK. AMPK activation and histone acetylation are associated with ER stress induction. Positive feedback cycle between ER stress induction and PPARγ expression.
The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and thereby induces histone acetylation. We postulated that combining simvastatin with the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor romidepsin would kill bladder cancer cells by inducing histone acetylation cooperatively. The combination of romidepsin and simvastatin induced robust apoptosis and killed bladder cancer cells synergistically. In murine subcutaneous tumor models using MBT-2 cells, a 15-day treatment with 0.5 mg/kg romidepsin and 15 mg/kg simvastatin was well tolerated and inhibited tumor growth significantly. Mechanistically, the combination induced histone acetylation by activating AMPK. The combination also decreased the expression of HDACs, thus further promoting histone acetylation. This AMPK activation was essential for the combination's action because compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, suppressed the combination-induced histone acetylation and the combination's ability to induce apoptosis. We also found that the combination increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ, leading to reactive oxygen species production. Furthermore, the combination induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and this ER stress was shown to be associated with increased AMPK expression and histone acetylation, thus playing an important role in the combination's action. Our study also suggests there is a positive feedback cycle between ER stress induction and PPARγ expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Okubo
- Department of Urology, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Kosuke Miyai
- Department of Basic Pathology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Kimi Kato
- Department of Basic Pathology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Takako Asano
- Department of Urology, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Akinori Sato
- Department of Urology, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan.
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Xelwa N, Candy GP, Devar J, Omoshoro-Jones J, Smith M, Nweke EE. Targeting Growth Factor Signaling Pathways in Pancreatic Cancer: Towards Inhibiting Chemoresistance. Front Oncol 2021; 11:683788. [PMID: 34195085 PMCID: PMC8236623 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.683788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, ranking amongst the top leading cause of cancer related deaths in developed countries. Features such as dense stroma microenvironment, abnormal signaling pathways, and genetic heterogeneity of the tumors contribute to its chemoresistant characteristics. Amongst these features, growth factors have been observed to play crucial roles in cancer cell survival, progression, and chemoresistance. Here we review the role of the individual growth factors in pancreatic cancer chemoresistance. Importantly, the interplay between the tumor microenvironment and chemoresistance is explored in the context of pivotal role played by growth factors. We further describe current and future potential therapeutic targeting of these factors.
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Post-Diagnostic Statin Use Reduces Mortality in South Korean Patients with Dyslipidemia and Gastrointestinal Cancer. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112361. [PMID: 34072162 PMCID: PMC8198926 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112361] [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: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Statins play a role in lowering serum cholesterol and are known to have pleiotropic effects in a variety of diseases, including cancer. Despite the beneficial effects of statins in dyslipidemia patients, the treatment rate for dyslipidemia in Korea remains low, and evidence supporting the continued use of statins is lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of continued statin use and dosage on patient mortality after diagnosis of dyslipidemia and gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Methods: We used data from the National Health Insurance Sampling (NHIS) cohort to evaluate patients diagnosed with dyslipidemia from 2002 to 2015. A total of 901 GI cancer patients with dyslipidemia and 62,727 non-cancer dyslipidemia patients were included in the study. During the study period, each patient’s medication possession ratio (MPR) after diagnosis was evaluated as a measure of continued statin use. Statin dosage was measured based on a defined daily dose (DDD). Finally, we used Cox-proportional hazard ratios to identify associations between the continual use of statins and mortality in patients with dyslipidemia and GI cancer. Results: In our study, mortality decreased with increasing MPR and reached significance in MPRs exceeding 50% for GI cancer patients and 75% for dyslipidemia patients compared to patients that did not use statins. Moreover, patients with high MPRs had significantly reduced 5-year mortality compared to non-users, and cause-specific mortality analyses revealed that high MPR was associated with decreased colorectal cancer death. We did not find a significant dose–response relationship between statins and mortality. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that continued statin use after diagnosis is associated with reduced patient mortality. Altogether, these results support the continued use of statins in dyslipidemia patients with and without GI cancer and highlight the importance of patient education by healthcare providers.
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Madan B, Virshup DM, Nes WD, Leaver DJ. Unearthing the Janus-face cholesterogenesis pathways in cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 196:114611. [PMID: 34010597 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol biosynthesis, primarily associated with eukaryotes, occurs as an essential component of human metabolism with biosynthetic deregulation a factor in cancer viability. The segment that partitions between squalene and the C27-end cholesterol yields the main cholesterogenesis branch subdivided into the Bloch and Kandutsch-Russell pathways. Their importance in cell viability, in normal growth and development originates primarily from the amphipathic property and shape of the cholesterol molecule which makes it suitable as a membrane insert. Cholesterol can also convert to variant oxygenated product metabolites of distinct function producing a complex interplay between cholesterol synthesis and overall steroidogenesis. In this review, we disassociate the two sides of cholesterogenesisis affecting the type and amounts of systemic sterols-one which is beneficial to human welfare while the other dysfunctional leading to misery and disease that could result in premature death. Our focus here is first to examine the cholesterol biosynthetic genes, enzymes, and order of biosynthetic intermediates in human cholesterogenesis pathways, then compare the effect of proximal and distal inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis against normal and cancer cell growth and metabolism. Collectively, the inhibitor studies of druggable enzymes and specific biosynthetic steps, suggest a potential role of disrupted cholesterol biosynthesis, in coordination with imported cholesterol, as a factor in cancer development and as discussed some of these inhibitors have chemotherapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babita Madan
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David M Virshup
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - W David Nes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
| | - David J Leaver
- Department of Biology, Geology, and Physical Sciences, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, TX, USA.
