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Petrucci GN, Magalhães TR, Dias M, Queiroga FL. Metronomic chemotherapy: bridging theory to clinical application in canine and feline oncology. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1397376. [PMID: 38903691 PMCID: PMC11187343 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1397376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Veterinary oncology has experienced significant evolution over the last few decades, with chemotherapy being currently applied to several neoplasms with therapeutic success. Traditionally, chemotherapy protocols are based on classic cytostatic drugs under the concept of maximum tolerated dose (MTD), which has been associated with a greater risk of toxicity and resistance. Thus, new therapeutic alternatives have emerged, such as metronomic chemotherapy (MC), introducing a new paradigm in cancer treatment. MC consists of administering low doses of chemotherapy drugs continuously over a long period of time, modulating the tumour microenvironment (TME) due to the combination of cytotoxic, antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory effects. This multi-targeted therapy has been described as a treatment option in several canine and feline cancers since 2007, with positive results already published in the literature, particularly in mammary carcinomas and soft tissue sarcomas in dogs. The aim of this review article is to describe the current knowledge about the use of MC in small animal oncology, with emphasis on its mechanisms of action, the most commonly used drugs and clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo N. Petrucci
- Onevet Hospital Veterinário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Department, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Center for Investigation Vasco da Gama (CIVG), Vasco da Gama University School (EUVG), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tomás Rodrigues Magalhães
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Márcia Dias
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Felisbina Luísa Queiroga
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Study of Animal Science, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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B-Mode and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography Aspects of Benign and Malignant Superficial Neoplasms in Dogs: A Preliminary Study. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202765. [PMID: 36290151 PMCID: PMC9597709 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In dogs, superficial neoplasms are common, and it is crucial to determine their malignancy, as this will have an impact on treatment and prognosis. So far, the diagnostic value of ultrasound modalities, such as B-mode and contrast enhanced ultrasound, for superficial neoplasms in dogs is still unclear, despite promising studies in humans. B-mode ultrasound enables assessment of the size, shape and arrangement of the neoplastic tissue, whereas contrast enhanced ultrasound enables the assessment of blood flow intensity and pattern. The aim of this study was to identify B-mode and contrast enhanced ultrasound characteristics that may be used to distinguish benign and malignant superficial neoplasms in dogs. Ultrasonographic characteristics, for which a significant difference was observed between benign and malignant neoplasms, were border definition, echogenicity, echotexture, blood flow pattern at wash-in and blood flow intensity during wash-out at the center of the neoplasm. Despite these significant differences, there was a considerable overlap in ultrasonographic characteristics between benign and malignant neoplasms. In conclusion, B-mode and contrast enhanced ultrasound might contribute to malignancy prediction; however, based on individual ultrasonographic characteristics, they seem unable to replace cytology or histopathology. Abstract Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is considered a promising technique for differentiation of benign and malignant tumors in humans. However, few studies have assessed superficial neoplasms in dogs by means of CEUS. The aim of this study was to identify ultrasonographic criteria evaluated by B-mode ultrasound (US) and CEUS that may be used to distinguish benign and malignant superficial neoplasms in dogs. A total of 63 superficial neoplasms from 59 dogs were evaluated using B-mode US and CEUS prior to histopathologic examination. Qualitative and quantitative parameters were compared between benign and malignant neoplasms by Fischer’s exact test or fixed effects model. With B-mode US, a significant difference was found for border definition, echogenicity and echotexture. With CEUS, a significant difference was found for the enhancement pattern at wash-in and the wash-out area under the curve at the center of the neoplasm. Malignant neoplasms had on average a lower regional blood volume during the wash-out phase compared to benign neoplasms. Despite these significant differences, there was a considerable overlap in B-mode and CEUS parameters between benign and malignant neoplasms. In conclusion, B-mode US and CEUS might contribute to malignancy prediction; however, based on individual ultrasonographic parameters, they seem unable to replace cytology or histopathology.
