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Zhang Q, Zhang M. Recent advances in lung cancer organoid (tumoroid) research (Review). Exp Ther Med 2024; 28:383. [PMID: 39161616 PMCID: PMC11332118 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12672] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most critical type of malignant tumor that threatens human health. Traditional preclinical models have certain defects; for example, they cannot accurately reflect the characteristics of lung cancer and their development is costly and time-consuming. Through self-organization, cancer stem cells (CSCs) generate cancer organoids that have a structure similar to that of lung cancer tissues, overcoming to some extent the aforementioned challenges, thus enabling them to have broader application prospects. Lung cancer organoid (LCO) development methods can be divided into three broad categories based on the source of cells, which include cell lines, patient-derived xenografts and patient tumor tissue/pleural effusion. There are 17 different methods that have been described for the development of LCOs. These methods can be further merged into six categories based on the source of cells, the pre-treatment method used, the composition of the medium and the culture scaffold. These categories are: i) CSCs induced by defined transcription factors; ii) suspension culture; iii) relative optimal culture medium; iv) suboptimal culture medium; v) mechanical digestion and suboptimal culture medium; and vi) hydrogel scaffold. In the current review, the advantages and disadvantages of each of the aforementioned methods are summarized, and references for supporting studies are cited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, P.R. China
| | - Mingyang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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2
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Murphy C, Devis-Jauregui L, Struck R, Boloix A, Gallagher C, Gavin C, Cottone F, Fernandez AS, Madden S, Roma J, Segura MF, Piskareva O. In vivo cisplatin-resistant neuroblastoma metastatic model reveals tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4 (TNFRSF4) as an independent prognostic factor of survival in neuroblastoma. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303643. [PMID: 38809883 PMCID: PMC11135766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common solid extracranial tumour in children. Despite major advances in available therapies, children with drug-resistant and/or recurrent neuroblastoma have a dismal outlook with 5-year survival rates of less than 20%. Therefore, tackling relapsed tumour biology by developing and characterising clinically relevant models is a priority in finding targetable vulnerability in neuroblastoma. Using matched cisplatin-sensitive KellyLuc and resistant KellyCis83Luc cell lines, we developed a cisplatin-resistant metastatic MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma model. The average number of metastases per mouse was significantly higher in the KellyCis83Luc group than in the KellyLuc group. The vast majority of sites were confirmed as having lymph node metastasis. Their stiffness characteristics of lymph node metastasis values were within the range reported for the patient samples. Targeted transcriptomic profiling of immuno-oncology genes identified tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4 (TNFRSF4) as a significantly dysregulated MYCN-independent gene. Importantly, differential TNFRSF4 expression was identified in tumour cells rather than lymphocytes. Low TNFRSF4 expression correlated with poor prognostic indicators in neuroblastoma, such as age at diagnosis, stage, and risk stratification and significantly associated with reduced probability of both event-free and overall survival in neuroblastoma. Therefore, TNFRSF4 Low expression is an independent prognostic factor of survival in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Murphy
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Bioengineering Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura Devis-Jauregui
- Faculty of Medicine, Cell Biology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Campus Bellvitge, Feixa Llarga s/n, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Ronja Struck
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Bioengineering Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ariadna Boloix
- Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Group of Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ciara Gallagher
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Bioengineering Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cian Gavin
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Bioengineering Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Federica Cottone
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Bioengineering Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aroa Soriano Fernandez
- Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Group of Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stephen Madden
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Josep Roma
- Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Group of Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel F. Segura
- Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Group of Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Piskareva
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Bioengineering Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland
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Patel T, Skonieczna M, Turczyn R, Krukiewicz K. Modulating pro-adhesive nature of metallic surfaces through a polypeptide coupling via diazonium chemistry. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18365. [PMID: 37884622 PMCID: PMC10603177 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45694-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The design of biomaterials able to facilitate cell adhesion is critical in the field of tissue engineering. Precise control of surface chemistry at the material/tissue interface plays a major role in enhancing the interactions between a biomaterial and living cells. Bio-integration is particularly important in case of various electrotherapies, since a close contact between tissue and electrode's surface facilitates treatment. A promising approach towards surface biofunctionalization involves the electrografting of diazonium salts followed by the modification of organic layer with pro-adhesive polypeptides. This study focuses on the modification of platinum electrodes with a 4-nitrobenzenediazonium layer, which is then converted to the aminobenzene moiety. The electrodes are further biofunctionalized with polypeptides (polylysine and polylysine/laminin) to enhance cell adhesion. This study also explores the differences between physical and chemical coupling of selected polypeptides to modulate pro-adhesive nature of Pt electrodes with respect to human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and U87 astrocytes. Our results demonstrate the significant enhancement in cell adhesion for biofunctionalized electrodes, with more amplified adhesion noted for covalently coupled polypeptides. The implications of this research are crucial for the development of more effective and functional biomaterials, particularly biomedical electrodes, which have the potential to advance the field of bioelectronics and improve patients' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taral Patel
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, M. Strzody 9, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland
- Joint Doctoral School, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2A, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Magdalena Skonieczna
- Biotechnology Centre, Silesian University of Technology, Krzywoustego 8, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland
- Department of Systems Biology and Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 16, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Roman Turczyn
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, M. Strzody 9, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland
- Centre for Organic and Nanohybrid Electronics, Silesian University of Technology, Konarskiego 22B, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Krukiewicz
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, M. Strzody 9, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland.
- Centre for Organic and Nanohybrid Electronics, Silesian University of Technology, Konarskiego 22B, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland.
