An overview of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors in cancer therapy

Unraveling the complexities of colorectal cancer and its promising therapies - An updated review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be a global health concern, necessitating further research into its complex biology and innovative treatment approaches. The etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer are summarized in this thorough review along with recent developments. The multifactorial nature of colorectal cancer is examined, including genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and lifestyle decisions. The focus is on deciphering the complex interactions between signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, TGF-β as well as PI3K/AKT that participate in the onset, growth, and metastasis of CRC. There is a discussion of various diagnostic modalities that span from traditional colonoscopy to sophisticated molecular techniques like liquid biopsy and radiomics, emphasizing their functions in early identification, prognostication, and treatment stratification. The potential of artificial intelligence as well as machine learning algorithms in improving accuracy as well as efficiency in colorectal cancer diagnosis and management is also explored. Regarding therapy, the review provides a thorough overview of well-known treatments like radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery as well as delves into the newly-emerging areas of targeted therapies as well as immunotherapies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors as well as other molecularly targeted treatments, such as anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) as well as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) monoclonal antibodies, show promise in improving the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients, in particular, those suffering from metastatic disease. This review focuses on giving readers a thorough understanding of colorectal cancer by considering its complexities, the present status of treatment, and potential future paths for therapeutic interventions. Through unraveling the intricate web of this disease, we can develop a more tailored and effective approach to treating CRC.

Epidermal growth factor receptor/mitogen-activated kinase inhibitor treatment induces a distinct inflammatory hair follicle response that includes collapse of immune privilege

BACKGROUND

Inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFRi) or mitogen-activated kinase (MEKi) induce a folliculitis in 75-90% of patients, the pathobiology of which remains insufficiently understood.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize changes in the skin immune status and global transcriptional profile of patients treated with EGFRi; to investigate whether EGFRi affects the hair follicle's (HF) immune privilege (IP); and to identify early proinflammatory signals induced by EGFRi/MEKi in human scalp HFs ex vivo.

METHODS

Scalp biopsies were taken from patients exhibiting folliculitis treated long term with EGFRi ('chronic EGFRi' group, n = 9) vs. healthy scalp skin (n = 9) and patients prior to commencing EGFRi treatment and after 2 weeks of EGFRi therapy ('acute EGFRi' group, n = 5). Healthy organ-cultured scalp HFs were exposed to an EGFRi (erlotinib, n = 5) or a MEKi (cobimetinib, n = 5). Samples were assessed by quantitative immunohistomorphometry, RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

The 'chronic EGFRi' group showed CD8+ T-cell infiltration of the bulge alongside a partial collapse of the HF's IP, evidenced by upregulated major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, β2-microglobulin (B2 M) and MHC class II, and decreased transforming growth factor-β1 protein expression. Healthy HFs treated with EGFRi/MEKi ex vivo also showed partial HF IP collapse and increased transcription of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A, HLA-DR and B2 M transcripts. RNAseq analysis showed increased transcription of chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL13, CCL18, CCL3, CCL7) and interleukin (IL)-26 in biopsies from the 'chronic EGFRi' cohort, as well as increased IL-33 and decreased IL-37 expression in HF biopsies from the 'acute EGFRi' group and in organ-cultured HFs.

CONCLUSIONS

The data show that EGFRi/MEKi compromise the physiological IP of human scalp HFs and suggest that future clinical management of EGFRi/MEKi-induced folliculitis requires HF IP protection and inhibition of IL-33.

Therapeutic Potential of lncRNAs in Regulating Disulfidptosis for Cancer Treatment

Non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in various cellular processes, including a novel form of regulated cell death known as disulfidptosis, characterized by accumulating protein disulfide bonds and severe endoplasmic reticulum stress. This review highlights the therapeutic potential of lncRNAs in regulating disulfidptosis for cancer treatment, emphasizing their influence on key pathway components such as GPX4, SLC7A11, and PDIA family members. Recent studies have demonstrated that targeting specific lncRNAs can sensitize cancer cells to disulfidptosis, offering a promising approach to cancer therapy. The regulation of disulfidptosis by lncRNAs involves various signaling pathways, including oxidative stress, ER stress, and calcium signaling. This review also discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying lncRNA regulation of disulfidptosis, the challenges of developing lncRNA-based therapies, and the future potential of this rapidly advancing field in cancer research.

