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Li J, Zhou M, Xie J, Chen J, Yang M, Ye C, Cheng S, Liu M, Li R, Tan R. Organoid modeling meets cancers of female reproductive tract. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:410. [PMID: 39333482 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02186-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Diseases of the female reproductive system, especially malignant tumors, pose a serious threat to women's health worldwide. One of the key factors limiting research progress in this area is the lack of representative models. Organoid technology, especially tumor organoids, has been increasingly applied in the study of female reproductive system tumors due to their high heterogeneity, close resemblance to the physiological state, easy acquisition and cultivation advantages. They play a significant role in understanding the origin and causes of tumors, drug screening, and personalized treatment and more. This article reviews the organoid models for the female reproductive system, focusing on the cancer research advancements. It discusses the methods for constructing tumor organoids of the female reproductive tract and summarizes the limitations of current research. The aim is to offer a reference for future development and application of these organoid models, contributing to the advancement of anti-tumor drugs and treatment strategies for female reproductive tract cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Li
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan, Sichuan-Chongqing Joint Key Laboratory of Innovation of New Drugs of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengting Zhou
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan, Sichuan-Chongqing Joint Key Laboratory of Innovation of New Drugs of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Xie
- Information Technology Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiani Chen
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengni Yang
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan, Sichuan-Chongqing Joint Key Laboratory of Innovation of New Drugs of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Changjun Ye
- Rehabilitation Department, Changgeng Yining Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shihu Cheng
- Geriatric Department, Changgeng Yining Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Ruirong Tan
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan, Sichuan-Chongqing Joint Key Laboratory of Innovation of New Drugs of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, China.
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2
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Żołyniak-Brzuchacz A, Barnaś E, Bartusik-Aebisher D, Aebisher D. The Use of Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Endometrial Cancer-A Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8772. [PMID: 39201458 PMCID: PMC11354903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168772] [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: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system. It develops in the mucous membrane lining the inside of the uterine body-the endometrium, through the abnormal and continuous growth of cancer cells originating from the uterine mucosa. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases in European countries. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative and dynamically developing medical procedure, useful in the treatment of cancer and non-cancer tissue conditions. The PDT reaction involves the activation of a photosensitizing substance with visible light, which in turn leads to the formation of free oxygen radicals, which contribute to the destruction of the cell. PDT is minimally invasive, has few side effects, and preserves organ anatomy and function. Both diagnostics and photodynamic therapy as modern methods of treatment are becoming more and more popular in many research units around the world. They are most often practiced and tested in in vitro experimental conditions. In clinical practice, the use of PDT is rare. Comprehensive cooperation between scientists contributes to taking steps towards obtaining new, synthetic photosensitizers, directing their physicochemical properties, and showing the impact on a given organism. This review examines the evidence for the potential and usefulness of PDT in the treatment of endometrial cancer. This review highlights that PDT is gaining popularity and is becoming a promising field of medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edyta Barnaś
- Department of Midwifery, Medical College of the University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Dorota Bartusik-Aebisher
- Department of Biochemistry and General Chemistry, Medical College of the University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - David Aebisher
- Department of Photomedicine and Physical Chemistry, Medical College of the University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
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3
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Raos D, Vučemilo Paripović N, Ozretić P, Sabol M. Current status of in vitro models for rare gynaecological cancer research. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2024:108549. [PMID: 39048342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2024.108549] [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: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Gynaecological cancers originate within the female reproductive system and are classified according to the site in the reproductive system where they arise. However, over 50 % of these malignancies are categorized as rare, encompassing 30 distinct histological subtypes, which complicates their diagnosis and treatment. The focus of this review is to give an overview of established in vitro models for the investigation of rare gynaecological cancers, as well as an overview of available online databases that contain detailed descriptions of cell line characteristics. Cell lines represent the main models for the research of carcinogenesis, drug resistance, pharmacodynamics and novel therapy treatment options. Nowadays, classic 2D cell models are increasingly being replaced with 3D cell models, such as spheroids, organoids, and tumoroids because they provide a more accurate representation of numerous tumour characteristics, and their response to therapy differs from the response of adherent cell lines. It is crucial to use the correct cell line model, as rare tumour types can show characteristics that differ from the most common tumour types and can therefore respond unexpectedly to classic treatment. Additionally, some cell lines have been misclassified or misidentified, which could lead to false results. Even though rare gynaecological cancers are rare, this review will demonstrate that there are available options for investigation of such cancers in vitro on biologically relevant models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Raos