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4
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Valenti GE, Marengo B, Milanese M, Zuccari G, Brullo C, Domenicotti C, Alfei S. Imidazo-Pyrazole-Loaded Palmitic Acid and Polystyrene-Based Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Antiproliferative Activity on Chemo-Resistant Human Neuroblastoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15027. [PMID: 37834475 PMCID: PMC10573130 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241915027] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood cancer, commonly treated with drugs, such as etoposide (ETO), whose efficacy is limited by the onset of resistance. Here, aiming at identifying new treatments for chemo-resistant NB, the effects of two synthesized imidazo-pyrazoles (IMPs) (4G and 4I) were investigated on ETO-sensitive (HTLA-230) and ETO-resistant (HTLA-ER) NB cells, detecting 4I as the more promising compound, that demonstrated IC50 values lower than those of ETO on HTLA ER. Therefore, to further improve the activity of 4I, we developed 4I-loaded palmitic acid (PA) and polystyrene-based (P5) cationic nanoparticles (P5PA-4I NPs) with high drug loading (21%) and encapsulation efficiency (97%), by a single oil-in-water emulsification technique. Biocompatible PA was adopted as an emulsion stabilizer, while synthesized P5 acted as an encapsulating agent, solubilizer and hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) improver. Optic microscopy and cytofluorimetric analyses were performed to investigate the micromorphology, size and complexity distributions of P5PA-4I NPs, which were also structurally characterized by chemometric-assisted Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Potentiometric titrations allowed us to estimate the milliequivalents of PA and basic nitrogen atoms present in NPs. P5PA-4I NPs afforded dispersions in water with excellent buffer capacity, essential to escape lysosomal degradation and promote long residence time inside cells. They were chemically stable in an aqueous medium for at least 40 days, while in dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses, P5PA-4I showed a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 541 nm, small polydispersity (0.194), and low positive zeta potentials (+8.39 mV), assuring low haemolytic toxicity. Biological experiments on NB cells, demonstrated that P5PA-4I NPs induced ROS-dependent cytotoxic effects significantly higher than those of pristine 4I, showing a major efficacy compared to ETO in reducing cell viability in HTLA-ER cells. Collectively, this 4I-based nano-formulation could represent a new promising macromolecular platform to develop a new delivery system able to increase the cytotoxicity of the anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Elda Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Via Alberti L.B., 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Via Alberti L.B., 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical and Food Technologies, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Guendalina Zuccari
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), Section of Medicinal Chemistry and Cosmetic Product, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Chiara Brullo
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), Section of Medicinal Chemistry and Cosmetic Product, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Via Alberti L.B., 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
| | - Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical and Food Technologies, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
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Krawczyk E, Kitlińska J. Preclinical Models of Neuroblastoma-Current Status and Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3314. [PMID: 37444423 PMCID: PMC10340830 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical in vitro and in vivo models remain indispensable tools in cancer research. These classic models, including two- and three-dimensional cell culture techniques and animal models, are crucial for basic and translational studies. However, each model has its own limitations and typically does not fully recapitulate the course of the human disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of novel, advanced systems that can allow for efficient evaluation of the mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression, more accurately reflect the disease pathophysiology and complexity, and effectively inform therapeutic decisions for patients. Preclinical models are especially important for rare cancers, such as neuroblastoma, where the availability of patient-derived specimens that could be used for potential therapy evaluation and screening is limited. Neuroblastoma modeling is further complicated by the disease heterogeneity. In this review, we present the current status of preclinical models for neuroblastoma research, discuss their development and characteristics emphasizing strengths and limitations, and describe the necessity of the development of novel, more advanced and clinically relevant approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Krawczyk
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Joanna Kitlińska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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6
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Boboila S, Okochi S, Banerjee D, Barton S, Street C, Zenilman AL, Wang Q, Gartrell RD, Saenger YM, Welch D, Wu CC, Kadenhe-Chiweshe A, Yamashiro DJ, Connolly EP. Combining immunotherapy with high-dose radiation therapy (HDRT) significantly inhibits tumor growth in a syngeneic mouse model of high-risk neuroblastoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17399. [PMID: 37408891 PMCID: PMC10319189 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17399] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The mortality in patients with MYCN-amplified high-risk neuroblastoma remains greater than 50% despite advances in multimodal therapy. Novel therapies are urgently needed that requires preclinical evaluation in appropriate mice models. Combinatorial treatment with high-dose radiotherapy (HDRT) and immunotherapy has emerged as an effective treatment option in a variety of cancers. Current models of neuroblastoma do not recapitulate the anatomic and immune environment in which multimodal therapies can be effectively tested, and there is a need for an appropriate syngeneic neuroblastoma mice model to study interaction of immunotherapy with host immune cells. Here, we develop a novel syngeneic mouse model of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma and report the relevance and opportunities of this model to study radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Materials and methods A syngeneic allograft tumor model was developed using the murine neuroblastoma cell line 9464D derived a tumor from TH-MYCN transgenic mouse. Tumors were generated by transplanting 1 mm3 portions of 9464D flank tumors into the left kidney of C57Bl/6 mice. We investigated the effect of combining HDRT with anti-PD1 antibody on tumor growth and tumor microenvironment. HDRT (8 Gy x 3) was delivered by the small animal radiation research platform (SARRP). Tumor growth was monitored by ultrasound. To assess the effect on immune cells tumors sections were co-imuunostained for six biomarkers using the Vectra multispectral imaging platform. Results Tumor growth was uniform and confined to the kidney in 100% of transplanted tumors. HDRT was largely restricted to the tumor region with minimal scattered out-of-field dose. Combinatorial treatment with HDRT and PD-1 blockade significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged mice survival. We observed augmented T-lymphocyte infiltration, especially CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes, in tumors of mice which received combination treatment. Conclusion We have developed a novel syngeneic mouse model of MYCN amplified high-risk neuroblastoma. We have utilized this model to show that combining immunotherapy with HDRT inhibits tumor growth and prolongs mice survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuobo Boboila
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Shunpei Okochi
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Debarshi Banerjee
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sunjay Barton
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Cherease Street
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ariela L. Zenilman
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Robyn D. Gartrell
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yvonne M. Saenger
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - David Welch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Cheng-Chia Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Angela Kadenhe-Chiweshe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Darrell J. Yamashiro
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Eileen P. Connolly
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Evaluating the RIST Molecular-Targeted Regimen in a Three-Dimensional Neuroblastoma Spheroid Cell Culture Model. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061749. [PMID: 36980635 PMCID: PMC10046822 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The outcome for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma remains poor and novel treatment strategies are urgently needed. The RIST protocol represents a novel metronomic and multimodal treatment strategy for high-risk neuroblastoma combining molecular-targeted drugs as ‘pre-treatment’ with a conventional chemotherapy backbone, currently evaluated in a phase II clinical trial. For preclinical drug testing, cancer cell growth as spheroid compared to mo-nolayer cultures is of advantage since it reproduces a wide range of tumor characteristics, including the three-dimensional architecture and cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. The objective of this study was to establish a neuroblastoma spheroid model for the rigorous assessment of the RIST treatment protocol. Methods: Evaluation of CSC marker expression was performed by mRNA and protein analysis and spheroid viability by luminescence-based assays. Aberrant expression of RNA-binding protein La in neuroblastoma was assessed by tissue microarray analysis and patients’ data mining. Results: Spheroid cultures showed increased expression of a subgroup of CSC-like markers (CXCR4, NANOG and BMI) and higher Thr389 phosphorylation of the neuroblastoma-associated RNA-binding protein La when compared to monolayer cultures. Molecular-targeted ‘pre-treatment’ of spheroids decreased neoplastic signaling and CSC marker expression. Conclusions: The RIST treatment protocol efficiently reduced the viability of neuroblastoma spheroids characterized by advanced CSC properties.
