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Corrias G, Lai E, Ziranu P, Mariani S, Donisi C, Liscia N, Saba G, Pretta A, Persano M, Fanni D, Spanu D, Balconi F, Loi F, Deidda S, Restivo A, Pusceddu V, Puzzoni M, Solinas C, Massa E, Madeddu C, Gerosa C, Zorcolo L, Faa G, Saba L, Scartozzi M. Prediction of Response to Anti-Angiogenic Treatment for Advanced Colorectal Cancer Patients: From Biological Factors to Functional Imaging. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1364. [PMID: 38611042 PMCID: PMC11011199 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading tumor worldwide. In CRC, the angiogenic pathway plays a crucial role in cancer development and the process of metastasis. Thus, anti-angiogenic drugs represent a milestone for metastatic CRC (mCRC) treatment and lead to significant improvement of clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, not all patients respond to treatment and some develop resistance. Therefore, the identification of predictive factors able to predict response to angiogenesis pathway blockade is required in order to identify the best candidates to receive these agents. Unfortunately, no predictive biomarkers have been prospectively validated to date. Over the years, research has focused on biologic factors such as genetic polymorphisms, circulating biomarkers, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and microRNA. Moreover, research efforts have evaluated the potential correlation of molecular biomarkers with imaging techniques used for tumor assessment as well as the application of imaging tools in clinical practice. In addition to functional imaging, radiomics, a relatively newer technique, shows real promise in the setting of correlating molecular medicine to radiological phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Corrias
- Department of Radiology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Eleonora Lai
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Pina Ziranu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Stefano Mariani
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Clelia Donisi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Nicole Liscia
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Saba
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Andrea Pretta
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Mara Persano
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Daniela Fanni
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (D.F.); (C.G.); (G.F.)
| | - Dario Spanu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Francesca Balconi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Francesco Loi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Simona Deidda
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, A.O.U. Cagliari, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.D.); (A.R.); (L.Z.)
| | - Angelo Restivo
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, A.O.U. Cagliari, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.D.); (A.R.); (L.Z.)
| | - Valeria Pusceddu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Marco Puzzoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Cinzia Solinas
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Elena Massa
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Clelia Madeddu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Clara Gerosa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (D.F.); (C.G.); (G.F.)
| | - Luigi Zorcolo
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, A.O.U. Cagliari, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.D.); (A.R.); (L.Z.)
| | - Gavino Faa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (D.F.); (C.G.); (G.F.)
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
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Long Term Survival With Regorafenib: REALITY (Real Life in Italy) Trial - A GISCAD Study. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2021; 20:e253-e262. [PMID: 34429245 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regorafenib is a key agent in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but no validated factors predicting longer survival are available. PATIENTS AND METHODS REALITY was a retrospective multicenter trial in regorafenib-treated mCRC patients with overall survival (OS) ≥ 6 months. We aimed to assess the association between clinical parameters and outcome to define a panel identifying long term survivors among regorafenib candidates. Primary and secondary endpoints were OS and progression free survival (PFS), respectively. Statistical analysis was performed with MedCalc (survival distribution: Kaplan-Meier; survival comparison: log-rank test; independent role of significant variables at univariate analysis: logistic regression). RESULTS Hundred regorafenib-treated mCRC patients with OS ≥ 6 months were enrolled. Median OS was 11.5 m (95%CI:9.60-12.96); median PFS was 4.2 months (95% CI:3.43-43.03). The absence of liver progression and of dose and/or schedule changes during the first 4 cycles (mainly for good tolerability) were independently correlated at multivariate analysis with OS (Exp(b)1.8869, P= .0277and Exp(b)2.2000, P = .0313) and PFS (Exp(b)2.1583, P = .0065 and Exp(b)2.3036, P= .0169). Patients with neither of these variables had a significantly improved OS (n = 14, 20.8 months; 95% CI:12.967-55.267) versus others (n = 86, 10 months; 95% CI:8.367-12.167; HR = 0.4902, P = .0045) and PFS (11.3 months, 95%CI:4.267-35.8 vs. 3.9 months, 95% CI:3.167-43.033; HR = 0.4648, P = .0086). CONCLUSION These 2 factors might allow clinicians to better identify patients more likely to benefit from regorafenib. Toxicity management remains crucial.
