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Russell GC, Hamzaoui Y, Rho D, Sutrave G, Choi JS, Missan DS, Reckard GA, Gustafson MP, Kim GB. Synthetic biology approaches for enhancing safety and specificity of CAR-T cell therapies for solid cancers. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:842-857. [PMID: 38639669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.03.484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapies have been successful in treating numerous hematologic malignancies as the T cell can be engineered to target a specific antigen associated with the disease. However, translating CAR-T cell therapies for solid cancers is proving more challenging due to the lack of truly tumor-associated antigens and the high risk of off-target toxicities. To combat this, numerous synthetic biology mechanisms are being incorporated to create safer and more specific CAR-T cells that can be spatiotemporally controlled with increased precision. Here, we seek to summarize and analyze the advancements for CAR-T cell therapies with respect to clinical implementation, from the perspective of synthetic biology and immunology. This review should serve as a resource for further investigation and growth within the field of personalized cellular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace C Russell
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Yassin Hamzaoui
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Daniel Rho
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Gaurav Sutrave
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Haematology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Immuno & Gene Therapy Committee, International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Joseph S Choi
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Dara S Missan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Gabrielle A Reckard
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Michael P Gustafson
- Immuno & Gene Therapy Committee, International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Gloria B Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
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Nonnenbroich LF, Bouchal SM, Millesi E, Rechberger JS, Khatua S, Daniels DJ. H3K27-Altered Diffuse Midline Glioma of the Brainstem: From Molecular Mechanisms to Targeted Interventions. Cells 2024; 13:1122. [PMID: 38994974 PMCID: PMC11240752 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas are a devastating subset of brain tumors, characterized by their aggressive pathophysiology and limited treatment options. Among them, H3 K27-altered diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) of the brainstem stand out due to their distinct molecular features and dismal prognosis. Recent advances in molecular profiling techniques have unveiled the critical role of H3 K27 alterations, particularly a lysine-to-methionine mutation on position 27 (K27M) of the histone H3 tail, in the pathogenesis of DMG. These mutations result in epigenetic dysregulation, which leads to altered chromatin structure and gene expression patterns in DMG tumor cells, ultimately contributing to the aggressive phenotype of DMG. The exploration of targeted therapeutic avenues for DMG has gained momentum in recent years. Therapies, including epigenetic modifiers, kinase inhibitors, and immunotherapies, are under active investigation; these approaches aim to disrupt aberrant signaling cascades and overcome the various mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in DMG. Challenges, including blood-brain barrier penetration and DMG tumor heterogeneity, require innovative approaches to improve drug delivery and personalized treatment strategies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving understanding of DMG, focusing on the intricate molecular mechanisms driving tumorigenesis/tumor progression and the current landscape of emerging targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo F. Nonnenbroich
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (L.F.N.); (J.S.R.)
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center, Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Samantha M. Bouchal
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (L.F.N.); (J.S.R.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Elena Millesi
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Research Laboratory of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Julian S. Rechberger
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (L.F.N.); (J.S.R.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Section of Neuro-Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - David J. Daniels
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (L.F.N.); (J.S.R.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Desai J, Rajkumar S, Shepard MJ, Herbst J, Karlovits SM, Hasan S, Horne ZD, Wegner RE. National trends in the treatment of adult diffuse midline gliomas: a rare clinical scenario. J Neurooncol 2024; 168:269-274. [PMID: 38630388 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-024-04663-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) include all midline gliomas with a point mutation to the histone H3 gene resulting in the substitution of a lysine with a methionine (K27M). These tumors are classified as World Health Organization grade 4 with a mean survival between 9- and 19-months following diagnosis. There is currently no standard of care for DMG, and palliative radiation therapy has been proven to only extend survival by months. Our current study aims to report current treatment trends and predictors of the overall survival of DMG. METHODS We searched the National Cancer Database for adult patients treated for DMG from 2016 to 2020. Patients were required to have been treated with primary radiation directed at the brain with or without concurrent chemotherapy. Univariable and multivariable Cox regressions were used to determine predictors of overall survival. RESULTS Of the 131 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 113 (86%) received radiation and chemotherapy. Based on multivariable Cox regression, significant predictors of survival were Charlson-Deyo comorbidity index and race. Patients with a Charlson-Deyo score of 1 had 2.72 times higher odds of mortality than those with a score of 0. Patients not identifying as White or Black had 2.67 times higher odds of mortality than those identifying as White. The median survival for all patients was 19 months. CONCLUSIONS Despite being considered ineffective, chemotherapy is still administered in most adult patients diagnosed with DMG. Significant predictors of survival were Charlson-Deyo comorbidity index and race.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Desai
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Sujay Rajkumar
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Matthew J Shepard
- Department of Neurosurgery, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - John Herbst
- Division of Medical Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Stephen M Karlovits
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, USA
| | | | - Zachary D Horne
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Rodney E Wegner
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, USA.