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Vitale C, Bottino C, Castriconi R. Monocyte and Macrophage in Neuroblastoma: Blocking Their Pro-Tumoral Functions and Strengthening Their Crosstalk with Natural Killer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:885. [PMID: 36980226 PMCID: PMC10047506 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, immunotherapy has represented an enormous step forward in the fight against cancer. Immunotherapeutic approaches have increasingly become a fundamental part of the combined therapies currently adopted in the treatment of patients with high-risk (HR) neuroblastoma (NB). An increasing number of studies focus on the understanding of the immune landscape in NB and, since this tumor expresses low or null levels of MHC class I, on the development of new strategies aimed at enhancing innate immunity, especially Natural Killer (NK) cells and macrophages. There is growing evidence that, within the NB tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which mainly present an M2-like phenotype, have a crucial role in mediating NB development and immune evasion, and they have been correlated to poor clinical outcomes. Importantly, TAM can also impair the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by NK cells upon the administration of anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), the current standard immunotherapy for HR-NB patients. This review deals with the main mechanisms regulating the crosstalk among NB cells and TAMs or other cellular components of the TME, which support tumor development and induce drug resistance. Furthermore, we will address the most recent strategies aimed at limiting the number of pro-tumoral macrophages within the TME, reprogramming the TAMs functional state, thus enhancing NK cell functions. We also prospectively discuss new or unexplored aspects of human macrophage heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Vitale
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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9
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Aaltonen K, Radke K, Adamska A, Seger A, Mañas A, Bexell D. Patient-derived models: Advanced tools for precision medicine in neuroblastoma. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1085270. [PMID: 36776363 PMCID: PMC9910084 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1085270] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer derived from the sympathetic nervous system. High-risk neuroblastoma patients have a poor overall survival and account for ~15% of childhood cancer deaths. There is thus a need for clinically relevant and authentic models of neuroblastoma that closely resemble the human disease to further interrogate underlying mechanisms and to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Here we review recent developments in patient-derived neuroblastoma xenograft models and in vitro cultures. These models can be used to decipher mechanisms of metastasis and treatment resistance, for drug screening, and preclinical drug testing. Patient-derived neuroblastoma models may also provide useful information about clonal evolution, phenotypic plasticity, and cell states in relation to neuroblastoma progression. We summarize current opportunities for, but also barriers to, future model development and application. Integration of patient-derived models with patient data holds promise for the development of precision medicine treatment strategies for children with high-risk neuroblastoma.
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10
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Analysis of Serial Neuroblastoma PDX Passages in Mice Allows the Identification of New Mediators of Neuroblastoma Aggressiveness. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021590. [PMID: 36675105 PMCID: PMC9866967 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021590] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a neural crest cell-derived pediatric tumor characterized by high inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity, and by a poor outcome in advanced stages. Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) have been shown to be useful models for preserving and expanding original patient biopsies in vivo, and for studying neuroblastoma biology in a more physiological setting. The maintenance of genetic, histologic, and phenotypic characteristics of the original biopsy along serial PDX passages in mice is a major concern regarding this model. Here we analyze consecutive PDX passages in mice, at both transcriptomic and histological levels, in order to identify potential changes or highlight similarities to the primary sample. We studied temporal changes using mRNA and miRNA expression and correlate those with neuroblastoma aggressiveness using patient-derived databases. We observed a shortening of tumor onset and an increase in proliferative potential in the PDXs along serial passages. This behavior correlates with changes in the expression of genes related to cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation, including signaling pathways described as relevant for neuroblastoma malignancy. We also identified new genes and miRNAs that can be used to stratify patients according to survival, and which could be potential new players in neuroblastoma aggressiveness. Our results highlight the usefulness of the PDX neuroblastoma model and reflect phenotypic changes that might be occurring in the mouse environment. These findings could be useful for understanding the progression of tumor aggressiveness in this pathology.
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11
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Murphy C, Gallagher C, Piskareva O. Evaluation of miRNA Expression in 3D In Vitro Scaffold-Based Cancer Models. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2595:211-224. [PMID: 36441465 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2823-2_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating experimental evidence suggests that 3D in vitro cancer models strengthen our understanding of vital processes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and accelerate the drug discovery pipeline. Previous studies examining the effects of specific miRNAs on cancer cells in vitro have involved ectopic expression of miRNA mimics in 2D in vitro culture. Assessment of cell viability and gene expression ensures that upregulation of the chosen miRNA and repression of its target genes have been achieved. However, this 2D culture is overly simplified and lacks the complex cell to extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions observed in the native TME, yielding results often not reproduced when progressed to in vivo studies. Hence, this chapter describes a novel method of overexpressing the miRNA mimic in cells cultured on 3D collagen-based scaffolds adapted from tissue engineering techniques. Cell growth on scaffolds is sequentially monitored via a DNA quantification assay, and overexpression of the miRNA mimic and repression of its target gene is assessed via reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Murphy
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Bioengineering Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ciara Gallagher
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Bioengineering Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Olga Piskareva
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Bioengineering Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland. .,School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland. .,Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland. .,Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland. .,National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.
