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Scattolin D, Maso AD, Ferro A, Frega S, Bonanno L, Guarneri V, Pasello G. The emerging role of Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) in predicting response to anticancer treatments: Focus on small cell lung cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 128:102768. [PMID: 38797062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102768] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by a dismal prognosis. Many efforts have been made so far for identifying novel biomarkers for a personalized treatment for SCLC patients. Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) is a protein differently expressed in many cancers and recently emerged as a new potential biomarker. Lower expression of SLFN11 correlates with a worse prognosis in SCLC and other tumors. SLFN11 has a role in tumorigenesis, inducing replication arrest in the presence of DNA damage through the block of the replication fork. SLFN11 interacts also with chromatin accessibility, proteotoxic stress and mammalian target of rapamycin signalling pathway. The expression of SLFN11 is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, including promoter methylation, histone deacetylation, and the histone methylation. The downregulation of SLFN11 correlates with a worse response to topoisomerase I and II inhibitors, alkylating agents, and poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors in different cancer types. Some studies exploring strategies for overcoming drug resistance in tumors with low levels of SLFN11 showed promising results. One of these strategies includes the interaction with the Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related pathway, constitutively activated and leading to cell survival and tumor growth in the presence of low levels of SLFN11. Furthermore, the expression of SLFN11 is dynamic through time and different anticancer therapy and liquid biopsy seems to be an attractive tool for catching SLFN11 different expressions. Despite this, further investigations exploring SLFN11 as a predictive biomarker, its longitudinal changes, and new strategies to overcome drug resistances are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Scattolin
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Ferro
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Frega
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Bonanno
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Guarneri
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Pasello
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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2
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Zhou J, Zhang MY, Gao AA, Zhu C, He T, Herman JG, Guo MZ. Epigenetic silencing schlafen-11 sensitizes esophageal cancer to ATM inhibitor. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2060-2073. [PMID: 38764821 PMCID: PMC11099458 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.2060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting DNA damage response (DDR) pathway is a cutting-edge strategy. It has been reported that Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) contributes to increase chemosensitivity by participating in DDR. However, the detailed mechanism is unclear. AIM To investigate the role of SLFN11 in DDR and the application of synthetic lethal in esophageal cancer with SLFN11 defects. METHODS To reach the purpose, eight esophageal squamous carcinoma cell lines, 142 esophageal dysplasia (ED) and 1007 primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) samples and various techniques were utilized, including methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction, CRISPR/Cas9 technique, Western blot, colony formation assay, and xenograft mouse model. RESULTS Methylation of SLFN11 was exhibited in 9.15% of (13/142) ED and 25.62% of primary (258/1007) ESCC cases, and its expression was regulated by promoter region methylation. SLFN11 methylation was significantly associated with tumor differentiation and tumor size (both P < 0.05). However, no significant associations were observed between promoter region methylation and age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, TNM stage, or lymph node metastasis. Utilizing DNA damaged model induced by low dose cisplatin, SLFN11 was found to activate non-homologous end-joining and ATR/CHK1 signaling pathways, while inhibiting the ATM/CHK2 signaling pathway. Epigenetic silencing of SLFN11 was found to sensitize the ESCC cells to ATM inhibitor (AZD0156), both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION SLFN11 is frequently methylated in human ESCC. Methylation of SLFN11 is sensitive marker of ATM inhibitor in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- School of Medicine, NanKai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Mei-Ying Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Ai-Ai Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Cheng Zhu
- School of Medicine, NanKai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Tao He
- Departments of Pathology, Characteristic Medical Center of The Chinese People’s Armed Police Force, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - James G Herman
- The Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Ming-Zhou Guo
- School of Medicine, NanKai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
