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Cao Q, Hajosch A, Kast RE, Loehmann C, Hlavac M, Fischer-Posovszky P, Strobel H, Westhoff MA, Siegelin MD, Wirtz CR, Halatsch ME, Karpel-Massler G. Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) combined with the drug repurposing approach CUSP9v3 induce metabolic reprogramming and synergistic anti-glioblastoma activity in vitro. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1365-1376. [PMID: 38396172 PMCID: PMC11015043 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02608-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma represents a brain tumor with a notoriously poor prognosis. First-line therapy may include adjunctive Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) which are electric fields that are continuously delivered to the brain through non-invasive arrays. On a different note, CUSP9v3 represents a drug repurposing strategy that includes 9 repurposed drugs plus metronomic temozolomide. Here, we examined whether TTFields enhance the antineoplastic activity of CUSP9v3 against this disease. METHODS We performed preclinical testing of a multimodal approach of TTFields and CUSP9v3 in different glioblastoma models. RESULTS TTFields had predominantly synergistic inhibitory effects on the cell viability of glioblastoma cells and non-directed movement was significantly impaired when combined with CUSP9v3. TTFields plus CUSP9v3 significantly enhanced apoptosis, which was associated with a decreased mitochondrial outer membrane potential (MOMP), enhanced cleavage of effector caspase 3 and reduced expression of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. Moreover, oxidative phosphorylation and expression of respiratory chain complexes I, III and IV was markedly reduced. CONCLUSION TTFields strongly enhance the CUSP9v3-mediated anti-glioblastoma activity. TTFields are currently widely used for the treatment of glioblastoma patients and CUSP9v3 was shown to have a favorable safety profile in a phase Ib/IIa trial (NCT02770378) which facilitates transition of this multimodal approach to the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyu Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Annika Hajosch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Michal Hlavac
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Hannah Strobel
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mike-Andrew Westhoff
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus D Siegelin
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Marc-Eric Halatsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital of Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland
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Ravin R, Cai TX, Li A, Briceno N, Pursley RH, Garmendia-Cedillos M, Pohida T, Wang H, Zhuang Z, Cui J, Morgan NY, Williamson NH, Gilbert MR, Basser PJ. "Tumor Treating Fields" delivered via electromagnetic induction have varied effects across glioma cell lines and electric field amplitudes. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:562-584. [PMID: 38455403 PMCID: PMC10915321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies reported that alternating electric fields (EFs) in the intermediate frequency (100-300 kHz) and low intensity (1-3 V/cm) regime - termed "Tumor Treating Fields" (TTFields) - have a specific, anti-proliferative effect on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells. However, the mechanism(s) of action remain(s) incompletely understood, hindering the clinical adoption of treatments based on TTFields. To advance the study of such treatment in vitro, we developed an inductive device to deliver EFs to cell cultures which improves thermal and osmolar regulation compared to prior devices. Using this inductive device, we applied continuous, 200 kHz electromagnetic fields (EMFs) with a radial EF amplitude profile spanning 0-6.5 V/cm to cultures of primary rat astrocytes and several human GBM cell lines - U87, U118, GSC827, and GSC923 - for a duration of 72 hours. Cell density was assessed via segmented pixel densities from GFP expression (U87, U118) or from staining (astrocytes, GSC827, GSC923). Further RNA-Seq analyses were performed on GSC827 and GSC923 cells. Treated cultures of all cell lines exhibited little to no change in proliferation at lower EF amplitudes (0-3 V/cm). At higher amplitudes (> 4 V/cm), different effects were observed. Apparent cell densities increased (U87), decreased (GSC827, GSC923), or showed little change (U118, astrocytes). RNA-Seq analyses on treated and untreated GSC827 and GSC923 cells revealed differentially expressed gene sets of interest, such as those related to cell cycle control. Up- and down-regulation, however, was not consistent across cell lines nor EF amplitudes. Our results indicate no consistent, anti-proliferative effect of 200 kHz EMFs across GBM cell lines and thus contradict previous in vitro findings. Rather, effects varied across different cell lines and EF amplitude regimes, highlighting the need to assess the effect(s) of TTFields and similar treatments on a per cell line basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rea Ravin