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12
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Pascual-Pasto G, McIntyre B, Shraim R, Buongervino SN, Erbe AK, Zhelev DV, Sadirova S, Giudice AM, Martinez D, Garcia-Gerique L, Dimitrov DS, Sondel PM, Bosse KR. GPC2 antibody-drug conjugate reprograms the neuroblastoma immune milieu to enhance macrophage-driven therapies. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004704. [PMID: 36460335 PMCID: PMC9723962 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that deliver cytotoxic drugs to tumor cells have emerged as an effective and safe anticancer therapy. ADCs may induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) to promote additional endogenous antitumor immune responses. Here, we characterized the immunomodulatory properties of D3-GPC2-PBD, a pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimer-bearing ADC that targets glypican 2 (GPC2), a cell surface oncoprotein highly differentially expressed in neuroblastoma. METHODS ADC-mediated induction of ICD was studied in GPC2-expressing murine neuroblastomas in vitro and in vivo. ADC reprogramming of the neuroblastoma tumor microenvironment was profiled by RNA sequencing, cytokine arrays, cytometry by time of flight and flow cytometry. ADC efficacy was tested in combination with macrophage-driven immunoregulators in neuroblastoma syngeneic allografts and human patient-derived xenografts. RESULTS The D3-GPC2-PBD ADC induced biomarkers of ICD, including neuroblastoma cell membrane translocation of calreticulin and heat shock proteins (HSP70/90) and release of high-mobility group box 1 and ATP. Vaccination of immunocompetent mice with ADC-treated murine neuroblastoma cells promoted T cell-mediated immune responses that protected animals against tumor rechallenge. ADC treatment also reprogrammed the tumor immune microenvironment to a proinflammatory state in these syngeneic neuroblastoma models, with increased tumor trafficking of activated macrophages and T cells. In turn, macrophage or T-cell inhibition impaired ADC efficacy in vivo, which was alternatively enhanced by both CD40 agonist and CD47 antagonist antibodies. In human neuroblastomas, the D3-GPC2-PBD ADC also induced ICD and promoted tumor phagocytosis by macrophages, which was further enhanced when blocking CD47 signaling in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS We elucidated the immunoregulatory properties of a GPC2-targeted ADC and showed robust efficacy of combination immunotherapies in diverse neuroblastoma preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Pascual-Pasto
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brendan McIntyre
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rawan Shraim
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Samantha N Buongervino
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy K Erbe
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Doncho V Zhelev
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shakhnozakhon Sadirova
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anna M Giudice
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel Martinez
- Department of Pathology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Laura Garcia-Gerique
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dimiter S Dimitrov
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paul M Sondel
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kristopher R Bosse
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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13
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Rank L, Puhl AC, Havener TM, Anderson E, Foil DH, Zorn KM, Monakhova N, Riabova O, Hickey AJ, Makarov V, Ekins S. Multiple approaches to repurposing drugs for neuroblastoma. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 73:117043. [PMID: 36208544 PMCID: PMC9870653 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the second leading extracranial solid tumor of early childhood with about two-thirds of cases presenting before the age of 5, and accounts for roughly 15 percent of all pediatric cancer fatalities in the United States. Treatments against NB are lacking, resulting in a low survival rate in high-risk patients. A repurposing approach using already approved or clinical stage compounds can be used for diseases for which the patient population is small, and the commercial market limited. We have used Bayesian machine learning, in vitro cell assays, and combination analysis to identify molecules with potential use for NB. We demonstrated that pyronaridine (SH-SY5Y IC50 1.70 µM, SK-N-AS IC50 3.45 µM), BAY 11-7082 (SH-SY5Y IC50 0.85 µM, SK-N-AS IC50 1.23 µM), niclosamide (SH-SY5Y IC50 0.87 µM, SK-N-AS IC50 2.33 µM) and fingolimod (SH-SY5Y IC50 4.71 µM, SK-N-AS IC50 6.11 µM) showed cytotoxicity against NB. As several of the molecules are approved drugs in the US or elsewhere, they may be repurposed more readily for NB treatment. Pyronaridine was also tested in combinations in SH-SY5Y cells and demonstrated an antagonistic effect with either etoposide or crizotinib. Whereas when crizotinib and etoposide were combined with each other they had a synergistic effect in these cells. We have also described several analogs of pyronaridine to explore the structure-activity relationship against cell lines. We describe multiple molecules demonstrating cytotoxicity against NB and the further evaluation of these molecules and combinations using other NB cells lines and in vivo models will be important in the future to assess translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rank
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ana C Puhl
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Tammy M Havener
- UNC Catalyst for Rare Diseases, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Edward Anderson
- UNC Catalyst for Rare Diseases, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel H Foil
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Kimberley M Zorn
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | - Olga Riabova
- Research Center of Biotechnology RAS, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anthony J Hickey
- Research Center of Biotechnology RAS, 119071 Moscow, Russia; RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Vadim Makarov
- Research Center of Biotechnology RAS, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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14
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Ning L, Shim J, Tomov ML, Liu R, Mehta R, Mingee A, Hwang B, Jin L, Mantalaris A, Xu C, Mahmoudi M, Goldsmith KC, Serpooshan V. A 3D Bioprinted in vitro Model of Neuroblastoma Recapitulates Dynamic Tumor-Endothelial Cell Interactions Contributing to Solid Tumor Aggressive Behavior. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2200244. [PMID: 35644929 PMCID: PMC9376856 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202200244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial tumor in children resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality. A deeper understanding of the NB tumor microenvironment (TME) remains an area of active research but there is a lack of reliable and biomimetic experimental models. This study utilizes a 3D bioprinting approach, in combination with NB spheroids, to create an in vitro vascular model of NB for exploring the tumor function within an endothelialized microenvironment. A gelatin methacryloyl (gelMA) bioink is used to create multi-channel cubic tumor analogues with high printing fidelity and mechanical tunability. Human-derived NB spheroids and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are incorporated into the biomanufactured gelMA and cocultured under static versus dynamic conditions, demonstrating high levels of survival and growth. Quantification of NB-EC integration and tumor cell migration suggested an increased aggressive behavior of NB when cultured in bioprinted endothelialized models, when cocultured with HUVECs, and also as a result of dynamic culture. This model also allowed for the assessment of metabolic, cytokine, and gene expression profiles of NB spheroids under varying TME conditions. These results establish a high throughput research enabling platform to study the TME-mediated cellular-molecular mechanisms of tumor growth, aggression, and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Ning
