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Nonnenbroich LF, Bouchal SM, Millesi E, Rechberger JS, Khatua S, Daniels DJ. H3K27-Altered Diffuse Midline Glioma of the Brainstem: From Molecular Mechanisms to Targeted Interventions. Cells 2024; 13:1122. [PMID: 38994974 PMCID: PMC11240752 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131122] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas are a devastating subset of brain tumors, characterized by their aggressive pathophysiology and limited treatment options. Among them, H3 K27-altered diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) of the brainstem stand out due to their distinct molecular features and dismal prognosis. Recent advances in molecular profiling techniques have unveiled the critical role of H3 K27 alterations, particularly a lysine-to-methionine mutation on position 27 (K27M) of the histone H3 tail, in the pathogenesis of DMG. These mutations result in epigenetic dysregulation, which leads to altered chromatin structure and gene expression patterns in DMG tumor cells, ultimately contributing to the aggressive phenotype of DMG. The exploration of targeted therapeutic avenues for DMG has gained momentum in recent years. Therapies, including epigenetic modifiers, kinase inhibitors, and immunotherapies, are under active investigation; these approaches aim to disrupt aberrant signaling cascades and overcome the various mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in DMG. Challenges, including blood-brain barrier penetration and DMG tumor heterogeneity, require innovative approaches to improve drug delivery and personalized treatment strategies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving understanding of DMG, focusing on the intricate molecular mechanisms driving tumorigenesis/tumor progression and the current landscape of emerging targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo F. Nonnenbroich
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (L.F.N.); (J.S.R.)
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center, Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Samantha M. Bouchal
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (L.F.N.); (J.S.R.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Elena Millesi
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Research Laboratory of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Julian S. Rechberger
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (L.F.N.); (J.S.R.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Section of Neuro-Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - David J. Daniels
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (L.F.N.); (J.S.R.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Valvi S, Manoharan N, Mateos MK, Hassall TE, Ziegler DS, McCowage GB, Dun MD, Eisenstat DD, Gottardo NG, Hansford JR. Management of patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma in Australia and New Zealand: Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology/Oncology Group position statement. Med J Aust 2024; 220:533-538. [PMID: 38699949 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52295] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The main mission of the Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology and Oncology Group (ANZCHOG) is to develop and facilitate local access to the world's leading evidence-based clinical trials for all paediatric cancers, including brain tumours, as soon as practically possible. Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) - a subset of a larger group of tumours now termed diffuse midline glioma, H3K27-altered (DMG) - are paediatric brain cancers with less than 10% survival at two years. In the absence of any proven curative therapies, significant recent advancements have been made in pre-clinical and clinical research, leading many to seek integration of novel therapies early into standard practice. Despite these innovative therapeutic approaches, DIPG remains an incurable disease for which novel surgical, imaging, diagnostic, radiation and systemic therapy approaches are needed. MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS All patients with DIPG should be discussed in multidisciplinary neuro-oncology meetings (including pathologists, neuroradiologists, radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, medical oncologists) at diagnosis and at relapse or progression. Radiation therapy to the involved field remains the local and international standard of care treatment. Proton therapy does not yield a superior survival outcome compared with photon therapy and patients should undergo radiation therapy with the available modality (photon or proton) at their treatment centre. Patients may receive concurrent chemotherapy or radiation-sensitising agents as part of a clinical trial. Biopsy should be offered to facilitate consideration of experimental therapies and eligibility for clinical trial participation. After radiation therapy, each patient should be managed individually with either observation or considered for enrolment on a clinical trial, if eligible, after full discussion with the family. Re-irradiation can be considered for progressive disease. CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT AS A RESULT OF THE GUIDELINE Every child diagnosed with DIPG should be offered enrolment on a clinical trial where available. Access to investigational drugs without biological rationale outside the clinical trial setting is not supported. In case of potentially actionable target identification with molecular profiling and absence of a suitable clinical trial, rational targeted therapies can be considered through compassionate access programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Valvi
- Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA
- University of Western Australia, Perth, WA
| | - Neevika Manoharan
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, NSW
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
| | - Marion K Mateos
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, NSW
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
| | - Timothy Eg Hassall
- Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD
| | - David S Ziegler
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, NSW
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
| | | | - Matthew D Dun
- University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW
| | - David D Eisenstat
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | - Jordan R Hansford
- Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA
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Geng Y, Xie L, Li J, Wang Y, Li X. Bibliometric analysis of emerging trends and research foci in brainstem tumor field over 30 years (1992-2023). Childs Nerv Syst 2024; 40:1901-1917. [PMID: 38630267 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06404-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Over the past several decades, numerous articles have been published on brainstem tumors. However, there has been limited bibliometric analysis in this field. Therefore, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to elucidate the evolution and current status of brainstem tumor research. METHODS We retrieved 5525 studies published in English between 1992 and 2023 from the Web of Science Core Collection database. We employed bibliometric tools and VOSviewer to conduct the analysis. RESULTS We included a total of 5525 publications for further analysis. The annual publications have exhibited steady growth over time. The United States accounted for the highest number of publications and total citations. Among individual researchers, Liwei Zhang had the highest number of publications, while Cynthia Hawkins and Chris Jones shared the most citations, closely followed by Eric Bouffet in this field. The study titled "Diffuse brainstem glioma in children: critical review of clinical trials" stood out as the most cited work in this field. Keyword analysis revealed that immune therapy and epigenetic research are the focal points of this field. CONCLUSIONS Our bibliometric analysis underscores the enduring significance of brainstem tumors in the realm of neuro-oncology research. The field's hotspots have transitioned from surgery and radiochemotherapy to investigating epigenetic mechanisms and immune therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Geng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Worker Stadium South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Luyang Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinping Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Worker Stadium South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Worker Stadium South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Xiong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Worker Stadium South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.