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIHBethesda, Maryland, USA
- Celoptics, Inc.Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Teddy X Cai
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIHBethesda, Maryland, USA
- The Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford UniversityOxfordshire, UK
| | - Aiguo Li
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicole Briceno
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Randall H Pursley
- Instrumentation Development and Engineering Applications Section, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, NIHBethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marcial Garmendia-Cedillos
- Instrumentation Development and Engineering Applications Section, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, NIHBethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tom Pohida
- Instrumentation Development and Engineering Applications Section, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, NIHBethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Herui Wang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhengping Zhuang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jing Cui
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicole Y Morgan
- Trans-NIH Shared Resources on Biomedical Engineering and Physical Sciences, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, NIHBethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nathan H Williamson
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIHBethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark R Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter J Basser
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIHBethesda, Maryland, USA
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3
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Nguyen H, Schubert KE, Chang E, Nie Y, Pohling C, Van Buskirk S, Yamamoto V, Zeng Y, Schulte RW, Patel CB. Electric field distributions in realistic 3D rat head models during alternating electric field (AEF) therapy: a computational study. Phys Med Biol 2023; 68:205015. [PMID: 37703902 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/acf98d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective.Application of alternating electrical fields (AEFs) in the kHz range is an established treatment modality for primary and recurrent glioblastoma. Preclinical studies would enable innovations in treatment monitoring and efficacy, which could then be translated to benefit patients. We present a practical translational process converting image-based data into 3D rat head models for AEF simulations and study its sensitivity to parameter choices.Approach.Five rat head models composed of up to 7 different tissue types were created, and relative permittivity and conductivity of individual tissues obtained from the literature were assigned. Finite element analysis was used to model the AEF strength and distribution in the models with different combinations of head tissues, a virtual tumor, and an electrode pair.Main results.The simulations allowed for a sensitivity analysis of the AEF distribution with respect to different tissue combinations and tissue parameter values.Significance.For a single pair of 5 mm diameter electrodes, an average AEF strength inside the tumor exceeded 1.5 V cm-1, expected to be sufficient for a relevant therapeutic outcome. This study illustrates a robust and flexible approach for simulating AEF in different tissue types, suitable for preclinical studies in rodents and translatable to clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Nguyen
- Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, United States of America
| | | | - Edwin Chang
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
| | - Ying Nie
- Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, United States of America
| | - Christoph Pohling
- Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, United States of America
| | - Samuel Van Buskirk
- University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, United States of America
| | - Vicky Yamamoto
- University of Southern California-Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Yuping Zeng
- University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States of America
| | | | - Chirag B Patel
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
- The University of Texas MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
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4
