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Vanaroj P, Chaijaroenkul W, Na-Bangchang K. Notch signaling in the pathogenesis, progression and identification of potential targets for cholangiocarcinoma (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2022; 16:66. [PMID: 35154706 PMCID: PMC8825743 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2022.2499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive type of bile duct cancer that is characterized by a high mortality rate due to its late diagnosis and ineffective treatment. The aim of the present systematic review was to analyze the association between Notch signaling and CCA in terms of its pathogenesis, progression and potential treatment targets. Relevant information was gathered from the PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus databases using the search terms 'cholangiocarcinoma' AND 'Notch signaling'. Of the 90 articles identified, 28 fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. It was concluded that overexpression/upregulation of Notch ligands, such as Jagged1 and Notch receptors (Notch1, Notch2 and Notch3), as well as upregulation of the upstream Notch signaling pathway, promoted CCA development and progression. In addition, downregulation of Notch1 signaling through several possible interventions appears to be a promising strategy for inhibition of CCA development and progression. Therefore, the Notch signaling pathway may be considered as a potential target for CCA control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peeranate Vanaroj
- Graduate Program in Bioclinical Sciences, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, 12120 Thailand
| | - Wanna Chaijaroenkul
- Graduate Program in Bioclinical Sciences, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, 12120 Thailand
| | - Kesara Na-Bangchang
- Graduate Program in Bioclinical Sciences, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, 12120 Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology of Malaria and Cholangiocarcinoma, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, 12120 Thailand
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2
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Pavlidis E, Sapalidis K, Chatzinikolaou F, Kesisoglou I. Medullary thyroid cancer: molecular factors, management and treatment. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY 2021; 61:681-686. [PMID: 33817709 PMCID: PMC8112777 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.61.3.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is an infrequent neuroendocrine tumor, which amounts to 3–5% of all thyroid malignancies. Approximately 75–80% of MTCs are sporadic neoplasms. The rest of 20–25% are familial cases that belong to multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes, specifically MEN2 and MEN3. These cases of familial MTC are attributed to an activating germline mutation of a tyrosine kinase receptor gene, the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene, located on chromosome 10q11.21. These mutations are also found in some cases of sporadic MTC. This review sets forth in summary the accepted guidelines and approaches regarding diagnosis, management, and treatment of MTC. Surgical resection is the standard care, and an early, prophylactic intervention is performed in genetic cases. Further investigation and understanding of the molecular pathways involved in the growth and advancement of MTC is required in order to provide efficient therapy in cases of progressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstathios Pavlidis
- 3rd Department of Surgery, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece;
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Akil A, Gutiérrez-García AK, Guenter R, Rose JB, Beck AW, Chen H, Ren B. Notch Signaling in Vascular Endothelial Cells, Angiogenesis, and Tumor Progression: An Update and Prospective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:642352. [PMID: 33681228 PMCID: PMC7928398 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.642352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway plays an essential role in a wide variety of biological processes including cell fate determination of vascular endothelial cells and the regulation of arterial differentiation and angiogenesis. The Notch pathway is also an essential regulator of tumor growth and survival by functioning as either an oncogene or a tumor suppressor in a context-dependent manner. Crosstalk between the Notch and other signaling pathways is also pivotal in tumor progression by promoting cancer cell growth, migration, invasion, metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, and the expansion of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this review, we provide an overview and update of Notch signaling in endothelial cell fate determination and functioning, angiogenesis, and tumor progression, particularly in the development of CSCs and therapeutic resistance. We further summarize recent studies on how endothelial signaling crosstalk with the Notch pathway contributes to tumor angiogenesis and the development of CSCs, thereby providing insights into vascular biology within the tumor microenvironment and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah Akil
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Ana K. Gutiérrez-García
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Rachael Guenter
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - J. Bart Rose
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Adam W. Beck
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Bin Ren