Non-coding RNAs: Key regulators of CDK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have become important modulators of gene expression and biological processes, contributing significantly to the initiation and spread of cancer. This study focuses on the complex interactions between ncRNAs and two major signaling pathways-Wnt/β-catenin signaling and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-linked to cancer. We provide an overview of current research on the modulation of these pathways in many cancer types by distinct classes of ncRNAs, such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs. The review focuses on the processes by which ncRNAs regulate cancer cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. These mechanical processes include CDK activity, the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin cascade and cell cycle advancement. We also discuss the importance of ncRNAs in drug resistance and treatment outcomes, as well as prognosis markers (diagnostic) and therapeutic targets for cancer. Understanding these complex regulatory networks may help in a large way to improve cancer research and diagnosis - but also perhaps treat patients more effectively.

The paradox of autophagy in cancer: NEAT1's role in tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance

Cancer remains a current active problem of modern medicine, a process during which cell growth and proliferation become uncontrolled. However, the role of autophagy in the oncological processes is counterintuitive and, at the same time, increasingly influential on the formation, development, and response to therapy of oncological diseases. Autophagy is a vital cellular process that removes defective proteins and organelles and supports cellular homeostasis. Autophagy can enhance the ability to form new tumors and suppress this formation in cancer. The dual potential of apoptosis may be the reason for this duality in either promoting or impeding the survival of cancer cells, depending on the situation, including starvation or treatment stress. Furthermore, long non-coding RNA NEAT1, which has been linked to several stages of carcinogenesis and in all forms of the illness, has drawn attention as a major player in cancer biology. NEAT1 is a structural portion of nuclear paraspeckles and has roles in deactivating expression in both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. NEAT1 acts in carcinogenesis in numerous ways, comprising interactions with microRNAs, the influence of gene articulation, regulation of epigenetics, and engagement in signalling cascades. In addition, the complexity of NEAT1's role in cancer occurrence is amplified by its place in regulating cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment. NEAT1's interaction with autophagy further complicates the already complicated function of this RNA in cancer biology. NEAT1 has been linked to autophagy in several types of cancer, influencing autophagy pathways and altering its stress response and tumor cell viability. Understanding the interrelation between NEAT1, autophagy, and cancer will enable practitioners to identify novel treatment targets and approaches to disrupt oncogenic processes, reduce the occurrence of treatment resistance, and increase patient survival rates. Specialized treatment strategies and regimens are thus achievable. In the present review, the authors analyze sophisticated relationship schemes in cancer: The NEAT1 pathway and the process of autophagy.

A nanotechnology driven effectual localized lung cancer targeting approaches using tyrosine kinases inhibitors: Recent progress, preclinical assessment, challenges, and future perspectives

The higher incidence and mortality rate among all populations worldwide explains the unmet solutions in the treatment of lung cancer. The evolution of targeted therapies using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has encouraged anticancer therapies. However, on-target and off-target effects and the development of drug resistance limited the anticancer potential of such targeted biologics. The advances in nanotechnology-driven-TKI embedded carriers that offered a new path toward lung cancer treatment. It is the inhalation route of administration known for its specific, precise, and efficient drug delivery to the lungs. The development of numerous TKI-nanocarriers through inhalation is proof of TKI growth. The future scopes involve using potential lung cancer biomarkers to achieve localized active cancer-targeting strategies. The adequate knowledge of in vitro absorption models usually helps establish better in vitro - in vivo correlation/extrapolation (IVIVC/E) to successfully evaluate inhalable drugs and drug products. The advanced in vitro and ex vivo lung tissue/ organ models offered better tumor heterogeneity, etiology, and microenvironment heterogeneity. The involvement of lung cancer organoids (LCOs), human organ chip models, and genetically modified mouse models (GEMMs) has resolved the challenges associated with conventional in vitro and in vivo models. To access potential inhalation-based drugtherapies, biological barriers, drug delivery, device-based challenges, and regulatory challenges must be encountered associated with their development. A proper understanding of material toxicity, size-based particle deposition at active disease sites, mucociliary clearance, phagocytosis, and the presence of enzymes and surfactants are required to achieve successful inhalational drug delivery (IDD). This article summarizes the future of lung cancer therapy using targeted drug-mediated inhalation using TKI.