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Fernández EC, Tomassoni L, Zhang X, Wang J, Obradovic A, Laise P, Griffin AT, Vlahos L, Minns HE, Morales DV, Simmons C, Gallitto M, Wei HJ, Martins TJ, Becker PS, Crawford JR, Tzaridis T, Wechsler-Reya RJ, Garvin J, Gartrell RD, Szalontay L, Zacharoulis S, Wu CC, Zhang Z, Califano A, Pavisic J. Elucidation and Pharmacologic Targeting of Master Regulator Dependencies in Coexisting Diffuse Midline Glioma Subpopulations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.17.585370. [PMID: 38559080 PMCID: PMC10979998 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.17.585370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Diffuse Midline Gliomas (DMGs) are universally fatal, primarily pediatric malignancies affecting the midline structures of the central nervous system. Despite decades of clinical trials, treatment remains limited to palliative radiation therapy. A major challenge is the coexistence of molecularly distinct malignant cell states with potentially orthogonal drug sensitivities. To address this challenge, we leveraged established network-based methodologies to elucidate Master Regulator (MR) proteins representing mechanistic, non-oncogene dependencies of seven coexisting subpopulations identified by single-cell analysis-whose enrichment in essential genes was validated by pooled CRISPR/Cas9 screens. Perturbational profiles of 372 clinically relevant drugs helped identify those able to invert the activity of subpopulation-specific MRs for follow-up in vivo validation. While individual drugs predicted to target individual subpopulations-including avapritinib, larotrectinib, and ruxolitinib-produced only modest tumor growth reduction in orthotopic models, systemic co-administration induced significant survival extension, making this approach a valuable contribution to the rational design of combination therapy.
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Zhang S, Yang X, Tan Q, Sun H, Chen D, Chen Y, Zhang H, Yang Y, Gong Q, Yue Q. Cortical myelin and thickness mapping provide insights into whole-brain tumor burden in diffuse midline glioma. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhad491. [PMID: 38112602 PMCID: PMC10793579 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad491] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic infiltration is a hallmark of diffuse midline glioma pathogenesis, which can trigger distant disturbances in cortical structure. However, the existence and effects of these changes have been underexamined. This study aimed to investigate whole-brain cortical myelin and thickness alternations induced by diffuse midline glioma. High-resolution T1- and T2-weighted images were acquired from 90 patients with diffuse midline glioma with H3 K27-altered and 64 patients with wild-type and 86 healthy controls. Cortical thickness and myelin content was calculated using Human Connectome Project pipeline. Significant differences in cortical thickness and myelin content were detected among groups. Short-term survival prediction model was constructed using automated machine learning. Compared with healthy controls, diffuse midline glioma with H3 K27-altered patients showed significantly reduced cortical myelin in bilateral precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus, insular, parahippocampal gyrus, fusiform gyrus, and cingulate gyrus, whereas diffuse midline glioma with H3 K27 wild-type patients exhibited well-preserved myelin content. Furtherly, when comparing diffuse midline glioma with H3 K27-altered and diffuse midline glioma with H3 K27 wild-type, the decreased cortical thickness in parietal and occipital regions along with demyelination in medial orbitofrontal cortex was observed in diffuse midline glioma with H3 K27-altered. Notably, a combination of cortical features and tumor radiomics allowed short-term survival prediction with accuracy 0.80 and AUC 0.84. These findings may aid clinicians in tailoring therapeutic approaches based on cortical characteristics, potentially enhancing the efficacy of current and future treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Zhang
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xibiao Yang
- Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiaoyue Tan
- Division of Radiation Physics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Huaiqiang Sun
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Di Chen
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Yinying Chen
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hongjing Zhang
- Huaxi Glioma Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Radiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen 610041, China
| | - Qiang Yue
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Huaxi Glioma Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Reddy S, Cha S, LaHue SC. Clinical Reasoning: A 22-Year-Old Man With Multifocal Brain and Osseous Lesions. Neurology 2023; 101:1025-1031. [PMID: 37813582 PMCID: PMC10727208 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of patients with disseminated processes with CNS and osseous involvement is often challenging. A 22-year-old healthy man developed left-sided weakness, paresthesias, and neck pain over several weeks. On clinical examination, he was noted to have decreased right eye visual acuity, left-sided pyramidal weakness and numbness, and bilateral hyperreflexia. MRI revealed multifocal widespread abnormalities: nonenhancing lesions throughout the infratentorial brain, pituitary gland, right frontal lobe, and optic nerves, in addition to an enhancing intramedullary cervical spinal cord lesion, extensive nodular leptomeningeal enhancement of the spine, and numerous enhancing bony lesions throughout the vertebrae and iliac bones. CSF analysis was notable for normal opening pressure, protein 465 mg/dL, glucose 21 mg/dL, and normal cell count. Extensive serum and CSF analysis for infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic etiologies was unrevealing, and the diagnosis was ultimately revealed after additional staining of tissue biopsy specimen from sacral and cerebellar biopsies. This case highlights the differential diagnoses for widely disseminated disease affecting the CNS and bones and informs pediatric and adult clinicians of important recent developments regarding this diagnostic entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumanth Reddy
- From the Department of Neurology (S.R., S.C.), School of Medicine, Department of Neurology (S.R., S.C.), UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, and Neuroradiology Section (S.C.L.), Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco.