- National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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Magrath JW, Goldberg IN, Truong DD, Hartono AB, Sampath SS, Jackson CE, Ghosh A, Cardin DL, Zhang H, Ludwig JA, Lee SB. Enzalutamide induces cytotoxicity in desmoplastic small round cell tumor independent of the androgen receptor. Commun Biol 2024; 7:411. [PMID: 38575753 PMCID: PMC10995187 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, pediatric cancer caused by the EWSR1::WT1 fusion protein. DSRCT predominantly occurs in males, which comprise 80-90% of the patient population. While the reason for this male predominance remains unknown, one hypothesis is that the androgen receptor (AR) plays a critical role in DSRCT and elevated testosterone levels in males help drive tumor growth. Here, we demonstrate that AR is highly expressed in DSRCT relative to other fusion-driven sarcomas and that the AR antagonists enzalutamide and flutamide reduce DSRCT growth. However, despite these findings, which suggest an important role for AR in DSRCT, we show that DSRCT cell lines form xenografts in female mice at the same rate as male mice and AR depletion does not significantly alter DSRCT growth in vitro. Further, we find that AR antagonists reduce DSRCT growth in cells depleted of AR, establishing an AR-independent mechanism of action. These findings suggest that AR dependence is not the reason for male predominance in DSRCT and that AR-targeted therapies may provide therapeutic benefit primarily through an AR-independent mechanism that requires further elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin W Magrath
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Ilon N Goldberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Danh D Truong
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Alifiani B Hartono
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Shruthi Sanjitha Sampath
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Chandler E Jackson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Anushka Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Derrick L Cardin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Haitao Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Joseph A Ludwig
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sean B Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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4
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Magrath JW, Goldberg IN, Truong DD, Hartono AB, Sampath SS, Jackson CE, Ghosh A, Cardin DL, Zhang H, Ludwig JA, Lee SB. Enzalutamide Induces Cytotoxicity in Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor Independent of the Androgen Receptor. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.06.565842. [PMID: 37986851 PMCID: PMC10659336 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.06.565842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, pediatric cancer caused by the EWSR1::WT1 fusion protein. DSRCT predominantly occurs in males, which comprise 80-90% of the patient population. While the reason for this male predominance remains unknown, one hypothesis is that the androgen receptor (AR) plays a critical role in DSRCT and elevated testosterone levels in males help drive tumor growth. Here, we demonstrate that AR is highly expressed in DSRCT relative to other fusion-driven sarcomas and that the AR antagonists enzalutamide and flutamide reduce DSRCT growth. However, despite these findings, which suggest an important role for AR in DSRCT, we show that DSRCT cell lines form xenografts in female mice at the same rate as male mice and AR depletion does not significantly alter DSRCT growth in vitro. Further, we find that AR antagonists reduce DSRCT growth in cells depleted of AR, establishing an AR-independent mechanism of action. These findings suggest that AR dependence is not the reason for male predominance in DSRCT and that AR-targeted therapies may provide therapeutic benefit primarily through an AR-independent mechanism that requires further elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin W Magrath
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Ilon N Goldberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Danh D Truong
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Alifiani B Hartono
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Shruthi Sanjitha Sampath
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Chandler E Jackson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Anushka Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Derrick L Cardin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Haitao Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Joseph A Ludwig
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sean B Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA, USA
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5
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Magrath JW, Flinchum DA, Hartono AB, Goldberg IN, Espinosa-Cotton M, Moroz K, Cheung NKV, Lee SB. Genomic Breakpoint Characterization and Transcriptome Analysis of Metastatic, Recurrent Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor. Sarcoma 2023; 2023:6686702. [PMID: 37457440 PMCID: PMC10344636 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6686702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare pediatric cancer caused by the EWSR1-WT1 fusion oncogene. Despite initial response to chemotherapy, DSRCT has a recurrence rate of over 80% leading to poor patient prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of only 15-25%. Owing to the rarity of DSRCT, sample scarcity is a barrier in understanding DSRCT biology and developing effective therapies. Utilizing a novel pair of primary and recurrent DSRCTs, we present the first map of DSRCT genomic breakpoints and the first comparison of gene expression alterations between primary and recurrent DSRCT. Our genomic breakpoint map includes the lone previously published DSRCT genomic breakpoint, the breakpoint from our novel primary/recurrent DSRCT pair, as well as the breakpoints of five available DSRCT cell lines and five additional DSRCTs. All mapped breakpoints were unique and most breakpoints included a 1-3 base pair microhomology suggesting microhomology-mediated end-joining as the mechanism of translocation fusion and providing novel insights into the etiology of DSRCT. Through RNA-sequencing analysis, we identified altered genes and pathways between primary and recurrent DSRCTs. Upregulated pathways in the recurrent tumor included several DNA repair and mRNA splicing-related pathways, while downregulated pathways included immune system function and focal adhesion. We further found higher expression of the EWSR1-WT1 upregulated gene set in the recurrent tumor as compared to the primary tumor and lower expression of the EWSR1-WT1 downregulated gene set, suggesting the EWSR1-WT1 fusion continues to play a prominent role in recurrent tumors. The identified pathways including upregulation of DNA repair and downregulation of immune system function may help explain DSRCT's high rate of recurrence and can be utilized to improve the understanding of DSRCT biology and identify novel therapies to both help prevent recurrence and treat recurrent tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin W. Magrath