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringEmory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGA30332USA
| | - Jenny Shim
- Department of PediatricsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA30322USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders CenterChildren's Healthcare of AtlantaAtlantaGA30342USA
- Children's Healthcare of AtlantaAtlantaGA30322USA
| | - Martin L. Tomov
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringEmory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGA30332USA
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of PediatricsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA30322USA
| | - Riya Mehta
- Department of BiologyEmory UniversityAtlantaGA30322USA
| | - Andrew Mingee
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringEmory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGA30332USA
| | - Boeun Hwang
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringEmory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGA30332USA
| | - Linqi Jin
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringEmory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGA30332USA
| | - Athanasios Mantalaris
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringEmory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGA30332USA
| | - Chunhui Xu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringEmory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGA30332USA
- Department of PediatricsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA30322USA
| | - Morteza Mahmoudi
- Department of Radiology and Precision Health ProgramMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMI48824USA
| | - Kelly C. Goldsmith
- Department of PediatricsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA30322USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders CenterChildren's Healthcare of AtlantaAtlantaGA30342USA
- Children's Healthcare of AtlantaAtlantaGA30322USA
| | - Vahid Serpooshan
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringEmory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGA30332USA
- Department of PediatricsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA30322USA
- Children's Healthcare of AtlantaAtlantaGA30322USA
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15
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Liu J, Si Y, Zhou Z, Yang X, Li C, Qian L, Feng LJ, Zhang M, Zhang SX, Liu J, Kan Y, Gong J, Yang J. The prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT intra-tumoural metabolic heterogeneity in pretreatment neuroblastoma patients. Cancer Imaging 2022; 22:32. [PMID: 35791003 PMCID: PMC9254530 DOI: 10.1186/s40644-022-00472-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common tumour in children younger than 5 years old and notable for highly heterogeneous. Our aim was to quantify the intra-tumoural metabolic heterogeneity of primary tumour lesions by using 18F-FDG PET/CT and evaluate the prognostic value of intra-tumoural metabolic heterogeneity in NB patients. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 38 pretreatment NB patients in our study. 18F-FDG PET/CT images were reviewed and analyzed using 3D slicer software. The semi-quantitative metabolic parameters of primary tumour were measured, including the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumour volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). The areas under the curve of cumulative SUV-volume histogram index (AUC-CSH index) was used to quantify intra-tumoural metabolic heterogeneity. The median follow-up was 21.3 months (range 3.6 - 33.4 months). The outcome endpoint was event-free survival (EFS), including progression-free survival and overall survival. Survival analysis was performed using Cox regression models and Kaplan Meier survival plots. Results In all 38 newly diagnosed NB patients, 2 patients died, and 17 patients experienced a relapse. The AUC-CSHtotal (r=0.630, P<0.001) showed moderate correlation with the AUC-CSH40%. In univariate analysis, chromosome 11q deletion (P=0.033), Children's Oncology Group (COG) risk grouping (P=0.009), bone marrow involvement (BMI, P=0.015), and AUC-CSHtotal (P=0.007) were associated with EFS. The AUC-CSHtotal (P=0.036) and BMI (P=0.045) remained significant in multivariate analysis. The Kaplan Meier survival analyses demonstrated that patients with higher intra-tumoural metabolic heterogeneity and BMI had worse outcomes (log-rank P=0.002). Conclusion The intra-tumoural metabolic heterogeneity of primary lesions in NB was an independent prognostic factor for EFS. The combined predictive effect of intra-tumoural metabolic heterogeneity and BMI provided prognostic survival information in NB patients.
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16
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Huo Z, Bilang R, Supuran CT, von der Weid N, Bruder E, Holland-Cunz S, Martin I, Muraro MG, Gros SJ. Perfusion-Based Bioreactor Culture and Isothermal Microcalorimetry for Preclinical Drug Testing with the Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor SLC-0111 in Patient-Derived Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063128. [PMID: 35328549 PMCID: PMC8955558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a rare disease. Rare are also the possibilities to test new therapeutic options for neuroblastoma in clinical trials. Despite the constant need to improve therapy and outcomes for patients with advanced neuroblastoma, clinical trials currently only allow for testing few substances in even fewer patients. This increases the need to improve and advance preclinical models for neuroblastoma to preselect favorable candidates for novel therapeutics. Here we propose the use of a new patient-derived 3D slice-culture perfusion-based 3D model in combination with rapid treatment evaluation using isothermal microcalorimetry exemplified with treatment with the novel carbonic anhydrase IX and XII (CAIX/CAXII) inhibitor SLC-0111. Patient samples showed a CAIX expression of 18% and a CAXII expression of 30%. Corresponding with their respective CAIX expression patterns, the viability of SH-EP cells was significantly reduced upon treatment with SLC-0111, while LAN1 cells were not affected. The inhibitory effect on SH-SY5Y cells was dependent on the induction of CAIX expression under hypoxia. These findings corresponded to thermogenesis of the cells. Patient-derived organotypic slice cultures were treated with SLC-0111, which was highly effective despite heterogeneity of CAIX/CAXII expression. Thermogenesis, in congruence with the findings of the histological observations, was significantly reduced in SLC-0111-treated samples. In order to extend the evaluation time, we established a perfusion-based approach for neuroblastoma tissue in a 3D perfusion-based bioreactor system. Using this system, excellent tissue quality with intact tumor cells and stromal structure in neuroblastoma tumors can be maintained for 7 days. The system was successfully used for consecutive drug response monitoring with isothermal microcalorimetry. The described approach for drug testing, relying on an advanced 3D culture system combined with a rapid and highly sensitive metabolic assessment, can facilitate development of personalized treatment strategies for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihe Huo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (Z.H.); (R.B.); (S.H.-C.)
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Remo Bilang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (Z.H.); (R.B.); (S.H.-C.)
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- Department Neurofarba, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy;
| | - Nicolas von der Weid
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Bruder
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Stefan Holland-Cunz
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (Z.H.); (R.B.); (S.H.-C.)
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Ivan Martin
- Tissue Engineering, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (I.M.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Manuele G. Muraro
- Tissue Engineering, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (I.M.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Stephanie J. Gros
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (Z.H.); (R.B.); (S.H.-C.)
