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Jabarin A, Shtar G, Feinshtein V, Mazuz E, Shapira B, Ben-Shabat S, Rokach L. Eravacycline, an antibacterial drug, repurposed for pancreatic cancer therapy: insights from a molecular-based deep learning model. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae108. [PMID: 38647152 PMCID: PMC11033730 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae108] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a serious threat to health, with limited effective therapeutic options, especially due to advanced stage at diagnosis and its inherent resistance to chemotherapy, making it one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The lack of clear treatment directions underscores the urgent need for innovative approaches to address and manage this deadly condition. In this research, we repurpose drugs with potential anti-cancer activity using machine learning (ML). METHODS We tackle the problem by using a neural network trained on drug-target interaction information enriched with drug-drug interaction information, which has not been used for anti-cancer drug repurposing before. We focus on eravacycline, an antibacterial drug, which was selected and evaluated to assess its anti-cancer effects. RESULTS Eravacycline significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of BxPC-3 cells and induced apoptosis. CONCLUSION Our study highlights the potential of drug repurposing for cancer treatment using ML. Eravacycline showed promising results in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, migration and inducing apoptosis in PDAC. These findings demonstrate that our developed ML drug repurposing models can be applied to a wide range of new oncology therapeutics, to identify potential anti-cancer agents. This highlights the potential and presents a promising approach for identifying new therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Jabarin
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Guy Shtar
- Department of Information Systems and Software Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Valeria Feinshtein
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Eyal Mazuz
- Department of Information Systems and Software Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Bracha Shapira
- Department of Information Systems and Software Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Shimon Ben-Shabat
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Lior Rokach
- Department of Information Systems and Software Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
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Duvalyan A, Cha A, Goodarzian F, Arkader A, Villablanca JG, Marachelian A. Premature epiphyseal growth plate arrest after isotretinoin therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma: A case series and review of the literature. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28236. [PMID: 32386124 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin A-derived retinoids have been reported to cause skeletal abnormalities ranging from hypercalcemia to premature epiphyseal closure. Isotretinoin is a retinoid used as standard therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma and has been reported to cause premature epiphyseal growth plate arrest. PROCEDURE We identified patients from the Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) database with high-risk neuroblastoma diagnosed from 1991 to 2018 who experienced premature epiphyseal growth plate arrest and compared their characteristics to other patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. We then performed a literature review of this complication. Data collection included diagnosis age of neuroblastoma, presentation age, agent of exposure, dose, exposure range, and skeletal deformity. RESULTS Among 216 patients, high-risk neuroblastoma was diagnosed before age of five years (n = 165), between ages of 5 and 10 years (n = 41), and after 10 years of age (n = 13). Three out of 216 patients developed premature epiphyseal growth arrest after isotretinoin exposure (overall incidence = 1.38%). The incidence of bony abnormalities was significantly higher in patients diagnosed in 5- to 10-year age group than in other two groups (P = 0.014). Literature review identified eight additional patients with neuroblastoma who presented with retinoid associated skeletal abnormalities. The median range of isotretinoin exposure for these 11 patients was between 6.5 and 7.625 years (range, 2-14) with no cases of isotretinoin therapy completion before age 5 years. CONCLUSION Bone toxicity associated with isotretinoin exposure is a concern. Growth plate arrest is a serious adverse effect that is attributable to isotretinoin therapy. Our findings suggest the prepubescent growth plate may be most at risk, and we recommend special attention to this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Cha
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Fariba Goodarzian
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Judith G Villablanca
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Araz Marachelian
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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Wuertz BR, Darrah L, Wudel J, Ondrey FG. Thiazolidinediones abrogate cervical cancer growth. Exp Cell Res 2017; 353:63-71. [PMID: 28219679 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR γ) is activated by thiazolidinedione drugs (TZDs) and can promote anti-cancer properties. We used three TZDs (pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, and ciglitazone) to target cervical cancer cell lines and a nude mouse animal model. Each agent increased activation of PPAR γ, as judged by a luciferase reporter gene assay in three HPV-associated cell lines (CaSki, SiHa, and HeLa cells) while decreasing cellular proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. They also promoted Oil Red O accumulation in treated cell lines and upregulated the lipid differentiation marker adipsin. Interestingly, xenograft HeLa tumors in nude mice treated with 100mg/kg/day pioglitazone exhibited decreased growth compared to control mice or mice treated with standard cervical chemotherapy. In conclusion, TZDs slow tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo with decreases in cell proliferation and increases in PPAR γ and adipsin. These agents may be interesting treatments or treatment adjuncts for HPV-associated cancers or perhaps even precancerous conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverly R Wuertz