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Pazzi P, Steenkamp G, Rixon AJ. Treatment of Canine Oral Melanomas: A Critical Review of the Literature. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9050196. [PMID: 35622724 PMCID: PMC9147014 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Critical appraisal of the available literature for the treatment of canine oral malignant melanoma (OMM) is lacking. This critical review aimed to evaluate the current literature and provide treatment recommendations and possible suggestions for future canine OMM research. PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched in June 2021, for terms relevant to treatment of OMM. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and information on clinical response and outcome extracted. Eighty-one studies were included. The overall level of evidence supporting the various canine OMM treatment options was low. The majority of studies included confounding treatment modalities and lacked randomization, control groups and consistency in reporting clinical response and outcomes. Within these limitations, surgery remains the mainstay of therapy. Adjunctive radiotherapy provided good local control and improved median survival times (MST), chemotherapy did not offer survival benefit beyond that of surgery, while electrochemotherapy may offer a potential alternative to radiotherapy. Immunotherapy holds the most promise in extending MST in the surgical adjunctive setting, in particular the combination of gene therapy and autologous vaccination. Prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trials, with a lack of confounding factors and reporting based on established guidelines would allow comparison and recommendations for the treatment of canine OMM.
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He W, Li Q, Lu Y, Ju D, Gu Y, Zhao K, Dong C. Cancer treatment evolution from traditional methods to stem cells and gene therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:368-385. [PMID: 34802404 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666211119110755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer, a malignant tumor, is caused by the failure of the mechanism that controls cell growth and proliferation. Late clinical symptoms often manifest as lumps, pain, ulcers, and bleeding. Systemic symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite. It is a major disease that threatens human life and health. How to treat cancer is a long-standing problem that needs to be overcome in the history of medicine. METHOD Traditional tumor treatment methods are poorly targeted, and the side effects of treatment seriously damage the physical and mental health of patients. In recent years, with the advancement of medical science and technology, the research on gene combined with mesenchymal stem cells to treat tumors has been intensified. Mesenchymal stem cells carry genes to target cancer cells, which can achieve better therapeutic effects. DISCUSSION In the text, we systematically review the cancer treatment evolution from traditional methods to novel approaches that include immunotherapy, nanotherapy, stem cell theapy, and gene therapy. We provide the latest review of the application status, clinical trials and development prospects of mesenchymal stem cells and gene therapy for cancer, as well as their integration in cancer treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells are effective carriers carrying genes and provide new clinical ideas for tumor treatment. CONCLUSION This review focuses on the current status, application prospects and challenges of mesenchymal stem cell combined gene therapy for cancer, and provides new ideas for clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua He
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001. China
| | - Qingxuan Li
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001. China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001. China
| | - Dingyue Ju
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001. China
| | - Yu Gu
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001. China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001. China
| | - Chuanming Dong
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001. China
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Treggiari E, Pellin MA, Valenti P, Curran KM, Borrego JF, Romanelli G, Mason SL, Taylor A. Tolerability and outcome of palliative treatment for metastatic pulmonary carcinoma in cats. J Small Anim Pract 2021; 62:992-1000. [PMID: 34608648 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pulmonary carcinoma is uncommon in cats and reporting of outcomes following medical treatment is limited, especially in presence of metastases. The aim of this study was to describe the outcome of cats affected by metastatic primary pulmonary carcinoma and to evaluate the tolerability of palliative treatment in this patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS Medical records were searched for cats with a cytological or histopathological diagnosis of primary pulmonary carcinoma and evidence of metastatic disease. Cats were treated with antineoplastic agents, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or received no systemic treatment. Cases in which thoracic CT was not performed, and those lacking definitive diagnosis by cytology or histopathology or receiving curative-intent surgery were excluded. RESULTS Thirty-four cats were identified: 18 were treated with antineoplastic agents and 16 received corticosteroids, NSAIDs or no treatment. Presenting clinical signs included