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Cesta 54, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | - Petar Ozretić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Cesta 54, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Cesta 54, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Shen Y, Wang Y, Wang SY, Li C, Han FJ. Research progress on the application of organoids in gynecological tumors. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1417576. [PMID: 38989138 PMCID: PMC11234177 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1417576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Organoids are in vitro 3D models that maintain their own tissue structure and function. They largely overcome the limitations of traditional tumor models and have become a powerful research tool in the field of oncology in recent years. Gynecological malignancies are major diseases that seriously threaten the life and health of women and urgently require the establishment of models with a high degree of similarity to human tumors for clinical studies to formulate individualized treatments. Currently, organoids are widely studied in exploring the mechanisms of gynecological tumor development as a means of drug screening and individualized medicine. Ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers as common gynecological malignancies have high morbidity and mortality rates among other gynecological tumors. Therefore, this study reviews the application of modelling, drug efficacy assessment, and drug response prediction for ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers, thereby clarifying the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and development, and providing precise treatment options for gynecological oncology patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Si-Yu Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Chan Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Feng-Juan Han
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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Wu S, Huisman BW, Rietveld MH, Rissmann R, Vermeer MH, van Poelgeest MIE, El Ghalbzouri A. The development of in vitro organotypic 3D vulvar models to study tumor-stroma interaction and drug efficacy. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:883-896. [PMID: 38057628 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00902-w] [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] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. To date, there's no proper in vitro modeling system for VSCC to study its pathogenesis or for drug evaluation. METHODS We established healthy vulvar (HV)- and VSCC-like 3D full thickness models (FTMs) to observe the tumor-stroma interaction and their applicability for chemotherapeutic efficacy examination. VSCC-FTMs were developed by seeding VSCC tumor cell lines (A431 and HTB117) onto dermal matrices harboring two NF subtypes namely papillary fibroblasts (PFs) and reticular fibroblasts (RFs), or cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) while HV-FTMs were constructed with primary keratinocytes and fibroblasts isolated from HV tissues. RESULTS HV-FTMs highly resembled HV tissues in terms of epidermal morphogenesis, basement membrane formation and collagen deposition. When the dermal compartment shifted from PFs to RFs or CAFs in VSCC-FTMs, tumor cells demonstrated more proliferation, EMT induction and stemness. In contrast to PFs, RFs started to lose their phenotype and express robust CAF-markers α-SMA and COL11A1 under tumor cell signaling induction, indicating a favored 'RF-to-CAF' transition in VSCC tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, chemotherapeutic treatment with carboplatin and paclitaxel resulted in a significant reduction in tumor-load and invasion in VSCC-FTMs. CONCLUSION We successfully developed in vitro 3D vulvar models mimicking both healthy and tumorous conditions which serve as a promising tool for vulvar drug screening programs. Moreover, healthy fibroblasts demonstrate heterogeneity in terms of CAF-activation in VSCC TME which brings insights in the future development of novel CAF-based therapeutic strategies in VSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shidi Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Bertine W Huisman
- Center for Human Drug Research, Leiden, 2333 CL, The Netherlands
- Department of Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Marion H Rietveld
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Rissmann
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
- Center for Human Drug Research, Leiden, 2333 CL, The Netherlands
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten H Vermeer
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Mariette I E van Poelgeest
- Center for Human Drug Research, Leiden, 2333 CL, The Netherlands
- Department of Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
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Lliberos C, Richardson G, Papa A. Oncogenic Pathways and Targeted Therapies in Ovarian Cancer. Biomolecules 2024; 14:585. [PMID: 38785992 PMCID: PMC11118117 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050585] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the most aggressive forms of gynaecological malignancies. Survival rates for women diagnosed with OC remain poor as most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease. Debulking surgery and platinum-based therapies are the current mainstay for OC treatment. However, and despite achieving initial remission, a significant portion of patients will relapse because of innate and acquired resistance, at which point the disease is considered incurable. In view of this, novel detection strategies and therapeutic approaches are needed to improve outcomes and survival of OC patients. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of the genetic landscape and molecular pathways underpinning OC and its many subtypes. By examining therapeutic strategies explored in preclinical and clinical settings, we highlight the importance of decoding how single and convergent genetic alterations co-exist and drive OC progression and resistance to current treatments. We also propose that core signalling pathways such as the PI3K and MAPK pathways play critical roles in the origin of diverse OC subtypes and can become new targets in combination with known DNA damage repair pathways for the development of tailored and more effective anti-cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Lliberos
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Neil Beauglehall Department of Medical Oncology Research, Cabrini Health, Malvern, VIC 3144, Australia
| | - Gary Richardson
- Neil Beauglehall Department of Medical Oncology Research, Cabrini Health, Malvern, VIC 3144, Australia
| | - Antonella Papa
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia;
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Sun H, Sun L, Ke X, Liu L, Li C, Jin B, Wang P, Jiang Z, Zhao H, Yang Z, Sun Y, Liu J, Wang Y, Sun M, Pang M, Wang Y, Wu B, Zhao H, Sang X, Xing B, Yang H, Huang P, Mao Y. Prediction of Clinical Precision Chemotherapy by Patient-Derived 3D Bioprinting Models of Colorectal Cancer and Its Liver Metastases. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304460. [PMID: 37973557 PMCID: PMC10787059 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Methods accurately predicting the responses of colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) to personalized chemotherapy remain limited due to tumor heterogeneity. This study introduces an innovative patient-derived CRC and CRLM tumor model for preclinical investigation, utilizing 3d-bioprinting (3DP) technology. Efficient construction of homogeneous in vitro 3D models of CRC/CRLM is achieved through the application of patient-derived primary tumor cells and 3D bioprinting with bioink. Genomic and histological analyses affirm that the CRC/CRLM 3DP tumor models effectively retain parental tumor biomarkers and mutation profiles. In vitro tests evaluating chemotherapeutic drug sensitivities reveal substantial tumor heterogeneity in chemotherapy responses within the 3DP CRC/CRLM models. Furthermore, a robust correlation is evident between the drug response in the CRLM 3DP model and the clinical outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. These findings imply a significant potential for the application of patient-derived 3DP cancer models in precision chemotherapy prediction and preclinical research for CRC/CRLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Sun
- Department of Liver SurgeryPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) HospitalPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Beijing100730China
| | - Lejia Sun
- Department of General SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu210029China
- The First School of Clinical MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu210029China
| | - Xindi Ke