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Lindsay Darrah
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Justin Wudel
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Frank G Ondrey
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Bassani B, Bartolini D, Pagani A, Principi E, Zollo M, Noonan DM, Albini A, Bruno A. Fenretinide (4-HPR) Targets Caspase-9, ERK 1/2 and the Wnt3a/β-Catenin Pathway in Medulloblastoma Cells and Medulloblastoma Cell Spheroids. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154111. [PMID: 27367907 PMCID: PMC4930187 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB), a neuroectodermal tumor arising in the cerebellum, represents the most frequent childhood brain malignancy. Current treatments for MB combine radiation and chemotherapy and are often associated with relevant side effects; novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. N-(4-Hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-HPR, fenretinide), a synthetic analogue of all-trans retinoic acid, has emerged as a promising and well-tolerated cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent for various neoplasms, from breast cancer to neuroblastoma. Here we investigated the effects of 4-HPR on MB cell lines and identified the mechanism of action for a potential use in therapy of MB. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to evaluate 4-HPR induction of apoptosis and oxygen reactive species (ROS) production, as well as cell cycle effects. Functional analysis to determine 4-HPR ability to interfere with MB cell migration and invasion were performed. Western Blot analysis were used to investigate the crucial molecules involved in selected signaling pathways associated with apoptosis (caspase-9 and PARP-1), cell survival (ERK 1/2) and tumor progression (Wnt3a and β-catenin). We show that 4-HPR induces caspase 9-dependent cell death in DAOY and ONS-76 cells, associated with increased ROS generation, suggesting that free radical intermediates might be directly involved. We observed 4-HPR induction of cell cycle arrest in G1/S phase, inactivated β-catenin, and inhibition of MB cell migration and invasion. We also evaluated the ability of 4-HPR to target MB cancer-stem/cancer-initiating cells, using an MB spheroids model, followed by flow cytometry and quantitative real-time PCR. 4-HPR treatment reduced DAOY and ONS-76 spheroid formation, in term of number and size. Decreased expression of the surface markers CD133+ and ABCG2+ as well as Oct-4 and Sox-2 gene expression were observed on BTICs treated with 4-HPR further reducing BITIC invasive activities. Finally, we analyzed 4-HPR ability to inhibit MB tumor cell growth in vivo in nude mice. Taken together, our data suggest that 4-HPR targets both parental and MB tumor stem/initiating cell-like populations. Since 4-HPR exerts low toxicity, it could represent a valid compound in the treatment of human MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bassani
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Arianna Pagani
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Principi
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Zollo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Douglas M. Noonan
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Adriana Albini
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Antonino Bruno
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
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Novel cell lines established from pediatric brain tumors. J Neurooncol 2011; 107:269-80. [PMID: 22120608 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-011-0756-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Accepted: 10/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The paucity of cell culture models for childhood brain tumors prompted us to establish pediatric cell lines for use in biological experiments and preclinical developmental therapeutic studies. Three cell lines were established, CHLA-200 (GBM), CHLA-259 (anaplastic medulloblastoma) and CHLA-266 (atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, AT/RT). Consistent with an AT/RT origin, CHLA-266 lacked INI1 expression and had monosomy 22. All lines had unique DNA short tandem repeat "fingerprints" matching that of the patient's tumor tissue and were adherent on tissue culture plastic, but differed in morphology and doubling times. CHLA-200 had a silent mutation in TP53. CHLA-259 and CHLA-266 had wild-type TP53. All three lines were relatively resistant to multiple drugs when compared to the DAOY medulloblastoma cell line, using the DIMSCAN fluorescence digital image microscopy cytotoxicity assay. RNA expression of MYC and MYCN were quantified using RT-PCR (Taqman). CHLA-200 expressed MYC, DAOY and CHLA-259 expressed MYCN, and CHLA-266 expressed both MYCN and MYC. CHLA-200 was only tumorigenic subcutaneously, but CHLA-259 and CHLA-266 were tumorigenic both subcutaneously and in brains of NOD/SCID mice. Immunohistochemistry of the xenografts revealed GFAP staining in CHLA-200 and PGP 9.5 staining in CHLA-259 and CHLA-266 tumors. As expected, INI1 expression was lacking in CHLA-266 (AT/RT). These three new cell lines will provide useful models for research of pediatric brain tumors.