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Guenter R, Patel Z, Chen H. Notch Signaling in Thyroid Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1287:155-168. [PMID: 33034031 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-55031-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system with a steadily rising incidence. The term "thyroid cancer" encompasses a spectrum of subtypes, namely papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer, and medullary thyroid cancer. Each subtype differs histopathologically and in degrees of cellular differentiation, which may be in part due to signaling of the Notch pathway. The Notch pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signal transduction mechanism that regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, stem cell maintenance, embryonic and adult development, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis. Its role in cancer biology is controversial, as it has been shown to play both an oncogenic and tumor-suppressive role in many different types of cancers. This discordance holds true for each subtype of thyroid cancer, indicating that Notch signaling is likely cell type and context dependent. Whether oncogenic or not, Notch signaling has proven to be significantly involved in the tumorigenesis of thyroid cancer and has thus earned interest as a therapeutic target. Advancement in the understanding of Notch signaling in thyroid cancer holds great promise for the development of novel treatment strategies to benefit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Guenter
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Zeelu Patel
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Yuan L, Ma L, Xue H, Song S. Relationship between the upregulation of Notch1 signaling and the clinical characteristics of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma in East Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:5. [PMID: 30622441 PMCID: PMC6317185 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0723-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many studies have aimed to clarify the relationship between Notch1 signaling and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), but the results have been inconsistent to date. In the present study, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to analyze the relationship between Notch1 signaling and the clinical characteristics of PTC. Methods Literature databases, including PubMed (Medline), Embase and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, were searched for relevant studies from inception to April 2018. A total of five studies, including 421 patients with PTC from China and South Korea, were included in the meta-analysis. Results The results revealed that the upregulation of Notch1 signaling was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis in patients with PTC (OR = 3.25, 95% CI 1.14–9.23, P = 0.03). Additionally, positive correlations were found between Notch1 signaling and tumor size (OR = 4.34, 95% CI 1.66–11.38, P = 0.003), capsular invasion (OR = 3.49, 95% CI 1.90–6.41, P < 0.0001) and clinical stage of PTC (OR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.05–5.11, P = 0.04). Conclusions The Notch1 signaling pathway may play a catalytic role in the progression of PTC, and upregulation of Notch1 signaling may have significant predictive value for the clinical prognosis of PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libing Yuan
- 1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, No. 661 Second Huanghe Road, Binzhou, 256603 People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Ma
- 2Department of Dermatology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Haibo Xue
- 1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, No. 661 Second Huanghe Road, Binzhou, 256603 People's Republic of China
| | - Shoujun Song
- 1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, No. 661 Second Huanghe Road, Binzhou, 256603 People's Republic of China
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Song H, Lin C, Yao E, Zhang K, Li X, Wu Q, Chuang PT. Selective Ablation of Tumor Suppressors in Parafollicular C Cells Elicits Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:3888-3899. [PMID: 28119454 PMCID: PMC5339769 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.765727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the four different types of thyroid cancer, treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma poses a major challenge because of its propensity of early metastasis. To further investigate the molecular mechanisms of medullary thyroid carcinoma and discover candidates for targeted therapies, we developed a new mouse model of medullary thyroid carcinoma based on our CGRPCreER mouse line. This system enables gene manipulation in parafollicular C cells in the thyroid, the purported cells of origin of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Selective inactivation of tumor suppressors, such as p53, Rb, and Pten, in mature parafollicular C cells via an inducible Cre recombinase from CGRPCreER led to development of murine medullary thyroid carcinoma. Loss of Pten accelerated p53/Rb-induced medullary thyroid carcinoma, indicating interactions between pathways controlled by tumor suppressors. Moreover, labeling differentiated parafollicular C cells by CGRPCreER allows us to follow their fate during malignant transformation to medullary thyroid tumor. Our findings support a model in which mutational events in differentiated parafollicular C cells result in medullary thyroid carcinoma. Through expression analysis including RNA-Seq, we uncovered major signaling pathways and networks that are perturbed following the removal of tumor suppressors. Taken together, these studies not only increase our molecular understanding of medullary thyroid carcinoma but also offer new candidates for designing targeted therapies or other treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Song
- From the Life Sciences Institute and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China and
- the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Chuwen Lin
- the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Erica Yao
- the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Kuan Zhang
- the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Xiaoling Li