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Lai E, Cascinu S, Scartozzi M. Are All Anti-Angiogenic Drugs the Same in the Treatment of Second-Line Metastatic Colorectal Cancer? Expert Opinion on Clinical Practice. Front Oncol 2021; 11:637823. [PMID: 34041019 PMCID: PMC8141840 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.637823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting tumor-driven angiogenesis is an effective strategy in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC); however, the choice of second-line therapy is complicated by the availability of several drugs, the occurrence of resistance and the lack of validated prognostic and predictive biomarkers. This review examines the use of angiogenesis-targeted therapies for the second-line management of mCRC patients. Mechanisms of resistance and anti-placental growth factor agents are discussed, and the role of aflibercept, a recombinant fusion protein consisting of portions of human vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1 and VEGFR-2, is highlighted. The novel mechanism of action of aflibercept makes it a useful second-line agent in mCRC patients progressing after oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, as well as in those with resistance after bevacizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Lai
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Cascinu
- Oncologia Medica, Università Vita-Salute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Giampieri R, Cantini L, Giglio E, Bittoni A, Lanese A, Crocetti S, Pecci F, Copparoni C, Meletani T, Lenci E, Lupi A, Baleani MG, Berardi R. Impact of Polypharmacy for Chronic Ailments in Colon Cancer Patients: A Review Focused on Drug Repurposing. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102724. [PMID: 32977434 PMCID: PMC7598185 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is characterized by high incidence worldwide. Despite increased awareness and early diagnosis thanks to screening programmes, mortality remains high, particularly for patients with metastatic involvement. Immune checkpoint inhibitors or poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-inhibitors have met with disappointing results when used in this setting, opposed to other malignancies. New drugs with different mechanisms of action are needed in this disease. Drug repurposing might offer new therapeutic options, as patients with metastatic colorectal cancer often share risk factors for other chronic diseases and thus frequently are on incidental therapy with these drugs. The aim of this review is to summarise the published results of the activity of drugs used to treat chronic medications in patients affected by colorectal cancer. We focused on antihypertensive drugs, Non-Steroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), metformin, antidepressants, statins and antibacterial antibiotics. Our review shows that there are promising results with beta blockers, statins and metformin, whereas data concerning antidepressants and antibacterial antibiotics seem to show a potentially harmful effect. It is hoped that further prospective trials that take into account the role of these drugs as anticancer medications are conducted.
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Moroncini G, Maccaroni E, Fiordoliva I, Pellei C, Gabrielli A, Berardi R. Developments in the management of advanced soft-tissue sarcoma - olaratumab in context. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:833-842. [PMID: 29497315 PMCID: PMC5820470 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s127609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lartruvo® (olaratumab) is a fully human immunoglobulin G subclass 1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody that inhibits platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα). The antitumor activity of olaratumab has been tested in vitro and in vivo, and inhibition of tumor growth has been observed in cancer cell lines, including glioblastoma and leiomyosarcoma cells. It represents the first-in-class antibody to be approved by regulatory authorities for the treatment of advanced soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) in combination with doxorubicin, based on the results of the Phase Ib/II trial by Tap et al. The median progression-free survival (PFS), which was the primary end point of the study, was improved for patients treated with olaratumab plus doxorubicin compared to those treated with doxorubicin monotherapy (6.6 vs 4.1 months, respectively; HR 0.672, 95% CI 0.442-1.021, p=0.0615). Moreover, final analysis of overall survival (OS) showed a median OS of 26.5 months with olaratumab plus doxorubicin vs 14.7 months with doxorubicin, with a gain of 11.8 months (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.30-0.71, p=0.0003). In October 2016, olaratumab was admitted in the Accelerated Approval Program by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in combination with doxorubicin for the treatment of adult patients with STSs. In November 2016, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted conditional approval for olaratumab in the same indication under its Accelerated Assessment Program. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized Phase III study (ANNOUNCE trial, NCT02451943) is being performed in order to confirm the survival advantage of olaratumab and to provide definitive drug confirmation by regulators. The study is ongoing, but enrollment is closed. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the rationale of olaratumab in the treatment of advanced STSs and its emerging role in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Moroncini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elena Maccaroni