coughing (53%), tachypnoea (26%), gastrointestinal signs (35%) and lethargy (18%). CT scan identified metastases to the lung parenchyma in all cases and additional metastatic lesions in 10 of 34 (59%) cases; pleural effusion was detected in 11 cases (32%). The overall median survival time for all cats was 64 days [range 1-1352 days; 95% confidence interval (CI) 48-164]. Presence of respiratory signs at presentation was the only factor influencing survival in the multivariable analysis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Medical treatment was well tolerated and appeared to palliate clinical signs in cats with metastatic pulmonary carcinoma, albeit with a modest duration and short overall survival. The role and benefit of chemotherapy/antineoplastic agents versus conventional palliative drugs in this setting remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Treggiari
- Oncology Service, Centro Specialistico Veterinario, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - M A Pellin
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - P Valenti
- Oncology Service, Clinica Veterinaria Malpensa, 21017, Samarate, Italy
| | - K M Curran
- Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Oregon State University, Oregon, 97331, USA
| | - J F Borrego
- Oncology Service, Hospital Auna Especialidades Veterinarias, Valencia, 46980, Spain
| | - G Romanelli
- Oncology Service, Centro Specialistico Veterinario, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - S L Mason
- Department of Oncology, The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, Cambridgeshire, UK.,S.L. Mason's current address is Southfield's Veterinary Specialists, Oncology Service, Basildon, UK
| | - A Taylor
- Oncology Service, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Hertfordshire, UK
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Brloznik M, Kranjc Brezar S, Boc N, Knific T, Cemazar M, Milevoj N, Sersa G, Tozon N, Pavlin D. Results of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Correlate With Treatment Outcome in Canine Neoplasia Treated With Electrochemotherapy and Interleukin-12 Plasmid Electrotransfer. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:679073. [PMID: 34095282 PMCID: PMC8173043 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.679073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) and/or gene electrotransfer of plasmid DNA encoding interleukin-12 (GET pIL-12) are effective treatments for canine cutaneous, subcutaneous, and maxillofacial tumors. Despite the clinical efficacy of the combined treatments of ECT and GET, data on parameters that might predict the outcome of the treatments are still lacking. This study aimed to investigate whether dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) results of subcutaneous tumors differ between tumors with complete response (CR) and tumors without complete response (non-CR) in dogs treated with ECT and GET pIL-12. Eight dogs with a total of 12 tumor nodules treated with ECT and GET pIL-12 were included. DCE-US examinations were performed in all animals before and immediately after therapy as well as 8 h and 1, 3, and 7 days later. Clinical follow-up examinations were performed 7 and 14 days, 1 and 6 months, and 1 year after treatment. Numerous significant differences in DCE-US parameters were noted between tumors with CR and non-CR tumors; perfusion and perfusion heterogeneity were lower in CR tumors than in non-CR tumors. Therefore, studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to investigate whether DCE-US results can be used to predict treatment outcomes and to make effective decisions about the need for repeated therapy or different treatment combinations in individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Brloznik
- Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Boc
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Knific
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia
| | - Nina Milevoj
- Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Natasa Tozon
- Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Pavlin
- Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Liu L, Gao H, Guo C, Liu T, Li N, Qian Q. Therapeutic Mechanism of Nucleic Acid Drugs. ChemistrySelect 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202002901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lianxiao Liu
- Nucleic Acid Drug Division Shanghai Cell Therapy Group Co., Ltd. 75 A Qianyang Rd, Jiading District Shanghai 201805 China
| | - Haixia Gao
- Nucleic Acid Drug Division Shanghai Cell Therapy Group Co., Ltd. 75 A Qianyang Rd, Jiading District Shanghai 201805 China
| | - Chuanxin Guo
- Nucleic Acid Drug Division Shanghai Cell Therapy Group Co., Ltd. 75 A Qianyang Rd, Jiading District Shanghai 201805 China
| | - Tao Liu
- Nucleic Acid Drug Division Shanghai Cell Therapy Group Co., Ltd. 75 A Qianyang Rd, Jiading District Shanghai 201805 China
| | - Ning Li
- Nucleic Acid Drug Division Shanghai Cell Therapy Group Co., Ltd. 75 A Qianyang Rd, Jiading District Shanghai 201805 China
| | - Qijun Qian
- Nucleic Acid Drug Division Shanghai Cell Therapy Group Co., Ltd. 75 A Qianyang Rd, Jiading District Shanghai 201805 China