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Zhou Y, Xing X, Zhou J, Jiang H, Cen P, Jin C, Zhong Y, Zhou R, Wang J, Tian M, Zhang H. Therapeutic potential of tumor treating fields for malignant brain tumors. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 6:e1813. [PMID: 36987739 PMCID: PMC10172187 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1813] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant brain tumors are among the most threatening diseases of the central nervous system, and despite increasingly updated treatments, the prognosis has not been improved. Tumor treating fields (TTFields) are an emerging approach in cancer treatment using intermediate-frequency and low-intensity electric field and can lead to the development of novel therapeutic options. RECENT FINDINGS A series of biological processes induced by TTFields to exert anti-cancer effects have been identified. Recent studies have shown that TTFields can alter the bioelectrical state of macromolecules and organelles involved in cancer biology. Massive alterations in cancer cell proteomics and transcriptomics caused by TTFields were related to cell biological processes as well as multiple organelle structures and activities. This review addresses the mechanisms of TTFields and recent advances in the application of TTFields therapy in malignant brain tumors, especially in glioblastoma (GBM). CONCLUSIONS As a novel therapeutic strategy, TTFields have shown promising results in many clinical trials, especially in GBM, and continue to evolve. A growing number of patients with malignant brain tumors are being enrolled in ongoing clinical studies demonstrating that TTFields-based combination therapies can improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youyou Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xing
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinyun Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Han Jiang
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Imaging Laboratory (BIG), University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Peili Cen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chentao Jin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Zhong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mei Tian
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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5
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Current status of the preclinical evaluation of alternating electric fields as a form of cancer therapy. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 149:108287. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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6
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Ravin R, Cai TX, Li A, Briceno N, Pursley RH, Garmendia-Cedillos M, Pohida T, Wang H, Zhuang Z, Cui J, Morgan NY, Williamson NH, Gilbert MR, Basser PJ. "Tumor Treating Fields" delivered via electromagnetic induction have varied effects across glioma cell lines and electric field amplitudes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.18.524504. [PMID: 36789415 PMCID: PMC9928061 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.18.524504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies reported that alternating electric fields (EFs) in the intermediate frequency (100 - 300 kHz) and low intensity (1 - 3 V/cm) regime - termed "Tumor Treating Fields" (TTFields) - have a specific, anti-proliferative effect on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells. However, the mechanism(s) of action remain(s) incompletely understood, hindering the clinical adoption of treatments based on TTFields. To advance the study of such treatment in vitro , we developed an inductive device to deliver EFs to cell cultures which improves thermal and osmolar regulation compared to prior devices. Using this inductive device, we applied continuous, 200 kHz electromagnetic fields (EMFs) with a radial EF amplitude profile spanning 0 - 6.5 V/cm to cultures of primary rat astrocytes and several human GBM cell lines - U87, U118, GSC827, and GSC923 - for a duration of 72 hours. Cell density was assessed via segmented pixel densities from GFP expression (U87, U118) or from staining (astrocytes, GSC827, GSC923). Further RNA-Seq analyses were performed on GSC827 and GSC923 cells. Treated cultures of all cell lines exhibited little to no change in proliferation at lower EF amplitudes (0 - 3 V/cm). At higher amplitudes (> 4 V/cm), different effects were observed. Apparent cell densities increased (U87), decreased (GSC827, GSC923), or showed little change (U118, astrocytes). RNA-Seq analyses on treated and untreated GSC827 and GSC923 cells revealed differentially expressed gene sets of interest, such as those related to cell cycle control. Up- and down-regulation, however, was not consistent across cell lines nor EF amplitudes. Our results indicate no consistent, anti-proliferative effect of 200 kHz EMFs across GBM cell lines and thus contradict previous in vitro findings. Rather, effects varied across different cell lines and EF amplitude regimes, highlighting the need to assess the effect(s) of TTFields and similar treatments on a per cell line basis.