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Hu Y, Hu P, Peng X. TIM-3 blockade: immune and targeted therapy in DIPG. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:110-112. [PMID: 38092623 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) remains intractable to conventional treatments. While targeted therapy and immuno-oncology advances offer hope, few strategies show promising results. In a recent article in Cancer Cell, Ausejo-Mauleon et al. introduce TIM-3 blockade as a potential breakthrough for DIPG treatment by targeting cancer cells and regulating the immune microenvironment simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Peishan Hu
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Primate Research Center, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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Tosi U, Souweidane M. Diffuse Midline Gliomas: Challenges and New Strategies in a Changing Clinical Landscape. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:219. [PMID: 38201646 PMCID: PMC10778507 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) was first described by Harvey Cushing, the father of modern neurosurgery, a century ago. Since then, the classification of this tumor changed significantly, as it is now part of the broader family of diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), a heterogeneous group of tumors of midline structures encompassing the entire rostro-caudal space, from the thalamus to the spinal cord. DMGs are characterized by various epigenetic events that lead to chromatin remodeling similarities, as two decades of studies made possible by increased tissue availability showed. This new understanding of tumor (epi)biology is now driving novel clinical trials that rely on targeted agents, with finally real hopes for a change in an otherwise unforgiving prognosis. This biological discovery is being paralleled with equally exciting work in therapeutic drug delivery. Invasive and noninvasive platforms have been central to early phase clinical trials with a promising safety track record and anecdotal benefits in outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Tosi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mark Souweidane
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Sanati M, Afshari AR, Ahmadi SS, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Application of RNA-based therapeutics in glioma: A review. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 204:133-161. [PMID: 38458736 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Despite the extensive advancements made in the field of cancer therapy, the outlook of individuals suffering from glioblastoma multiforme remains highly detrimental. The absence of specific treatments for cancerous cells significantly hinders the effectiveness of conventional anticancer techniques. Multiple research studies have demonstrated that the suppression of specific genes or the augmentation of therapeutic proteins through RNA-based therapeutics may represent a valuable approach when combined with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the application of RNA therapeutics in conjunction with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This emerging field has become a prominent area of research for advancing various types of cancer treatments. The present investigation provides an in-depth overview of the classification and application of RNA therapy, focusing on the mechanisms of RNA antitumor treatment and the current status of clinical studies on RNA drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Sanati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Experimental and Animal Study Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Seyed Sajad Ahmadi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Khatam-Ol-Anbia Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Rechberger JS, Bouchal SM, Power EA, Nonnenbroich LF, Nesvick CL, Daniels DJ. Bench-to-bedside investigations of H3 K27-altered diffuse midline glioma: drug targets and potential pharmacotherapies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:1071-1086. [PMID: 37897190 PMCID: PMC11079776 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2277232] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION H3 K27-altered diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is the most common malignant brainstem tumor in the pediatric population. Despite enormous preclinical and clinical efforts, the prognosis remains dismal, with fewer than 10% of patients surviving for two years after diagnosis. Fractionated radiation remains the only standard treatment options for DMG. Developing novel treatments and therapeutic delivery methods is critical to improving outcomes in this devastating disease. AREAS COVERED This review addresses recent advances in molecularly targeted pharmacotherapy and immunotherapy in DMG. The clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, unique pathological challenges, and current clinical trials are highlighted throughout. EXPERT OPINION Promising pharmacotherapies targeting various components of DMG pathology and the application of immunotherapies have the potential to improve patient outcomes. However, novel approaches are needed to truly revolutionize treatment for this tumor. First, combinational therapy should be employed, as DMG can develop resistance to single-agent approaches and many therapies are susceptible to rapid clearance from the brain. Second, drug-tumor residence time, i.e. the time for which a therapeutic is present at efficacious concentrations within the tumor, must be maximized to facilitate a durable treatment response. Engineering extended drug delivery methods with minimal off-tumor toxicity should be a focus of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian S. Rechberger
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Samantha M. Bouchal
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Erica A. Power
- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Leo F. Nonnenbroich
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cody L. Nesvick
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - David J. Daniels
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
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