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Cai XJ, Fei WD, Xu YY, Xu H, Yang GY, Cao JW, Ni JJ, Wang Z. Combination of metronomic administration and target delivery strategies to improve the anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor effects of triptolide. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2020; 10:93-107. [PMID: 31418132 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-019-00665-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The metronomic administration of a low-dose cytotoxic agent with no prolonged drug-free breaks is an anti-angiogenic cancer treatment method. The use of nano-formulations in this manner enhances anti-tumor efficacy and reduces toxicity by inhibiting angiogenic activity, reduces adverse effects, and changes the biodistribution of TP in the body, steering TP away from potentially endangering healthy tissues. The present study uses liposomes and Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) peptide conjugated aminopeptidase N(APN)-targeted liposomes for triptolide (TP), as a model for the investigation of targeted metronomic administration and subsequent effects on the toxicity profile and efficacy of the chemotherapeutic agent. Metronomic NGR-PEG-TP-LPs have been found to have enhanced anti-tumor activity, a phenomenon that is attributed to an increase in angiogenic inhibition properties. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the viability, migration, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are obviously suppressed in comparison with that of other treatment groups. In vivo experiments also demonstrate that the anti-tumor efficacy of targeted metronomic administration is superior to that of liposome-administered treatments given at maximum tolerated dose (MTD) schemes, as is evidenced by markedly decreased tumor volume, vessel density, and the volume of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPCs) in serum. Moreover, we observed that the metronomic administration of NGR-PEG-TP-LPs could elevate thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) expression in tumors, a finding that is consistent with the promotion of TSP-1 secretion specifically from HUVECs. Additionally, metronomic NGR-PEG-TP-LPs have minimal drug-associated toxicity (weight loss, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in mice). Our research demonstrates the significance of targeted metronomic administration using liposomes for anti-angiogenic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Jun Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Integrated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Dong Fei
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Ying-Ying Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Integrated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Integrated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Gao-Yi Yang
- Department of Ultrasoud, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Integrated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Wei Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Integrated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Jun Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Integrated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Cancer Research and Basic Medical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Cancer Hospital of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Maglietti F, Tellado M, De Robertis M, Michinski S, Fernández J, Signori E, Marshall G. Electroporation as the Immunotherapy Strategy for Cancer in Veterinary Medicine: State of the Art in Latin America. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E537. [PMID: 32957424 PMCID: PMC7564659 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroporation is a technology that increases cell membrane permeability by the application of electric pulses. Electrochemotherapy (ECT), the best-known application of electroporation, is a very effective local treatment for tumors of any histology in human and veterinary medicine. It induces a local yet robust immune response that is responsible for its high effectiveness. Gene electrotransfer (GET), used in research to produce a systemic immune response against cancer, is another electroporation-based treatment that is very appealing for its effectiveness, low cost, and simplicity. In this review, we present the immune effect of electroporation-based treatments and analyze the results of the vast majority of the published papers related to immune response enhancement by gene electrotransfer in companion animals with spontaneous tumors. In addition, we present a brief history of the initial steps and the state of the art of the electroporation-based treatments in Latin America. They have the potential to become an essential form of immunotherapy in the region. This review gives insight into the subject and helps to choose promising research lines for future work; it also helps to select the adequate treatment parameters for performing a successful application of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Maglietti
- Instituto Universitario del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires 1199, Argentina
| | - Matías Tellado
- VetOncologia, Veterinary Oncology Clinic, Buenos Aires 1408, Argentina; (M.T.); (J.F.)
| | - Mariangela De Robertis
- CNR-Institute of Biomembrane, Bioenergetics, and Molecular Biotechnology, 70126 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Sebastián Michinski
- Instituto de Física del Plasma, DF, FCEyN, UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (S.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Juan Fernández
- VetOncologia, Veterinary Oncology Clinic, Buenos Aires 1408, Argentina; (M.T.); (J.F.)
| | - Emanuela Signori
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Experimental Oncology, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Guillermo Marshall
- Instituto de Física del Plasma, DF, FCEyN, UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (S.M.); (G.M.)
