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Katoh M, Loriot Y, Brandi G, Tavolari S, Wainberg ZA, Katoh M. FGFR-targeted therapeutics: clinical activity, mechanisms of resistance and new directions. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:312-329. [PMID: 38424198 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00869-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling via FGF receptors (FGFR1-4) orchestrates fetal development and contributes to tissue and whole-body homeostasis, but can also promote tumorigenesis. Various agents, including pan-FGFR inhibitors (erdafitinib and futibatinib), FGFR1/2/3 inhibitors (infigratinib and pemigatinib), as well as a range of more-specific agents, have been developed and several have entered clinical use. Erdafitinib is approved for patients with urothelial carcinoma harbouring FGFR2/3 alterations, and futibatinib and pemigatinib are approved for patients with cholangiocarcinoma harbouring FGFR2 fusions and/or rearrangements. Clinical benefit from these agents is in part limited by hyperphosphataemia owing to off-target inhibition of FGFR1 as well as the emergence of resistance mutations in FGFR genes, activation of bypass signalling pathways, concurrent TP53 alterations and possibly epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related isoform switching. The next generation of small-molecule inhibitors, such as lirafugratinib and LOXO-435, and the FGFR2-specific antibody bemarituzumab are expected to have a reduced risk of hyperphosphataemia and the ability to overcome certain resistance mutations. In this Review, we describe the development and current clinical role of FGFR inhibitors and provide perspective on future research directions including expansion of the therapeutic indications for use of FGFR inhibitors, combination of these agents with immune-checkpoint inhibitors and the application of novel technologies, such as artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yohann Loriot
- Drug Development Department (DITEP), Institut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
- INSERM U981, Institut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Tavolari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Zev A Wainberg
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Masaru Katoh
- M & M Precision Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Omics Network, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan.
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Stepien N, Mayr L, Schmook MT, Raimann A, Dorfer C, Peyrl A, Azizi AA, Schramm K, Haberler C, Gojo J. Feasibility and antitumour activity of the FGFR inhibitor erdafitnib in three paediatric CNS tumour patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e30836. [PMID: 38177074 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30836] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Alterations of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling pathway are increasingly recognized as frequent oncogenic drivers of paediatric brain tumours. We report on three patients treated with the selective FGFR1-4 inhibitor erdafitinib. Two patients were diagnosed with a posterior fossa ependymoma group A (PFA EPN) and one with a low-grade glioma (LGG), harbouring FGFR3/FGFR1 overexpression and an FGFR1 internal tandem duplication (ITD), respectively. While both EPN patients did not respond to erdafitinib treatment, the FGFR1-ITD-harbouring tumour showed a significant decrease in tumour volume and contrast enhancement throughout treatment. The tumour remained stable 6 months after treatment discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Stepien
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Mayr
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria T Schmook
- Division of Neuroradiology and Musculoskeletal Radiology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adalbert Raimann
- Clinical Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Vienna Bone and Growth Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Dorfer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Peyrl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amedeo A Azizi
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathrin Schramm
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Glioma Research (B360), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine Haberler
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Gojo
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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3
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Zang D, Dong Z, Liu Y, Chen Q. Single-cell RNA sequencing of anaplastic ependymoma and H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:74. [PMID: 38383423 PMCID: PMC10880286 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03558-7] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplastic ependymoma and H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma are two common subtypes of brain tumors with poor long-term prognosis. The present study analyzed and compared the differences in cell types between two tumors by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology. METHODS ScRNA-seq was performed to profile cells from cancer tissue from anaplastic ependymoma patient and H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma patient. Cell clustering, marker gene identification, cell type annotation, copy number variation analysis and function analysis of differentially expressed genes were then performed. RESULTS A total of 11,219 cells were obtained from anaplastic ependymoma and H3K27M mutant diffuse midline glioma, and these cells categorized into 12 distinct clusters. Each cell cluster could be characterized with specific cell markers to indicate cellular heterogeneity. Five cell types were annotated in each sample, including astrocyte, oligodendrocytes, microglial cell, neural progenitor cell and immune cell. The cluster types and proportion of cell types were not consistent between the two brain tumors. Functional analyses suggest that these cell clusters are involved in tumor-associated pathways, with slight differences in the cells of origin between the two tumors. In addition, cell communication analysis showed that the NRG3-ERBB4 pair is a key Ligand-receptor pair for anaplastic ependymoma, while in H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma it is the PTN-PTPRZ1 pair that establishes contact with other cells. CONCLUSION There was intratumor heterogeneity in anaplastic ependymoma and H3K27M mutant diffuse midline glioma, and that the subtype differences may be due to differences