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Dane A. Flinchum
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Alifiani B. Hartono
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Ilon N. Goldberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Krzysztof Moroz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Nai-Kong V. Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sean B. Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA, USA
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6
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Hovsepyan S, Giani C, Pasquali S, Di Giannatale A, Chiaravalli S, Colombo C, Orbach D, Bergamaschi L, Vennarini S, Gatz SA, Gasparini P, Berlanga P, Casanova M, Ferrari A. Desmoplastic small round cell tumor: from state of the art to future clinical prospects. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2023; 23:471-484. [PMID: 37017324 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2023.2200171] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is an extremely rare and highly aggressive soft tissue sarcoma, presenting mainly in male adolescents and young adults with multiple nodules disseminated within the abdominopelvic cavity. Despite a multimodal approach including aggressive cytoreductive surgery, intensive multi-agent chemotherapy, and postoperative whole abdominopelvic radiotherapy, the prognosis for DSRCT remains dismal. Median progression-free survival ranges between 4 and 21 months, and overall survival between 17 and 60 months, with the 5-year overall survival rate in the range of 10-20%. AREA COVERED This review discusses the treatment strategies used for DSRCT over the years, the state of the art of current treatments, and future clinical prospects. EXPERT OPINION The unsatisfactory outcomes for patients with DSRCT warrant investigations into innovative treatment combinations. An international multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder collaboration, involving both pediatric and adult sarcoma communities, is needed to propel preclinical model generation and drug development, and innovative clinical trial designs to enable the timely testing of treatments involving novel agents guided by biology to boost the chances of survival for patients with this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shushan Hovsepyan
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Claudia Giani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Sandro Pasquali
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
- Sarcoma Service, Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Di Giannatale
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Hematology/Oncology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano Chiaravalli
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Colombo
- Sarcoma Service, Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniel Orbach
- SIREDO Oncology Center, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Luca Bergamaschi
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabina Vennarini
- Pediatric Radiotherapy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Susanne Andrea Gatz
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Patrizia Gasparini
- Tumor Genomics Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Pablo Berlanga
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave-Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Michela Casanova
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrari
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
Undifferentiated small round cell sarcomas (SRCSs) of bone and soft tissue comprise a heterogeneous group of highly aggressive tumours associated with a poor prognosis, especially in metastatic disease. SRCS entities mainly occur in the third decade of life and can exhibit striking disparities regarding preferentially affected sex and tumour localization. SRCSs comprise new entities defined by specific genetic abnormalities, namely EWSR1-non-ETS fusions, CIC-rearrangements or BCOR genetic alterations, as well as EWSR1-ETS fusions in the prototypic SRCS Ewing sarcoma. These gene fusions mainly encode aberrant oncogenic transcription factors that massively rewire the transcriptome and epigenome of the as yet unknown cell or cells of origin. Additional mutations or copy number variants are rare at diagnosis and, depending on the tumour entity, may involve TP53, CDKN2A and others. Histologically, these lesions consist of small round cells expressing variable levels of CD99 and specific marker proteins, including cyclin B3, ETV4, WT1, NKX3-1 and aggrecan, depending on the entity. Besides locoregional treatment that should follow standard protocols for sarcoma management, (neo)adjuvant treatment is as yet ill-defined but generally follows that of Ewing sarcoma and is associated with adverse effects that might compromise quality of life. Emerging studies on the molecular mechanisms of SRCSs and the development of genetically engineered animal models hold promise for improvements in early detection, disease monitoring, treatment-related toxicity, overall survival and quality of life.
