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Sedlack AJH, Hatfield SJ, Kumar S, Arakawa Y, Roper N, Sun NY, Nilubol N, Kiseljak-Vassiliades K, Hoang CD, Bergsland EK, Hernandez JM, Pommier Y, del Rivero J. Preclinical Models of Adrenocortical Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2873. [PMID: 37296836 PMCID: PMC10251941 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical cancer is an aggressive endocrine malignancy with an incidence of 0.72 to 1.02 per million people/year, and a very poor prognosis with a five-year survival rate of 22%. As an orphan disease, clinical data are scarce, meaning that drug development and mechanistic research depend especially on preclinical models. While a single human ACC cell line was available for the last three decades, over the last five years, many new in vitro and in vivo preclinical models have been generated. Herein, we review both in vitro (cell lines, spheroids, and organoids) and in vivo (xenograft and genetically engineered mouse) models. Striking leaps have been made in terms of the preclinical models of ACC, and there are now several modern models available publicly and in repositories for research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. H. Sedlack
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Samual J. Hatfield
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Arakawa
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nitin Roper
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nai-Yun Sun
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Naris Nilubol
- Surgical Oncology Program National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Katja Kiseljak-Vassiliades
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80016, USA
| | - Chuong D. Hoang
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Emily K. Bergsland
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | | | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jaydira del Rivero
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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2
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Sigala S, Rossini E, Abate A, Tamburello M, Bornstein SR, Hantel C. An update on adrenocortical cell lines of human origin. Endocrine 2022; 77:432-437. [PMID: 35764904 PMCID: PMC9385758 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03112-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, heterogenous and highly malignant disease. Management of ACC is dependent on disease stage with complete surgical resection as the only potentially curative option. However, advanced, un-resectable, metastatic stages and also recurrences often require systemic treatments, which are unfortunately nowadays still unsatisfactory. The scarcity of preclinical models reflecting patient heterogeneities and furthermore drug-resistant phenotypes, has hampered the progress and development of new therapies in recent years. In this review, we provide an overview on the classical models and substantial progress which has been made over the last years in context of this aggressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Rossini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Abate
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Tamburello
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091, Zürich, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences, King's College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
- Center for Regenerative Therapies, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Paul-Langerhans-Institute Dresden, Helmholtz Center Munich, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
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Cremaschi V, Abate A, Cosentini D, Grisanti S, Rossini E, Laganà M, Tamburello M, Turla A, Sigala S, Berruti A. Advances in adrenocortical carcinoma pharmacotherapy: what is the current state of the art? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1413-1424. [PMID: 35876101 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2106128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surgery, followed or not by adjuvant mitotane, is the current mainstay of therapy for patients with early-stage adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Mitotane, either alone or in association with EDP (Etoposide-Doxorubicin-Cisplatin) combination chemotherapy, is the standard approach for patients with metastatic ACC. AREAS COVERED The activity of newer cytotoxic drugs, radioligands, targeted therapies and immunotherapy, both in preclinical and in clinical studies, will be reviewed in this paper. EXPERT OPINION ADIUVO trial revealed that the administration of adjuvant mitotane is not advantageous in patients with good prognosis. Future strategies are to intensify efforts in adjuvant setting in patients with high risk of relapse. In patients with advanced/metastatic disease, modern targeted therapies have shown significant cytotoxicity in preclinical studies, however, studies in ACC patients reported disappointing results so far. The absence of targeted agents specifically inhibiting the major molecular pathways of ACC growth is the main cause of the failure of these drugs. Since ACC is often antigenic but poorly immunogenic, the results of immunotherapy trials appeared inferior to those achieved in the management of patients with other malignancies. Radioligand therapy may also be a promising approach. Combination of chemotherapy plus immunotherapy could be interesting to be tested in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cremaschi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Abate
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Deborah Cosentini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Rossini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Laganà
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Tamburello
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonella Turla
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
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4