- Medical Oncology Unit, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I, GM Lancisi, G Salesi, Ancona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Fiordoliva
- Medical Oncology Unit, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I, GM Lancisi, G Salesi, Ancona, Italy
| | - Chiara Pellei
- Medical Oncology Unit, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I, GM Lancisi, G Salesi, Ancona, Italy
| | - Armando Gabrielli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Rossana Berardi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I, GM Lancisi, G Salesi, Ancona, Italy
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First-line FOLFIRI and bevacizumab in patients with advanced colorectal cancer prospectively stratified according to serum LDH: final results of the GISCAD (Italian Group for the Study of Digestive Tract Cancers) CENTRAL (ColorEctalavastiNTRiAlLdh) trial. Br J Cancer 2017; 117:1099-1104. [PMID: 28926529 PMCID: PMC5674092 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2017.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous findings suggested that bevacizumab might be able to improve response rate (RR) in colorectal cancer patients with high lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) basal levels. Methods: We conducted a phase II trial to prospectively ascertain whether bevacizumab in combination with FOLFIRI could have an improved clinical activity in patients with high LDH serum levels. Primary end point of the study was RR; secondary end points were median overall survival and median progression-free survival (mPFS). Results: A total of 81 patients were enrolled. No difference in terms of ORR (39% vs 31% for low vs high LDH level stratum, P=0.78) and mPFS (14.16 vs 10.29 months, HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.51–2.24, P=0.83) between the strata was observed, whereas overall survival (OS) was significantly longer for patients with low LDH (24.85 vs 15.14 months, HR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.14–14.61, P=0.0004). In a not-pre-planned exploratory analysis using different cut-off ranges for LDH, we observed RR up to 70%, with no improvement in progression-free survival or OS. Conclusions: The CENTRAL trial failed to demonstrate that high LDH levels were related to a significantly improved RR in patients receiving first-line FOLFIRI and bevacizumab. The LDH serum levels should then no further be investigated as a predictive factor in this setting.
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Giampieri R, Restivo A, Pusceddu V, Del Prete M, Maccaroni E, Bittoni A, Faloppi L, Andrikou K, Bianconi M, Cabras F, Berardi R, Zorcolo L, Scintu F, Cascinu S, Scartozzi M. The Role of Aspirin as Antitumoral Agent for Heavily Pretreated Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Receiving Capecitabine Monotherapy. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2017; 16:38-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2016.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Expression of angiogenic growth factors VEGF, bFGF and ANG1 in colon cancer after bevacizumab treatment in vitro: A potential self-regulating mechanism. Oncol Rep 2016; 37:601-607. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Azzariti A, Porcelli L, Brunetti O, Del Re M, Longo V, Nardulli P, Signorile M, Xu JM, Calabrese A, Quatrale AE, Maiello E, Lorusso V, Silvestris N. Total and not bevacizumab-bound vascular endothelial growth factor as potential predictive factors to bevacizumab-based chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:6287-6295. [PMID: 27468218 PMCID: PMC4945987 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i27.6287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To identify suitable biomarkers of response to bevacizumab (BV) - it remains an open question. The measurement of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been proposed as a predictive factor for this drug, even if literature data are contradictory.
METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the role of BV, total and not BV-bound VEGF and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) serum levels as potential predictive factors of response for BV in combination with an oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. BV, Ang-2, total and not BV-bound VEGF levels were measured at baseline, before 2nd and 5th cycle of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in 20 consecutive metastatic colorectal cancer patients.
RESULTS: Results were correlated to response to treatment. Variability in BV levels have been found, with decreased level in less responding patients. In particular, the concentration of BV increased of 3.96 ± 0.69 folds in serum of responsive patients after 3 more cycles of therapy compared to those with stable or progressive disease with a 0.72 ± 0.25 and 2.10 ± 0.13 fold increase, respectively. The determination of free and total VEGF demonstrated that the ratio between the two values, evaluated immediately before the 2nd and the 5th cycle of therapy, decreased from 26.65% ± 1.33% to 15.50% ± 3.47% in responsive patients and from 53.41% ± 4.75 to 34.95% ± 2.88% in those with stable disease. Conversely, in those with progression of disease, the ratio showed the opposite behavior coming up from 25.99% ± 5.23% to 51.71% ± 5.28%. The Ang-2 levels did not show any relationship.