Caveolin-1 differentially regulates the transforming growth factor-β and epidermal growth factor signaling pathways in MDCK cells

Caveolin-1 is critical for interacting with the TGF-β receptor (TGFβR) and EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling, often observed in advanced cancers and tissue fibrosis. However, the mechanism underlying caveolin-1-mediated transactivation of TGFβR and EGFR signaling remains unclear. Therefore, we sought to determine whether caveolin-1 is involved in canonical and non-canonical TGFβR and EGFR signaling transactivation in this study. Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) was used to disrupt the cholesterol-containing membranes domains, and the caveolin-1 scaffolding domain (CSD) peptide was used to mimic the CSD of caveolin-1. Additionally, we transfected the Madin-Darby canine kidney cells with wild-type or phosphorylation-defective caveolin-1. We discovered that tyrosine 14 of caveolin-1 was critical for the negative regulation of TGFβR and EGFR canonical signaling. On the contrary, caveolin-1 inhibited TGF-β1-induced ERK2 activation independent of tyrosine 14 phosphorylation. Although EGF failed to induce Smad3 phosphorylation in caveolin-1 knockdown cells, it activated Smad3 upon MβCD co-treatment, indicating that caveolin-1 indirectly regulated the non-canonical pathway of EGF. In conclusion, caveolin-1 differentially modulates TGFβR and EGFR signaling. Thus, targeting caveolin-1 is a potential strategy for treating diseases involving TGF-β1 and EGF signaling.

Design, synthesis, and antiproliferative screening of new quinoline derivatives bearing a cis-vinyl triamide motif as apoptosis activators and EGFR-TK inhibitors

In this work, a congeneric set of quinoline-tethered cis-vinyl triamide hybrids was prepared and evaluated as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the management of breast cancer. All of the prepared hybrids were evaluated for their antiproliferative effect against the breast MCF-7 cell line. Among the tested hybrids, compound 6f displayed the most potent antiproliferative activity with an IC50 value of 1.87 μM compared to STU (IC50 = 13.71 μM) as the standard reference. The most promising hybrid, 6f, was found to induce cellular cycle arrest at the G1 phase. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism of this hybrid revealed its ability to induce cellular apoptosis via the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway. Compound 6f decreased MCF-7 cells' MMP compared to the controls (percentage change value of 57.93%). Further investigation of the selective compound 6f showed that it can inhibit EGFR tyrosine kinase.

GAS5 lncRNA: A biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related mortality globally, and its aggressive phenotype results in poor treatment outcomes. Growth Arrest-Specific 5 long non-coding RNA has attracted considerable attention due to its pivotal function in apoptosis regulation and tumor aggressiveness in breast cancer. Gas5 enhances apoptosis by regulating apoptotic proteins, such as caspases and BCL2 family proteins, and the sensitivity of BCCs to chemotherapeutic agents. At the same time, low levels of GAS5 increased invasion, metastasis, and overall tumor aggressiveness. GAS5 also regulates EMT markers, critical for cancer metastasis, and influences tumor cell proliferation by regulating various signaling components. As a result, GAS5 can be restored to suppress tumor development as a possible therapeutic strategy, which might present promising prospects for a patient's treatment. Its activity levels might also be a crucial indicator and diagnostic parameter for prediction. This review highlights the significant role of GAS5 in modulating apoptosis and tumor aggressiveness in breast cancer, emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment and management.

Synthesis and biological research of new imidazolone-sulphonamide-pyrimidine hybrids as potential EGFR-TK inhibitors and apoptosis-inducing agents

Development of new effective EGFR-targeted antitumor agents is needed because of their clinical significance. A new series of imidazolone-sulphonamide-pyrimidine hybrids was designed and synthesized as modified analogs of some reported EGFR inhibitors. The cytotoxic activity of all the synthesized hybrids was investigated against the breast MCF-7 cancerous cell line using doxorubicin (Dox) as a positive control. 4-(Furan-2-ylmethylene)imidazolone-sulphonamide-pyrimidine 6b had the best potent activity against MCF-7 cells with IC50 result of 1.05 μM, which was better than Dox (IC50 = 1.91 μM). In addition, mechanistic studies revealed the ability of compounds 5g, 5h and 6b to inhibit EGFR kinase. Cell cycle analysis revealed that compound 6b can halt MCF-7 cells at the G1 phase with a concomitant decrease in cellular percentage at the S and G2/M phases. This compound produced a noticeable rise in the proportion of apoptotic cells with regard to the untreated control. Furthermore, the effects of hybrid 6b on the expression levels of pro-apoptotic Bax and pro-survival Bcl2 were assessed. The results showed that this compound upregulated the level of Bax expression as well as declined the expression value of Bcl-2 with regard to the untreated control.