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7
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Moser JC, Salvador E, Deniz K, Swanson K, Tuszynski J, Carlson KW, Karanam NK, Patel CB, Story M, Lou E, Hagemann C. The Mechanisms of Action of Tumor Treating Fields. Cancer Res 2022; 82:3650-3658. [PMID: 35839284 PMCID: PMC9574373 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-0887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor treating fields (TTFields), a new modality of cancer treatment, are electric fields transmitted transdermally to tumors. The FDA has approved TTFields for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme and mesothelioma, and they are currently under study in many other cancer types. While antimitotic effects were the first recognized biological anticancer activity of TTFields, data have shown that tumor treating fields achieve their anticancer effects through multiple mechanisms of action. TTFields therefore have the ability to be useful for many cancer types in combination with many different treatment modalities. Here, we review the current understanding of TTFields and their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin C. Moser
- HonorHealth Research and Innovation Institute, Scottsdale, Arizona.,Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine- Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona.,Corresponding Author: Justin Moser, HonorHealth Research and Innovation Institute, 10510 N 92nd Street Ste 200, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. Phone: 480-323-4638, E-mail:
| | - Ellaine Salvador
- Section Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Karina Deniz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology and Transplant, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Kenneth Swanson
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Jack Tuszynski
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kristen W. Carlson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Narasimha Kumar Karanam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Chirag B. Patel
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas.,Neuroscience and Cancer Biology Graduate Programs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
| | - Michael Story
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Emil Lou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology and Transplant, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Carsten Hagemann
- Section Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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8
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Shams S, Patel CB. Anti-cancer mechanisms of action of therapeutic alternating electric fields (tumor treating fields [TTFields]). J Mol Cell Biol 2022; 14:6668799. [PMID: 35973687 PMCID: PMC9912101 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjac047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite improved survival outcomes across many cancer types, the prognosis remains grim for certain solid organ cancers including glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer. Invariably in these cancers, the control achieved by time-limited interventions such as traditional surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy is short-lived. A new form of anti-cancer therapy called therapeutic alternating electric fields (AEFs) or tumor treating fields (TTFields) has been shown, either by itself or in combination with chemotherapy, to have anti-cancer effects that translate to improved survival outcomes in patients. Although the pre-clinical and clinical data are promising, the mechanisms of TTFields are not fully elucidated. Many investigations are underway to better understand how and why TTFields is able to selectively kill cancer cells and impede their proliferation. The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss the reported mechanisms of action of TTFields from pre-clinical studies (both in vitro and in vivo). An improved understanding of how TTFields works will guide strategies focused on the timing and combination of TTFields with other therapies, to further improve survival outcomes in patients with solid organ cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Shams
- Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ 08028, USA
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9
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Tumor-Treating Fields in Glioblastomas: Past, Present, and Future. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153669. [PMID: 35954334 PMCID: PMC9367615 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor. Although the standard of care, including maximal resection, concurrent radiotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ), and adjuvant TMZ, has largely improved the prognosis of these patients, the 5-year survival rate is still < 10%. Tumor-treating fields (TTFields), a noninvasive anticancer therapeutic modality, has been rising as a fourth treatment option for GBMs, as confirmed by recent milestone large-scale phase 3 randomized trials and subsequent real-world data, elongating patient overall survival from 16 months to 21 months. However, the mechanisms of antitumor efficacy, its clinical safety, and potential benefits when combined with other treatment modalities are far from completely elucidated. As an increasing number of studies have recently been published on this topic, we conducted this updated, comprehensive review to establish an objective understanding of the mechanism of action, efficacy, safety, clinical concerns, and future perspectives of TTFields. Abstract Tumor-treating fields (TTFields), a noninvasive and innovative therapeutic approach, has emerged as the fourth most effective treatment option for the management of glioblastomas (GBMs), the most deadly primary brain cancer. According to on recent milestone randomized trials and subsequent observational data, TTFields therapy leads to substantially prolonged patient survival and acceptable adverse events. Clinical trials are ongoing to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of TTFields in treating GBMs and its biological and radiological correlations. TTFields is administered by delivering low-intensity, intermediate-frequency, alternating electric fields to human GBM function through different mechanisms of action, including by disturbing cell mitosis, delaying DNA repair, enhancing autophagy, inhibiting cell metabolism and angiogenesis, and limiting cancer cell migration. The abilities of TTFields to strengthen intratumoral antitumor immunity, increase the permeability of the cell membrane and the blood–brain barrier, and disrupt DNA-damage-repair processes make it a promising therapy when combined with conventional treatment modalities. However, the overall acceptance of TTFields in real-world clinical practice is still low. Given that increasing studies on this promising topic have been published recently, we conducted this updated review on the past, present, and future of TTFields in GBMs.