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Multi-site desmoplastic small round cell tumors are genetically related and immune-cold. NPJ Precis Oncol 2022; 6:21. [PMID: 35379887 PMCID: PMC8980094 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-022-00257-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a highly aggressive soft tissue sarcoma that is characterized by the EWSR1-WT1 fusion protein. Patients present with hundreds of tumor implants in their abdominal cavity at various sites. To determine the genetic relatedness among these sites, exome and RNA sequencing were performed on 22 DSRCT specimens from 14 patients, four of whom had specimens from various tissue sites. Multi-site tumors from individual DSRCT patients had a shared origin and were highly related. Other than the EWSR1-WT1 fusion, very few secondary cancer gene mutations were shared among the sites. Among these, ARID1A, was recurrently mutated, which corroborates findings by others in DSRCT patients. Knocking out ARID1A in JN-DSRCT cells using CRISPR/CAS9 resulted in significantly lower cell proliferation and increased drug sensitivity. The transcriptome data were integrated using network analysis and drug target database information to identify potential therapeutic opportunities in EWSR1-WT1-associated pathways, such as PI3K and mTOR pathways. Treatment of JN-DSRCT cells with the PI3K inhibitor alpelisib and mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus reduced cell proliferation. In addition, the low mutation burden was associated with an immune-cold state in DSRCT. Together, these data reveal multiple genomic and immune features of DSRCT and suggest therapeutic opportunities in patients.
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ElHarouni D, Berker Y, Peterziel H, Gopisetty A, Turunen L, Kreth S, Stainczyk SA, Oehme I, Pietiäinen V, Jäger N, Witt O, Schlesner M, Oppermann S. iTReX: Interactive exploration of mono- and combination therapy dose response profiling data. Pharmacol Res 2021; 175:105996. [PMID: 34848323 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
High throughput screening methods, measuring the sensitivity and resistance of tumor cells to drug treatments have been rapidly evolving. Not only do these screens allow correlating response profiles to tumor genomic features for developing novel predictors of treatment response, but they can also add evidence for therapy decision making in precision oncology. Recent analysis methods developed for either assessing single agents or combination drug efficacies enable quantification of dose-response curves with restricted symmetric fit settings. Here, we introduce iTReX, a user-friendly and interactive Shiny/R application, for both the analysis of mono- and combination therapy responses. The application features an extended version of the drug sensitivity score (DSS) based on the integral of an advanced five-parameter dose-response curve model and a differential DSS for combination therapy profiling. Additionally, iTReX includes modules that visualize drug target interaction networks and support the detection of matches between top therapy hits and the sample omics features to enable the identification of druggable targets and biomarkers. iTReX enables the analysis of various quantitative drug or therapy response readouts (e.g. luminescence, fluorescence microscopy) and multiple treatment strategies (drug treatments, radiation). Using iTReX we validate a cost-effective drug combination screening approach and reveal the application's ability to identify potential sample-specific biomarkers based on drug target interaction networks. The iTReX web application is accessible at https://itrex.kitz-heidelberg.de.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina ElHarouni
- Bioinformatics and Omics Data Analytics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yannick Berker
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heike Peterziel
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Apurva Gopisetty
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Turunen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sina Kreth
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Neuroblastoma Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine A Stainczyk
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Neuroblastoma Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ina Oehme
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vilja Pietiäinen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Natalie Jäger
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olaf Witt
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Schlesner
- Bioinformatics and Omics Data Analytics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Biomedical Informatics, Data Mining and Data Analytics, Faculty of Applied Computer Science and Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Sina Oppermann
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
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A wake-up call for cancer DNA damage: the role of Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) across multiple cancers. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:1333-1340. [PMID: 34294893 PMCID: PMC8576031 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01476-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA-damaging agents exploit increased genomic instability, a hallmark of cancer. Recently, inhibitors targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) pathways, such as PARP inhibitors, have also shown promising therapeutic potential. However, not all tumors respond well to these treatments, suggesting additional determinants of response are required. Schlafen 11 (SLFN11), a putative DNA/RNA helicase that induces irreversible replication block, is emerging as an important regulator of cellular response to DNA damage. Preclinical and emerging clinical trial data suggest that SLFN11 is a predictive biomarker of response to a wide range of therapeutics that cause DNA damage including platinum salts and topoisomerase I/II inhibitors, as well as PARP inhibitors, which has raised exciting possibilities for its clinical application. In this article, we review the function, prevalence, and clinical testing of SLFN11 in tumor biopsy samples and circulating tumor cells. We discuss mounting evidence of SLFN11 as a key predictive biomarker for a wide range of cancer therapeutics and as a prognostic marker across several cancer types. Furthermore, we discuss emerging areas of investigation such as epigenetic reactivation of SLFN11 and its role in activating immune response. We then provide perspectives on open questions and future directions in studying this important biomarker.