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Bornstein S, Shapiro I, Malyukov M, Züllig R, Luca E, Gelfgat E, Beuschlein F, Nölting S, Berruti A, Sigala S, Peitzsch M, Steenblock C, Ludwig B, Kugelmeier P, Hantel C. Innovative multidimensional models in a high-throughput-format for different cell types of endocrine origin. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:648. [PMID: 35879289 PMCID: PMC9314441 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05096-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The adrenal gland provides an important function by integrating neuronal, immune, vascular, metabolic and endocrine signals under a common organ capsule. It is the central organ of the stress response system and has been implicated in numerous stress-related disorders. While for other diseases, regeneration of healthy organ tissue has been aimed at such approaches are lacking for endocrine diseases - with the exception of type-I-diabetes. Moreover, adrenal tumor formation is very common, however, appropriate high-throughput applications reflecting the high heterogeneity and furthermore relevant 3D-structures in vitro are still widely lacking. Recently, we have initiated the development of standardized multidimensional models of a variety of endocrine cell/tissue sources in a new multiwell-format. Firstly, we confirmed common applicability for pancreatic pseudo-islets. Next, we translated applicability for spheroid establishment to adrenocortical cell lines as well as patient material to establish spheroids from malignant, but also benign adrenal tumors. We aimed furthermore at the development of bovine derived healthy adrenal organoids and were able to establish steroidogenic active organoids containing both, cells of cortical and medullary origin. Overall, we hope to open new avenues for basic research, endocrine cancer and adrenal tissue-replacement-therapies as we demonstrate potential for innovative mechanistic insights and personalized medicine in endocrine (tumor)-biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bornstein
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Igor Shapiro
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Malyukov
- grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Richard Züllig
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Edlira Luca
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Evgeny Gelfgat
- grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.411095.80000 0004 0477 2585Endocrine Research Unit, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Svenja Nölting
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.411095.80000 0004 0477 2585Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstraße 1, 80336 München, Germany
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- grid.7637.50000000417571846Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Sandra Sigala
- grid.7637.50000000417571846Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany ,grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Charlotte Steenblock
- grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Barbara Ludwig
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Constanze Hantel
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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5
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Sigala S, Bothou C, Penton D, Abate A, Peitzsch M, Cosentini D, Tiberio GAM, Bornstein SR, Berruti A, Hantel C. A Comprehensive Investigation of Steroidogenic Signaling in Classical and New Experimental Cell Models of Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Cells 2022; 11:1439. [PMID: 35563746 PMCID: PMC9103477 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma is a heterogeneous and aggressive cancer that originates from steroidogenic cells within the adrenal cortex. In this study, we have assessed for the preclinical gold standard NCI-H295 in direct comparison with the more recently established MUC-1 and a here newly reported ACC cell line (TVBF-7) the mutational status of important driver genes (TP53, MEN1, PRKAR1A, CTNNB1, APC, ZNRF-3, IGF-2, EGFR, RB1, BRCA1, BRCA2, RET, GNAS and PTEN), Wnt-signaling specificities (CTNNB1 mutation vs. APC mutation vs. wildtype), steroidogenic-(CYP11A1, CYP17A1, HSD3B2, HSD17B4, CYP21A2, CYP11B1, CYP11B2, MC2R, AT1R) and nuclear-receptor-signaling (AR, ER, GCR), varying electrophysiological potentials as well as highly individual hormone secretion profiles (Cortisol, Aldosterone, DHEA, DHEAS, Testosterone, 17-OH Progesterone, among others) which were investigated under basal and stimulated conditions (ACTH, AngII, FSK). Our findings reveal important genetic and pathophysiological characteristics for these three cell lines and reveal the importance of such cell-line panels reflecting differential endocrine functionalities to thereby better reflect clinically well-known ACC patient heterogeneities in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (S.S.); (A.A.)
| | - Christina Bothou
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zürich, Switzerland; (C.B.); (S.R.B.)
| | - David Penton
- Electrophysiology Facility (e-phac), Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich (UZH), 8057 Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - Andrea Abate
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (S.S.); (A.A.)
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Deborah Cosentini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (D.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Guido A. M. Tiberio
- Surgical Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25124 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Stefan R. Bornstein
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zürich, Switzerland; (C.B.); (S.R.B.)
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
- Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
- Center for Regenerative Therapies, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Paul-Langerhans-Institute Dresden, Helmholtz Center Munich, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (D.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zürich, Switzerland; (C.B.); (S.R.B.)