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Guerra B, Recio C, Aranda-Tavío H, Guerra-Rodríguez M, García-Castellano JM, Fernández-Pérez L. The Mevalonate Pathway, a Metabolic Target in Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:626971. [PMID: 33718197 PMCID: PMC7947625 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.626971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of cancer cells includes a metabolic reprograming that provides energy, the essential building blocks, and signaling required to maintain survival, rapid growth, metastasis, and drug resistance of many cancers. The influence of tumor microenviroment on cancer cells also results an essential driving force for cancer progression and drug resistance. Lipid-related enzymes, lipid-derived metabolites and/or signaling pathways linked to critical regulators of lipid metabolism can influence gene expression and chromatin remodeling, cellular differentiation, stress response pathways, or tumor microenviroment, and, collectively, drive tumor development. Reprograming of lipid metabolism includes a deregulated activity of mevalonate (MVA)/cholesterol biosynthetic pathway in specific cancer cells which, in comparison with normal cell counterparts, are dependent of the continuous availability of MVA/cholesterol-derived metabolites (i.e., sterols and non-sterol intermediates) for tumor development. Accordingly, there are increasing amount of data, from preclinical and epidemiological studies, that support an inverse association between the use of statins, potent inhibitors of MVA biosynthetic pathway, and mortality rate in specific cancers (e.g., colon, prostate, liver, breast, hematological malignances). In contrast, despite the tolerance and therapeutic efficacy shown by statins in cardiovascular disease, cancer treatment demands the use of relatively high doses of single statins for a prolonged period, thereby limiting this therapeutic strategy due to adverse effects. Clinically relevant, synergistic effects of tolerable doses of statins with conventional chemotherapy might enhance efficacy with lower doses of each drug and, probably, reduce adverse effects and resistance. In spite of that, clinical trials to identify combinatory therapies that improve therapeutic window are still a challenge. In the present review, we revisit molecular evidences showing that deregulated activity of MVA biosynthetic pathway has an essential role in oncogenesis and drug resistance, and the potential use of MVA pathway inhibitors to improve therapeutic window in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borja Guerra
- Molecular and Translational Pharmacology Lab, Institute for Biomedical and Health Research (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Carlota Recio
- Molecular and Translational Pharmacology Lab, Institute for Biomedical and Health Research (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Haidée Aranda-Tavío
- Molecular and Translational Pharmacology Lab, Institute for Biomedical and Health Research (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Miguel Guerra-Rodríguez
- Molecular and Translational Pharmacology Lab, Institute for Biomedical and Health Research (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José M García-Castellano
- Molecular and Translational Pharmacology Lab, Institute for Biomedical and Health Research (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Leandro Fernández-Pérez
- Molecular and Translational Pharmacology Lab, Institute for Biomedical and Health Research (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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26
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Luo Y, Li X, Ma J, Abbruzzese JL, Lu W. Pancreatic Tumorigenesis: Oncogenic KRAS and the Vulnerability of the Pancreas to Obesity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040778. [PMID: 33668583 PMCID: PMC7918840 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with a poor survival rate, and oncogenic mutant KRAS is a major driver of its initiation and progression; however, effective strategies/drugs targeting major forms of mutant KRAS have not been forthcoming. Of note, obesity is known to worsen mutant KRAS-mediated pathologies, leading to PDAC with high penetrance; however, the mechanistic link between obesity and pancreatic cancer remains elusive. The recent discovery of FGF21 as an anti-obesity and anti-inflammation factor and as a downstream target of KRAS has shed new light on the problem. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies and KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog) mutations have been considered a critical driver of PDAC initiation and progression. However, the effects of mutant KRAS alone do not recapitulate the full spectrum of pancreatic pathologies associated with PDAC development in adults. Historically, mutant KRAS was regarded as constitutively active; however, recent studies have shown that endogenous levels of mutant KRAS are not constitutively fully active and its activity is still subject to up-regulation by upstream stimuli. Obesity is a metabolic disease that induces a chronic, low-grade inflammation called meta-inflammation and has long been recognized clinically as a major modifiable risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It has been shown in different animal models that obesogenic high-fat diet (HFD) and pancreatic inflammation promote the rapid development of mutant KRAS-mediated PDAC with high penetrance. However, it is not clear why the pancreas with endogenous levels of mutant KRAS is vulnerable to chronic HFD and inflammatory challenges. Recently, the discovery of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) as a novel anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory factor and as a downstream target of mutant KRAS has shed new light on this problem. This review is intended to provide an update on our knowledge of the vulnerability of the pancreas to KRAS-mediated invasive PDAC in the context of challenges engendered by obesity and associated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongde Luo
- The First Affiliated Hospital & School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China;
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA;
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Xiaokun Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital & School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China;
| | - Jianjia Ma
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA;
| | - James L. Abbruzzese
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
| | - Weiqin Lu
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA;
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (W.L.)
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27
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Joharatnam-Hogan N, Alexandre L, Yarmolinsky J, Lake B, Capps N, Martin RM, Ring A, Cafferty F, Langley RE. Statins as Potential Chemoprevention or Therapeutic Agents in Cancer: a Model for Evaluating Repurposed Drugs. Curr Oncol Rep 2021; 23:29. [PMID: 33582975 PMCID: PMC7882549 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01023-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Repurposing established medicines for a new therapeutic indication potentially has important global and societal impact. The high costs and slow pace of new drug development have increased interest in more cost-effective repurposed drugs, particularly in the cancer arena. The conventional drug development pathway and evidence framework are not designed for drug repurposing and there is currently no consensus on establishing the evidence base before embarking on a large, resource intensive, potential practice changing phase III randomised controlled trial (RCT). Numerous observational studies have suggested a potential role for statins as a repurposed drug for cancer chemoprevention and therapy, and we review the strength of the cumulative evidence here. RECENT FINDINGS In the setting of cancer, a potential repurposed drug, like statins, typically goes through a cyclical history, with initial use for several years in another disease setting, prior to epidemiological research identifying a possible chemo-protective effect. However, further information is required, including review of RCT data in the initial disease setting with exploration of cancer outcomes. Additionally, more contemporary methods should be considered, such as Mendelian randomization and pharmaco-epidemiological research with "target" trial design emulation using electronic health records. Pre-clinical and traditional observational data potentially support the role of statins in the treatment of cancer; however, randomised trial evidence is not supportive. Evaluation of contemporary methods provides little added support for the use of statin therapy in cancer. We provide complementary evidence of alternative study designs to enable a robust critical appraisal from a number of sources of the go/no-go decision for a prospective phase III RCT of statins in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalinie Joharatnam-Hogan
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK.
- Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, UK.
| | - Leo Alexandre
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, Norwich, UK
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - James Yarmolinsky
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Blossom Lake
- The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, Shrewsbury, UK
| | - Nigel Capps
- The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, Shrewsbury, UK
| | - Richard M Martin
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Integrative Epidemiology Unit; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - Alistair Ring
- Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, UK
| | - Fay Cafferty
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Ruth E Langley
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
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28
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Yeh C, Bates SE. Two decades of research toward the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer: Remarkable effort and limited gain. Semin Oncol 2021; 48:34-46. [PMID: 33712267 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy that is diagnosed at the locally advanced or metastatic stage in approximately 80% of cases. Relative to other tumor types, progress in the treatment of this disease has been painfully slow. While agents targeting DNA repair have proven successful in a subset of patients, the majority of PDACs do not exhibit validated molecular targets. Hence, conventional chemotherapy remains at the forefront of therapy for this disease. In this review, we study two decades of efforts to improve upon the gemcitabine backbone - 67 phase II and III trials enrolling 16,446 patients - that culminated in the approvals of gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (Gem/NabP) and FOLFIRINOX. Today, these remain gold standards for the first-line treatment of locally advanced unresectable and metastatic PDAC, while ongoing efforts focus on improving upon the Gem/NabP backbone. Because real world data often do not reflect the data of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we also summarize the retrospective evidence comparing the efficacy of Gem/NabP and FOLFIRINOX in the first-line setting - 29 studies reporting a median overall survival of 10.7 and 9.1 months for FOLFIRINOX and Gem/NabP, respectively. These values are surprisingly comparable to those reported by the pivotal RCTs at 11.1 and 8.5 months. Finally, there is a paucity of RCT data regarding the efficacy of second-line therapy. Hence, we conclude this review by summarizing the data that ultimately demonstrate a small but significant survival benefit of second-line therapy with Gem/NabP or FOLFIRINOX. Collectively, these studies describe the long journey, the steady effort, and the myriad lessons to be learned from 20 years of PDAC trials to inform strategies for success in clinical trials moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Yeh
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Susan E Bates
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY; Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY.
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29
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Chen C, Wu H, Kong D, Xu Y, Zhang Z, Chen F, Zou L, Li Z, Shui J, Luo H, Liu SH, Yu J, Wang K, Brunicardi FC. Transcriptome sequencing analysis reveals unique and shared antitumor effects of three statins in pancreatic cancer. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:2569-2580. [PMID: 33125137 PMCID: PMC7640361 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Statins, a class of commonly prescribed cholesterol‑lowering medications, have been revealed to influence the risk of multiple types of cancer. However, the antitumor effects of statins on pancreatic cancer and their differential efficacy among a variety of statins are not currently well‑defined. The aim of the present study was therefore to identify and compare the genes and related biological pathways that were affected by each individual statin on pancreatic cancer. Two human pancreatic cancer cell lines, MiaPaCa2 and PANC1, were exposed to three statins, lovastatin, fluvastatin and simvastatin. The inhibitory effect of statins on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation was first validated. Next, RNA‑seq analysis was used to determine the gene expression alterations in either low (2 µM) or high (20 µM) statin concentration‑treated cancer cells. Marked differences in gene transcription profiles of both pancreatic cancer cell lines exposed to high concentration statins were observed. Notably, the high concentration statins significantly suppressed core‑gene CCNA2‑associated cell cycle and DNA replication pathways and upregulated genes involved in ribosome and autophagy pathways. However, the low concentration statin‑induced gene expression alterations were only detected in MiaPaCa2 cells. In conclusion, a marked difference in the intra and inter cell‑type performance of pancreatic cancer cells exposed to a variety of statins at low or high concentrations was reported herein, which may provide insights for the potential clinical use of statins in future pancreatic cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Chen
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
- Yunnan Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Hongjin Wu
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
- Yunnan Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Deshengyue Kong
- Yunnan Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Yu Xu
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
- Yunnan Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Zunyue Zhang
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
- Yunnan Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Fengrong Chen
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
- Yunnan Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zou
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
- Yunnan Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Ziwei Li
- Shanghai International Travel Healthcare Center, Shanghai 200000, P.R. China
| | - Jin Shui
- Shanghai International Travel Healthcare Center, Shanghai 200000, P.R. China
| | - Huayou Luo
- Yunnan Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Shi-He Liu
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Juehua Yu
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
- Yunnan Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Kunhua Wang
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
- Yunnan Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - F. Charles Brunicardi
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
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30
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Thomas JP, Loke YK, Alexandre L. Efficacy and safety profile of statins in patients with cancer: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 76:1639-1651. [PMID: 32719919 PMCID: PMC7661422 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-020-02967-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE A growing body of preclinical and observational research suggests that statins have potential as a therapeutic strategy in patients with cancer. This systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in patients with solid tumours aimed to determine the efficacy of statin therapy on mortality outcomes, their safety profile and the risk of bias of included studies. METHODS Full-text articles comparing statin therapy versus control in solid tumours and reporting mortality outcomes were identified from Medline and Embase from conception to February 2020. A systematic review with qualitative (primarily) and quantitative synthesis was conducted. This systematic review was prospectively registered (Prospero registration CRD42018116364). RESULTS Eleven trials of 2165 patients were included. Primary tumour sites investigated included lung, colorectal, gastro-oesophageal, pancreatic and liver. Most trials recruited patients with advanced malignancy and used sub-maximal statin doses for relatively short durations. Aside from one trial which demonstrated benefit with allocation to pravastatin 40 mg in hepatocellular carcinoma, the remaining ten trials did not demonstrate efficacy with statins. The pooled hazard ratio for all-cause mortality with allocation to pravastatin in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in two trials was 0.69 (95% confidence interval CI 0.30-1.61). Study estimates were imprecise. There were no clinically important differences in statin-related adverse events between groups. Overall, included trials were deemed low risk of bias. CONCLUSION The trial evidence is not sufficiently robust to confirm or refute the efficacy and safety of statins in patients with solid malignant tumours. Study and patient characteristics may explain this uncertainty. The potential role of high-dose statins in adjuvant settings deserves further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Thomas
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, NR47UY, UK
| | - Yoon K Loke
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Leo Alexandre
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, NR47UY, UK.