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Kyritsis AP, Bondy ML, Levin VA. Modulation of glioma risk and progression by dietary nutrients and antiinflammatory agents. Nutr Cancer 2011; 63:174-84. [PMID: 21302177 PMCID: PMC3047463 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2011.523807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Gliomas are tumors of glial origin formed in the central nervous system and exhibit profound morphological and genetic heterogeneity. The etiology of this heterogeneity involves an interaction between genetic alterations and environmental risk factors. Scientific evidence suggests that certain natural dietary components, such as phytoestrogens, flavonoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and vitamins, may exert a protective effect against gliomas by changing the nature of the interaction between genetics and environment. Similarly, certain antiinflammatory drugs and dietary modifications, such as methionine restriction and the adoption of low-calorie or ketogenic diets, may take advantage of glioma and normal glial cells' differential requirements for glucose, methionine, and ketone bodies and may, therefore, be effective as part of preventive or treatment strategies for gliomas. Treatment trials of glioma patients and chemoprevention trials of individuals with a known genetic predisposition to glioma using the most promising of these agents, such as the antiinflammatory drugs curcumin and gamma-linolenic acid, are needed to validate or refute these agents' putative role in gliomas.
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George J, Banik NL, Ray SK. Survivin knockdown and concurrent 4-HPR treatment controlled human glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo. Neuro Oncol 2010; 12:1088-101. [PMID: 20679253 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noq079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Survivin is highly expressed in most cancers, including glioblastoma, and it plays a significant role in inhibiting apoptosis and promoting tumor growth. Treatment of cancer cells with N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-HPR) induces apoptosis through destabilization of mitochondrial membrane and activation of caspase-mediated apoptotic pathways. We studied the efficacy of a combination of survivin knockdown and 4-HPR treatment to induce apoptosis and inhibit invasion, angiogenesis, and growth of human glioblastomas in vitro and in vivo. Using a plasmid encoding survivin shRNA, we downregulated survivin in glioblastoma U251MG and U118MG cells and simultaneously treated with 1 µM 4-HPR for 48 hours. Cells following treatments were subjected to the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and invasion assays. In vivo angiogenesis and tumor regression studies were performed in nude mice. TUNEL assay demonstrated apoptosis in more than 80% of cells after survivin knockdown and 4-HPR treatment. Matrigel invasion assays demonstrated marked decreases in tumor cell invasion. In vivo angiogenesis studies depicted a remarkable inhibition of neovascularization due to the knockdown of survivin and 4-HPR treatment. Imaging of intracerebral tumorigenesis and longitudinal studies on subcutaneous solid tumor formation showed dramatic decreases in tumorigenesis and solid tumor progression, respectively, after treatment with the combination. Studies to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the inhibition of angiogenesis and tumor regression demonstrated marked decreases in proliferating cell nuclear antigen, metalloproteinase-9, vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and CD31 in solid tumors. Our data demonstrated that survivin knockdown and concurrent 4-HPR treatment could be a novel therapeutic strategy for controlling growth of human glioblastomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph George
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
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Abstract
Medulloblastoma, a primitive neuro-ectodermal tumour that arises in the posterior fossa, is the most common malignant brain tumour occurring in childhood. Over the past half century, the long-term survival for children with medulloblastoma has improved remarkably from a certain fatal diagnosis to a cancer that is often curable. Although overall survival for children with non-disseminated and non-anaplastic medulloblastoma can approach 80%, the current multidisciplinary therapeutic approach is not without long-term sequelae. Chemotherapy has improved the long-term survival and allowed for reductions in the amount of radiation given, thereby reducing some of the long-term toxicities. In this review, we describe the current understanding of the basic biology of medulloblastoma and report on the current active chemotherapeutic agents utilized in medulloblastoma therapy. Ultimately, our understanding of the basic biology of medulloblastoma may lead to further advances in therapy by providing targets that are more specific and potentially less toxic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Klesse
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75390-9063, USA.