The emerging role of noncoding RNAs in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway in breast cancer

Breast cancer persists as a major problem for the world's healthcare, thus it is essential to fully understand the complex molecular processes that cause its growth and development. ncRNAs had been discovered to serve critical roles in a variety of cellular functions, including the regulation of signalling pathways. Within different pathways, the AKT/PI3K/mTOR signalling cascade has received a lot of interest because of its role in cancer. A complex interaction between ncRNAs, notably miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, and the AKT/PI3K/mTOR signalling pathway exerts both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive activities by targeting critical components of the pathway directly or indirectly. Through miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation, lncRNA-guided chromatin remodelling, and circRNA sequestration, ncRNAs modulate the activity of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR, influencing cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis. Furthermore, ncRNAs can serve as promising biomarkers for breast cancer prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment response, as their dysregulation is commonly observed in breast cancer patients. Harnessing the potential of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets or tools for restoring pathway homeostasis holds promise for innovative treatment strategies in breast cancer. Understanding the intricate regulatory networks orchestrated by ncRNAs in this context may pave the way for novel diagnostic approaches, therapeutic interventions, and a deeper comprehension of breast cancer's molecular landscape, ultimately improving patient outcomes. This abstract underscores the emerging significance of ncRNAs in the AKT/PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway in breast cancer.

From diagnosis to therapy: The transformative role of lncRNAs in eye cancer management

The genomic era has brought about a transformative shift in our comprehension of cancer, unveiling the intricate molecular landscape underlying disease development. Eye cancers (ECs), encompassing diverse malignancies affecting ocular tissues, pose distinctive challenges in diagnosis and management. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), an emerging category of non-coding RNAs, are pivotal actors in the genomic intricacies of eye cancers. LncRNAs have garnered recognition for their multifaceted roles in gene expression regulation and influence on many cellular processes. Many studies support that the lncRNAs have a role in developing various cancers. Recent investigations have pinpointed specific lncRNAs associated with ECs, including retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma. These lncRNAs exert control over critical pathways governing tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis, endowing them with the ability to function as evaluation, predictive, and therapeutic indicators. The article aims to synthesize the existing information concerning the functions of lncRNAs in ECs, elucidating their regulatory mechanisms and clinical significance. By delving into the lncRNAs' expanding relevance in the modulation of oncogenic and tumor-suppressive networks, we gain a deeper understanding of the molecular complexities intrinsic to these diseases. In our exploration of the genomic intricacies of ECs, lncRNAs introduce a fresh perspective, providing an opportunity to function as clinical and therapeutic indicators, and they also have therapeutic benefits that show promise for advancing the treatment of ECs. This comprehensive review bridges the intricate relationship between lncRNAs and ECs within the context of the genomic era.

Apoptosis-driven synergistic anti-cancer efficacy of ethyl acetate extract of Memecylon sisparense Gamble leaves and doxorubicin in in-vitro and in-vivo models of triple-negative breast cancer

In the spectrum of breast neoplasms, approximately 15 to 20% of all diagnosed cases are triple-negative breast carcinoma. TNBC grows and spreads faster than other invasive breast cancers and has a worse prognosis. The existing therapies and chemotherapeutic drugs have several limitations, so the development of safe and affordable treatment options is currently in demand. Hence, this research focuses on scientifically evaluating the therapeutic anticancer effect of ethyl acetate extract of MSG and its combined efficacy with doxorubicin against TNBC. MSG has shown an IC50 value of 48.40 ± 1.68 µg/ml on the MDA-MB-231 cell line, and the combination of MSG with Dox demonstrated the synergistic effect. Apoptotic changes such as membrane blebbing chromatin condensation were observed in MSG alone and in combination with doxorubicin treatments. Apoptosis was confirmed with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and increased apoptotic markers such as Cleaved caspase-3 Bax and decreased anti-apoptotic markers Bcl-2 by western blotting. The tumor burden significantly decreased in MSG and combination treatment groups while restoring their body weights. Meanwhile, the Dox-treated group indicated a decreased tumor burden combined with weight loss. The present investigation revealed that MSG and doxorubicin have a synergistic anticancer effect in TNBC.