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31
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Gu ZT, Li ZZ, Wang CF. Research advances of intracellular mechanisms underlying gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2020; 28:1150-1161. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v28.i22.1150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly malignant tumors that endanger human health, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common histological type. Due to the lack of specific clinical symptoms, physical signs, and effective screening biomarkers for early stage PDAC, only 15%-20% of patients are qualified for surgical resection. Consequently, gemcitabine (GEM)-based monotherapy or combination therapy is still the most important or even the only treatment option. However, the overall response rate of PDAC to GEM is less than 20%, and GEM resistance is one of the most important factors affecting the efficacy of chemotherapy. At present, the mechanism of GEM resistance has not been clarified, which may involve congenital and acquired regulation. The heterogeneity of PDAC further increases its complexity. However, regulation of intracellular signaling pathways is the ultimate event to induce GEM resistance. This article will review the recent advances in research of GEM metabolism and regulation of signaling pathways in PDAC cells, and discuss potential GEM chemosensitization strategies, in order to improve the effective rate of chemotherapy and the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Ting Gu
- Cheng-Feng Wang, State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology & Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center/ Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zong-Ze Li
- Cheng-Feng Wang, State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology & Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center/ Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
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Gabitova-Cornell L, Surumbayeva A, Peri S, Franco-Barraza J, Restifo D, Weitz N, Ogier C, Goldman AR, Hartman TR, Francescone R, Tan Y, Nicolas E, Shah N, Handorf EA, Cai KQ, O'Reilly AM, Sloma I, Chiaverelli R, Moffitt RA, Khazak V, Fang CY, Golemis EA, Cukierman E, Astsaturov I. Cholesterol Pathway Inhibition Induces TGF-β Signaling to Promote Basal Differentiation in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Cell 2020; 38:567-583.e11. [PMID: 32976774 PMCID: PMC7572882 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic transformation alters lipid metabolism to sustain tumor growth. We define a mechanism by which cholesterol metabolism controls the development and differentiation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Disruption of distal cholesterol biosynthesis by conditional inactivation of the rate-limiting enzyme Nsdhl or treatment with cholesterol-lowering statins switches glandular pancreatic carcinomas to a basal (mesenchymal) phenotype in mouse models driven by KrasG12D expression and homozygous Trp53 loss. Consistently, PDACs in patients receiving statins show enhanced mesenchymal features. Mechanistically, statins and NSDHL loss induce SREBP1 activation, which promotes the expression of Tgfb1, enabling epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Evidence from patient samples in this study suggests that activation of transforming growth factor β signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by cholesterol-lowering statins may promote the basal type of PDAC, conferring poor outcomes in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linara Gabitova-Cornell
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; The Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aizhan Surumbayeva
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; The Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Suraj Peri
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Janusz Franco-Barraza
- The Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Diana Restifo
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; The Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicole Weitz
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; The Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Charline Ogier
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; The Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aaron R Goldman
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tiffiney R Hartman
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Ralph Francescone
- The Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yinfei Tan
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emmanuelle Nicolas
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Neelima Shah
- The Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Handorf
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathy Q Cai
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alana M O'Reilly
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Ido Sloma
- Champions Oncology, Inc., Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | | | - Richard A Moffitt
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | - Carolyn Y Fang
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Erica A Golemis
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Edna Cukierman
- The Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Igor Astsaturov
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; The Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation.
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Longo J, van Leeuwen JE, Elbaz M, Branchard E, Penn LZ. Statins as Anticancer Agents in the Era of Precision Medicine. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:5791-5800. [PMID: 32887721 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-1967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Statins are widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR), the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate metabolic pathway. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that certain cancers depend on the mevalonate pathway for growth and survival, and, therefore, are vulnerable to statin therapy. However, these immediately available, well-tolerated, and inexpensive drugs have yet to be successfully repurposed and integrated into cancer patient care. In this review, we highlight recent advances and outline important considerations for advancing statins to clinical trials in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Longo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jenna E van Leeuwen
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohamad Elbaz
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily Branchard
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Linda Z Penn
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of a Combination of Simvastatin and Chemotherapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2020; 2020:4174395. [PMID: 32849871 PMCID: PMC7436279 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4174395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical studies support the anticancer activity of statins; however, the existing clinical evidence is inconsistent and not definitive. Our study aimed at evaluating a postulated cancer chemo-sensitizing effect of statin (simvastatin) in a cohort of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. We designed a prospective, single-centered, randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled trial that encompassed MBC patients with an ECOG Performance Status Scale ≤2 and scheduled to be treated with a chemotherapy regimen consisting of carboplatin and vinorelbine every 3 weeks at Al-Baironi Hospital, Damascus, Syria. Patients were enrolled between August 2011 and July 2012 and randomly allocated to receive a 15-day course of either simvastatin (40 mg) or placebo seven days prior to the first day of each chemotherapy cycle and then continued for eight days in each individual cycle. Primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) and toxicity, and the secondary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Eighty-two patients met the inclusion criteria and consented. ORR (35% vs. 32.5%) and predominant toxicity and grade ≥3 neutropenia (occurred in 30% vs. 40% of the patients) were not significantly different between simvastatin and placebo groups, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 44 months (range, 10-60), median OS was 15 months in the simvastatin group and 17 the in placebo group (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.16, 95% CI (0.70-1.91), P=0.57). Elevated baseline values of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP >10 mg/l), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH >480 U/L), and chemotherapy being ≥2nd line were significantly associated with shorter OS for the total cohort in both Univariate and multivariate analyses. Our data prove a safe profile of simvastatin at 40 mg per day combined with carboplatin and vinorelbine in MBC patients but without any beneficial increase of tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy. Moreover, we demonstrated a strong clinical advantage of baseline values of hsCRP and LDH as useful prognostic tools in MBC patients. This trial is registered with ISRCTN12964275.
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The Role of Dysfunctional Adipose Tissue in Pancreatic Cancer: A Molecular Perspective. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071849. [PMID: 32659999 PMCID: PMC7408631 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a lethal malignancy with rising incidence and limited therapeutic options. Obesity is a well-established risk factor for PC development. Moreover, it negatively affects outcome in PC patients. Excessive fat accumulation in obese, over- and normal-weight individuals induces metabolic and inflammatory changes of adipose tissue microenvironment leading to a dysfunctional adipose “organ”. This may drive the association between abnormal fat accumulation and pancreatic cancer. In this review, we describe several molecular mechanisms that underpin this association at both local and systemic levels. We focus on the role of adipose tissue-derived circulating factors including adipokines, hormones and pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as on the impact of the local adipose tissue in promoting PC. A discussion on potential therapeutic interventions, interfering with pro-tumorigenic effects of dysfunctional adipose tissue in PC, is included. Considering the raise of global obesity, research efforts to uncover the molecular basis of the relationship between pancreatic cancer and adipose tissue dysfunction may provide novel insights for the prevention of this deadly disease. In addition, these efforts may uncover novel targets for personalized interventional strategies aimed at improving the currently unsatisfactory PC therapeutic options.