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
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6
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Laganà M, Grisanti S, Ambrosini R, Cosentini D, Abate A, Zamparini M, Ferrari VD, Gianoncelli A, Turla A, Canu L, Terzolo M, Tiberio GAM, Sigala S, Berruti A. Phase II study of cabazitaxel as second-third line treatment in patients with metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100422. [PMID: 35272132 PMCID: PMC9058897 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. No efficacious treatment options are currently available for patients with advanced metastatic disease with disease progression to standard etoposide, doxorubicin, cisplatin and mitotane (EDP-M) therapy. We assessed the activity and tolerability of cabazitaxel as a second/third-line approach in metastatic ACC. Patients and methods Patients included in this single-center, phase II study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03257891) had disease progression to a cisplatin-containing regimen (such as EDP) plus mitotane, plus/minus a further chemotherapy line. Cabazitaxel was administered intravenously at 25 mg/m2 on day 1 of a 21-day cycle, for a maximum of six cycles. The primary endpoint was a disease control rate after 4 months. Results From March 2018 to September 2019, 25 eligible patients were enrolled. A disease control rate after 4 months was obtained in six patients (24%). No patients attained a disease response according to RECIST 1.1, 9 patients (36%) had stable disease and 16 patients (64%) progressive disease. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 1.5 months (range 0.3-7 months) and 6 months (range 1-22.2 months), respectively. Cabazitaxel therapy was well tolerated and only three (12%) patients developed grade 3 toxicity which were nausea in one patient (4%) and anemia in two patients (8%). Conclusions Cabazitaxel has a manageable toxicity profile but is poorly active as second/third-line treatment in advanced ACC patients. These results do not support further evaluation of cabazitaxel in this setting. Cabazitaxel is well tolerated but poorly active as second/third-line treatment in patients with advanced ACC. Combining RECIST and Choi criteria could be of value in the assessment of disease response to chemotherapy in ACC patients. Older age, elevated cortisol and LDH blood level correlate with a greater risk of death in multivariate analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Laganà
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - S Grisanti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - R Ambrosini
- Radiology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - D Cosentini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - A Abate
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - M Zamparini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - V D Ferrari
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - A Gianoncelli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - A Turla
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - L Canu
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Terzolo
- Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - G A M Tiberio
- Surgical Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - S Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - A Berruti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy.
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7
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Abate A, Rossini E, Tamburello M, Laganà M, Cosentini D, Grisanti S, Fiorentini C, Tiberio GAM, Scatolini M, Grosso E, Hantel C, Memo M, Berruti A, Sigala S. Ribociclib Cytotoxicity Alone or Combined With Progesterone and/or Mitotane in in Vitro Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cells. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6455501. [PMID: 34875044 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Mitotane is the only approved drug for treating adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). The regimen added to mitotane is chemotherapy with etoposide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin. This pharmacological approach, however, has a limited efficacy and significant toxicity. Target-therapy agents represent a new promising approach to cancer therapy. Among these, a preeminent role is played by agents that interfere with cell-cycle progression, such as CDK4/6-inhibitors. Here, we investigate whether ribociclib could induce a cytotoxic effect both in ACC cell line and patient-derived primary cell cultures, alone or in combined settings. Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazol)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay, whereas cell proliferation was evaluated by direct count. Binary combination experiments were performed using Chou and Talalay method. Gene expression was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR, whereas protein expression was evaluated by immunofluorescence. A double staining assay revealed that ribociclib induced a prevalent apoptotic cell death. Cell-cycle analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of ribociclib treatment on cell-cycle progression in ACC cell models. Our results indicate that ribociclib was cytotoxic and reduced the cell proliferation rate. The effect on cell viability was enhanced when ribociclib was combined with progesterone and/or mitotane. The effect of ribociclib on cell-cycle progression revealed a drug-induced cell accumulation in G2 phase. The positive relationship underlined by our results between ribociclib, progesterone, and mitotane strengthen the clinical potential of this combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Abate
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Elisa Rossini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Mariangela Tamburello
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Marta Laganà
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Deborah Cosentini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Chiara Fiorentini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Guido A M Tiberio
- Surgical Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Maria Scatolini