- From the Life Sciences Institute and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China and
| | - Qingzhe Wu
- From the Life Sciences Institute and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China and
| | - Pao-Tien Chuang
- the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
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Spitschak A, Meier C, Kowtharapu B, Engelmann D, Pützer BM. MiR-182 promotes cancer invasion by linking RET oncogene activated NF-κB to loss of the HES1/Notch1 regulatory circuit. Mol Cancer 2017; 16:24. [PMID: 28122586 PMCID: PMC5267421 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-016-0563-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dominant-activating mutations in the RET proto-oncogene, a receptor tyrosine kinase, are responsible for the development of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and causative for multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2A and 2B. These tumors are highly aggressive with a high propensity for early metastasis and chemoresistance. This attribute makes this neoplasia an excellent model for probing mechanisms underlying cancer progression. Methods The expression level of miR-182 was measured in MTC tumor specimens and in TT cells by real-time RT-PCR. TT cells and modified NThy-ori 3.1 that stably express RETM918T were used to investigate RET-dependent regulation of miR-182. Identification and validation of miR-182 targets and pathways was accomplished with luciferase assays, qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence. In vitro, overexpression and knockdown experiments were carried out to examine the impact of miR-182 and HES1 on invasion and migration. Results We found that miR-182 expression is significantly upregulated in MTC patient samples and tumor-derived cell lines harboring mutated RET. Inhibition of RET oncogenic signaling through a dominant-negative RET∆TK mutant in TT cells reduces miR-182, whereas overexpression of RETM918T in NThy-ori 3.1 cells increases miR-182 levels. We further show that overexpression of this miRNA in NThy.miR-182 cells promotes the invasive and migratory properties without affecting cell proliferation. MiR-182 is upregulated after RET induced NF-κB translocation into the nucleus via binding of NF-κB to the miR-182 promoter. Database analysis revealed that HES1, a repressor of the Notch pathway, is a target of miR-182, whose upregulation correlates with loss of HES1 transcription in MTC tissue samples and mutant RET cell lines. Moreover, we demonstrated that the 3′UTR of the HES1 mRNA bearing the targeting sequence for miR-182 clearly reduced luciferase reporter activity in cells expressing miR-182. Decreased expression of HES1 promotes migration by upregulating Notch1 inhibitor Deltex1 and consequent repression of Notch1. Conclusion We demonstrate a novel mechanism for MTC aggressiveness in which mutated RET/NF-κB-driven expression of miR-182 impedes HES1 activation in a negative feedback loop. This observation might open new possibilities to treat RET oncogene associated metastatic cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12943-016-0563-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alf Spitschak
- Institute of Experimental Gene Therapy and Cancer Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 69, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Claudia Meier
- Institute of Experimental Gene Therapy and Cancer Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 69, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Bhavani Kowtharapu
- Current address: Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - David Engelmann
- Institute of Experimental Gene Therapy and Cancer Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 69, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Brigitte M Pützer
- Institute of Experimental Gene Therapy and Cancer Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 69, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
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Jaskula–Sztul R, Chen G, Dammalapati A, Harrison A, Tang W, Gong S, Chen H. AB3-Loaded and Tumor-Targeted Unimolecular Micelles for Medullary Thyroid Cancer Treatment. J Mater Chem B 2017; 5:151-159. [PMID: 28025618 PMCID: PMC5180596 DOI: 10.1039/c6tb02530g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is often resistant to standard therapies, emphasizing the need for the development of other treatments. A new histone deacetylase inhibitor, AB3, can effectively inhibit MTC cell proliferation in vitro. However, its poor aqueous solubility and stability, fast clearance, and lack of tumor targeting ability limit its in vivo application. Therefore, multifunctional unimolecular micelles were developed for targeted delivery of AB3 for MTC therapy. The unimolecular micelles exhibited a spherical core-shell structure, uniform size distribution, and excellent stability. AB3 was encapsulated into the hydrophobic core of the unimolecular micelles, thus significantly enhancing its aqueous solubility and stability. KE108, a somatostatin analog possessing high affinity to all five subtypes of SSTR, was used as an MTC-targeting ligand. In vitro cellular uptake analyses demonstrated that the KE108 exhibited superior targeting ability in MTC cells compared to octreotide, the first clinically used somatostatin analog. Moreover, the AB3-loaded and KE108-conjugated unimolecular micelles exhibited the best efficacy in suppressing MTC cell growth and tumor marker expression in vitro. Furthermore, AB3-loaded, KE108-conjugated micelles demonstrated the best anticancer efficacy in vivo without any apparent systemic toxicity, thereby offering a promising approach for targeted MTC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Jaskula–Sztul
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Ajitha Dammalapati
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - April Harrison
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Weiping Tang