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Wei G, Shu X, Zhou Y, Liu X, Chen X, Qiu M. Intra-Abdominal Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor: Current Treatment Options and Perspectives. Front Oncol 2021; 11:705760. [PMID: 34604040 PMCID: PMC8479161 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.705760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Intra-abdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumor (IDSRCT) is a rare and highly malignant soft tissue neoplasm, which is characterized by rapid progression and poor prognosis. The mechanism underlying the development of this neoplasm remains elusive, but all cases are characterized by the chromosomal translocation t (11;22) (p13; q12), which results in a formation of EWSR1-WT1 gene fusion. The diagnosis of IDSRCT is often made with core-needle tissue biopsy specimens or laparoscopy or laparotomy. Immunohistochemical analyses have shown the co-expression of epithelial, neuronal, myogenic, and mesenchymal differentiation markers. FISH or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction detecting EWS-WT1 fusion can be performed to assist in molecular confirmation. There is no standard of care for patients with IDSRCT currently, and majority of newly diagnosed patients received the aggressive therapy, which includes >90% resection of surgical debulking, high-dose alkylator-based chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. More recently, targeted therapy has been increasingly administered to recurrent IDSRCT patients and has been associated with improved survival in clinical conditions. Immunotherapy as a possible therapeutic strategy is being explored in patients with IDSRCT. In this review, we summarize currently available knowledge regarding the epidemiology, potential mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of IDSRCT to assist oncologists in comprehensively recognizing and accurately treating this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixia Wei
- Department of Abdominal Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyao Shu
- Department of Abdominal Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuwen Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Abdominal Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaorong Chen
- Department of Abdominal Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meng Qiu
- Department of Abdominal Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Schlafens: Emerging Proteins in Cancer Cell Biology. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092238. [PMID: 34571887 PMCID: PMC8465726 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Schlafens (SLFN) are a family of genes widely expressed in mammals, including humans and rodents. These intriguing proteins play different roles in regulating cell proliferation, cell differentiation, immune cell growth and maturation, and inhibiting viral replication. The emerging evidence is implicating Schlafens in cancer biology and chemosensitivity. Although Schlafens share common domains and a high degree of homology, different Schlafens act differently. In particular, they show specific and occasionally opposing effects in some cancer types. This review will briefly summarize the history, structure, and non-malignant biological functions of Schlafens. The roles of human and mouse Schlafens in different cancer types will then be outlined. Finally, we will discuss the implication of Schlafens in the anti-tumor effect of interferons and the use of Schlafens as predictors of chemosensitivity.
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PARP inhibition in UV-associated angiosarcoma preclinical models. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:2579-2590. [PMID: 34085099 PMCID: PMC8310857 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03678-4] [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: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare vasoformative sarcoma, with poor overall survival and a high need for novel treatment options. Clinically, AS consists of different subtypes, including AS related to previous UV exposure (UV AS) which could indicate susceptibility to DNA damage repair inhibition. We, therefore, investigated the presence of biomarkers PARP1 (poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1) and Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) in UV AS. Based on experiences in other sarcomas, we examined (combination) treatment of PARP inhibitor (PARPi) olaparib and temozolomide (TMZ) in UV AS cell lines. METHODS Previously collected UV AS (n = 47) and non-UV AS (n = 96) patient samples and two UV AS cell lines (MO-LAS and AS-M) were immunohistochemically assessed for PARP1 and SLFN11 expression. Both cell lines were treated with single agents PARPi olaparib and TMZ, and the combination treatment. Next, cell viability and treatment synergy were analyzed. In addition, effects on apoptosis and DNA damage were examined. RESULTS In 46/47 UV AS samples (98%), PARP1 expression was present. SLFN11 was expressed in 80% (37/46) of cases. Olaparib and TMZ combination treatment was synergistic in both cell lines, with significantly increased apoptosis compared to single agent treatment. Furthermore, a significant increase in DNA damage marker γH2AX was present in both cell lines after combination therapy. CONCLUSION We showed combination treatment of olaparib with TMZ was synergistic in UV AS cell lines. Expression of PARP1 and SLFN11 was present in the majority of UV AS tumor samples. Together, these results suggest combination treatment of olaparib and TMZ is a potential novel AS subtype-specific treatment option for UV AS patients.