- Department of Liver SurgeryPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) HospitalPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Beijing100730China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery IKey Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education)Peking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijing100142China
| | - Changcan Li
- Department of Liver SurgeryPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) HospitalPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Beijing100730China
| | - Bao Jin
- Department of Liver SurgeryPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) HospitalPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Beijing100730China
| | - Peipei Wang
- Department of General SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230001China
| | - Zhuoran Jiang
- Department of Liver SurgeryPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) HospitalPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Beijing100730China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100021China
| | - Zhiying Yang
- First Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary SurgeryChina‐Japan Friendship HospitalBeijing100029China
| | - Yongliang Sun
- First Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary SurgeryChina‐Japan Friendship HospitalBeijing100029China
| | - Jianmei Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100021China
| | - Yan Wang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100730China
| | - Minghao Sun
- Department of Liver SurgeryPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) HospitalPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Beijing100730China
| | - Mingchang Pang
- Department of Liver SurgeryPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) HospitalPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Beijing100730China
| | - Yinhan Wang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100730China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) HospitalPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Beijing100730China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Liver SurgeryPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) HospitalPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Beijing100730China
| | - Xinting Sang
- Department of Liver SurgeryPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) HospitalPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Beijing100730China
| | - Baocai Xing
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery IKey Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education)Peking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijing100142China
| | - Huayu Yang
- Department of Liver SurgeryPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) HospitalPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Beijing100730China
| | - Pengyu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and DevicesEngineering Research Center of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Technology and Device (Ministry of Education)Institute of Biomedical EngineeringChinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical CollegeTianjin300192China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health ScienceTianjin301600China
| | - Yilei Mao
- Department of Liver SurgeryPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) HospitalPeking Union Medical College (PUMC) & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Beijing100730China
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8
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Tadić V, Zhang W, Brozovic A. The high-grade serous ovarian cancer metastasis and chemoresistance in 3D models. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189052. [PMID: 38097143 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189052] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most frequent and aggressive type of epithelial ovarian cancer, with high recurrence rate and chemoresistance being the main issues in its clinical management. HGSOC is specifically challenging due to the metastatic dissemination via spheroids in the ascitic fluid. The HGSOC spheroids represent the invasive and chemoresistant cellular fraction, which is impossible to investigate in conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cell cultures lacking critical cell-to-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Three-dimensional (3D) HGSOC cultures, where cells aggregate and exhibit relevant interactions, offer a promising in vitro model of peritoneal metastasis and multicellular drug resistance. This review summarizes recent studies of HGSOC in 3D culture conditions and highlights the role of multicellular HGSOC spheroids and ascitic environment in HGSOC metastasis and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Tadić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Str. 54, Zagreb HR-10000, Croatia
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Dalian University of Technology, Linggong Road 2, Dalian CN-116024, China
| | - Anamaria Brozovic
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Str. 54, Zagreb HR-10000, Croatia.
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Singh P, Metkari SM, Tripathi A, Bhartiya D. Reversing Uteropathies Including Cancer-Like Changes in Mice by Transplanting Mesenchymal Stromal Cells or XAR Treatment. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:258-282. [PMID: 37779174 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10632-z] [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] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Pluripotent, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and tissue-committed 'progenitors' termed endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) are reported in mouse uterus. They express gonadal and gonadotropin hormone receptors and thus are vulnerable to early-life endocrine insults. Neonatal exposure of mouse pups to endocrine disruption cause stem/progenitor cells to undergo epigenetic changes, excessive self-renewal, and blocked differentiation that results in various uteropathies including non-receptive endometrium, hyperplasia, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and cancer-like changes in adult life. Present study investigated reversal of these uteropathies, by normalizing functions of VSELs and EnSCs. Two strategies were evaluated including (i) transplanting mesenchymal stromal cells (provide paracrine support) on D60 or (ii) oral administration of XAR (epigenetic regulator) daily from days 60-100 and effects were studied later in 100 days old mice. Results show normalization of stem/progenitor cells (Oct-4, Oct-4A, Sox-2, Nanog) and Wnt signalling (Wnt-4, β-catenin, Axin-2) specific transcripts. Flow cytometry results showed reduced numbers of 2-6 µm, LIN-CD45-SCA-1 + VSELs. Hyperplasia (Ki67) of epithelial (Pax-8, Foxa-2) and myometrial (α-Sma, Tgf-β) cells was reduced, adenogenesis (differentiation of glands) was restored, endometrial receptivity and differentiation (LIF, c-KIT, SOX-9, NUMB) and stromal cells niche (CD90, VIMENTIN, Pdgfra, Vimentin) were improved, cancer stem cells markers (OCT-4, CD166) were reduced while tumor suppressor genes (PTEN, P53) and epigenetic regulators (Ezh-2, Sirt-1) were increased. To conclude, normalizing VSELs/EnSCs to manage uteropathies provides a novel basis for initiating clinical studies. The study falls under the umbrella of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all of all ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpa Singh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive & Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - S M Metkari
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive & Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Anish Tripathi
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400 013, India
| | - Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive & Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400 013, India.