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
- Correspondence:
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17
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Segura MF, Soriano A, Roma J, Piskareva O, Jiménez C, Boloix A, Fletcher JI, Haber M, Gray JC, Cerdá-Alberich L, Martínez de Las Heras B, Cañete A, Gallego S, Moreno L. Methodological advances in the discovery of novel neuroblastoma therapeutics. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 17:167-179. [PMID: 34807782 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2002297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system that causes up to 15% of cancer-related deaths among children. Among the ~1,000 newly diagnosed cases per year in Europe, more than half are classified as high-risk, with a 5-year survival rate <50%. Current multimodal treatments have improved survival among these patients, but relapsed and refractory tumors remain a major therapeutic challenge. A number of new methodologies are paving the way for the development of more effective and safer therapies to ultimately improve outcomes for high-risk patients. AREAS COVERED The authors provide a critical review on methodological advances aimed at providing new therapeutic opportunities for neuroblastoma patients, including preclinical models of human disease, generation of omics data to discover new therapeutic targets, and artificial intelligence-based technologies to implement personalized treatments. EXPERT OPINION While survival of childhood cancer has improved over the past decades, progress has been uneven. Still, survival is dismal for some cancers, including high-risk neuroblastoma. Embracing new technologies (e.g. molecular profiling of tumors, 3D in vitro models, etc.), international collaborative efforts and the incorporation of new therapies (e.g. RNA-based therapies, epigenetic therapies, immunotherapy) will ultimately lead to more effective and safer therapies for these subgroups of neuroblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel F Segura
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Aroa Soriano
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Josep Roma
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Olga Piskareva
- Cancer Bioengineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland.,National Children's Research Centre, OLCHC, Dublin, Ireland School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Carlos Jiménez
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ariadna Boloix
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jamie I Fletcher
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Juliet C Gray
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Leonor Cerdá-Alberich
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica En Imagen, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Spain
| | | | - Adela Cañete
- Unidad de Oncohematología Pediátrica, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Spain
| | - Soledad Gallego
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital-UAB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucas Moreno
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital-UAB, Barcelona, Spain
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18
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Shim J, Goldsmith KC. A New Player in Neuroblastoma: YAP and Its Role in the Neuroblastoma Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184650. [PMID: 34572875 PMCID: PMC8472533 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial pediatric solid tumor that accounts for more than 15% of childhood cancer-related deaths. High risk neuroblastomas that recur during or after intense multimodal therapy have a <5% chance at a second sustained remission or cure. The solid tumor microenvironment (TME) has been increasingly recognized to play a critical role in cancer progression and resistance to therapy, including in neuroblastoma. The Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) in the Hippo pathway can regulate cancer proliferation, tumor initiation, and therapy response in many cancer types and as such, its role in the TME has gained interest. In this review, we focus on YAP and its role in neuroblastoma and further describe its demonstrated and potential effects on the neuroblastoma TME. We also discuss the therapeutic strategies for inhibiting YAP in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Shim
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kelly C. Goldsmith
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-404-727-2655
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19
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Pezeshki PS, Moeinafshar A, Ghaemdoust F, Razi S, Keshavarz-Fathi M, Rezaei N. Advances in pharmacotherapy for neuroblastoma. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:2383-2404. [PMID: 34254549 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1953470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroblastoma is the most prevalent cancer type diagnosed within the first year after birth and accounts for 15% of deaths from pediatric cancer. Despite the improvements in survival rates of patients with neuroblastoma, the incidence of the disease has increased over the last decade. Neuroblastoma tumor cells harbor a vast range of variable and heterogeneous histochemical and genetic alterations which calls for the need to administer individualized and targeted therapies to induce tumor regression in each patient. AREAS COVERED This paper provides reviews the recent clinical trials which used chemotherapeutic and/or targeted agents as either monotherapies or in combination to improve the response rate in patients with neuroblastoma, and especially high-risk neuroblastoma. It also reviews some of the prominent preclinical studies which can provide the rationale for future clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Although some distinguished advances in pharmacotherapy have been made to improve the survival rate and reduce adverse events in patients with neuroblastoma, a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of tumorigenesis, resistance to therapies or relapse, identifying biomarkers of response to each specific drug, and developing predictive preclinical models of the tumor can lead to further breakthroughs in the treatment of neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parmida Sadat Pezeshki
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aysan Moeinafshar
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Ghaemdoust
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Razi
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Keshavarz-Fathi
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Mokhtari RB, Sambi M, Qorri B, Baluch N, Ashayeri N, Kumar S, Cheng HLM, Yeger H, Das B, Szewczuk MR. The Next-Generation of Combination Cancer Immunotherapy: Epigenetic Immunomodulators Transmogrify Immune Training to Enhance Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3596. [PMID: 34298809 PMCID: PMC8305317 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy harnesses the immune system by targeting tumor cells that express antigens recognized by immune system cells, thus leading to tumor rejection. These tumor-associated antigens include tumor-specific shared antigens, differentiation antigens, protein products of mutated genes and rearrangements unique to tumor cells, overexpressed tissue-specific antigens, and exogenous viral proteins. However, the development of effective therapeutic approaches has proven difficult, mainly because these tumor antigens are shielded, and cells primarily express self-derived antigens. Despite innovative and notable advances in immunotherapy, challenges associated with variable patient response rates and efficacy on select tumors minimize the overall effectiveness of immunotherapy. Variations observed in response rates to immunotherapy are due to multiple factors, including adaptative resistance, competency, and a diversity of individual immune systems, including cancer stem cells in the tumor microenvironment, composition of the gut microbiota, and broad limitations of current immunotherapeutic approaches. New approaches are positioned to improve the immune response and increase the efficacy of immunotherapies, highlighting the challenges that the current global COVID-19 pandemic places on the present state of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Bayat Mokhtari
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (M.S.); (B.Q.)
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Thoreau Laboratory for Global Health, M2D2, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01852, USA;
| | - Manpreet Sambi
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (M.S.); (B.Q.)
| | - Bessi Qorri
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (M.S.); (B.Q.)
| | - Narges Baluch
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada;
| | - Neda Ashayeri
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Ali-Asghar Children Hospital, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran 1449614535, Iran;
| | - Sushil Kumar
- QPS, Holdings LLC, Pencader Corporate Center, 110 Executive Drive, Newark, DE 19702, USA;
| | - Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada;
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Herman Yeger
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada;
| | - Bikul Das
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Thoreau Laboratory for Global Health, M2D2, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01852, USA;
- KaviKrishna Laboratory, Department of Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, GBP, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati 781039, India
| | - Myron R. Szewczuk
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (M.S.); (B.Q.)
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21
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Differentiating Neuroblastoma: A Systematic Review of the Retinoic Acid, Its Derivatives, and Synergistic Interactions. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11030211. [PMID: 33809565 PMCID: PMC7999600 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11030211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A neuroblastoma (NB) is a solid paediatric tumour arising from undifferentiated neuronal cells. Despite the recent advances in disease management and treatment, it remains one of the leading causes of childhood cancer deaths, thereby necessitating the development of new therapeutic agents and regimens. Retinoic acid (RA), a vitamin A derivative, is a promising agent that can induce differentiation in NB cells. Its isoform, 13-cis RA or isotretinoin, is used in NB therapy; however, its effectiveness is limited to treating a minimal residual disease as maintenance therapy. As such, research focuses on RA derivatives that might increase the anti-NB action or explores the potential synergy between RA and other classes of drugs, such as cellular processes mediators, epigenetic modifiers, and immune modulators. This review summarises the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical data of RA, its derivatives, and synergising compounds, thereby establishing the most promising RA derivatives and combinations of RA for further investigation.