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Cordes T, Metallo CM. Statins Limit Coenzyme Q Synthesis and Metabolically Synergize with MEK Inhibition in Pancreatic Tumors. Cancer Res 2020; 80:151-152. [PMID: 31941676 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumors frequently increase expression of enzymes in the mevalonate biosynthesis pathway. Statins inhibit flux through this pathway, but if and how such treatments elicit a therapeutic benefit in cancer remains unclear. In this issue of Cancer Research, McGregor and colleagues perform in vivo metabolic tracing to demonstrate that mouse pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors and human PDAC cell lines require this pathway for coenzyme Q (CoQ) synthesis and redox homeostasis. Simvastatin treatment reduces CoQ synthesis and promotes oxidative stress and apoptosis in tumors when administered in combination with a MEK inhibitor, providing a new mechanism through which statin treatment may impact PDAC growth.See related article by McGregor et al., p. 175.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thekla Cordes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Christian M Metallo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California. .,Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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Shen Y, Li M, Sun F, Zhang Y, Qu C, Zhou M, Shen F, Xu L. Low-dose photodynamic therapy-induced increase in the metastatic potential of pancreatic tumor cells and its blockade by simvastatin. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2020; 207:111889. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.111889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Bosch J, Gracia-Sancho J, Abraldes JG. Cirrhosis as new indication for statins. Gut 2020; 69:953-962. [PMID: 32139553 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the recent years, there have been an increasing number of reports on favourable effects of statins in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. These include reduction in portal pressure, improved liver sinusoidal endothelial and hepatic microvascular dysfunction, decreased fibrogenesis, protection against ischaemia/reperfusion injury, safe prolongation of ex vivo liver graft preservation, reduced sensitivity to endotoxin-mediated liver damage, protection from acute-on-chronic liver failure, prevention of liver injury following hypovolaemic shock and preventing/delaying progression of cirrhosis of any aetiology. Moreover, statins have been shown to have potential beneficial effects in the progression of other liver diseases, such as chronic sclerosing cholangitis and in preventing hepatocellular carcinoma. Because of these many theoretically favourable effects, statins have evolved from being considered a risk to kind of wonder drugs for patients with chronic liver diseases. The present article reviews the current knowledge on the potential applications of statins in chronic liver diseases, from its mechanistic background to objective evidence from clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Bosch
- Inselspital Universitatsspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland .,Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Inselspital Universitatsspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland .,Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan G Abraldes
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Tamburrino D, Crippa S, Partelli S, Archibugi L, Arcidiacono PG, Falconi M, Capurso G. Statin use improves survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A meta-analysis. Dig Liver Dis 2020; 52:392-399. [PMID: 32113888 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies on statins' effect on survival of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) report conflicting results. AIMS To evaluate the association between statin use and PDAC patients' survival. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed including case-control, cohort studies and randomized controlled trials assessing the association between statin use and survival in PDAC patients. Pooled HRs with 95%CIs were calculated using random effects model; publication bias was assessed through Begg and Mazumdar test and heterogeneity by I2 value. RESULTS 14 studies with 33,137 PDAC patients, 40% under statins, were included. Statins use was associated to a reduced death risk (HR 0.871; 95%CI: 0.819; 0.927; p = 0.0001) suggesting a protective effect, homogeneous for different geographic areas. This effect was significant in surgically resected patients (HR 0.50; 95%CI: 0.32; 0.76; p = 0.001) but not in those with advanced disease (HR 0.78; 95%CI: 0.59; 1.02; p = 0.07). In studies providing information on statin type, only rosuvastatin resulted associated to a reduced risk of death (HR 0.88; 95%CI: 0.81; 0.96; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Statins use is significantly associated with a reduced risk of death in resected PDAC patients. This finding has to be considered with caution due to publication bias and the availability of only few studies for sensitivity analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Tamburrino
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; PhD Candidate in Digestive Oncology, "La Sapienza University" Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Crippa
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Partelli
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Livia Archibugi
- Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Giorgio Arcidiacono
- Vita Salute University, Milan, Italy; Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Falconi
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Capurso
- Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
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The therapeutic potential of Aurora kinases targeting in glioblastoma: from preclinical research to translational oncology. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:495-512. [PMID: 32219470 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01895-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common aggressive primary brain tumor. Standard care includes maximal safe surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy with temozolomide. However, the impact of this therapeutic approach on patient survival is disappointing and poor outcomes are frequently observed. Therefore, new therapeutic targets are needed to treat this potentially deadly tumor. Aurora kinases are one of today's most sought-after classes of therapeutic targets to glioblastoma therapy. They are a family of proteins composed of three members: Aurora-A, Aurora-B, and Aurora-C that play different roles in the cell division through regulation of chromosome segregation. Deregulation of these genes has been reported in glioblastoma and a progressive number of studies have shown that inhibition of these proteins could be a promising strategy for the treatment of this tumor. This review discusses the preclinical and early clinical findings on the potential use of the Aurora kinases as new targets for the treatment of glioblastoma. KEY MESSAGES: GBM is a very aggressive tumor with limited therapeutic options. Aurora kinases are a family of serine/threonine kinases implicated in GBM pathology. Aurora kinases are critical for glioblastoma cell growth, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. Inhibition of Aurora kinases has a synergistic or sensitizing effect with chemotherapy drugs, radiotherapy, or with other targeted molecules in GBM. Several Aurora kinase inhibitors are currently in clinical trials.