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10
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Chehelgerdi M, Behdarvand Dehkordi F, Chehelgerdi M, Kabiri H, Salehian-Dehkordi H, Abdolvand M, Salmanizadeh S, Rashidi M, Niazmand A, Ahmadi S, Feizbakhshan S, Kabiri S, Vatandoost N, Ranjbarnejad T. Exploring the promising potential of induced pluripotent stem cells in cancer research and therapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:189. [PMID: 38017433 PMCID: PMC10683363 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01873-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of iPSCs has brought about a significant transformation in stem cell research, opening up promising avenues for advancing cancer treatment. The formation of cancer is a multifaceted process influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. iPSCs offer a distinctive platform for investigating the origin of cancer, paving the way for novel approaches to cancer treatment, drug testing, and tailored medical interventions. This review article will provide an overview of the science behind iPSCs, the current limitations and challenges in iPSC-based cancer therapy, the ethical and social implications, and the comparative analysis with other stem cell types for cancer treatment. The article will also discuss the applications of iPSCs in tumorigenesis, the future of iPSCs in tumorigenesis research, and highlight successful case studies utilizing iPSCs in tumorigenesis research. The conclusion will summarize the advancements made in iPSC-based tumorigenesis research and the importance of continued investment in iPSC research to unlock the full potential of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Behdarvand Dehkordi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Kabiri
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Abdolvand
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sharareh Salmanizadeh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Hezar-Jereeb Street, Isfahan, 81746-73441, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Anoosha Niazmand
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saba Ahmadi
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Sara Feizbakhshan
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saber Kabiri
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Nasimeh Vatandoost
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Ranjbarnejad
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
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11
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Colling KE, Symons EL, Buroni L, Sumanisiri HK, Andrew-Udoh J, Witt E, Losh HA, Morrison AM, Leslie KK, Dunnill CJ, De Bono JS, Thiel KW. Multiplexed live-cell imaging for drug responses in patient-derived organoid models of cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.15.567243. [PMID: 38014133 PMCID: PMC10680710 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.15.567243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Patient-derived organoid (PDO) models of cancer are a multifunctional research system that better recapitulates human disease as compared to cancer cell lines. PDO models can be generated by culturing patient tumor cells in extracellular basement membrane extracts (BME) and plating as three-dimensional domes. However, commercially available reagents that have been optimized for phenotypic assays in monolayer cultures often are not compatible with BME. Herein we describe a method to plate PDO models and assess drug effects using an automated live-cell imaging system. In addition, we apply fluorescent dyes that are compatible with kinetic measurements to simultaneously quantitate cell health and apoptosis. Image capture can be customized to occur at regular time intervals over several days. Users can analyze drug effects in individual Z-plane images or a Z Projection of serial images from multiple focal planes. Using masking, specific parameters of interest are calculated, such as PDO number, area, and fluorescence intensity. We provide proof-of-concept data demonstrating the effect of cytotoxic agents on cell health, apoptosis and viability. This automated kinetic imaging platform can be expanded to other phenotypic readouts to understand diverse therapeutic effects in PDO models of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitriana E. Colling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Emily L. Symons
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Lorenzo Buroni
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK: the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Hiruni K. Sumanisiri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jessica Andrew-Udoh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Emily Witt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Haley A. Losh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Abigail M. Morrison
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kimberly K. Leslie
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Departments of Internal Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | - Johann S. De Bono
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK: the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kristina W. Thiel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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12
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Qin M, Zhang C, Li Y. Circular RNAs in gynecologic cancers: mechanisms and implications for chemotherapy resistance. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1194719. [PMID: 37361215 PMCID: PMC10285541 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1194719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistance remains a major challenge in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Increasing evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a significant role in conferring chemoresistance in these cancers. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms by which circRNAs regulate chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance in gynecologic malignancies. We also discuss the potential clinical implications of these findings and highlight areas for future research. CircRNAs are a novel class of RNA molecules that are characterized by their unique circular structure, which confers increased stability and resistance to degradation by exonucleases. Recent studies have shown that circRNAs can act as miRNA sponges, sequestering miRNAs and preventing them from binding to their target mRNAs. This can lead to upregulation of genes involved in drug resistance pathways, ultimately resulting in decreased sensitivity to chemotherapy. We discuss several specific examples of circRNAs that have been implicated in chemoresistance in gynecologic cancers, including cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. We also highlight the potential clinical applications of circRNA-based biomarkers for predicting chemotherapy response and guiding treatment decisions. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the role of circRNAs in chemotherapy resistance in gynecologic malignancies. By elucidating the underlying mechanisms by which circRNAs regulate drug sensitivity, this work has important implications for improving patient outcomes and developing more effective therapeutic strategies for these challenging cancers.