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22
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Li S, Yeo KS, Levee TM, Howe CJ, Her ZP, Zhu S. Zebrafish as a Neuroblastoma Model: Progress Made, Promise for the Future. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030580. [PMID: 33800887 PMCID: PMC8001113 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For nearly a decade, researchers in the field of pediatric oncology have been using zebrafish as a model for understanding the contributions of genetic alternations to the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma (NB), and exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neuroblastoma initiation and metastasis. In this review, we will enumerate and illustrate the key advantages of using the zebrafish model in NB research, which allows researchers to: monitor tumor development in real-time; robustly manipulate gene expression (either transiently or stably); rapidly evaluate the cooperative interactions of multiple genetic alterations to disease pathogenesis; and provide a highly efficient and low-cost methodology to screen for effective pharmaceutical interventions (both alone and in combination with one another). This review will then list some of the common challenges of using the zebrafish model and provide strategies for overcoming these difficulties. We have also included visual diagram and figures to illustrate the workflow of cancer model development in zebrafish and provide a summary comparison of commonly used animal models in cancer research, as well as key findings of cooperative contributions between MYCN and diverse singling pathways in NB pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA; (S.L.); (K.S.Y.); (T.M.L.); (C.J.H.); (Z.P.H.)
| | - Kok Siong Yeo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA; (S.L.); (K.S.Y.); (T.M.L.); (C.J.H.); (Z.P.H.)
| | - Taylor M. Levee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA; (S.L.); (K.S.Y.); (T.M.L.); (C.J.H.); (Z.P.H.)
| | - Cassie J. Howe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA; (S.L.); (K.S.Y.); (T.M.L.); (C.J.H.); (Z.P.H.)
| | - Zuag Paj Her
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA; (S.L.); (K.S.Y.); (T.M.L.); (C.J.H.); (Z.P.H.)
| | - Shizhen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA; (S.L.); (K.S.Y.); (T.M.L.); (C.J.H.); (Z.P.H.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
- Correspondence:
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23
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Gavin C, Geerts N, Cavanagh B, Haynes M, Reynolds CP, Loessner D, Ewald AJ, Piskareva O. Neuroblastoma Invasion Strategies Are Regulated by the Extracellular Matrix. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:736. [PMID: 33578855 PMCID: PMC7916632 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a paediatric malignancy of the developing sympathetic nervous system. About half of the patients have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis and a survival rate of less than 50%. Our understanding of the cellular processes promoting neuroblastoma metastases will be facilitated by the development of appropriate experimental models. In this study, we aimed to explore the invasion of neuroblastoma cells and organoids from patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) grown embedded in 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogels by time-lapse microscopy and quantitative image analysis. We found that the ECM composition influenced the growth, viability and local invasion of organoids. The ECM compositions induced distinct cell behaviours, with Matrigel being the preferred substratum for local organoid invasion. Organoid invasion was cell line- and PDX-dependent. We identified six distinct phenotypes in PDX-derived organoids. In contrast, NB cell lines were more phenotypically restricted in their invasion strategies, as organoids isolated from cell line-derived xenografts displayed a broader range of phenotypes compared to clonal cell line clusters. The addition of FBS and bFGF induced more aggressive cell behaviour and a broader range of phenotypes. In contrast, the repression of the prognostic neuroblastoma marker, MYCN, resulted in less aggressive cell behaviour. The combination of PDX organoids, real-time imaging and the novel 3D culture assays developed herein will enable rapid progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms that control neuroblastoma invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian Gavin
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; (C.G.); (N.G.)
| | - Nele Geerts
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; (C.G.); (N.G.)
| | - Brenton Cavanagh
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Core, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland;
| | - Meagan Haynes
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (M.H.); (A.J.E.)
| | - C. Patrick Reynolds
- Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79416, USA;
- Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79416, USA
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Ewald
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (M.H.); (A.J.E.)
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Program, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Olga Piskareva
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; (C.G.); (N.G.)
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- National Children’s Research Centre, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin, Dublin D12 8MGH, Ireland
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24
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Corallo D, Frabetti S, Candini O, Gregianin E, Dominici M, Fischer H, Aveic S. Emerging Neuroblastoma 3D In Vitro Models for Pre-Clinical Assessments. Front Immunol 2020; 11:584214. [PMID: 33324402 PMCID: PMC7726254 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.584214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential of tumor three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models for the validation of existing or novel anti-cancer therapies has been largely recognized. During the last decade, diverse in vitro 3D cell systems have been proposed as a bridging link between two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures and in vivo animal models, both considered gold standards in pre-clinical settings. The latest awareness about the power of tailored therapies and cell-based therapies in eradicating tumor cells raises the need for versatile 3D cell culture systems through which we might rapidly understand the specificity of promising anti-cancer approaches. Yet, a faithful reproduction of the complex tumor microenvironment is demanding as it implies a suitable organization of several cell types and extracellular matrix components. The proposed 3D tumor models discussed here are expected to offer the required structural complexity while also assuring cost-effectiveness during pre-selection of the most promising therapies. As neuroblastoma is an extremely heterogenous extracranial solid tumor, translation from 2D cultures into innovative 3D in vitro systems is particularly challenging. In recent years, the number of 3D in vitro models mimicking native neuroblastoma tumors has been rapidly increasing. However, in vitro platforms that efficiently sustain patient-derived tumor cell growth, thus allowing comprehensive drug discovery studies on tailored therapies, are still lacking. In this review, the latest neuroblastoma 3D in vitro models are presented and their applicability for a more accurate prediction of therapy outcomes is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Corallo
- Neuroblastoma Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Massimo Dominici
- Rigenerand srl, Modena, Italy.,Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Horst Fischer
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sanja Aveic
- Neuroblastoma Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy.,Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
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25
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Digital Image Analysis Applied to Tumor Cell Proliferation, Aggressiveness, and Migration-Related Protein Synthesis in Neuroblastoma 3D Models. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228676. [PMID: 33212997 PMCID: PMC7698558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived cancer 3D models are a promising tool that will revolutionize personalized cancer therapy but that require previous knowledge of optimal cell growth conditions and the most advantageous parameters to evaluate biomimetic relevance and monitor therapy efficacy. This study aims to establish general guidelines on 3D model characterization phenomena, focusing on neuroblastoma. We generated gelatin-based scaffolds with different stiffness and performed SK-N-BE(2) and SH-SY5Y aggressive neuroblastoma cell cultures, also performing co-cultures with mouse stromal Schwann cell line (SW10). Model characterization by digital image analysis at different time points revealed that cell proliferation, vitronectin production, and migration-related gene expression depend on growing conditions and are specific to the tumor cell line. Morphometric data show that 3D in vitro models can help generate optimal patient-derived cancer models, by creating, identifying, and choosing patterns of clinically relevant artificial microenvironments to predict patient tumor cell behavior and therapeutic responses.