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Effects of Glucose Metabolism, Lipid Metabolism, and Glutamine Metabolism on Tumor Microenvironment and Clinical Implications. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040580. [PMID: 35454171 PMCID: PMC9028125 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, an increasingly more in depth understanding of tumor metabolism in tumorigenesis, tumor growth, metastasis, and prognosis has been achieved. The broad heterogeneity in tumor tissue is the critical factor affecting the outcome of tumor treatment. Metabolic heterogeneity is not only found in tumor cells but also in their surrounding immune and stromal cells; for example, many suppressor cells, such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and tumor-associated T-lymphocytes. Abnormalities in metabolism often lead to short survival or resistance to antitumor therapy, e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Using the metabolic characteristics of the tumor microenvironment to identify and treat cancer has become a great research hotspot. This review systematically addresses the impacts of metabolism on tumor cells and effector cells and represents recent research advances of metabolic effects on other cells in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, we introduce some applications of metabolic features in clinical oncology.
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Hong P, Kudulaiti N, Wu S, Nie J, Zhuang D. Tumor treating fields: a comprehensive overview of the underlying molecular mechanism. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 22:19-28. [PMID: 34883030 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2017283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As a novel treatment modality, tumor treating fields (TTFields) exert low-intensity, medium-frequency electric fields on tumor cells. TTFields' effectiveness and safety have been demonstrated clinically and in the real world for treating glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive primary central nervous system tumor. TTFields therapy has also been approved for the management of malignant mesothelioma, and clinical trials are ongoing for NSCLC, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and other solid tumors. AREAS COVERED This article comprehensively reviews the currently described evidence of TTFields' mechanism of action. TTFields' most evident therapeutic effect is to induce cell death by disrupting mitosis. Moreover, evidence suggests at additional mechanistic complexity, such as delayed DNA repair and heightened DNA replication stress, reversible increase in cell membrane and blood-brain barrier permeability, induction of immune response, and so on. EXPERT OPINION TTFields therapy has been arising as the fourth anti-tumor treatment besides surgery, radiotherapy, and antineoplastic agents in recent years. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of TTFields are not fully understood and some concepts remain controversial. An in-depth understanding of TTFields' effects on tumor cell and tumor microenvironment would be crucial for informing research aimed at further optimizing TTFields' efficacy and developing new combination therapies for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengjie Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
| | - Nijiati Kudulaiti
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingtao Nie
- Zai Lab Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Dongxiao Zhuang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
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Therapy of pancreatic cancer with alternating electric fields: Limitations of the method. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 141:107881. [PMID: 34245959 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. More effective treatment options are urgently needed. The use of physical and weak alternating electric fields (TTFields) can inhibit cell division of PDAC carcinoma and is currently being investigated in clinical trials. Here, we analyzed this new physical treatment under non-ideal conditions such as may occur during patient treatment. Three established human PDAC cell lines BxPC-3, gemcitabine-resistant BxPC-3 (BxGem), AsPC-1, and a non-malignant primary pancreatic cell line CRL-4023 were treated with TTFields in vitro. MTT assays, electrical impedance measurement, cell staining with Annexin V/7AAD followed by FACS analysis, digital image analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed. Treatment with TTFields smaller than 0.7 V/cm and field lines in the direction of mitotic spindle orientation significantly inhibited proliferation of all PDAC cells at 150 kHz, but significantly increased viability of AsPC-1 cells at all frequencies between 100 kHz and 300 kHz and that of BxPC-3 and BxGem cells at 250 kHz. Apoptosis or necrosis were not induced. Non-malignant CRL-4023 cells were not affected at 150 kHz. TTFields damaged PDAC cell lines but even favored their viability at very weak field strength and unfavorable frequency or inadequate field direction.