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Qin C, Yang G, Yang J, Ren B, Wang H, Chen G, Zhao F, You L, Wang W, Zhao Y. Metabolism of pancreatic cancer: paving the way to better anticancer strategies. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:50. [PMID: 32122374 PMCID: PMC7053123 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is currently one of the most lethal diseases. In recent years, increasing evidence has shown that reprogrammed metabolism may play a critical role in the carcinogenesis, progression, treatment and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Affected by internal or external factors, pancreatic cancer cells adopt extensively distinct metabolic processes to meet their demand for growth. Rewired glucose, amino acid and lipid metabolism and metabolic crosstalk within the tumor microenvironment contribute to unlimited pancreatic tumor progression. In addition, the metabolic reprogramming involved in pancreatic cancer resistance is also closely related to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, and results in a poor prognosis. Reflective of the key role of metabolism, the number of preclinical and clinical trials about metabolism-targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer is increasing. The poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients might be largely improved after employing therapies that regulate metabolism. Thus, investigations of metabolism not only benefit the understanding of carcinogenesis and cancer progression but also provide new insights for treatments against pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Gang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Jinshou Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Bo Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Huanyu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Guangyu Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Fangyu Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Lei You
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China. .,Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, PR China.
| | - Weibin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China. .,Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, PR China.
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China. .,Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, PR China.
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Alexandre L, Clark AB, Walton S, Lewis MP, Kumar B, Cheong EC, Warren H, Kadirkamanathan SS, Parsons SL, Dresner SM, Sims E, Jones M, Hammond M, Flather M, Loke YK, Swart AM, Hart AR. Adjuvant statin therapy for oesophageal adenocarcinoma: the STAT-ROC feasibility study. BJS Open 2020; 4:59-70. [PMID: 32011825 PMCID: PMC6996637 DOI: 10.1002/bjs5.50239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins inhibit proliferative signalling in oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) and their use is associated with better survival in observational studies. The present study was undertaken to examine the feasibility of assessing adjuvant statin therapy in patients with operable OAC in a phase III RCT. METHODS For this multicentre, double-blind, parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled feasibility trial, adults with OAC (including Siewert I-II lesions) who had undergone oesophagectomy were centrally allocated (1 : 1) to simvastatin 40 mg or matching placebo by block randomization, stratified by centre. Participants, clinicians and investigators were blinded to treatment allocation. Patients received treatment for up to 1 year. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, retention, drug absorption, adherence, safety, quality of life, generalizability and survival. RESULTS A total of 120 patients were assessed for eligibility at four centres, of whom 32 (26·7 per cent) were randomized, 16 in each group. Seven patients withdrew. Participants allocated to simvastatin had lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 3 months (adjusted mean difference -0·83 (95 per cent c.i. -1·4 to -0·22) mmol/l; P = 0·009). Median adherence to medication was greater than 90 per cent between 3 and 12 months' follow-up. Adverse events were similar between the groups. Quality-of-life data were complete for 98·3 per cent of questionnaire items. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and aspirin use were more prevalent in the non-randomized group, whereas tumour site, stage and grade were similar between groups. Survival estimates were imprecise. CONCLUSION This RCT supports the conduct and informs the design considerations for a future phase III trial of adjuvant statin therapy in patients with OAC. Registration number: ISRCTN98060456 (www.isrctn/com).
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Alexandre
- Norwich Medical School, University of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - A. B. Clark
- Norwich Medical School, University of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | | | - M. P. Lewis
- Department of General SurgeryNorfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation TrustNorwichUK
| | - B. Kumar
- Department of General SurgeryNorfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation TrustNorwichUK
| | - E. C. Cheong
- Department of General SurgeryNorfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation TrustNorwichUK
| | - H. Warren
- Department of General SurgeryQueen Elizabeth HospitalKing's LynnUK
| | - S. S. Kadirkamanathan
- Department of General Surgery, Broomfield HospitalMid Essex Hospital Services NHS TrustChelmsfordUK
| | - S. L. Parsons
- Department of Surgery, Nottingham City HospitalNottingham University Hospitals NHS TrustNottinghamUK
| | - S. M. Dresner
- Department of General SurgeryJames Cook University HospitalMiddlesbroughUK
| | - E. Sims
- Norwich Medical School, University of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - M. Jones
- Norwich Medical School, University of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - M. Hammond
- Norwich Medical School, University of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - M. Flather
- Norwich Medical School, University of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Y. K. Loke
- Norwich Medical School, University of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - A. M. Swart
- Norwich Medical School, University of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - A. R. Hart
- Norwich Medical School, University of East AngliaNorwichUK
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McGregor GH, Campbell AD, Fey SK, Tumanov S, Sumpton D, Blanco GR, Mackay G, Nixon C, Vazquez A, Sansom OJ, Kamphorst JJ. Targeting the Metabolic Response to Statin-Mediated Oxidative Stress Produces a Synergistic Antitumor Response. Cancer Res 2020; 80:175-188. [PMID: 31562248 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Statins are widely prescribed inhibitors of the mevalonate pathway, acting to lower systemic cholesterol levels. The mevalonate pathway is critical for tumorigenesis and is frequently upregulated in cancer. Nonetheless, reported effects of statins on tumor progression are ambiguous, making it unclear whether statins, alone or in combination, can be used for chemotherapy. Here, using advanced mass spectrometry and isotope tracing, we showed that statins only modestly affected cancer cholesterol homeostasis. Instead, they significantly reduced synthesis and levels of another downstream product, the mitochondrial electron carrier coenzyme Q, both in cultured cancer cells and tumors. This compromised oxidative phosphorylation, causing severe oxidative stress. To compensate, cancer cells upregulated antioxidant metabolic pathways, including reductive carboxylation, proline synthesis, and cystine import. Targeting cystine import with an xCT transporter-lowering MEK inhibitor, in combination with statins, caused profound tumor cell death. Thus, statin-induced ROS production in cancer cells can be exploited in a combinatorial regimen. SIGNIFICANCE: Cancer cells induce specific metabolic pathways to alleviate the increased oxidative stress caused by statin treatment, and targeting one of these pathways synergizes with statins to produce a robust antitumor response.See related commentary by Cordes and Metallo, p. 151.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace H McGregor
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sigrid K Fey
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sergey Tumanov
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David Sumpton
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gillian Mackay
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Nixon
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Alexei Vazquez
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jurre J Kamphorst
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Rheos Medicines Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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44