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13
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Psilopatis I, Sykaras AG, Mandrakis G, Vrettou K, Theocharis S. Patient-Derived Organoids: The Beginning of a New Era in Ovarian Cancer Disease Modeling and Drug Sensitivity Testing. Biomedicines 2022; 11:1. [PMID: 36672509 PMCID: PMC9855526 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of death from gynecological malignancies. Despite great advances in treatment strategies, therapeutic resistance and the gap between preclinical data and actual clinical efficacy justify the necessity of developing novel models for investigating OC. Organoids represent revolutionary three-dimensional cell culture models, deriving from stem cells and reflecting the primary tissue's biology and pathology. The aim of the current review is to study the current status of mouse- and patient-derived organoids, as well as their potential to model carcinogenesis and perform drug screenings for OC. Herein, we describe the role of organoids in the assessment of high-grade serous OC (HGSOC) cells-of-origin, illustrate their use as promising preclinical OC models and highlight the advantages of organoid technology in terms of disease modelling and drug sensitivity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iason Psilopatis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Gynecology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt—Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandros G. Sykaras
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Cytopathology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Mandrakis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Kleio Vrettou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
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14
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Schoutrop E, Moyano-Galceran L, Lheureux S, Mattsson J, Lehti K, Dahlstrand H, Magalhaes I. Molecular, cellular and systemic aspects of epithelial ovarian cancer and its tumor microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:207-223. [PMID: 35395389 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer encompasses a heterogeneous group of malignancies that involve the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the peritoneal cavity. Despite major advances made within the field of cancer, the majority of patients with ovarian cancer are still being diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease due to lack of effective screening tools. The overall survival of these patients has, therefore, not substantially improved over the past decades. Most patients undergo debulking surgery and treatment with chemotherapy, but often micrometastases remain and acquire resistance to the therapy, eventually leading to disease recurrence. Here, we summarize the current knowledge in epithelial ovarian cancer development and metastatic progression. For the most common subtypes, we focus further on the properties and functions of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, including the extracellular matrix. Current and future treatment modalities are discussed and finally we provide an overview of the different experimental models used to develop novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Schoutrop
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lidia Moyano-Galceran
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stephanie Lheureux
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonas Mattsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Gloria and Seymour Epstein Chair in Cell Therapy and Transplantation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaisa Lehti
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hanna Dahlstrand
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Medical unit Pelvic Cancer, Theme Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Isabelle Magalhaes
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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15
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Anastasiadi Z, Mantziou S, Akrivis C, Paschopoulos M, Balasi E, Lianos GD, Alexiou GA, Mitsis M, Vartholomatos G, Markopoulos GS. Intraoperative Flow Cytometry for the Characterization of Gynecological Malignancies. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11091339. [PMID: 36138818 PMCID: PMC9495699 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Aneuploidy and high proliferative potential are distinct features of neoplastic cells. Based on the established role of intraoperative flow cytometry in various types of cancer, the aim of the present study was to investigate its role in cancer cell identification during surgery for gynecological malignancies. The analysis time was 5–6 min per sample. A large percentage of tumors were characterized as aneuploid, while all tumor samples had a significantly high proliferation. Flow cytometry was performed in accordance with pathological evaluation, and the method had high sensitivity and specificity. Our results verify the value of intraoperative flow cytometry in gynecological malignancies, and warrant further investigation in multicenter studies. Abstract Cell-cycle analysis has shown the presence of aneuploidy to be associated with poor prognosis. We developed an innovative rapid cell-cycle analysis protocol (the Ioannina protocol) that permitted the intraoperative identification of neoplastic cells in a plethora of malignancies. Herein, we aimed to investigate the potential role of cell-cycle analysis in the intraoperative characterization of gynecological malignancies. Women who underwent surgery for gynecological malignancies in our institution over a three-year period were included in this study. Permanent section pathology evaluation was used as the gold standard for malignancy evaluation. Total accordance was observed between flow cytometry and pathology evaluation. In total, 21 aneuploid cancers were detected following DNA index calculation. Of these, 20 were hyperploid and 1 was hypoploid. In addition, tumor samples were characterized by a significantly lower percentage of cells in G0/G1, as well as an induced tumor index. The response time for flow cytometry to obtain results was 5–6 min per sample. It seems that flow cytometry analyses for intraoperative tumor evaluation can be safely expanded to gynecological malignancies. This is a novel practical approach that has been proven valuable in several tumor types to date, and also seems to be reliable for gynecological malignancies. Intraoperative flow cytometry is expected to be crucial in decisions of lymph node dissection in endometrial cancers, due to its rapid response regarding the tumor invasion of part or all of the myometrial thickness. In this way, the surgeon can quickly modify the plane of dissection. Our results warrant the further investigation of applying iFC in larger, multicenter studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Anastasiadi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘G. Chatzikosta’ General Hospital, 45001 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Stefania Mantziou
- Haematology Laboratory-Unit of Molecular Biology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christos Akrivis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘G. Chatzikosta’ General Hospital, 45001 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Minas Paschopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eufemia Balasi
- Pathology Department, ‘G. Chatzikosta’ General Hospital, 45001 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Georgios D. Lianos
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - George A. Alexiou
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
- Neurosurgical Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Michail Mitsis
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - George Vartholomatos
- Haematology Laboratory-Unit of Molecular Biology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
- Neurosurgical Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Correspondence: (G.V.); (G.S.M.)
| | - Georgios S. Markopoulos
- Haematology Laboratory-Unit of Molecular Biology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
- Neurosurgical Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Correspondence: (G.V.); (G.S.M.)
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16
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Lee JE, Chung Y, Rhee S, Kim TH. Untold story of human cervical cancers: HPV-negative cervical cancer. BMB Rep 2022; 55:429-438. [PMID: 35725012 PMCID: PMC9537028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in women worldwide. Although infection from human papillomavirus (HPV) has been the leading cause of cervical cancer, HPV-negative cervical cancer accounts for approximately 3-8% of all cases. Previous research studies on cervical cancer have focused on HPV-positive cervical cancer due to its prevalence, resulting in HPV-negative cervical cancer receiving considerably less attention. As a result, HPV-negative cervical cancer is poorly understood. Its etiology remains elusive mainly due to limitations in research methodology such as lack of defined markers and model systems. Moreover, false HPV negativity can arise from inaccurate diagnostic methods, which also hinders the progress of research on HPV-negative cervical cancer. Since HPV-negative cervical cancer is associated with worse clinical features, greater attention is required to understand HPV-negative carcinoma. In this review, we provide a summary of knowledge gaps and current limitations of HPV-negative cervical cancer research based on current clinical statistics. We also discuss future directions for understanding the pathogenesis of HPV-independent cervical cancer. [BMB Reports 2022; 55(9): 429-438].