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Buchbinder D, Danielpour M, Yong WH, Salamon N, Lasky J. Treatment of atypical central neurocytoma in a child with high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue. J Neurooncol 2009; 97:429-37. [PMID: 19924515 PMCID: PMC2858278 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-009-0029-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2009] [Accepted: 09/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The authors describe a 9 month old female with recurrent atypical central neurocytoma and leptomeningeal spread treated with high dose chemotherapy, autologous stem cell rescue, and adjuvant therapy. She had a complete response to therapy and was disease free at 4 years of age until a recurrence 6 months later. The use of intensive chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell rescue for atypical neurocytoma may be considered as an adjunct to surgical therapy in young patients with atypical neurocytoma not amenable to radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Buchbinder
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, 455 S. Main Street, Orange, CA 92868 USA
| | - Moise Danielpour
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8631 W. Third St., Suite 800 E, Los Angeles, CA 90048 USA
| | - William H. Yong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (Neuropathology), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Noriko Salamon
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Joseph Lasky
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 W. Carson Street, Los Angeles, CA 90502 USA
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Lajolo C, Giuliani M, Sgambato A, Majorano E, Lucchese A, Capodiferro S, Favia G. N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)all-trans-retinamide (4-HPR) high dose effect on DMBA-induced hamster oral cancer: a histomorphometric evaluation. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2008; 37:1133-40. [PMID: 18657950 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2008.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2007] [Revised: 01/06/2008] [Accepted: 06/11/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)all-trans-retinamide (4-HPR) has shown cancer chemoprevention activity in many experimental and clinical situations. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of 4-HPR in preventing 7,12-dimethylbenz(alpha)antracene (DMBA)-induced oral carcinogenesis and to study histomorphometric changes. 76 Syrian hamsters were separated into four groups: group 1, untreated controls (16 animals); group 2, 4-HPR controls (16 animals); group 3, DMBA-treated animals (28); group 4, animals treated with DMBA and 4-HPR (16). Hamsters were painted with a 0.5% solution of DMBA three times a week in their left buccal pouch. A diet of 2 mmol of 4-HPR/kg was administered. At week 9, 50% of the animals were killed; the remainder were killed at week 12. Pathology and histomorphometric tests were performed on epithelium, dysplasia and carcinomas. At week 9, 5 carcinomas were found in group 3, and 13 in group 4. Cancers in group 4 were more numerous, endophytic and infiltrating than those in group 3 animals. At week 12, 16 carcinomas were detected in group 3 animals, but group 4 developed more carcinomas per animal than group 3. Using these experimental concentrations, 4-HPR cannot express its best chemopreventive effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lajolo
- School of Dentistry, Catholic University, Largo A. Gemelli, 8; I-00168, Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chemotherapy has gained a larger importance in the management of brain tumours, especially in children. RECENT FINDINGS Converging results were presented in 2005 by the German, French and North-American cooperative groups indicating that a subgroup of young children with medulloblastoma (i.e. those with desmoplastic histology) could be cured with chemotherapy only strategies. The usefulness of high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem-cell transplant was shown not only as salvage strategy but also upfront in high-risk patients with medulloblastoma. Diffuse pontine glioma remains a devastating disease despite numerous attempts to improve on the standard radiotherapy. Targeted therapies have entered the paediatric neuro-oncology field as well. SUMMARY In the most frequent paediatric brain tumors (medulloblastoma and low grade gliomas), the improvements have been impressive in recent years. These patients still await new targeted therapies to lower the burden of treatments and their related side-effects. Most of the brain tumours, however, are rare and the development of specific protocols too slow. Likely, they may have very specific biologic abnormalities that could be efficiently targeted in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Grill
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancerology Institute, Villejuif, France.
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Zaheer A, Sahu SK, Traynelis VC. Inhibitors of EGFR signaling retard cytotoxicity of fenretinide in rat gliosarcoma cells. Neurochem Res 2007; 33:22-6. [PMID: 17577665 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-007-9401-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2007] [Accepted: 05/30/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fenretinide, 4-(N-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide, (4-HPR) is a well tolerated analog of alltrans retinoic acid. The gangliosideGM3, is a non-specific inhibitor of EGF receptor autophosphorylation (EGFR-phos). Both compounds were found preferentially cytotoxic to malignant and proliferating cells when compared to non-proliferating normal brain cells. Some of the small molecule inhibitors of EGFR-phos are also known to inhibit growth of brain tumors at relatively non-toxic doses. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate if 4-HPR and inhibitors of EGFR-phos could be used together in the treatment of brain tumors. METHODS The 9L rat gliosarcoma cells were treated in vitro with 4-HPR either alone or in combination with the non-specific or specific inhibitors of EGFR-phos, GM3 or AG-1478, respectively. The relative viability of the control and treated cells was determined using 3-(4,5-imethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The experimental data were analyzed for statistical significance. RESULTS In contrast to the expected additive/synergistic effect on cell growth inhibition, the sub-toxic and toxic concentrations of 4-HPR protected GM3 treated cells. The viable cells were 3.86 times higher following GM3 plus 4-HPR treatments compared to GM3 treatment alone. Additionally, a specific inhibitor of EGFR-phos signaling, AG-1478 caused a concentration dependent protection of cells from the toxicity of 4-HPR. Our results show counteracting cytotoxic responses of 4-HPR and EGFR-phos inhibitors when used together in 9L rat gliosarcoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Zaheer
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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