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Mello CA, Campos FAB, Santos TG, Silva MLG, Torrezan GT, Costa FD, Formiga MN, Nicolau U, Nascimento AG, Silva C, Curado MP, Nakagawa SA, Lopes A, Aguiar S. Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor: A Review of Main Molecular Abnormalities and Emerging Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030498. [PMID: 33525546 PMCID: PMC7865637 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Desmoplastic small round cell tumor is a rare neoplasm with extremely aggressive behavior. Despite the multimodal treatment for newly diagnosed patients with chemotherapy, cytoreductive surgery and radiation, the cure rate is still low. For relapsed or progressive disease, there is limited data regarding second and third-line therapies. Novel agents have shown only modest activity. Recent molecular changes have been identified in this disease and this opens opportunities to be explored in future clinical trials. Abstract Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is an extremely rare, aggressive sarcoma affecting adolescents and young adults with male predominance. Generally, it originates from the serosal surface of the abdominal cavity. The hallmark characteristic of DSRCT is the EWSR1–WT1 gene fusion. This translocation up-regulates the expression of PDGFRα, VEGF and other proteins related to tumor and vascular cell proliferation. Current management of DSRCT includes a combination of chemotherapy, radiation and aggressive cytoreductive surgery plus intra-peritoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (HIPEC). Despite advances in multimodal therapy, outcomes remain poor since the majority of patients present disease recurrence and die within three years. The dismal survival makes DSRCT an orphan disease with an urgent need for new drugs. The treatment of advanced and recurrent disease with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as pazopanib, sunitinib, and mTOR inhibitors was evaluated by small trials. Recent studies using comprehensive molecular profiling of DSRCT identified potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we aim to describe the current studies conducted to better understand DSRCT biology and to explore the new therapeutic strategies under investigation in preclinical models and in early phase clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celso Abdon Mello
- Department of Medical Oncology, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo 01509-010, Brazil; (F.A.B.C.); (M.N.F.); (U.N.); (C.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-2189-2779
| | - Fernando Augusto Batista Campos
- Department of Medical Oncology, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo 01509-010, Brazil; (F.A.B.C.); (M.N.F.); (U.N.); (C.S.)
| | - Tiago Goss Santos
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Biomarkers, International Center of Research CIPE, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo 01509-010, Brazil;
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Oncogenomics and Therapeutic Innovation, Sao Paulo 05403-010, Brazil;
| | | | - Giovana Tardin Torrezan
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Oncogenomics and Therapeutic Innovation, Sao Paulo 05403-010, Brazil;
- Genomics and Molecular Biology Group, International Center of Research CIPE, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo 01508-010, Brazil
| | - Felipe D’Almeida Costa
- Department of Pathology, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo 01509-010, Brazil; (F.D.C.); (A.G.N.)
| | - Maria Nirvana Formiga
- Department of Medical Oncology, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo 01509-010, Brazil; (F.A.B.C.); (M.N.F.); (U.N.); (C.S.)
| | - Ulisses Nicolau
- Department of Medical Oncology, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo 01509-010, Brazil; (F.A.B.C.); (M.N.F.); (U.N.); (C.S.)
| | | | - Cassia Silva
- Department of Medical Oncology, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo 01509-010, Brazil; (F.A.B.C.); (M.N.F.); (U.N.); (C.S.)
| | - Maria Paula Curado
- Department of Epidemiology, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo 01508-010, Brazil;
| | - Suely Akiko Nakagawa
- Department of Surgery, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo 01509-010, Brazil; (S.A.N.); (A.L.)
| | - Ademar Lopes
- Department of Surgery, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo 01509-010, Brazil; (S.A.N.); (A.L.)
| | - Samuel Aguiar
- Department of Surgery, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo 01509-010, Brazil; (S.A.N.); (A.L.)
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The role of Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) as a predictive biomarker for targeting the DNA damage response. Br J Cancer 2020; 124:857-859. [PMID: 33328609 PMCID: PMC7921443 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01202-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic landscape of drugs targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) is rapidly expanding; however, an urgent unmet need remains for validated predictive biomarkers of response. SLFN11 has emerged as a promising predictor of sensitivity to DNA-damaging chemotherapies, and recently, been associated with sensitivity to PARP inhibition. We discuss its use as a predictive biomarker of response for targeting the DDR.
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