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Eun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK, NM 87131, USA
| | - Yein Chung
- St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 4X5, Canada, NM 87131, USA
| | - Siyeon Rhee
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tae-Hyung Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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17
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Improving the Management of Endometrial Cancer Patients through the Use of Liquid Biopsy Analyses: A Case Report. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158539. [PMID: 35955673 PMCID: PMC9369153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the 4th most common neoplasm of the female genital tract, with 15–20% of patients being of high risk of recurrence which leads to a significant decrease in patient survival. Current therapeutic options for patients with EC are poor, being the combined therapy of carboplatin and paclitaxel the standard of care, with limited efficacy. Therefore, new therapeutic options and better monitoring tools are needed to improve the management of the disease. In the current case report, we showcase the value of liquid biopsy analyses in a microsatellite instability EC patient with initially good prognosis that however underwent rapid progression disease within 6 months post-surgery; through the study of plasma cfDNA/ctDNA dynamics to assess the tumour evolution during treatment, as well as the study of the uterine aspirate as a valuable sample that captures the intra-tumour heterogeneity that allows a comprehensive genomic profiling of the disease to identify potential therapeutic options. Furthermore, preclinical models were generated at the time of tumour progression to assess the efficacy of the identified targeted therapies.
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18
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Wieder-Huszla S, Owsianowska J, Chudecka-Głaz A, Branecka-Woźniak D, Jurczak A. The Significance of Adaptation and Coping with Disease among Patients with Diagnosed Gynaecological Cancer in the Context of Disease Acceptance. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127218. [PMID: 35742468 PMCID: PMC9223192 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Uterine/endometrial and ovarian tumours are among the most common gynaecological cancers. Adaptation to cancer encompasses a variety of complex behavioural, cognitive, and emotional processes. The purpose of mental adaptation is to alleviate emotional discomfort and regain mental stability. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of adaptation and coping with gynaecological cancer on the level of disease acceptance among the studied women. The study included 81 patients diagnosed with gynaecological cancer. Mental adaptation to cancer was measured using the Min-Mac scale, disease acceptance was measured using the AIS and the level of adaptation was measured using the CAPS. The average AIS score was 26.65 ± 8.85 points. Adaptation and coping methods did not vary significantly depending on the diagnosed type of cancer. The constructive style of fighting the disease prevailed (45.11 ± 6.01). The AIS scores correlated significantly and positively with the intensity of the constructive style of mental adaptation, and negatively with the intensity of the destructive style. The studied group of patients with gynaecological cancer displayed a moderate level of disease acceptance, the constructive style of adaptation was the most prevalent, and the location of the cancer did not have an effect on coping mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Wieder-Huszla
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland; (J.O.); (A.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-914-800-910
| | - Joanna Owsianowska
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland; (J.O.); (A.J.)
| | - Anita Chudecka-Głaz
- Department of Gynaecological Surgery and Gynaecological Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Dorota Branecka-Woźniak
- Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Health, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Anna Jurczak
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland; (J.O.); (A.J.)
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19
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Applications of Photodynamic Therapy in Endometrial Diseases. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9050226. [PMID: 35621504 PMCID: PMC9138084 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9050226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medical procedure useful for several benign conditions (such as wound healing and infections) and cancer. PDT is minimally invasive, presents few side effects, good scaring, and is able to minimal tissue destruction maintaining organ anatomy and function. Endoscopic access to the uterus puts PDT in the spotlight for endometrial disease treatment. This work systematically reviews the current evidence of PDT’s potential and usefulness in endometrial diseases. Thus, this narrative review focused on PDT applications for endometrial disease, including reports regarding in vitro, ex vivo, animal, and clinical studies. Cell lines and primary samples were used as in vitro models of cancer, adenomyosis and endometrioses, while most animal studies focused the PDT outcomes on endometrial ablation. A few clinical attempts are known using PDT for endometrial ablation and cancer lesions. This review emphasises PDT as a promising field of research. This therapeutic approach has the potential to become an effective conservative treatment method for endometrial benign and malignant lesions. Further investigations with improved photosensitisers are highly expected.