| | - Soonmee Cha
- From the Department of Neurology (S.R., S.C.), School of Medicine, Department of Neurology (S.R., S.C.), UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, and Neuroradiology Section (S.C.L.), Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Sara C LaHue
- From the Department of Neurology (S.R., S.C.), School of Medicine, Department of Neurology (S.R., S.C.), UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, and Neuroradiology Section (S.C.L.), Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco
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Al Sharie S, Abu Laban D, Al-Hussaini M. Decoding Diffuse Midline Gliomas: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4869. [PMID: 37835563 PMCID: PMC10571999 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are a group of aggressive CNS tumors, primarily affecting children and young adults, which have historically been associated with dismal outcomes. As the name implies, they arise in midline structures in the CNS, primarily in the thalamus, brainstem, and spinal cord. In more recent years, significant advances have been made in our understanding of DMGs, including molecular features, with the identification of potential therapeutic targets. We aim to provide an overview of the most recent updates in the field of DMGs, including classification, molecular subtypes, diagnostic techniques, and emerging therapeutic strategies including a review of the ongoing clinical trials, thus providing the treating multidisciplinary team with a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and potential therapeutic strategies for this devastating group of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Al Sharie
- Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan;
| | - Dima Abu Laban
- Department of Radiology, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan;
| | - Maysa Al-Hussaini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan
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Al Sharie S, Abu Laban D, Nazzal J, Iqneibi S, Ghnaimat S, Al-Ani A, Al-Hussaini M. Midline Gliomas: A Retrospective Study from a Cancer Center in the Middle East. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4545. [PMID: 37760513 PMCID: PMC10527416 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Midline gliomas are tumors that occur in midline structures and can be circumscribed or diffuse. Classical midline structures include the thalamus, brainstem, and spinal cord. Other midline structures include the corpus callosum, basal ganglia, ventricles, paraventricular structures, and cerebellum. Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a diffuse glioma that occurs in the classical midline structures, characterized by a specific genetic alteration, and associated with grim outcome. This study was conducted at King Hussein Cancer Center and reviewed the medical records of 104 patients with circumscribed and diffuse gliomas involving midline structures that underwent biopsy between 2005 and 2022. We included a final cohort of 104 patients characterized by a median age of 23 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1.59-to-1. Diffuse high-grade glioma (DHGG) was the most common pathological variant (41.4%), followed by DMG (28.9%). GFAP was positive in most cases (71.2%). Common positive mutations/alterations detected by surrogate immunostains included H3 K27me3 (28.9%), p53 (25.0%), and H3 K27M (20.2%). Age group, type of treatment, and immunohistochemistry were significantly associated with both the location of the tumor and tumor variant (all; p < 0.05). DMGs were predominantly found in the thalamus, whereas circumscribed gliomas were most commonly observed in the spinal cord. None of the diffuse gliomas outside the classical location, or circumscribed gliomas harbored the defining DMG mutations. The median overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort was 10.6 months. Only the tumor variant (i.e., circumscribed gliomas) and radiotherapy were independent prognosticators on multivariate analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Al Sharie
- Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan;
| | - Dima Abu Laban
- Department of Radiology, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan;
| | - Jamil Nazzal
- Office of Scientific Affairs and Research, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan; (J.N.); (S.I.); (S.G.); (A.A.-A.)
| | - Shahad Iqneibi
- Office of Scientific Affairs and Research, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan; (J.N.); (S.I.); (S.G.); (A.A.-A.)
| | - Sura Ghnaimat
- Office of Scientific Affairs and Research, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan; (J.N.); (S.I.); (S.G.); (A.A.-A.)
| | - Abdallah Al-Ani
- Office of Scientific Affairs and Research, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan; (J.N.); (S.I.); (S.G.); (A.A.-A.)
| | - Maysa Al-Hussaini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan
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