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, "Edo ed Elvo Tempia" Foundation, Ponderano, 13875, Biella, Italy
| | - Enrico Grosso
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, "Edo ed Elvo Tempia" Foundation, Ponderano, 13875, Biella, Italy
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
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Novel Insights into the Molecular Regulation of Ribonucleotide Reductase in Adrenocortical Carcinoma Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164200. [PMID: 34439352 PMCID: PMC8391410 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The current clinical gold standard etoposide, doxorubicin, cisplatin, and mitotane (EDP-M) is not satisfying for the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). However, clinical translation of novel, preclinically promising therapies were unfortunately disappointing in recent years, indicating that utilized tumor models inadequately predicted clinical applicability of novel pharmacological approaches. In an attempt to optimize the current preclinical armamentarium, our workgroup initiated a comparative drug screen of clinically relevant chemotherapies and therapies targeting IGF, EGF, and Wnt signaling pathways in the classical NCI-H295R cell line and, for the first time, in the recently developed highly drug-resistant MUC-1 cell line. These testings revealed gemcitabine and cisplatin as a promising combination, but further investigations also indicated developing drug resistance mechanisms on the molecular level. We aimed to decipher underlying resistance mechanisms, identified ribonucleotide reductase as an important player, and successfully targeted the involved DNA damage/repair mechanism. Abstract Current systemic treatment options for patients with adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are far from being satisfactory. DNA damage/repair mechanisms, which involve, e.g., ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) and ataxia-telangiectasia/Rad3-related (ATR) protein signaling or ribonucleotide reductase subunits M1/M2 (RRM1/RRM2)-encoded ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) activation, commonly contribute to drug resistance. Moreover, the regulation of RRM2b, the p53-induced alternative to RRM2, is of unclear importance for ACC. Upon extensive drug screening, including a large panel of chemotherapies and molecular targeted inhibitors, we provide strong evidence for the anti-tumoral efficacy of combined gemcitabine (G) and cisplatin (C) treatment against the adrenocortical cell lines NCI-H295R and MUC-1. However, accompanying induction of RRM1, RRM2, and RRM2b expression also indicated developing G resistance, a frequent side effect in clinical patient care. Interestingly, this effect was partially reversed upon addition of C. We confirmed our findings for RRM2 protein, RNR-dependent dATP levels, and modulations of related ATM/ATR signaling. Finally, we screened for complementing inhibitors of the DNA damage/repair system targeting RNR, Wee1, CHK1/2, ATR, and ATM. Notably, the combination of G, C, and the dual RRM1/RRM2 inhibitor COH29 resulted in previously unreached total cell killing. In summary, we provide evidence that RNR-modulating therapies might represent a new therapeutic option for ACC.
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Steenaard RV, Ettaieb MHT, Kerkhofs TMA, Haak HR. How close are we to personalized mitotane dosing in the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma? State of the art and future perspectives. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2021; 17:677-683. [PMID: 33886381 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2021.1921146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mitotane is the only drug registered specifically for adrenocortical carcinoma. Finding the optimal dose for a patient is difficult due to large differences in bioavailability, toxicity and effect. We therefore look to improve personalized dosing of mitotane. AREAS COVERED We searched PubMed for studies related to mitotane dosing, pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics and combination therapy. Comparison of different dosing strategies have not resulted in an optimal advice. Several computerized pharmacokinetic models have been proposed to predict plasma levels. The current pharmacokinetic models do not explain the full variance in plasma levels. Pharmacogenetics have been proposed to find the unexplained variance. Studies on combination therapy have not yet led to a potential dose adjustment for mitotane. EXPERT OPINION Computerized pharmacokinetics models are promising tools to predict plasma levels, further validation is needed. Pharmacogenetics are introduced in these models, but more research is required before clinical application. We believe that in the near future, personalized mitotane dosage will be aided by a validated web-based pharmacokinetic model with good predictive ability based primarily on clinical characteristics, adjustable for actual plasma levels and dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca V Steenaard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Máxima MC, Veldhoven, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Maastricht University, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Ageing and Long-Term Care, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Madeleine H T Ettaieb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas M A Kerkhofs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Harm R Haak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Máxima MC, Veldhoven, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Maastricht University, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Ageing and Long-Term Care, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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10