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Shaoqin Gong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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Chen G, Jaskula-Sztul R, Harrison A, Dammalapati A, Xu W, Cheng Y, Chen H, Gong S. KE108-conjugated unimolecular micelles loaded with a novel HDAC inhibitor thailandepsin-A for targeted neuroendocrine cancer therapy. Biomaterials 2016; 97:22-33. [PMID: 27156249 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine (NE) cancers can cause significant patient morbidity. Besides surgery, there are no curative treatments for NE cancers and their metastases, emphasizing the need for the development of other forms of therapy. In this study, multifunctional unimolecular micelles were developed for targeted NE cancer therapy. The unimolecular micelles were formed by multi-arm star amphiphilic block copolymer poly(amidoamine)-poly(valerolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) conjugated with KE108 peptide and Cy5 dye (abbreviated as PAMAM-PVL-PEG-KE108/Cy5). The unimolecular micelles with a spherical core-shell structure exhibited a uniform size distribution and excellent stability. The hydrophobic drug thailandepsin-A (TDP-A), a recently discovered HDAC inhibitor, was physically encapsulated into the hydrophobic core of the micelles. KE108 peptide, a somatostatin analog possessing high affinity for all five subtypes of somatostatin receptors (SSTR 1-5), commonly overexpressed in NE cancer cells, was used for the first time as an NE cancer targeting ligand. KE108 exhibited superior targeting abilities compared to other common somatostatin analogs, such as octreotide, in NE cancer cell lines. The in vitro assays demonstrated that the TDP-A-loaded, KE108-targeted micelles exhibited the best capabilities in suppressing NE cancer cell growth. Moreover, the in vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging on NE-tumor-bearing nude mice showed that KE108-conjugated micelles exhibited the greatest tumor accumulation due to their passive targeting and active targeting capabilities. Finally, TDP-A-loaded and KE108-conjugated micelles possessed the best anticancer efficacy without detectable systemic toxicity. Thus, these novel TDP-A-loaded and KE108-conjugated unimolecular micelles offer a promising approach for targeted NE cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guojun Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Renata Jaskula-Sztul
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - April Harrison
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | | | - Wenjin Xu
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Yiqiang Cheng
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Anto-Division, San Antonio, TX 76107, USA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
| | - Shaoqin Gong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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10
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Jin S, Borkhuu O, Bao W, Yang YT. Signaling Pathways in Thyroid Cancer and Their Therapeutic Implications. J Clin Med Res 2016; 8:284-96. [PMID: 26985248 PMCID: PMC4780491 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr2480w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is a common malignancy of endocrine system, and has now become the fastest increasing cancer among all the malignancies. The development, progression, invasion, and metastasis are closely associated with multiple signaling pathways and the functions of related molecules, such as Src, Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, NF-κB, thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), Wnt-β-catenin and Notch signaling pathways. Each of the signaling pathways could exert its function singly or through network with other pathways. These pathways could cooperate, promote, antagonize, or interact with each other to form a complex network for the regulation. Dysfunction of this network could increase the development, progression, invasion, and metastasis of thyroid cancer. Inoperable thyroid cancer still has a poor prognosis. However, signaling pathway-related targeted therapies offer the hope of longer quality of meaningful life for this small group of patients. Signaling pathway-related targets provide unprecedented opportunities for further research and clinical development of novel treatment strategies for this cancer. In the present work, the advances in these signaling pathways and targeted treatments of thyroid cancer were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Oyungerel Borkhuu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wuyuntu Bao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yun-Tian Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
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Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma is uncommon but accounts for approximately 4 to 5 per cent of all thyroid cancers. Although most cases are sporadic, close to one-fourth of cases result from germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene. These mutations are clinically important because they predict the earliest age of medullary thyroid cancer diagnosis and clinical aggressiveness, which guide individualized management. This review covers the presentation, diagnosis, workup, current management, and future directions of the management of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Today's chance for cure depends on early and appropriate surgical resection. Further investigation of the cellular signaling pathways shown to be essential for the growth and spread of medullary thyroid carcinoma remains an active field with hope for providing targeted systemic therapy for patients with progressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faris K. Azar
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; the
| | - Stephanie L. Lee
- Department of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts; and the