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Okubo K, Isono M, Miyai K, Asano T, Sato A. Fluvastatin potentiates anticancer activity of vorinostat in renal cancer cells. Cancer Sci 2019; 111:112-126. [PMID: 31675763 PMCID: PMC6942444 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repositioning is an emerging approach to developing novel cancer treatments. Vorinostat is a histone deacetylase inhibitor approved for cancer treatment, but it could attenuate its anticancer activity by activating the mTOR pathway. The HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor fluvastatin reportedly activates the mTOR inhibitor AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), and we thought that it would potentiate vorinostat's anticancer activity in renal cancer cells. The combination of vorinostat and fluvastatin induced robust apoptosis and inhibited renal cancer growth effectively both in vitro and in vivo. Vorinostat activated the mTOR pathway, as evidenced by the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6, and fluvastatin inhibited this phosphorylation by activating AMPK. Fluvastatin also enhanced vorinostat‐induced histone acetylation. Furthermore, the combination induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress that was accompanied by aggresome formation. We also found that there was a positive feedback cycle among AMPK activation, histone acetylation, and ER stress induction. This is the first study to report the beneficial combined effect of vorinostat and fluvastatin in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Okubo
- Department of Urology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Makoto Isono
- Department of Urology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Kosuke Miyai
- Department of Basic Pathology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Takako Asano
- Department of Urology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Akinori Sato
- Department of Urology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
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Zhou S, Xu H, Tang Q, Xia H, Bi F. Dipyridamole Enhances the Cytotoxicities of Trametinib against Colon Cancer Cells through Combined Targeting of HMGCS1 and MEK Pathway. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 19:135-146. [PMID: 31554653 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Both the MAPK pathway and mevalonate (MVA) signaling pathway play an increasingly significant role in the carcinogenesis of colorectal carcinoma, whereas the cross-talk between these two pathways and its implication in targeted therapy remains unclear in colorectal carcinoma. Here, we identified that HMGCS1 (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1), the rate-limiting enzyme of the MVA pathway, is overexpressed in colon cancer tissues and positively regulates the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cells. In addition, HMGCS1 could enhance the activity of pERK independent of the MVA pathway, and the suppression of HMGCS1 could completely reduce the EGF-induced proliferation of colon cancer cells. Furthermore, we found that trametinib, a MEK inhibitor, could only partially abolish the upregulation of HMGCS1 induced by EGF treatment, while combination with HMGCS1 knockdown could completely reverse the upregulation of HMGCS1 induced by EGF treatment and increase the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to trametinib. Finally, we combined trametinib and dipyridamole, a common clinically used drug that could suppress the activity of SREBF2 (sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 2), a transcription factor regulating HMGCS1 expression, and identified its synergistic effect in inhibiting the proliferation and survival of colon cancer cells in vitro as well as the in vivo tumorigenic potential of colon cancer cells. Together, the current data indicated that HMGCS1 may be a novel biomarker, and the combination of targeting HMGCS1 and MEK might be a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhou
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Huanji Xu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qiulin Tang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hongwei Xia
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Feng Bi
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
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Jamil A, Aamir Mirza M, Anwer MK, Thakur PS, Alshahrani SM, Alshetaili AS, Telegaonkar S, Panda AK, Iqbal Z. Co-delivery of gemcitabine and simvastatin through PLGA polymeric nanoparticles for the treatment of pancreatic cancer: in-vitro characterization, cellular uptake, and pharmacokinetic studies. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2019; 45:745-753. [PMID: 30632800 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2019.1569040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite the ongoing extensive research, cancer therapeutics still remains an area with unmet needs which is hampered by shortfall in the development of newer medicines. The present study discusses a nano-based combinational approach for treating solid tumor. Dual-loaded nanoparticles encapsulating gemcitabine HCl (GM) and simvastatin (SV) were fabricated by double emulsion solvent evaporation method and optimized. Optimized nanoparticles showed a particle size of 258 ± 2.4 nm, polydispersity index of 0.32 ± 0.052, and zeta potential of -12.5 mV. The size and the morphology of the particles wee further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy, respectively of the particles. The entrapment efficiency of GM and SV in the nanoparticles was 38.5 ± 4.5% and 72.2 ± 5.6%, respectively. The in vitro release profile was studied for 60 h and showed Higuchi release pattern. The cell toxicity was done using MTT assay and lower IC50 was obtained with the nanoparticles as compared to the pure drug. The bioavailability of GM and SV in PLGA nanoparticles was enhanced by 1.4-fold and 1.3-fold respectively, compared to drug solution. The results revealed that co-delivery of GM and SV could be used for its oral delivery for the effective treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeeba Jamil
- a Nanomedicine Laboratory , School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research , Jamia Hamdard , New Delhi , India
| | - Mohd Aamir Mirza
- a Nanomedicine Laboratory , School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research , Jamia Hamdard , New Delhi , India
| | - Md Khalid Anwer
- b Pharmaceutics Department , College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University , Al-Kharj , Saudi Arabia
| | - Pragya S Thakur
- a Nanomedicine Laboratory , School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research , Jamia Hamdard , New Delhi , India
| | - Saad M Alshahrani
- b Pharmaceutics Department , College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University , Al-Kharj , Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah S Alshetaili
- b Pharmaceutics Department , College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University , Al-Kharj , Saudi Arabia
| | - Sushama Telegaonkar
- c Center of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Pharmaceutical Science and Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi , New Delhi , India
| | - Amulya K Panda
- d Product Development Cell, National Institute of Immunology , New Delhi , India
| | - Zeenat Iqbal
- a Nanomedicine Laboratory , School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research , Jamia Hamdard , New Delhi , India
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Gemcitabine Induces Microvesicle Particle Release in a Platelet-Activating Factor-Receptor-Dependent Manner via Modulation of the MAPK Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:ijms20010032. [PMID: 30577630 PMCID: PMC6337552 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies, including ours, have shown that pro-oxidative stressors, such as chemotherapeutic agents, generate oxidized lipids with agonistic platelet-activating factor (PAF) activity. Importantly, recent reports have implicated that these PAF-agonists are transported extracellularly via microvesicle particles (MVPs). While the role of PAF-receptor (PAF-R) has been implicated in mediating chemotherapy effects, its significance in chemotherapy-mediated MVP release in pancreatic cancer has not been studied. The current studies determined the functional significance of PAF-R in gemcitabine chemotherapy-mediated MVP release in human pancreatic cancer cells. Using PAF-R-expressing (PANC-1) and PAF-R-deficient (Hs766T) cells, we demonstrate that gemcitabine induces MVP release in a PAF-R-dependent manner. Blocking of PAF-R via PAF-R antagonist or inhibition of MVP generation via inhibitor of acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase) enzyme, significantly attenuated gemcitabine-mediated MVP release from PANC-1 cells, however, exerted no effects in Hs766T cells. Notably, MVPs from gemcitabine-treated PANC-1 cells, contained a measurable amount of PAF-agonists. Mechanistically, pretreatment with ERK1/2 or p38 inhibitors significantly abrogated gemcitabine-mediated MVP release, indicating the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in PAF-R-dependent gemcitabine-mediated MVP release. These findings demonstrate the significance of PAF-R in gemcitabine-mediated MVP release, as well as the rationale of evaluating PAF-R targeting agents with gemcitabine against pancreatic cancer.