CONCLUSION: Our data show that the ratio of not BV-bound VEGF to total VEGF serum and BV plasma concentrations for predicting the response to BV plus oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy could be a promising biomarker of response to BV.
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Scartozzi M, Vincent L, Chiron M, Cascinu S. Aflibercept, a New Way to Target Angiogenesis in the Second Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC). Target Oncol 2016; 11:489-500. [DOI: 10.1007/s11523-016-0447-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Leuci V, Maione F, Rotolo R, Giraudo E, Sassi F, Migliardi G, Todorovic M, Gammaitoni L, Mesiano G, Giraudo L, Luraghi P, Leone F, Bussolino F, Grignani G, Aglietta M, Trusolino L, Bertotti A, Sangiolo D. Lenalidomide normalizes tumor vessels in colorectal cancer improving chemotherapy activity. J Transl Med 2016; 14:119. [PMID: 27149858 PMCID: PMC4857418 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-0872-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiogenesis inhibition is a promising approach for treating metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Recent evidences support the seemingly counterintuitive ability of certain antiangiogenic drugs to promote normalization of residual tumor vessels with important clinical implications. Lenalidomide is an oral drug with immune-modulatory and anti-angiogenic activity against selected hematologic malignancies but as yet little is known regarding its effectiveness for solid tumors. The aim of this study was to determine whether lenalidomide can normalize colorectal cancer neo-vessels in vivo, thus reducing tumor hypoxia and improving the benefit of chemotherapy. Methods We set up a tumorgraft model with NOD/SCID mice implanted with a patient-derived colorectal cancer liver metastasis. The mice were treated with oral lenalidomide (50 mg/Kg/day for 28 days), intraperitoneal 5-fluorouracil (5FU) (20 mg/Kg twice weekly for 3 weeks), combination (combo) of lenalidomide and 5FU or irrelevant vehicle. We assessed tumor vessel density (CD146), pericyte coverage (NG2; alphaSMA), in vivo perfusion capability of residual vessels (lectin distribution essay), hypoxic areas (HP2-100 Hypoxyprobe) and antitumor activity in vivo and in vitro. Results Treatment with lenalidomide reduced tumor vessel density (p = 0.0001) and enhanced mature pericyte coverage of residual vessels (p = 0.002). Perfusion capability of tumor vessels was enhanced in mice treated with lenalidomide compared to controls (p = 0.004). Accordingly, lenalidomide reduced hypoxic tumor areas (p = 0.002) and enhanced the antitumor activity of 5FU in vivo. The combo treatment delayed tumor growth (p = 0.01) and significantly reduced the Ki67 index (p = 0.0002). Lenalidomide alone did not demonstrate antitumor activity compared to untreated controls in vivo or against 4 different mCRC cell lines in vitro. Conclusions We provide the first evidence of tumor vessel normalization and hypoxia reduction induced by lenalidomide in mCRC in vivo. This effect, seemingly counterintuitive for an antiangiogenic compound, translates into indirect antitumor activity thus enhancing the therapeutic index of chemotherapy. Our findings suggest that further research should be carried out on synergism between lenalidomide and conventional therapies for treating solid tumors that might benefit from tumor vasculature normalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Leuci
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Laboratory of Medical Oncology-Experimental Cell Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - F Maione
- Laboratory of Transgenic Mouse Models, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - R Rotolo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Laboratory of Medical Oncology-Experimental Cell Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - E Giraudo
- Laboratory of Transgenic Mouse Models, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy.,Department of Science and Drug Technology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - F Sassi
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - G Migliardi
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - M Todorovic
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology-Experimental Cell Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - L Gammaitoni
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology-Experimental Cell Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - G Mesiano
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology-Experimental Cell Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - L Giraudo
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology-Experimental Cell Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - P Luraghi
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - F Leone
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Division and Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - F Bussolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Laboratory of Vascular Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - G Grignani
- Division and Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - M Aglietta
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Division and Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - L Trusolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - A Bertotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - D Sangiolo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy. .,Laboratory of Medical Oncology-Experimental Cell Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy.