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20
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Wang L, Zhang J, Su Y, Maimaitiyiming Y, Yang S, Shen Z, Lin S, Shen S, Zhan G, Wang F, Hsu CH, Cheng X. Distinct Roles of m5C RNA Methyltransferase NSUN2 in Major Gynecologic Cancers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:786266. [PMID: 35280737 PMCID: PMC8916577 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.786266] [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: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA methylation has recently emerged as an important category of epigenetic modifications, which plays diverse physiopathological roles in various cancers. Recent studies have confirmed the presence of 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modification on mammalian mRNAs, mainly modified by NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase family member 2 (NSUN2), but little is known about the underlying functions of m5C. Gynecologic cancers are malignancies starting from women’s reproductive organs. The prevalence of gynecologic cancers leads to a massive economic burden and public health concern. In this study, we investigated the potential biological functions of NSUN2 in common gynecologic cancers including cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. Remarkably, distinct scenarios were found. The levels of NSUN2 did not show alteration in endometrial cancer, and in ovarian cancer, depletion of upregulated NSUN2 did not reduce carcinogenesis in cancer cells, suggesting that the upregulated NSUN2 might be an incidental effect. On the contrary, NSUN2 played a role in tumorigenesis of cervical cancer; depletion of upregulated NSUN2 notably inhibited migration and invasion of cancer cells, and only wild-type but not catalytically inactive NSUN2 rescued these malignant phenotypes of cancer cells. Mechanistically, NSUN2 promoted migration and invasion by leading to m5C methylation on keratin 13 (KRT13) transcripts, and methylated KRT13 transcripts would be recognized and stabilized by an m5C reader, Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1). Collectively, these results not only displayed the nature of diversity among human malignancies, but also demonstrated a novel NSUN2-dependent m5C-YBX1-KRT13 oncogenic regulatory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfang Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Therapy for Major Gynecological Diseases, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Women’s Hospital, Institute of Genetics and Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Women’s Hospital, Institute of Genetics and Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingfeng Su
- Women’s Hospital, Institute of Genetics and Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yasen Maimaitiyiming
- Women’s Hospital, Institute of Genetics and Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Siqi Yang
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhangjin Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Therapy for Major Gynecological Diseases, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shitong Lin
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shizhen Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Therapy for Major Gynecological Diseases, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guankai Zhan
- Women’s Hospital, Institute of Genetics and Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fenfen Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Therapy for Major Gynecological Diseases, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chih-Hung Hsu
- Women’s Hospital, Institute of Genetics and Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chih-Hung Hsu, ; Xiaodong Cheng,
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Therapy for Major Gynecological Diseases, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chih-Hung Hsu, ; Xiaodong Cheng,
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21
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Shin HY, Lee EJ, Yang W, Kim HS, Chung D, Cho H, Kim JH. Identification of Prognostic Markers of Gynecologic Cancers Utilizing Patient-Derived Xenograft Mouse Models. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030829. [PMID: 35159096 PMCID: PMC8834149 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) are important in vivo models for the development of precision medicine. However, challenges exist regarding genetic alterations and relapse after primary treatment. Thus, PDX models are required as a new approach for preclinical and clinical studies. We established PDX models of gynecologic cancers and analyzed their clinical information. We subcutaneously transplanted 207 tumor tissues from patients with gynecologic cancer into nude mice from 2014 to 2019. The successful engraftment rate of ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancer was 47%, 64%, and 56%, respectively. The subsequent passages (P2 and P3) showed higher success and faster growth rates than the first passage (P1). Using gynecologic cancer PDX models, the tumor grade is a common clinical factor affecting PDX establishment. We found that the PDX success rate correlated with the patient’s prognosis, and also that ovarian cancer patients with a poor prognosis had a faster PDX growth rate (p < 0.0001). Next, the gene sets associated with inflammation and immune responses were shown in high-ranking successful PDX engraftment through gene set enrichment analysis and RNA sequencing. Up-regulated genes in successful engraftment were found to correlate with ovarian clear cell cancer patient outcomes via Gene Expression Omnibus dataset analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Yeon Shin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea; (H.-Y.S.); (E.-j.L.); (H.S.K.); (D.C.); (H.C.)
| | - Eun-ju Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea; (H.-Y.S.); (E.-j.L.); (H.S.K.); (D.C.); (H.C.)
| | - Wookyeom Yang
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea;
| | - Hyo Sun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea; (H.-Y.S.); (E.-j.L.); (H.S.K.); (D.C.); (H.C.)
| | - Dawn Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea; (H.-Y.S.); (E.-j.L.); (H.S.K.); (D.C.); (H.C.)
| | - Hanbyoul Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea; (H.-Y.S.); (E.-j.L.); (H.S.K.); (D.C.); (H.C.)
| | - Jae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea; (H.-Y.S.); (E.-j.L.); (H.S.K.); (D.C.); (H.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-02-2019-3430
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22
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Groothuis P. Model Systems in Endometriosis Research: Translation, Translation, Translation! FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 3:809366. [PMID: 36304048 PMCID: PMC9580766 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.809366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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23
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Sisman Y, Schnack T, Høgdall E, Høgdall C. Organoids and epithelial ovarian cancer - a future tool for personalized treatment decisions? (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2022; 16:29. [PMID: 34987799 PMCID: PMC8719262 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2021.2462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the 5th leading cause of cancer-associated death in females worldwide. Although 80% of cases respond well to initial treatment, >70% develop recurrent disease and become chemoresistant within the first two years. Therefore, there is a great need for predictive biomarkers to guide treatment. In the era of precision medicine, organoids are studied as a functional method to predict treatment response to oncological treatment. The overall purpose of the present systematic review was to uncover the current status of patient-derived organoids and their ability to perform drug screenings for EOC. A systematic search for studies investigating ovarian cancer and organoids was performed using PubMed and the Cochrane Library. A total of 10 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The growth rates of organoids were described in six studies and varied between 29 and 90%. Only four studies included data on clinical outcomes and indicated a positive correlation between clinical response and drug screening results. Inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity was examined in seven studies. They all suggested that the organoids recapture the tumor heterogeneity. Only one study performed drug screenings on organoids obtained from different tumor sites and metastasis from the same patient with EOC and revealed a different response to at least one drug for all patients. In conclusion, organoids may provide a platform for predicting the clinical response to chemotherapy and gene-targeting therapy. However, the results are only exploratory and the number of published drug screening studies is minimal. Further research is required to prove that organoids are able to support the choice of oncological treatment in patients with EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Sisman