| | - Jennifer E. Rosen
- Department of Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
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12
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Jaskula-Sztul R, Eide J, Tesfazghi S, Dammalapati A, Harrison AD, Yu XM, Scheinebeck C, Winston-McPherson G, Kupcho KR, Robers MB, Hundal AK, Tang W, Chen H. Tumor-suppressor role of Notch3 in medullary thyroid carcinoma revealed by genetic and pharmacological induction. Mol Cancer Ther 2014; 14:499-512. [PMID: 25512616 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-14-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Notch1-3 are transmembrane receptors that appear to be absent in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Previous research has shown that induction of Notch1 has a tumor-suppressor effect in MTC cell lines, but little is known about the biologic consequences of Notch3 activation for the progression of the disease. We elucidate the role of Notch3 in MTC by genetic (doxycycline-inducible Notch3 intracellular domain) and pharmacologic [AB3, novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor] approaches. We find that overexpression of Notch3 leads to the dose-dependent reduction of neuroendocrine tumor markers. In addition, Notch3 activity is required to suppress MTC cell proliferation, and the extent of growth repression depends on the amount of Notch3 protein expressed. Moreover, activation of Notch3 induces apoptosis. The translational significance of this finding is highlighted by our observation that MTC tumors lack active Notch3 protein and reinstitution of this isoform could be a therapeutic strategy to treat patients with MTC. We demonstrate, for the first time, that overexpression of Notch3 in MTC cells can alter malignant neuroendocrine phenotype in both in vitro and in vivo models. In addition, our study provides a strong rationale for using Notch3 as a therapeutic target to provide novel pharmacologic treatment options for MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Jaskula-Sztul
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jacob Eide
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Sara Tesfazghi
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Ajitha Dammalapati
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - April D Harrison
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Xiao-Min Yu
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Casi Scheinebeck
- School of Pharmacy and Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | | | | | | | - Amrit K Hundal
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Weiping Tang
- School of Pharmacy and Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin.
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13
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Wyche TP, Dammalapati A, Cho H, Harrison AD, Kwon GS, Chen H, Bugni TS, Jaskula-Sztul R. Thiocoraline activates the Notch pathway in carcinoids and reduces tumor progression in vivo. Cancer Gene Ther 2014; 21:518-25. [PMID: 25412645 PMCID: PMC4270822 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2014.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Carcinoids are slow-growing neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) that are characterized by hormone overproduction; surgery is currently the only option for treatment. Activation of the Notch pathway has previously been shown to have a role in tumor suppression in NETs. The marine-derived thiodepsipeptide thiocoraline was investigated in vitro in two carcinoid cell lines (BON and H727). Carcinoid cells treated with nanomolar concentrations of thiocoraline resulted in a decrease in cell proliferation and an alteration of malignant phenotype evidenced by decrease of NET markers, ASCL-1, CgA, and NSE. Western blot analysis demonstrated the activation of Notch1 on the protein level in BON cells. Additionally, thiocoraline activated downstream Notch targets HES1, HES5, and HEY2. Thiocoraline effectively suppressed carcinoid cell growth by promoting cell cycle arrest in BON and H727 cells. An in vivo study demonstrated that thiocoraline, formulated with polymeric micelles, slowed carcinoid tumor progression. Thus, the therapeutic potential of thiocoraline, which induced activation of the Notch pathway, in carcinoid tumors was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- T P Wyche
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - A Dammalapati
- Department of Surgery Endocrine Research Laboratories, UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - H Cho
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - A D Harrison
- Department of Surgery Endocrine Research Laboratories, UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - G S Kwon
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - H Chen
- Department of Surgery Endocrine Research Laboratories, UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - T S Bugni
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - R Jaskula-Sztul
- Department of Surgery Endocrine Research Laboratories, UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Abstract
Thyroid cancer is one of the most rapidly increasing malignancies. The reasons for this increase is not completely known, but increases in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas and follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinomas along with the enhanced detection of well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas are probably all contributing factors. Although most cases of well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas are associated with an excellent prognosis, a small percentage of patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas as well as most patients with poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas have recurrent and/or metastatic disease that is often fatal. The cancer stem-like cell (CSC) model suggests that a small number of cells within a cancer, known as CSCs, are responsible for resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as for recurrent and metastatic disease. This review discusses current studies about thyroid CSCs, the processes of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition that provide plasticity to CSC growth, in addition to the role of microRNAs in CSC development and regulation. Understanding the biology of CSCs, EMT and the metastatic cascade should lead to the design of more rational targeted therapies for highly aggressive and fatal thyroid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenying Guo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Zhejiang, China