in the origin of the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Zang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, 7019 Yitian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zilong Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, 7019 Yitian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuecheng Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, 7019 Yitian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, 7019 Yitian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Jünger ST, Zschernack V, Messing-Jünger M, Timmermann B, Pietsch T. Ependymoma from Benign to Highly Aggressive Diseases: A Review. Adv Tech Stand Neurosurg 2024; 50:31-62. [PMID: 38592527 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-53578-9_2] [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] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Ependymomas comprise biologically distinct tumor types with respect to age distribution, (epi)genetics, localization, and prognosis. Multimodal risk-stratification, including histopathological and molecular features, is essential in these biologically defined tumor types. Gross total resection (GTR), achieved with intraoperative monitoring and neuronavigation, and if necessary, second-look surgery, is the most effective treatment. Adjuvant radiation therapy is mandatory in high-risk tumors and in case of residual tumor. There is yet growing evidence that some ependymal tumors may be cured by surgery alone. To date, the role of chemotherapy is unclear and subject of current studies.Even though standard therapy can achieve reasonable survival rates for the majority of ependymoma patients, long-term follow-up still reveals a high probability of relapse in certain biological entities.With increasing knowledge of biologically distinct tumor types, risk-adapted adjuvant therapy gains importance. Beyond initial tumor control, and avoidance of therapy-induced morbidity for low-risk patients, intensified treatment for high-risk patients comprises another challenge. With identification of specific risk features regarding molecular alterations, targeted therapy may represent an option for individualized treatment modalities in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie T Jünger
- Department of Neuropathology, DGNN Brain Tumor Reference Center, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany.
- Center for Neurosurgery, Department of General Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Valentina Zschernack
- Department of Neuropathology, DGNN Brain Tumor Reference Center, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Beate Timmermann
- Department of Particle Therapy, University Hospital Essen, West German Proton Therapy Center Essen (WPE), West German Cancer Center (WTZ), Germany, German Cancer Consortium, Essen, Germany
| | - Torsten Pietsch
- Department of Neuropathology, DGNN Brain Tumor Reference Center, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
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Rousseau J, Bennett J, Lim-Fat MJ. Brain Tumors in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Review. Semin Neurol 2023; 43:909-928. [PMID: 37949116 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Brain tumors account for the majority of cancer-related deaths in adolescents and young adults (AYAs), defined as individuals aged 15 to 39. AYAs constitute a distinct population in which both pediatric- and adult-type central nervous system (CNS) tumors can be observed. Clinical manifestations vary depending on tumor location and often include headaches, seizures, focal neurological deficits, and signs of increased intracranial pressure. With the publication of the updated World Health Organization CNS tumor classification in 2021, diagnoses have been redefined to emphasize key molecular alterations. Gliomas represent the majority of malignant brain tumors in this age group. Glioneuronal and neuronal tumors are associated with longstanding refractory epilepsy. The classification of ependymomas and medulloblastomas has been refined, enabling better identification of low-risk tumors that could benefit from treatment de-escalation strategies. Owing to their midline location, germ cell tumors often present with oculomotor and visual alterations as well as endocrinopathies. The management of CNS tumors in AYA is often extrapolated from pediatric and adult guidelines, and generally consists of a combination of surgical resection, radiation therapy, and systemic therapy. Ongoing research is investigating multiple agents targeting molecular alterations, including isocitrate dehydrogenase inhibitors, SHH pathway inhibitors, and BRAF inhibitors. AYA patients with CNS tumors should be managed by multidisciplinary teams and counselled regarding fertility preservation, psychosocial comorbidities, and risks of long-term comorbidities. There is a need for further efforts to design clinical trials targeting CNS tumors in the AYA population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Rousseau
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julie Bennett
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian AYA Neuro-Oncology Network (CANON), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary Jane Lim-Fat
- Canadian AYA Neuro-Oncology Network (CANON), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Zhang Z, Chen Y, Guo Y, Shen H, Wang J, Chen H. RFX2 promotes tumor cell stemness through epigenetic regulation of PAF1 in spinal ependymoma. J Neurooncol 2023; 165:487-497. [PMID: 38057505 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04506-0] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Spinal ependymoma (SE) is a rare tumor that is most commonly low-grade and tends to recur when complete tumor resection is not feasible. We investigated the molecular mechanism induces stem cell features in SE. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to analyze the expression of RFX2 in tumor tissues of SE patients at different stages. The expression of tumor stemness markers (Netsin and CD133) was analyzed using western blot analysis and IF, and the efficiency of sphere formation in SE cells was analyzed. The biological activities of SE cells were analyzed by EdU proliferation assay, TUNEL, wound healing, and Transwell assays. The regulatory relationship of RFX2 on PAF1 was verified by ChIP-qPCR and the dual-luciferase assay. SE cells were injected into the spinal cord of nude mice for in vivo assays. RESULTS RFX2 was higher in the tumor tissues of SE-III patients than in the tumor tissues of SE-I patients. RFX2 knockdown reduced the expression of tumor stemness markers in SE cells and inhibited the sphere formation efficiency. Moreover, RFX2 knockdown ameliorated the malignant progression of SE in nude mice, as manifested by prolonged survival and alleviated SE tumor infiltration. RFX2 bound to the PAF1 promoter to induce its transcription. Overexpression of PAF1 overturned the effects of RFX2 knockdown on stem cell features and biological activities of SE cells, thereby reducing survival in mice. CONCLUSIONS RFX2 activates PAF1 transcription, which promotes tumor stemness of SE cells and leads to the malignant progression of SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yusheng Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanwei Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangtao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Brown LM, Ekert PG, Fleuren EDG. Biological and clinical implications of FGFR aberrations in paediatric and young adult cancers. Oncogene 2023:10.1038/s41388-023-02705-7. [PMID: 37130917 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02705-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Rare but recurrent mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) pathways, most commonly in one of the four FGFR receptor tyrosine kinase genes, can potentially be targeted with broad-spectrum multi-kinase or FGFR selective inhibitors. The complete spectrum of these mutations in paediatric cancers is emerging as precision medicine programs perform comprehensive sequencing of individual tumours. Identification of patients most likely to benefit from FGFR inhibition currently rests on identifying activating FGFR mutations, gene fusions, or gene amplification events. However, the expanding use of transcriptome sequencing (RNAseq) has identified that many tumours overexpress FGFRs, in the absence of any genomic aberration. The challenge now presented is to determine when this indicates true FGFR oncogenic activity. Under-appreciated mechanisms of FGFR pathway activation, including alternate FGFR transcript expression and concomitant FGFR and FGF ligand expression, may mark those tumours where FGFR overexpression is indicative of a dependence on FGFR signalling. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and mechanistic overview of FGFR pathway aberrations and their functional consequences in paediatric cancer. We explore how FGFR over expression might be associated with true receptor activation. Further, we discuss the therapeutic implications of these aberrations in the paediatric setting and outline current and emerging therapeutic strategies to treat paediatric patients with FGFR-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Brown
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul G Ekert
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Emmy D G Fleuren
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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8
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Montero-Hidalgo AJ, Pérez-Gómez JM, Martínez-Fuentes AJ, Gómez-Gómez E, Gahete MD, Jiménez-Vacas JM, Luque RM. Alternative splicing in bladder cancer: potential strategies for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1760. [PMID: 36063028 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Bladder cancer is the most common malignancy of the urinary tract worldwide. The therapeutic options to tackle this disease comprise surgery, intravesical or systemic chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Unfortunately, a wide number of patients ultimately become resistant to these treatments and develop aggressive metastatic disease, presenting a poor prognosis. Therefore, the identification of novel therapeutic approaches to tackle this devastating pathology is urgently needed. However, a significant limitation is that the progression and drug response of bladder cancer is strongly associated with its intrinsic molecular heterogeneity. In this sense, RNA splicing is recently gaining importance as a critical hallmark of cancer since can have a significant clinical value. In fact, a profound dysregulation of the splicing process has been reported in bladder cancer, especially in the expression of certain key splicing variants and circular RNAs with a potential clinical value as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets in this pathology. Indeed, some authors have already evidenced a profound antitumor effect by targeting some splicing factors (e.g., PTBP1), mRNA splicing variants (e.g., PKM2, HYAL4-v1), and circular RNAs (e.g., circITCH, circMYLK), which illustrates new possibilities to significantly improve the management of this pathology. This review represents the first detailed overview of the splicing process and its alterations in bladder cancer, and highlights opportunities for the development of novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and their clinical potential for the treatment of this devastating cancer type. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J Montero-Hidalgo
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
| | - Jesús M Pérez-Gómez
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
| | - Antonio J Martínez-Fuentes
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
| | - Enrique Gómez-Gómez
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- Urology Service, HURS/IMIBIC, Cordoba, 14004, Spain
| | - Manuel D Gahete
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
| | - Juan M Jiménez-Vacas
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
| | - Raúl M Luque
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
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Hwang EI, Hanson D, Filbin MG, Mack SC. Why haven't we solved intracranial pediatric ependymoma? Current questions and barriers to treatment advances. Neoplasia 2023; 39:100895. [PMID: 36944298 PMCID: PMC10036929 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric intracranial ependymoma has seen a recent exponential expansion of biological findings, rapidly dividing the diagnosis into several subgroups, each with specific molecular and clinical characteristics. While such subdivision may complicate clinical conclusions from historical trials, this knowledge also provides an opportunity for interrogating the major clinical and biological questions preventing near-term translation into effective therapy for children with ependymoma. In this article, we briefly review some of the most critical clinical questions facing both patient management and the construct of future trials in childhood ependymoma, as well as explore some of the current barriers to efficient translation of preclinical discovery to the clinic.