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Aguilar AA, Ho MC, Chang E, Carlson KW, Natarajan A, Marciano T, Bomzon Z, Patel CB. Permeabilizing Cell Membranes with Electric Fields. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2283. [PMID: 34068775 PMCID: PMC8126200 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological impact of exogenous, alternating electric fields (AEFs) and direct-current electric fields has a long history of study, ranging from effects on embryonic development to influences on wound healing. In this article, we focus on the application of electric fields for the treatment of cancers. In particular, we outline the clinical impact of tumor treating fields (TTFields), a form of AEFs, on the treatment of cancers such as glioblastoma and mesothelioma. We provide an overview of the standard mechanism of action of TTFields, namely, the capability for AEFs (e.g., TTFields) to disrupt the formation and segregation of the mitotic spindle in actively dividing cells. Though this standard mechanism explains a large part of TTFields' action, it is by no means complete. The standard theory does not account for exogenously applied AEFs' influence directly upon DNA nor upon their capacity to alter the functionality and permeability of cancer cell membranes. This review summarizes the current literature to provide a more comprehensive understanding of AEFs' actions on cell membranes. It gives an overview of three mechanistic models that may explain the more recent observations into AEFs' effects: the voltage-gated ion channel, bioelectrorheological, and electroporation models. Inconsistencies were noted in both effective frequency range and field strength between TTFields versus all three proposed models. We addressed these discrepancies through theoretical investigations into the inhomogeneities of electric fields on cellular membranes as a function of disease state, external microenvironment, and tissue or cellular organization. Lastly, future experimental strategies to validate these findings are outlined. Clinical benefits are inevitably forthcoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alondra A. Aguilar
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.A.A.); (M.C.H.); (E.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Michelle C. Ho
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.A.A.); (M.C.H.); (E.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Edwin Chang
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.A.A.); (M.C.H.); (E.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Kristen W. Carlson
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Arutselvan Natarajan
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.A.A.); (M.C.H.); (E.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Tal Marciano
- Novocure, Ltd., 31905 Haifa, Israel; (T.M.); (Z.B.)
| | - Ze’ev Bomzon
- Novocure, Ltd., 31905 Haifa, Israel; (T.M.); (Z.B.)
| | - Chirag B. Patel
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.A.A.); (M.C.H.); (E.C.); (A.N.)
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Division of Neuro-Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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van Noorden CJ, Hira VV, van Dijck AJ, Novak M, Breznik B, Molenaar RJ. Energy Metabolism in IDH1 Wild-Type and IDH1-Mutated Glioblastoma Stem Cells: A Novel Target for Therapy? Cells 2021; 10:cells10030705. [PMID: 33810170 PMCID: PMC8005124 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a redox disease. Low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are beneficial for cells and have anti-cancer effects. ROS are produced in the mitochondria during ATP production by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). In the present review, we describe ATP production in primary brain tumors, glioblastoma, in relation to ROS production. Differentiated glioblastoma cells mainly use glycolysis for ATP production (aerobic glycolysis) without ROS production, whereas glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) in hypoxic periarteriolar niches use OXPHOS for ATP and ROS production, which is modest because of the hypoxia and quiescence of GSCs. In a significant proportion of glioblastoma, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is mutated, causing metabolic rewiring, and all cancer cells use OXPHOS for ATP and ROS production. Systemic therapeutic inhibition of glycolysis is not an option as clinical trials have shown ineffectiveness or unwanted side effects. We argue that systemic therapeutic inhibition of OXPHOS is not an option either because the anti-cancer effects of ROS production in healthy cells is inhibited as well. Therefore, we advocate to remove GSCs out of their hypoxic niches by the inhibition of their binding to niches to enable their differentiation and thus increase their sensitivity to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelis J.F. van Noorden
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna Pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.V.V.H.); (M.N.); (B.B.); (R.J.M.)
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-638-639-561
| | - Vashendriya V.V. Hira
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna Pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.V.V.H.); (M.N.); (B.B.); (R.J.M.)
| | - Amber J. van Dijck
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Metka Novak
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna Pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.V.V.H.); (M.N.); (B.B.); (R.J.M.)
| | - Barbara Breznik
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna Pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.V.V.H.); (M.N.); (B.B.); (R.J.M.)
| | - Remco J. Molenaar
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna Pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.V.V.H.); (M.N.); (B.B.); (R.J.M.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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