| | - Heather Hardin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ricardo V Lloyd
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Zhejiang, China
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Tesfazghi S, Eide J, Dammalapati A, Korlesky C, Wyche TP, Bugni TS, Chen H, Jaskula-Sztul R. Thiocoraline alters neuroendocrine phenotype and activates the Notch pathway in MTC-TT cell line. Cancer Med 2013; 2:734-43. [PMID: 24403239 PMCID: PMC3892805 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine tumor (NET). Previous research has shown that activation of Notch signaling has a tumor suppressor role in NETs. The potential therapeutic effect of thiocoraline on the activation of the Notch pathway in an MTC cell line (TT) was investigated. Thiocoraline was isolated from a marine bacterium Verrucosispora sp. MTT assay (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) was used to determine the IC50 value and to measure cell proliferation. Western blot revealed the expression of Notch isoforms, NET, and cell cycle markers. Cell cycle progression was validated by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of Notch isoforms and downstream targets were measured using real-time PCR. The IC50 value for thiocoraline treatment in TT cells was determined to be 7.6 nmol/L. Thiocoraline treatment decreased cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The mechanism of growth inhibition was found to be cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. Thiocoraline activated the Notch pathway as demonstrated by the dose-dependent increase in mRNA and protein expression of Notch isoforms. Furthermore, treatment with thiocoraline resulted in changes in the expression of downstream targets of the Notch pathway (HES1, HES2, HES6, HEY1, and HEY2) and reduced expression of NET markers, CgA, and ASCL1. Thiocoraline is a potent Notch pathway activator and an inhibitor of MTC-TT cell proliferation at low nanomolar concentrations. These results provide exciting evidence for the use of thiocoraline as a potential treatment for intractable MTC. Thiocoraline is a potent Notch pathway activator and an inhibitor of medullary thyroid cancer cell line (MTC-TT) cell proliferation at low nanomolar concentrations. These results provide evidence for the use of thiocoraline as a potential treatment for intractable MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Tesfazghi
- University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin
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16
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Burke JF, Schlosser L, Harrison AD, Kunnimalaiyaan M, Chen H. MK-2206 causes growth suppression and reduces neuroendocrine tumor marker production in medullary thyroid cancer through Akt inhibition. Ann Surg Oncol 2013; 20:3862-8. [PMID: 23900743 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-013-3168-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of targeted therapies for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) has focused on inhibition of the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene. Akt has been demonstrated to be a downstream target of RET via the key mediator phosphoinositide-3-kinase. MK-2206 is an orally administered allosteric Akt inhibitor that has exhibited minimal toxicity in phase I trials. We explored the antitumor effects of this compound in MTC. METHODS Human MTC-TT cells were treated with MK-2206 (0-20 μM) for 8 days. Assays for cell viability were performed at multiple time points with MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). The mechanism of action, mechanism of growth inhibition, and production of neuroendocrine tumor markers were assessed with Western blot analysis. RESULTS MK-2206 suppressed MTC cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner (p ≤ 0.001). Levels of Akt phosphorylated at serine 473 declined with increasing doses of MK-2206, indicating successful Akt inhibition. The apoptotic proteins cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and cleaved caspase-3 increased in a dose-dependent manner with MK-2206, while the apoptosis inhibitor survivin was markedly reduced. Importantly, the antitumor effects of MK-2206 were independent of RET inhibition, as the levels of RET protein were not blocked. CONCLUSIONS MK-2206 significantly suppresses MTC proliferation without RET inhibition. Given its high oral bioavailability and low toxicity profile, phase II studies with this drug alone or in combination with RET inhibitors are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn F Burke
- Department of Surgery, K3/705 Clinical Science Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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17