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12
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Angiogenesis genotyping and clinical outcome during regorafenib treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25195. [PMID: 27117754 PMCID: PMC4846860 DOI: 10.1038/srep25195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Regorafenib monotherapy is a potential option for metastatic colorectal cancer patients. However, the lack of predictive factors and the severe toxicities related to treatment have made its use in clinical practice challenging. Polymorphisms of VEGF and its receptor (VEGFR) genes might regulate angiogenesis and thus potentially influence outcome during anti-angiogenesis treatment such as regorafenib. Aim of our study was to evaluate the role of VEGF and VEGFR genotyping in determining clinical outcome for colorectal cancer patients receiving regorafenib. We retrospectively collected clinical data and samples (tumour or blood) of 138 metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with regorafenib. We analysed the correlation of different VEGF-A, VEGF-C and VEGFR-1,2,3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with patients’ progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results from angiogenesis genotyping showed that only VEGF-A rs2010963 maintained an independent correlation with PFS and OS. Among clinical factors only ECOG PS was independently correlated with OS, whereas no correlation with PFS was evident. Grouping together those results allowed further patients stratification into 3 prognostic groups: favourable, intermediate and unfavourable. VEGF-A rs2010963 genotyping may represent an important tool for a more accurate selection of optimal candidates for regorafenib therapy.
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13
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Giampieri R, Caporale M, Pietrantonio F, De Braud F, Negri FV, Giuliani F, Pusceddu V, Demurtas L, Restivo A, Fontanella C, Aprile G, Cascinu S, Scartozzi M. Second-line angiogenesis inhibition in metastatic colorectal cancer patients: Straightforward or overcrowded? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2016; 100:99-106. [PMID: 26907512 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the number of therapeutic options targeting tumour angiogenesis is becoming increasingly relevant, the question of the optimal choice for second-line anti-angiogenic inhibition in combination with chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer patients remains largely unanswered. In fact the lack of head to head comparison between consolidated options such as bevacizumab and new treatment alternatives such as aflibercept and ramucirumab makes the selection in the clinical practice challenging, particularly when the patient has already received an anti-angiogenic-based combination up-front. In the following pages we described the biological scenario validating second-line angiogenesis inhibition in colorectal cancer along with potential mechanism of resistance. We also critically described the available evidence recommending the use of the bevacizumab, aflibercept and ramucirumab in this setting with the final aim to guide the choice in the clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Giampieri
- Medical Oncology Unit, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU "Ospedali Riuniti", Ancona, Italy
| | - Marta Caporale
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Filippo De Braud
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Valeria Pusceddu
- Medical Oncology,University Hospital, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Demurtas
- Medical Oncology,University Hospital, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Angelo Restivo
- Colorectal Cancer Surgery, University Hospital, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Cascinu
- Medical Oncology Unit, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU "Ospedali Riuniti", Ancona, Italy
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Medical Oncology,University Hospital, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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14
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Gadducci A, Lanfredini N, Sergiampietri C. Antiangiogenic agents in gynecological cancer: State of art and perspectives of clinical research. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2015; 96:113-28. [PMID: 26126494 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] pathway, which plays a key role in angiogenesis, may be blocked by either extracellular interference with VEGF itself (bevacizumab [BEV] or aflibercept), or intracytoplasmic inhibition of VEGF receptor (pazopanib, nintedanib, cediranid, sunitinib and sorafenib). An alternative approach is represented by trebananib, a fusion protein that prevents the interaction of angiopoietin [Ang]-1 and Ang-2 with Tie2 receptor on vascular endothelium. The combination of antiangiogenic agents, especially BEV, and chemotherapy is a rational therapeutic option for primary or recurrent ovarian carcinoma. However, it will be difficult to accept that it represents the new standard treatment, until biological characterization of ovarian carcinoma has not identified subsets of tumors with different responsiveness to BEV. Anti-angiogenesis is an interesting target also for recurrent cervical or endometrial cancer, but nowadays the use of anti-angiogenic agents in these malignancies should be reserved to patients enrolled in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angiolo Gadducci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Nora Lanfredini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Sergiampietri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa, Italy
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15