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Heidary F, Gharebaghi R, Ghasemi H, Mahdavi MRV, Ghaffarpour S, Naghizadeh MM, Ghazanfari T. Angiogenesis modulatory factors in subjects with chronic ocular complications of Sulfur Mustard exposure: A case-control study. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 76:105843. [PMID: 31629219 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic ocular complications of Sulfur Mustard (SM) exposure leads to severe ocular morbidity during time. The aim of this study was to compare serum levels of Interleukin 17 (IL-17), IL-12, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, VEGF-D and nitric oxide (NO) in SM-exposed patients versus the control group and to measure tear concentration of VEGF-C only in the SM-exposed group. METHODS In this prospective case control, 128 SM-exposed patients and 31 healthy control subjects were included. In the case group ocular manifestations were classified to three subgroups of mild (19 cases), moderate (31 cases) and severe (78 cases) forms of disease. Serum levels of IL-17, IL-12, NO, VEGF-C and VEGF-D, in all subjects and tear concentration of VEGF-C in SM-exposed group was evaluated. RESULTS All subjects were male and mean ± standard deviation (SD) of age in the case and control groups were 44.9 ± 8.8 and 40.9 ± 10.1 years, respectively. Except for significantly lower serum level of IL-17 (p < 0.001) and NO (p = 0.003), other values were not significantly different. The tear concentration of VEGF-C and serum level of IL-12 were not different between subgroups in the SM-exposed group, yet were significantly lower among those with abnormally dilated and tortuous conjunctival vessels and corneal pannus, respectively (p = 0.01, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to SM significantly reduced serum level of IL-17 and NO in the delayed phase, yet did not influence VEGF-C; VEGF-D or IL-12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Heidary
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran 3319118651, Iran
| | - Reza Gharebaghi
- International Virtual Ophthalmic Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Ghasemi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shahed University, Tehran 3319118651, Iran
| | | | - Sara Ghaffarpour
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran 3319118651, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Naghizadeh
- Non Communicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa 7461686688, Iran
| | - Tooba Ghazanfari
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran 3319118651, Iran.
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11
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Power Doppler ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound demonstrate non-invasive tumour vascular response to anti-vascular therapy in canine cancer patients. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9262. [PMID: 31239493 PMCID: PMC6592898 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45682-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Combretastatin A4-phosphate (CA4P) is an anti-vascular agent which selectively shuts down blood supply in tumours, resulting in extensive tumour necrosis. The aim of this study was to assess in vivo, non-invasive ultrasound techniques for the early evaluation of tumour perfusion following CA4P treatment of spontaneous tumours. Eight dogs that bore spontaneous tumours were enrolled and were subsequently treated with a single dose of intravenous CA4P. Perfusion of tumours was evaluated by power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) pre-treatment (0 h), during the injection (10 min, 20 min, 30 min) and after CA4P infusion (24 and 72 h). Vascularity index (VI) of the tumour tissue was quantitatively analysed and accuracy was verified by correlation analysis with the results of immunohistochemical evaluation of microvessel density (MVD). Central and peripheral perfusion was evaluated by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) pre-treatment and at 72 h post-treatment. Post-treatment, PDUS demonstrated a significant decrease in VI within 10 min of CA4P infusion. CEUS parameters demonstrated a significant decrease in blood velocity and volume in the central aspect of the tumour. Histology revealed a 4.4-fold reduction (p < 0.001, 95% CI [2.2,9.4]) in MVD and a 4.1-fold increase (p = 0.003, 95% CI [1.4,11.8]) in necrotic tumour tissue. A strong correlation between PDUS results and immunohistochemical results was found (Pearson R2 = 0.957, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the findings of PDUS were supported by the objective results of the CEUS analyses. These data suggest a role for ultrasound in real-time, non-invasive monitoring of tumour vascular response as an early indicator of CA4P treatment efficacy.
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12
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A Review of Immunotherapeutic Strategies in Canine Malignant Melanoma. Vet Sci 2019; 6:vetsci6010015. [PMID: 30759787 PMCID: PMC6466282 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci6010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In dogs, melanomas are relatively common tumors and the most common form of oral malignancy. Biological behavior is highly variable, usually aggressive, and frequently metastatic, with reported survival times of three months for oral or mucosal melanomas in advanced disease stages. Classical clinical management remains challenging; thus, novel and more efficacious treatment strategies are needed. Evidence-based medicine supports the role of the immune system to treat neoplastic diseases. Besides, immunotherapy offers the possibility of a precise medicinal approach to treat cancer. In recent years, multiple immunotherapeutic strategies have been developed, and are now recognized as a pillar of treatment. In addition, dogs represent a good model for translational medicine purposes. This review will cover the most relevant immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of canine malignant melanoma, divided among five different categories, namely, monoclonal antibodies, nonspecific immunotherapy activated by bacteria, vaccines, gene therapy, and lymphokine-activated killer cell therapy.