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Yu XM, Jaskula-Sztul R, Ahmed K, Harrison AD, Kunnimalaiyaan M, Chen H. Resveratrol induces differentiation markers expression in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma via activation of Notch1 signaling and suppresses cell growth. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:1276-87. [PMID: 23594881 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-12-0841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an extremely aggressive malignancy with undifferentiated features, for which conventional treatments, including radioactive iodine ablation, are usually not effective. Recent evidence suggests that the Notch1 pathway is important in the regulation of thyroid cancer cell growth and expression of thyrocyte differentiation markers. However, drug development targeting Notch1 signaling in ATC remains largely underexplored. Previously, we have identified resveratrol out of over 7,000 compounds as the most potent Notch pathway activator using a high-throughput screening method. In this study, we showed that resveratrol treatment (10-50 μmol/L) suppressed ATC cell growth in a dose-dependent manner for both HTh7 and 8505C cell lines via S-phase cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Resveratrol induced functional Notch1 protein expression and activated the pathway by transcriptional regulation. In addition, the expression of thyroid-specific genes including TTF1, TTF2, Pax8, and sodium iodide symporter (NIS) was upregulated in both ATC cell lines with resveratrol treatment. Notch1 siRNA interference totally abrogated the induction of TTF1 and Pax8 but not of TTF2. Moreover, Notch1 silencing by siRNA decreased resveratrol-induced NIS expression. In summary, our data indicate that resveratrol inhibits cell growth and enhances redifferentiation in ATC cells dependent upon the activation of Notch1 signaling. These findings provide the first documentation for the role of resveratrol in ATC redifferentiation, suggesting that activation of Notch1 signaling could be a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with ATC and thus warrants further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Min Yu
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53792-7375, USA
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Carter Y, Jaskula-Sztul R, Chen H, Mazeh H. Signaling pathways as specific pharmacologic targets for neuroendocrine tumor therapy: RET, PI3K, MEK, growth factors, and Notch. Neuroendocrinology 2013; 97:57-66. [PMID: 22343668 PMCID: PMC3360110 DOI: 10.1159/000335136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors are rare tumors with a common progenitor - the neural crest cell. Included in this category are pulmonary and gastrointestinal tract carcinoid tumors and medullary thyroid cancer. The majority of these tumors are sporadic in nature, however they can be hereditary. Medullary thyroid cancers can present sporadically, with other endocrine tumors, as in the complex of multiple endocrine neoplasias 1, 2A, or 2B, or as familial medullary thyroid cancer. These tumors can become evident at later stages, with metastases already present at the time of diagnosis. Despite the small size and rare incidence of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors, they can be debilitating when present. Their natural history presents as early lymph node and distant metastases, as well as symptoms of the carcinoid syndrome, which result from the overproduction and secretion of serotonin and somatostatin. As a consequence of their metastases, surgical resection is non-curative and hence there is a need for novel treatment strategies to address tumor burden and symptom control. There are multiple intracellular pathways which can be targeted, either individually or in combination, to address these tumors. Here, we review some of the intracellular pathways, and identify some specific targets, which are vital to the generation and propagation of neuroendocrine tumorigenesis, and thus, can be the foci of novel drug therapies. We also elaborate on present pharmacological strategies and clinical trials involving these intracellular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette Carter
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA
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19
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The Journal of Surgical Research – 2012. J Surg Res 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2011.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Harris PJ, Bible KC. Emerging therapeutics for advanced thyroid malignancies: rationale and targeted approaches. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2011; 20:1357-75. [PMID: 21910667 PMCID: PMC3195511 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2011.614230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thyroid cancer is an emerging public health concern. In the USA, its incidence has doubled in the past decade, making it the eighth most commonly diagnosed neoplasm in 2010. Despite this alarming increase, most thyroid cancer patients benefit from conventional approaches (surgery, radioiodine, radiotherapy, TSH suppression with levothyroxine) and are often cured. Nevertheless, a minority have aggressive tumors resistant to cytotoxic and other historical therapies; these patients sorely need new treatment options. AREAS COVERED Herein the biology and molecular characteristics of the common histological types of thyroid cancer are reviewed to provide context for subsequent discussion of recent developments and emerging therapeutics for advanced thyroid cancers. EXPERT OPINION Several kinase inhibitors, especially those targeting VEGFR and/or RET, have already demonstrated promising activity in differentiated and medullary thyroid cancers (DTC, MTC). Although of minimal benefit in DTC and MTC, cytotoxic chemotherapy with anti-microtubule agents and/or anthracyclines in combination with intensity-modulated radiation therapy appears to extend survival for patients with locoregionally confined anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), but to have only modest benefit in metastatic ATC. Further discovery and development of novel agents and combinations of agents will be critical to further progress in treating advanced thyroid cancers of all histotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Jo Harris
- National Cancer Institute, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Bethesda, MD 20892-7426, USA.
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