Computer-Assisted Drug Discovery of a Novel Theobromine Derivative as an EGFR Protein-Targeted Apoptosis Inducer

The overexpression of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) marks it as a pivotal target in cancer treatment, with the aim of reducing its proliferation and inducing apoptosis. This study aimed at the CADD of a new apoptotic EGFR inhibitor. The natural alkaloid, theobromine, was used as a starting point to obtain a new semisynthetic (di-ortho-chloro acetamide) derivative (T-1-DOCA). Firstly, T-1-DOCA's total electron density, energy gap, reactivity indices, and electrostatic surface potential were determined by DFT calculations, Then, molecular docking studies were carried out to predict the potential of T-1-DOCA against wild and mutant EGFR proteins. T-1-DOCA's correct binding was further confirmed by molecular dynamics (MD) over 100 ns, MM-GPSA, and PLIP experiments. In vitro, T-1-DOCA showed noticeable efficacy compared to erlotinib by suppressing EGFRWT and EGFRT790M with IC50 values of 56.94 and 269.01 nM, respectively. T-1-DOCA inhibited also the proliferation of H1975 and HCT-116 malignant cell lines, exhibiting IC50 values of 14.12 and 23.39 µM, with selectivity indices of 6.8 and 4.1, respectively, indicating its anticancer potential and general safety. The apoptotic effects of T-1-DOCA were indicated by flow cytometric analysis and were further confirmed through its potential to increase the levels of BAX, Casp3, and Casp9, and decrease Bcl-2 levels. In conclusion, T-1-DOCA, a new apoptotic EGFR inhibitor, was designed and evaluated both computationally and experimentally. The results suggest that T-1-DOCA is a promising candidate for further development as an anti-cancer drug.

Unveiling the connection: Long-chain non-coding RNAs and critical signaling pathways in breast cancer

Breast cancer is a complex and diverse condition that disrupts multiple signaling pathways essential for cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Recently, the significant involvement of long-chain non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in controlling key signaling pathways associated with breast cancer development has been discovered. This review aims to explore the interaction between lncRNAs and various pathways, including the AKT/PI3K/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, DNA damage response, TGF-β, Hedgehog, and NF-κB signaling pathways, to gain a comprehensive understanding of their roles in breast cancer. The AKT/PI3K/mTOR pathway regulates cell growth, survival, and metabolic function. Recent data suggests that specific lncRNAs can influence the functioning of this pathway, acting as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Dysregulation of this pathway is commonly observed in breast cancer cases. Moreover, breast cancer development has been associated with other pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, TGF-β, Hedgehog, and NF-κB. Emerging studies have identified lncRNAs that modulate breast cancer's growth, progression, and metastasis by interacting with these pathways. To advance the development of innovative diagnostic tools and targeted treatment options, it is crucial to comprehend the intricate relationship between lncRNAs and vital signaling pathways in breast cancer. By fully harnessing the therapeutic potential of lncRNAs, there is a possibility of developing more effective and personalized therapy choices for breast cancer patients. Further investigation is necessary to comprehensively understand the role of lncRNAs within breast cancer signaling pathways and fully exploit their therapeutic potential.

Sitravatinib is a potential EGFR inhibitor and induce a new death phenotype in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly lethal neurological tumor that presents significant challenge for clinicians due to its heterogeneity and high mortality rate. Despite extensive research, there is currently no effective drug treatment available for GBM. Research evidence has consistently demonstrated that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) promotes tumor progression and is associated with poor prognosis in several types of cancer. In glioma, EGFR abnormal amplification is reported in approximately 40% of GBM patients, with overexpression observed in 60% of cases, and deletion or mutation in 24% to 67% of patients. In our study, Sitravatinib, a potential EGFR inhibitor, was identified through molecular docking screening based on protein structure. The targeting of EGFR and the tumor inhibitory effect of Sitravatinib on glioma were verified through cellular and in vivo experiments, respectively. Our study also revealed that Sitravatinib effectively inhibited GBM invasive and induced DNA damage and cellular senescence. Furthermore, we observed a novel cell death phenotype induced by Sitravatinib, which differed from previously reported programmed death patterns such as apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necrosis.