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Giampieri R, Scartozzi M, Del Prete M, Faloppi L, Bianconi M, Ridolfi F, Cascinu S. Prognostic Value for Incidental Antihypertensive Therapy With β-Blockers in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e719. [PMID: 26091452 PMCID: PMC4616528 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies suggested that the incidental use of β-blockers might influence clinical outcome in solid tumors. We assessed the correlation between the incidental use of β-blockers and clinical outcome in colorectal cancer patients treated with first-line chemotherapy alone or in combination with bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. We collected data from 235 metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with first-line chemotherapy alone (128 patients) or with bevacizumab (107 patients). Patients were stratified for clinical factors such as β-blockers use, age, sex, and site of metastases, previous adjuvant chemotherapy and ECOG performance status. In the chemotherapy alone group patients receiving β-blockers showed an improved overall survival (median OS 41.3 vs 25.7 months, P = 0.03, HR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.05-3.24). A significant relationship with improved response rate was also evident for B-blocker users (P = 0.044). On the contrary in the β-blockers users group treated with chemotherapy in combination with bevacizumab we observed a trend toward a worse overall survival although nonstatistically significant (median OS 18.5 vs 23.6 months, HR: 0. 89, 95% CI: 0.38-2.03, P = 0.77). Our analysis confirmed a potential prognostic role for the use of β-blockers in colorectal cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Our findings also suggest a potential worse outcome for patients on β-blockers receiving bevacizumab. Future prospective studies should include the incidental use of β-blockers as stratification factor for clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Giampieri
- From the Department of Medical Oncology, Translational Oncology Unit, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU "Ospedali Riuniti", , Ancona, Italy
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16
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Scartozzi M, Giampieri R, Aprile G, Iacono D, Santini D, dell’Aquila E, Silvestris N, Gnoni A, Bonotto M, Puzzoni M, Demurtas L, Cascinu S. The distinctive molecular, pathological and clinical characteristics ofBRAF-mutant colorectal tumors. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2015; 15:979-87. [DOI: 10.1586/14737159.2015.1047346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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17
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Zhu GC, Yu CY, She L, Tan HL, Li G, Ren SL, Su ZW, Wei M, Huang DH, Tian YQ, Su RN, Liu Y, Zhang X. Metadherin regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression is dependent upon the PI3K/Akt pathway in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e502. [PMID: 25674742 PMCID: PMC4602746 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous study indicated overexpression of metadherin (MTDH) is an adverse prognostic factor in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and promotes SCCHN cell proliferation and invasion. However, its mechanism remains unclear. Recent studies have indicated that MTDH is a cancer-metastasis-associated molecule that participates in the process of angiogenesis. Therefore, the study is aimed to investigate that whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as one of the most potent proangiogenic cytokines, is regulated by MTDH and the role of the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases/Protein Kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway in this process of regulation and the clinical significance of both MTDH and VEGF in SCCHN.Immunohistochemistry was used to assay the expression of MTDH and VEGF in a cohort of 189 SCCHN patients with intact follow-up information. The expression of MTDH was then upregulated or inhibited by lentivirus-mediated MTDH Complementary deoxyribonucleic acid or MTDH short hairpin ribonucleic acid (shRNA) to observe the resulting alterations in VEGF expression and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in SCCHN cell lines. In addition, the PI3K/Akt pathway was modulated to observe the resulting changes in the MTDH-mediated expression of VEGF.The immunohistochemistry data showed that MTDH expression is positively correlated with VEGF expression in SCCHN tissues. Moreover, the overexpression of MTDH in SCCHN Tu686 and 5-8F cells led to increases in the expression of VEGF, and this effect was accompanied by activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Conversely, shRNA-mediated knockdown of MTDH led to decreased VEGF expression. In addition, inhibition of the Akt signaling pathway reversed the upregulation of VEGF resulting from MTDH overexpression. Moreover, the survival analysis revealed that VEGF is an independent prognostic factor, and a combined survival analysis based on both MTDH and VEGF showed synergistic effects in the prognosis evaluation of SCCHN patients.The findings of the present study demonstrate that MTDH regulates the expression of VEGF via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, indicating the potential role of the MTDH-mediated activation of VEGF signaling pathway in SCCHN angiogenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang-Cai Zhu
- From the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (G-cZ, C-yY, LS, H-lT, GL, S-lR, Z-wS, MW, D-hH, Y-qT, YL, XZ), Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Otolaryngology Major Disease Research Key Laboratory of Hunan Province (G-cZ, C-yY, LS, H-lT, GL, S-lR, Z-wS, MW, D-hH, Y-qT, YL, XZ); and Department of Dermatology (R-nS), Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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