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26
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Zafar A, Wang W, Liu G, Wang X, Xian W, McKeon F, Foster J, Zhou J, Zhang R. Molecular targeting therapies for neuroblastoma: Progress and challenges. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:961-1021. [PMID: 33155698 PMCID: PMC7906923 DOI: 10.1002/med.21750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to identify novel therapies for childhood cancers. Neuroblastoma is the most common pediatric solid tumor, and accounts for ~15% of childhood cancer‐related mortality. Neuroblastomas exhibit genetic, morphological and clinical heterogeneity, which limits the efficacy of existing treatment modalities. Gaining detailed knowledge of the molecular signatures and genetic variations involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma is necessary to develop safer and more effective treatments for this devastating disease. Recent studies with advanced high‐throughput “omics” techniques have revealed numerous genetic/genomic alterations and dysfunctional pathways that drive the onset, growth, progression, and resistance of neuroblastoma to therapy. A variety of molecular signatures are being evaluated to better understand the disease, with many of them being used as targets to develop new treatments for neuroblastoma patients. In this review, we have summarized the contemporary understanding of the molecular pathways and genetic aberrations, such as those in MYCN, BIRC5, PHOX2B, and LIN28B, involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma, and provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular targeted therapies under preclinical and clinical investigations, particularly those targeting ALK signaling, MDM2, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS‐MAPK pathways, as well as epigenetic regulators. We also give insights on the use of combination therapies involving novel agents that target various pathways. Further, we discuss the future directions that would help identify novel targets and therapeutics and improve the currently available therapies, enhancing the treatment outcomes and survival of patients with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Zafar
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Drug Discovery Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Xinjie Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wa Xian
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Frank McKeon
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Foster
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Section of Hematology-Oncology Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ruiwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Drug Discovery Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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27
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López-Carrasco A, Martín-Vañó S, Burgos-Panadero R, Monferrer E, Berbegall AP, Fernández-Blanco B, Navarro S, Noguera R. Impact of extracellular matrix stiffness on genomic heterogeneity in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cell line. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2020; 39:226. [PMID: 33109237 PMCID: PMC7592549 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01729-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased tissue stiffness is a common feature of malignant solid tumors, often associated with metastasis and poor patient outcomes. Vitronectin, as an extracellular matrix anchorage glycoprotein related to a stiff matrix, is present in a particularly increased quantity and specific distribution in high-risk neuroblastoma. Furthermore, as cells can sense and transform the proprieties of the extracellular matrix into chemical signals through mechanotransduction, genotypic changes related to stiffness are possible. METHODS We applied high density SNPa and NGS techniques to in vivo and in vitro models (orthotropic xenograft vitronectin knock-out mice and 3D bioprinted hydrogels with different stiffness) using two representative neuroblastoma cell lines (the MYCN-amplified SK-N-BE(2) and the ALK-mutated SH-SY5Y), to discern how tumor genomics patterns and clonal heterogeneity of the two cell lines are affected. RESULTS We describe a remarkable subclonal selection of genomic aberrations in SK-N-BE(2) cells grown in knock-out vitronectin xenograft mice that also emerged when cultured for long times in stiff hydrogels. In particular, we detected an enlarged subclonal cell population with chromosome 9 aberrations in both models. Similar abnormalities were found in human high-risk neuroblastoma with MYCN amplification. The genomics of the SH-SY5Y cell line remained stable when cultured in both models. CONCLUSIONS Focus on heterogeneous intratumor segmental chromosome aberrations and mutations, as a mirror image of tumor microenvironment, is a vital area of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amparo López-Carrasco
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Valencia/INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Martín-Vañó
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Valencia/INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Burgos-Panadero
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Valencia/INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ezequiel Monferrer
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Valencia/INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana P Berbegall
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Valencia/INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Samuel Navarro
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Valencia/INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Noguera
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Valencia/INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain.
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28
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Targeting the p53-MDM2 pathway for neuroblastoma therapy: Rays of hope. Cancer Lett 2020; 496:16-29. [PMID: 33007410 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite being the subject of extensive research and clinical trials, neuroblastoma remains a major therapeutic challenge in pediatric oncology. The p53 protein is a central safeguard that protects cells against genome instability and malignant transformation. Mutated TP53 (the gene encoding p53) is implicated in many human cancers, but the majority of neuroblastomas have wild type p53 with intact transcriptional function. In fact, the TP53 mutation rate does not exceed 1-2% in neuroblastomas. However, overexpression of the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) gene in neuroblastoma is relatively common, and leads to inhibition of p53. It is also associated with other non-canonical p53-independent functions, including drug resistance and increased translation of MYCN and VEGF mRNA. The p53-MDM2 pathway in neuroblastoma is also modulated at several different molecular levels, including via interactions with other proteins (MYCN, p14ARF). In addition, the overexpression of MDM2 in tumors is linked to a poorer prognosis for cancer patients. Thus, restoring p53 function by inhibiting its interaction with MDM2 is a potential therapeutic strategy for neuroblastoma. A number of p53-MDM2 antagonists have been designed and studied for this purpose. This review summarizes the current understanding of p53 biology and the p53-dependent and -independent oncogenic functions of MDM2 in neuroblastoma, and also the regulation of the p53-MDM2 axis in neuroblastoma. This review also highlights the use of MDM2 as a molecular target for the disease, and describes the MDM2 inhibitors currently being investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. We also briefly explain the various strategies that have been used and future directions to take in the development of effective MDM2 inhibitors for neuroblastoma.
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29
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Rodríguez-Nogales C, Mura S, Couvreur P, Blanco-Prieto MJ. Squalenoyl-gemcitabine/edelfosine nanoassemblies: Anticancer activity in pediatric cancer cells and pharmacokinetic profile in mice. Int J Pharm 2020; 582:119345. [PMID: 32311470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the great advances accomplished in the treatment of pediatric cancers, recurrences and metastases still exacerbate prognosis in some aggressive solid tumors such as neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma. In view of the poor efficacy and toxicity of current chemotherapeutic treatments, we propose a single multitherapeutic nanotechnology-based strategy by co-assembling in the same nanodevice two amphiphilic antitumor agents: squalenoyl-gemcitabine and edelfosine. Homogeneous batches of nanoassemblies were easily formulated by the nanoprecipitation method. Their anticancer activity was tested in pediatric cancer cell lines and pharmacokinetic studies were performed in mice. In vitro assays revealed a synergistic effect when gemcitabine was co-administered with edelfosine. Squalenoyl-gemcitabine/edelfosine nanoassemblies were found to be capable of intracellular translocation in patient-derived metastatic pediatric osteosarcoma cells and showed a better antitumor profile than squalenoyl-gemcitabine nanoassemblies alone. The intravenous administration of this combinatorial nanomedicine in mice exhibited a controlled release behavior of gemcitabine and diminished edelfosine plasma peak concentrations. These findings make it a suitable pre-clinical candidate for childhood cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rodríguez-Nogales
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - S Mura
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris Sud, 92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - P Couvreur
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris Sud, 92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France.
| | - M J Blanco-Prieto
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona 31008, Spain.
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