Discovery of new thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors for cancer treatment

Background: EGFR has been considered a vital molecular target in cancer management. Aim: The discovery of new thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Methods: Nine derivatives were designed, synthesized and subjected to in vitro and in silico studies. Results: Compound 7a significantly inhibited the growth of HepG2 and PC3 cells for both EGFR wild-type and EGFRT790M. Compound 7a caused a significant apoptotic effect, arresting HepG2 cells' growth in the S and G2/M phases. Docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies confirmed the correct and stable binding modes of the synthesized compounds against the active sites. Conclusion: Compound 7a is a promising dual EGFR inhibitor for cancer treatment.

Scutebarbatine A induces ROS-mediated DNA damage and apoptosis in breast cancer cells by modulating MAPK and EGFR/Akt signaling pathway

Scutebarbatine A (SBT-A), a diterpenoid alkaloid, has exerted cytotoxicity on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in our previous works. Here, the antitumor activity of SBT-A in breast cancer cells and the underlying mechanism were explored. The anti-proliferative effect of SBT-A was measured by trypan blue staining, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation and colony formation assay. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) were evaluated by observing the nuclear focus formation of γ-H2AX. Cell cycle distribution was assessed by flow cytometry. Apoptosis was determined by a TUNEL assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and superoxide production were measured with 2', 7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and dihydroethidium (DHE) staining, respectively. The results indicated that SBT-A showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cells while revealing less toxicity toward MCF-10A breast epithelial cells. Moreover, SBT-A remarkably induced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. SBT-A treatment increased the levels of ROS and cytosolic superoxide production. Pretreatment with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, was sufficient to block viability reduction, DNA damage, apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress caused by SBT-A. By exposure to SBT-A, the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) was upregulated, while the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was downregulated. In addition, SBT-A inhibited the EGFR signaling pathway by decreasing EGFR expression and phosphorylation of Akt and p70S6K. As mentioned above, SBT-A has a potent inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells through induction of DNA damage, apoptosis and ER stress via ROS generation and modulation of MAPK and EGFR/Akt signaling pathway.

Transcriptome analysis reveals differences in cell cycle, growth and migration related genes that distinguish fibroblasts derived from pre-invasive and invasive breast cancer

Background/Introduction

As the most common form of pre-invasive breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) affects over 50,000 women in the US annually. Despite standardized treatment involving lumpectomy and radiation therapy, up to 25% of patients with DCIS experience disease recurrence often with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), indicating that a subset of patients may be under-treated. As most DCIS cases will not progress to invasion, many patients may experience over-treatment. By understanding the underlying processes associated with DCIS to IDC progression, we can identify new biomarkers to determine which DCIS cases may become invasive and improve treatment for patients. Accumulation of fibroblasts in IDC is associated with disease progression and reduced survival. While fibroblasts have been detected in DCIS, little is understood about their role in DCIS progression.

Goals

We sought to determine 1) whether DCIS fibroblasts were similar or distinct from normal and IDC fibroblasts at the transcriptome level, and 2) the contributions of DCIS fibroblasts to breast cancer progression.

Methods

Fibroblasts underwent transcriptome profiling and pathway analysis. Significant DCIS fibroblast-associated genes were further analyzed in existing breast cancer mRNA databases and through tissue array immunostaining. Using the sub-renal capsule graft model, fibroblasts from normal breast, DCIS and IDC tissues were co-transplanted with DCIS.com breast cancer cells.

Results

Through transcriptome profiling, we found that DCIS fibroblasts were characterized by unique alterations in cell cycle and motility related genes such as PKMYT1, TGF-α, SFRP1 and SFRP2, which predicted increased cell growth and invasion by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Immunostaining analysis revealed corresponding increases in expression of stromal derived PKMYT1, TGF-α and corresponding decreases in expression of SFRP1 and SFRP2 in DCIS and IDC tissues. Grafting studies in mice revealed that DCIS fibroblasts enhanced breast cancer growth and invasion associated with arginase-1+ cell recruitment.

Conclusion

DCIS fibroblasts are phenotypically distinct from normal breast and IDC fibroblasts, and play an important role in breast cancer growth, invasion, and recruitment of myeloid cells. These studies provide novel insight into the role of DCIS fibroblasts in breast cancer progression and identify some key biomarkers associated with DCIS progression to IDC, with important clinical implications.