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10
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Candido MF, Medeiros M, Veronez LC, Bastos D, Oliveira KL, Pezuk JA, Valera ET, Brassesco MS. Drugging Hijacked Kinase Pathways in Pediatric Oncology: Opportunities and Current Scenario. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020664. [PMID: 36839989 PMCID: PMC9966033 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020664] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood cancer is considered rare, corresponding to ~3% of all malignant neoplasms in the human population. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a universal occurrence of more than 15 cases per 100,000 inhabitants around the globe, and despite improvements in diagnosis, treatment and supportive care, one child dies of cancer every 3 min. Consequently, more efficient, selective and affordable therapeutics are still needed in order to improve outcomes and avoid long-term sequelae. Alterations in kinases' functionality is a trademark of cancer and the concept of exploiting them as drug targets has burgeoned in academia and in the pharmaceutical industry of the 21st century. Consequently, an increasing plethora of inhibitors has emerged. In the present study, the expression patterns of a selected group of kinases (including tyrosine receptors, members of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways, coordinators of cell cycle progression, and chromosome segregation) and their correlation with clinical outcomes in pediatric solid tumors were accessed through the R2: Genomics Analysis and Visualization Platform and by a thorough search of published literature. To further illustrate the importance of kinase dysregulation in the pathophysiology of pediatric cancer, we analyzed the vulnerability of different cancer cell lines against their inhibition through the Cancer Dependency Map portal, and performed a search for kinase-targeted compounds with approval and clinical applicability through the CanSAR knowledgebase. Finally, we provide a detailed literature review of a considerable set of small molecules that mitigate kinase activity under experimental testing and clinical trials for the treatment of pediatric tumors, while discuss critical challenges that must be overcome before translation into clinical options, including the absence of compounds designed specifically for childhood tumors which often show differential mutational burdens, intrinsic and acquired resistance, lack of selectivity and adverse effects on a growing organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ferreira Candido
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Medeiros
- Regional Blood Center, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Chain Veronez
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - David Bastos
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Karla Laissa Oliveira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Julia Alejandra Pezuk
- Departament of Biotechnology and Innovation, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, UNIAN/SP, São Paulo 04119-001, SP, Brazil
| | - Elvis Terci Valera
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - María Sol Brassesco
- Departament of Biotechnology and Innovation, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, UNIAN/SP, São Paulo 04119-001, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-16-3315-9144; Fax: +55-16-3315-4886
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11
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review state of art and relevant advances in the molecular genetics and management of ependymomas of children and adults. RECENT FINDINGS Ependymomas may occur either in the brain or in the spinal cord. Compared with intracranial ependymomas, spinal ependymomas are less frequent and exhibit a better prognosis. The new WHO classification of CNS tumors of 2021 has subdivided ependymomas into different histomolecular subgroups with different outcome. The majority of studies have shown a major impact of extent of resection; thus, a complete resection must be performed, whenever possible, at first surgery or at reoperation. Conformal radiotherapy is recommended for grade 3 or incompletely resected grade II tumors. Proton therapy is increasingly employed especially in children to reduce the risk of neurocognitive and endocrine sequelae. Craniospinal irradiation is reserved for metastatic disease. Chemotherapy is not useful as primary treatment and is commonly employed as salvage treatment for patients failing surgery and radiotherapy. Standard treatments are still the mainstay of treatment: the discovery of new druggable pathways will hopefully increase the therapeutic armamentarium in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Rudà
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Bruno
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessia Pellerino
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Riccardo Soffietti
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Larrew T, Saway BF, Lowe SR, Olar A. Molecular Classification and Therapeutic Targets in Ependymoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246218. [PMID: 34944845 PMCID: PMC8699461 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ependymoma is a biologically diverse tumor wherein molecular classification has superseded traditional histological grading based on its superior ability to characterize behavior, prognosis, and possible targeted therapies. The current, updated molecular classification of ependymoma consists of ten distinct subgroups spread evenly among the spinal, infratentorial, and supratentorial compartments, each with its own distinct clinical and molecular characteristics. In this review, the history, histopathology, standard of care, prognosis, oncogenic drivers, and hypothesized molecular targets for all subgroups of ependymoma are explored. This review emphasizes that despite the varied behavior of the ependymoma subgroups, it remains clear that research must be performed to further elucidate molecular targets for these tumors. Although not all ependymoma subgroups are oncologically aggressive, development of targeted therapies is essential, particularly for cases where surgical resection is not an option without causing significant morbidity. The development of molecular therapies must rely on building upon our current understanding of ependymoma oncogenesis, as well as cultivating transfer of knowledge based on malignancies with similar genomic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Larrew
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (T.L.); (B.F.S.)