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Farooqi MAM, Malhotra N, Mukherjee SD, Sanger S, Dhesy-Thind SK, Ellis P, Leong DP. Statin therapy in the treatment of active cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209486. [PMID: 30571754 PMCID: PMC6301687 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preclinical evidence suggests statins may have anti-tumor properties. Large observational studies are also consistent with improved survival and cancer-specific outcomes among cancer patients on statins. We sought to evaluate the randomized controlled trials of statins in addition to usual anti-cancer therapy. Methods A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Papers First and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed from inception through to July 4, 2017 to identify randomized clinical trials that investigated statin therapy in cancer patients. Our primary outcome was overall survival and our secondary outcome was progression-free survival. We calculated summary hazard ratio’s (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) based on random-effects models using aggregate data. PROSPERO (CRD42017065503). Results Ten studies with 1,881 individuals were included with 1,572 deaths and a median follow-up of 23 months. All trials included patients with advanced (stage 3 or higher) disease. There was minimal between-study statistical heterogeneity (I2 = 1.8%, for OS; I2 = 0%, for PFS). The pooled HR for overall survival in patients randomized to statins plus standard anti-cancer therapy versus standard therapy alone was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.85 to 1.04). In the 9 studies that reported progression-free survival (1,798 participants), the pooled HR for statin plus standard therapy versus standard therapy alone was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.87 to 1.07). Conclusions In patients with advanced cancer and a prognosis <2 years, the addition of statins to standard anti-cancer therapy does not appear to improve overall survival or progression-free survival. Future research should assess if cancer patients with better prognosis benefit from longer-term statin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A. M. Farooqi
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Nikita Malhotra
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Som D. Mukherjee
- Department of Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | | | - Peter Ellis
- Department of Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Darryl P. Leong
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Zhang S, Xie W, Zou Y, Xie S, Zhang J, Yuan W, Ma J, Zhao J, Zheng C, Chen Y, Wang C. First-line chemotherapy regimens for locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a Bayesian analysis. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:5965-5978. [PMID: 30538546 PMCID: PMC6254987 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s162980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic chemotherapy is the standard treatment for locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer, but there is no consensus on the optimum regimen. We aimed to compare and rank the locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma chemotherapy regimens evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the past 15 years. Materials and methods PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Collaboration database, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for RCTs comparing chemotherapy regimens as first-line treatment for locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinomas. By using Bayesian network meta-analysis, we compared and ranked all included chemotherapy regimens in terms of overall survival, progression-free survival, response rate, and hematological toxicity. Results The analysis included 68 RCTs, with 14,908 patients and 63 treatment strategies. For overall survival, NSC-631570 (hazard ratio [HR] vs gemcitabine monotherapy 0.44, 95% credible interval: 0.24–0.76) and gemcitabine+NSC-631570 (HR 0.45, 0.24–0.86) were the two top-ranked chemotherapy regimens. For progression-free survival, PEFG (cisplatin + epirubicin + fluorouracil + gemcitabine) ranked first (HR 0.51, 0.34–0.77). PG (gemcitabine + pemetrexed) (odds ratio [OR] 4.68, 2.24–9.64) and FLEC (fluorouracil + leucovorin + epirubicin + carboplatin) (OR 4.52, 1.14–24.00) were ranked the most hematologically toxic, with gastrazole having the least toxicity (OR 0.03, 0.00–0.46). Conclusion The chemotherapy regimens NSC-631570 and gemcitabine+NSC-631570 were ranked the most efficacious for locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinomas in terms of overall survival, which warrants further confirmation in large-scale RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuisheng Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, ; .,Department of General Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital
| | - Weimin Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital
| | - Yinghua Zou
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Peking University First Hospital
| | - Shuanghua Xie
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Health Statistics
| | - Jianwei Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, ;
| | - Wei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College.,Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Science
| | - Jie Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College.,Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Science.,Department of Biotherapy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing
| | - Jiuda Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining
| | - Cuiling Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yingtai Chen
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, ;
| | - Chengfeng Wang
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, ;
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Derle A, De Santis MC, Gozzelino L, Ratto E, Martini M. The role of metabolic adaptation to nutrient stress in pancreatic cancer. Cell Stress 2018; 2:332-339. [PMID: 31225458 PMCID: PMC6551672 DOI: 10.15698/cst2018.12.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related mortality, with a dismal prognosis that has changed little over the past few decades. Despite extensive efforts in understanding the oncogenetics of this pathology, pancreatic cancer remained largely elusive. One of the main characteristics of pancreatic cancer is the reduced level of oxygen and nutrient perfusion, caused by the new matrix formation, through the activation of stromal cells (desmoplasia). This stromal reaction leads to metabolic adaptations in surviving tumor cells in order to cope with these challenging conditions. The oncogenic signaling driven by KRAS mutation is necessary to fuel pancreatic tumors by activating key metabolic processes, including enhanced glycolysis and glutamine consumption. Here we review our current understanding of the pancreatic cancer metabolism as well as discuss recent work pointing to the importance of various metabolic strategies as well as autophagy and macropinocytosis as critical nutrient supply pathways. The elucidation of these metabolic networks may highlight new opportunities to further develop novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Derle
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Science, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Contributed equally to this manuscript
| | - Maria Chiara De Santis
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Science, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Contributed equally to this manuscript
| | - Luca Gozzelino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Science, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Contributed equally to this manuscript
| | - Edoardo Ratto
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Science, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Contributed equally to this manuscript
| | - Miriam Martini
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Science, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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