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Mander KA, Finnie JW. Tumour angiogenesis, anti-angiogenic therapy and chemotherapeutic resistance. Aust Vet J 2018; 96:371-378. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- KA Mander
- Adelaide Medical School; University of Adelaide; Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - JW Finnie
- Adelaide Medical School; University of Adelaide; Adelaide South Australia Australia
- SA Pathology Centre for Neurological Diseases; Adelaide South Australia Australia
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Abstract
Electrotransfection (ET) is a nonviral method for delivery of various types of molecules into cells both in vitro and in vivo. Close to 90 clinical trials that involve the use of ET have been performed, and approximately half of them are related to cancer treatment. Particularly, ET is an attractive technique for cancer immunogene therapy because treatment of cells with electric pulses alone can induce immune responses to solid tumors, and the responses can be further enhanced by ET of plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding therapeutic genes. Compared to other gene delivery methods, ET has several unique advantages. It is relatively inexpensive, flexible, and safe in clinical applications, and introduces only naked pDNA into cells without the use of additional chemicals or viruses. However, the efficiency of ET is still low, partly because biological mechanisms of ET in cells remain elusive. In previous studies, it was believed that pDNA entered the cells through transient pores created by electric pulses. As a result, the technique is commonly referred to as electroporation. However, recent discoveries have suggested that endocytosis plays an important role in cellular uptake and intracellular transport of electrotransfected pDNA. This review will discuss current progresses in the study of biological mechanisms underlying ET and future directions of research in this area. Understanding the mechanisms of pDNA transport in cells is critical for the development of new strategies for improving the efficiency of gene delivery in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Cervia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
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Natale G, Bocci G. Does metronomic chemotherapy induce tumor angiogenic dormancy? A review of available preclinical and clinical data. Cancer Lett 2018; 432:28-37. [PMID: 29885517 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor dormancy is the ability of cancer cells to survive in a non-proliferating state. This condition can depend on three main mechanisms: cell cycle arrest (quiescence or cell dormancy), immunosurveillance (immunologic dormancy), or lack of functional blood vessels (angiogenic dormancy). In particular, under angiogenic dormancy, cancer cell proliferation is counterbalanced by apoptosis owing to poor vascularization, impeding tumor mass expansion beyond a microscopic size, with an asymptomatic and non-metastatic state. Tumor vasculogenic or non-angiogenic switch is essential to promote escape from tumor dormancy, leading to tumor mass proliferation and metastasis. In avascular lesions angiogenesis process results blocked from the equilibrium between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), respectively. The angiogenic switch mainly depends on the disruption of this balance, in favor of pro-angiogenic factors, and on the recruitment of circulating endothelial progenitors (CEPs) that promote the formation of new blood vessels. Metronomic chemotherapy, the regular intake of doses able to sustain low but active concentrations of chemotherapeutic drugs during protracted time periods, is an encouraging therapeutic approach that has shown to upregulate anti-angiogenic factors such as TSP-1 and decline pro-angiogenic factors such as VEGF, suppressing the proangiogenic cells such as CEPs. In this perspective, metronomic chemotherapy may be one of the available therapeutic approaches capable to modulate favorably the angiogenic tumor dormancy, but further research is essential to better define this particular characteristic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Natale
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, and Museo di Anatomia Umana ''Filippo Civinini'', Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Guido Bocci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Finocchiaro LME, Glikin GC. Recent clinical trials of cancer immunogene therapy in companion animals. World J Exp Med 2017; 7:42-48. [PMID: 28589078 PMCID: PMC5439171 DOI: 10.5493/wjem.v7.i2.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This mini-review presents the results of veterinary clinical trials on immunogene therapy published from 2014 to 2016. A variety of tumors, among them melanoma (canine and equine), mastocytoma (canine), mammary adenocarcinoma (canine) and fibrosarcoma (feline) were treated by using diverse strategies. Non-viral vectors were usually employed to transfer genes of cytokines, suicide enzymes and/or tumor associated antigens. In general terms, minor or no adverse collateral effects were related to these procedures, and treated patients frequently improved their conditions (better quality of life, delayed or suppressed recurrence or metastatic spread, increased survival). Some of these new methodologies have a promising future if applied as adjuvant treatments of standard approaches. The auspicious results, derived from immunogene therapy studies carried out in companion animals, warrant their imperative usage in veterinary clinical oncology. Besides, they provide a strong preclinical basis (safety assays and proofs of concept) for analogous human clinical trials.
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