| | - Brian Fabian Saway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (T.L.); (B.F.S.)
| | | | - Adriana Olar
- NOMIX Laboratories, Denver, CO 80218, USA
- Correspondence: or
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Cell-of-Origin and Genetic, Epigenetic, and Microenvironmental Factors Contribute to the Intra-Tumoral Heterogeneity of Pediatric Intracranial Ependymoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236100. [PMID: 34885210 PMCID: PMC8657076 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intra-tumoral heterogeneity (ITH) is a complex multifaceted phenomenon that posits major challenges for the clinical management of cancer patients. Genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental factors are concurrent drivers of diversity among the distinct populations of cancer cells. ITH may also be installed by cancer stem cells (CSCs), that foster unidirectional hierarchy of cellular phenotypes or, alternatively, shift dynamically between distinct cellular states. Ependymoma (EPN), a molecularly heterogeneous group of tumors, shows a specific spatiotemporal distribution that suggests a link between ependymomagenesis and alterations of the biological processes involved in embryonic brain development. In children, EPN most often arises intra-cranially and is associated with an adverse outcome. Emerging evidence shows that EPN displays large intra-patient heterogeneity. In this review, after touching on EPN inter-tumoral heterogeneity, we focus on the sources of ITH in pediatric intra-cranial EPN in the framework of the CSC paradigm. We also examine how single-cell technology has shed new light on the complexity and developmental origins of EPN and the potential impact that this understanding may have on the therapeutic strategies against this deadly pediatric malignancy.
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Childhood Malignant Brain Tumors: Balancing the Bench and Bedside. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236099. [PMID: 34885207 PMCID: PMC8656510 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Brain tumors remain the most common childhood solid tumors, accounting for approximately 25% of all pediatric cancers. They also represent the most common cause of cancer-related illness and death in this age group. Recent years have witnessed an evolution in our understanding of the biological underpinnings of many childhood brain tumors, potentially improving survival through both improved risk group allocation for patients to provide appropriate treatment intensity, and novel therapeutic breakthroughs. This review aims to summarize the molecular landscape, current trial-based standards of care, novel treatments being explored and future challenges for the three most common childhood malignant brain tumors—medulloblastomas, high-grade gliomas and ependymomas. Abstract Brain tumors are the leading cause of childhood cancer deaths in developed countries. They also represent the most common solid tumor in this age group, accounting for approximately one-quarter of all pediatric cancers. Developments in neuro-imaging, neurosurgical techniques, adjuvant therapy and supportive care have improved survival rates for certain tumors, allowing a future focus on optimizing cure, whilst minimizing long-term adverse effects. Recent times have witnessed a rapid evolution in the molecular characterization of several of the common pediatric brain tumors, allowing unique clinical and biological patient subgroups to be identified. However, a resulting paradigm shift in both translational therapy and subsequent survival for many of these tumors remains elusive, while recurrence remains a great clinical challenge. This review will provide an insight into the key molecular developments and global co-operative trial results for the most common malignant pediatric brain tumors (medulloblastoma, high-grade gliomas and ependymoma), highlighting potential future directions for management, including novel therapeutic options, and critical challenges that remain unsolved.
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