PROTACs: Novel tools for improving immunotherapy in cancer

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs), such as phosphorylation, methylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation, are important in governing protein expression levels. Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are novel structures designed to target a protein of interest (POI) for ubiquitination and degradation, leading to the selective reduction in the expression levels of the POI. PROTACs have exhibited great promise due to their ability to target undruggable proteins, including several transcription factors. Recently, PROTACs have been characterized to improve anticancer immunotherapy via the regulation of specific proteins. In this review, we describe how the PROTACs target several molecules, including HDAC6, IDO1, EGFR, FoxM1, PD-L1, SHP2, HPK1, BCL-xL, BET proteins, NAMPT, and COX-1/2, to regulate immunotherapy in human cancers. PROTACs may provide potential treatment benefits by enhancing immunotherapy in cancer patients.

The Usefulness of Nanotechnology in Improving the Prognosis of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer remains a major public health problem both in terms of incidence and specific mortality despite recent developments in terms of prevention, such as smoking reduction policies and clinical management advances. Better lung cancer prognosis could be achieved by early and accurate diagnosis and improved therapeutic interventions. Nanotechnology is a dynamic and fast-developing field; various medical applications have been developed and deployed, and more exist as proofs of concepts or experimental models. We aim to summarize current knowledge relevant to the use of nanotechnology in lung cancer management. Starting from the chemical structure-based classification of nanoparticles, we identify and review various practical implementations roughly organized as diagnostic or therapeutic in scope, ranging from innovative contrast agents to targeted drug carriers. Available data are presented starting with standards of practice and moving to highly experimental methods and proofs of concept; particularities, advantages, limits and future directions are explored, focusing on the potential impact on lung cancer clinical prognosis.

Deciphering the Role and Signaling Pathways of PKCα in Luminal A Breast Cancer Cells

Protein kinase C (PKC) comprises a family of highly related serine/threonine protein kinases involved in multiple signaling pathways, which control cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. The role of PKCα in cancer has been studied for many years. However, it has been impossible to establish whether PKCα acts as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor. Here, we analyzed the importance of PKCα in cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, or apoptosis by inhibiting its gene expression in a luminal A breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Differential expression analysis and phospho-kinase arrays of PKCα-KD vs. PKCα-WT MCF-7 cells identified an essential set of proteins and oncogenic kinases of the JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT pathways that were down-regulated, whereas IGF1R, ERK1/2, and p53 were up-regulated. In addition, unexpected genes related to the interferon pathway appeared down-regulated, while PLC, ERBB4, or PDGFA displayed up-regulated. The integration of this information clearly showed us the usefulness of inhibiting a multifunctional kinase-like PKCα in the first step to control the tumor phenotype. Then allowing us to design a possible selection of specific inhibitors for the unexpected up-regulated pathways to further provide a second step of treatment to inhibit the proliferation and migration of MCF-7 cells. The results of this study suggest that PKCα plays an oncogenic role in this type of breast cancer model. In addition, it reveals the signaling mode of PKCα at both gene expression and kinase activation. In this way, a wide range of proteins can implement a new strategy to fine-tune the control of crucial functions in these cells and pave the way for designing targeted cancer therapies.

A New Survival Score for Patients ≥65 Years Assigned to Radiotherapy of Bone Metastases

Survival scores are important for personalized treatment of bone metastases. Elderly patients are considered a separate group. Therefore, a specific score was developed for these patients. Elderly patients (≥65 years) irradiated for bone metastases were randomly assigned to the test (n = 174) or validation (n = 174) cohorts. Thirteen factors were retrospectively analyzed for survival. Factors showing significance (p < 0.05) or a trend (p < 0.06) in the multivariate analysis were used for the score. Based on 6-month survival rates, prognostic groups were formed. The score was compared to an existing tool developed in patients of any age. In the multivariate analysis, performance score, tumor type, and visceral metastases showed significance and gender was a trend. Three groups were designed (17, 18−25 and 27−28 points) with 6-month survival rates of 0%, 51%, and 100%. In the validation cohort, these rates were 9%, 55%, and 86%. Comparisons of prognostic groups between both cohorts did not reveal significant differences. In the test cohort, positive predictive values regarding death ≤6 and survival ≥6 months were 100% with the new score vs. 80% and 88% with the existing tool. The new score was more accurate demonstrating the importance of specific scores for elderly patients.