- Department of Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Tine Schnack
- Department of Gynecology, Odense University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Estrid Høgdall
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Claus Høgdall
- Department of Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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24
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Yang J, Huang S, Cheng S, Jin Y, Zhang N, Wang Y. Application of Ovarian Cancer Organoids in Precision Medicine: Key Challenges and Current Opportunities. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:701429. [PMID: 34409036 PMCID: PMC8366314 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.701429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of death among gynecologic malignances. Over the past decades, human-derived models have advanced from monolayer cell cultures to three-dimensional (3D) organoids that could faithfully recapitulate biological characteristics and tumor heterogeneity of primary tissues. As a complement of previous studies based on cell lines or xenografts, organoids provide a 3D platform for mutation–carcinogenesis modeling, high-throughput drug screening, genetic engineering, and biobanking, which might fulfill the gap between basic research and clinical practice. Stepwise, cutting-edge bioengineering techniques of organoid-on-a-chip and 3D bioprinting might converge current challenges and contribute to personalized therapy. We comprehensively reviewed the advantages, challenges, and translational potential of OC organoids. Undeniably, organoids represent an excellent near-physiological platform for OC, paving the way for precision medicine implementation. Future efforts will doubtlessly bring this innovative technique from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanshan Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, China
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25
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Nero C, Vizzielli G, Lorusso D, Cesari E, Daniele G, Loverro M, Scambia G, Sette C. Patient-derived organoids and high grade serous ovarian cancer: from disease modeling to personalized medicine. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:116. [PMID: 33789687 PMCID: PMC8011220 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01917-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is among the deadliest human cancers and its prognosis remains extremely poor. Tumor heterogeneity and rapid acquisition of resistance to conventional chemotherapeutic approaches strongly contribute to poor outcome of patients. The clinical landscape of HGSOC has been radically transformed since the advent of targeted therapies in the last decade. Nevertheless, the lack of predictive biomarkers informing on the differential clinical benefit in select subgroups, and allowing patient-centric approaches, currently limits the efficacy of these novel therapies. Thus, rational selection of the best possible treatment for each patient represents a clinical priority in order to improve outcome, while limiting undesirable effects. MAIN BODY In this review, we describe the state of the art and the unmet needs in HGSOC management, illustrate the treatment options that are available and the biomarkers that are currently employed to orient clinical decisions. We also describe the ongoing clinical trials that are testing new therapeutic approaches for HGSOC. Next, we introduce the organoid technology as a promising, expanding strategy to study cancer and to develop personalized therapeutic approaches. In particular, we discuss recent studies that have characterized the translational potential of Patient's Derived Organoids (PDOs) to inform on drug sensitivity of HGSOC patients. CONCLUSIONS PDOs can predict the response of patients to treatments and may therefore guide therapeutic decisions. Although preliminary results appear encouraging, organoids still need to be generated and expanded efficiently to enable drug screening in a clinically meaningful time window. A new generation of clinical trials based on the organoid technology should guarantee tailored approaches to ovarian cancer management, as it is now clear that the one-size-fits-all approach cannot lead to efficient and meaningful therapeutic advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Nero
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L.go Agostino gemelli, 8, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e sanità pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vizzielli
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L.go Agostino gemelli, 8, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Domenica Lorusso
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L.go Agostino gemelli, 8, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e sanità pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cesari
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L.go Agostino gemelli, 8, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Anatomia Umana, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Gennaro Daniele
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L.go Agostino gemelli, 8, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Matteo Loverro
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L.go Agostino gemelli, 8, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L.go Agostino gemelli, 8, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e sanità pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Anatomia Umana, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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26
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Nunes M, Henriques Abreu M, Bartosch C, Ricardo S. Recycling the Purpose of Old Drugs to Treat Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207768. [PMID: 33092251 PMCID: PMC7656306 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The main challenge in ovarian cancer treatment is the management of recurrences. Facing this scenario, therapy selection is based on multiple factors to define the best treatment sequence. Target therapies, such as bevacizumab and polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, improved patient survival. However, despite their achievements, ovarian cancer survival remains poor; these therapeutic options are highly costly and can be associated with potential side effects. Recently, it has been shown that the combination of repurposed, conventional, chemotherapeutic drugs could be an alternative, presenting good patient outcomes with few side effects and low costs for healthcare institutions. The main aim of this review is to strengthen the importance of repurposed drugs as therapeutic alternatives, and to propose an in vitro model to assess the therapeutic value. Herein, we compiled the current knowledge on the most promising non-oncological drugs for ovarian cancer treatment, focusing on statins, metformin, bisphosphonates, ivermectin, itraconazole, and ritonavir. We discuss the primary drug use, anticancer mechanisms, and applicability in ovarian cancer. Finally, we propose the use of these therapies to perform drug efficacy tests in ovarian cancer ex vivo cultures. This personalized testing approach could be crucial to validate the existing evidences supporting the use of repurposed drugs for ovarian cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Nunes
- Differentiation and Cancer Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S) of the University of Porto/Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (PCCC), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Miguel Henriques Abreu
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (PCCC), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.A.); (C.B.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Bartosch
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (PCCC), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.A.); (C.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center—Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (CI-IPOP), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Ricardo
- Differentiation and Cancer Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S) of the University of Porto/Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (PCCC), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.A.); (C.B.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-225-570-700
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