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Rossini E, Tamburello M, Abate A, Beretta S, Fragni M, Cominelli M, Cosentini D, Hantel C, Bono F, Grisanti S, Poliani PL, Tiberio GAM, Memo M, Sigala S, Berruti A. Cytotoxic Effect of Progesterone, Tamoxifen and Their Combination in Experimental Cell Models of Human Adrenocortical Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:669426. [PMID: 33981288 PMCID: PMC8108132 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.669426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone (Pg) and estrogen (E) receptors (PgRs and ERs) are expressed in normal and neoplastic adrenal cortex, but their role is not fully understood. In literature, Pg demonstrated cytotoxic activity on AdrenoCortical Carcinoma (ACC) cells, while tamoxifen is cytotoxic in NCI-H295R cells. Here, we demonstrated that in ACC cell models, ERs were expressed in NCI-H295R cells with a prevalence of ER-β over the ER-α.Metastasis-derived MUC-1 and ACC115m cells displayed a very weak ER-α/β signal, while PgR cells were expressed, although at low level. Accordingly, these latter were resistant to the SERM tamoxifen and scarcely sensitive to Pg, as we observed a lower potency compared to NCI-H295R cells in cytotoxicity (IC50: MUC-1 cells: 67.58 µM (95%CI: 63.22-73.04), ACC115m cells: 51.76 µM (95%CI: 46.45-57.67) and cell proliferation rate. Exposure of NCI-H295R cells to tamoxifen induced cytotoxicity (IC50: 5.43 µM (95%CI: 5.18-5.69 µM) mainly involving ER-β, as their nuclear localization increased after tamoxifen: Δ A.U. treated vs untreated: 12 h: +27.04% (p < 0.01); 24 h: +36.46% (p < 0.0001). This effect involved the SF-1 protein reduction: Pg: -36.34 ± 9.26%; tamoxifen: -46.25 ± 15.68% (p < 0.01). Finally, in a cohort of 36 ACC samples, immunohistochemistry showed undetectable/low level of ERs, while PgR demonstrated a higher expression. In conclusion, ACC experimental cell models expressed PgR and low levels of ER in line with data obtained in patient tissues, thus limiting the possibility of a clinical approach targeting ER. Interestingly, Pg exerted cytotoxicity also in metastatic ACC cells, although with low potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rossini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Tamburello
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Abate
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Beretta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Martina Fragni
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Manuela Cominelli
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Deborah Cosentini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Federica Bono
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Pietro Luigi Poliani
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Guido A. M. Tiberio
- Surgical Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sandra Sigala,
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Abate A, Rossini E, Bonini SA, Fragni M, Cosentini D, Tiberio GAM, Benetti D, Hantel C, Laganà M, Grisanti S, Terzolo M, Memo M, Berruti A, Sigala S. Cytotoxic Effect of Trabectedin In Human Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Lines and Primary Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040928. [PMID: 32283844 PMCID: PMC7226156 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitotane is the only drug approved for the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). The regimen to be added to mitotane is a chemotherapy including etoposide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin. This pharmacological approach, however, has a limited efficacy and significant toxicity. Evidence indicates that ACC seems to be sensitive to alkylating agents. Trabectedin is an anti-tumor drug that acts as an alkylating agent with a complex mechanism of action. Here, we investigated whether trabectedin could exert a cytotoxic activity in in vitro cell models of ACC. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay on ACC cell lines and primary cell cultures. The gene expression was evaluated by q-RT-PCR, while protein expression and localization were studied by Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Combination experiments were performed to evaluate their interaction on ACC cell line viability. Trabectedin demonstrated high cytotoxicity at sub-nanomolar concentrations in ACC cell lines and patient-derived primary cell cultures. The drug was able to reduce /β catenin nuclear localization, although it is unclear whether this effect is involved in the observed cytotoxicity. Trabectedin/mitotane combination exerted a synergic cytotoxic effect in NCI-H295R cells. Trabectedin has antineoplastic activity in ACC cells. The synergistic cytotoxic activity of trabectedin with mitotane provides the rationale for testing this combination in a clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Abate
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.A.); (E.R.); (S.A.B.); (M.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Elisa Rossini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.A.); (E.R.); (S.A.B.); (M.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Sara Anna Bonini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.A.); (E.R.); (S.A.B.); (M.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Martina Fragni
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.A.); (E.R.); (S.A.B.); (M.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Deborah Cosentini
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.C.); (M.L.); (S.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Guido Albero Massimo Tiberio
- Surgical Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Diego Benetti
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, Universitätsspital Zürich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307 City, Germany
| | - Marta Laganà
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.C.); (M.L.); (S.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.C.); (M.L.); (S.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Massimo Terzolo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Internal Medicine 1, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.A.); (E.R.); (S.A.B.); (M.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.C.); (M.L.); (S.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.A.); (E.R.); (S.A.B.); (M.F.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-030-371-7663
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