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De Lazzari G, Opattova A, Arena S. Novel frontiers in urogenital cancers: from molecular bases to preclinical models to tailor personalized treatments in ovarian and prostate cancer patients. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:146. [PMID: 38750579 PMCID: PMC11094891 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03065-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last few decades, the incidence of urogenital cancers has exhibited diverse trends influenced by screening programs and geographical variations. Among women, there has been a consistent or even increased occurrence of endometrial and ovarian cancers; conversely, prostate cancer remains one of the most diagnosed malignancies, with a rise in reported cases, partly due to enhanced and improved screening efforts.Simultaneously, the landscape of cancer therapeutics has undergone a remarkable evolution, encompassing the introduction of targeted therapies and significant advancements in traditional chemotherapy. Modern targeted treatments aim to selectively address the molecular aberrations driving cancer, minimizing adverse effects on normal cells. However, traditional chemotherapy retains its crucial role, offering a broad-spectrum approach that, despite its wider range of side effects, remains indispensable in the treatment of various cancers, often working synergistically with targeted therapies to enhance overall efficacy.For urogenital cancers, especially ovarian and prostate cancers, DNA damage response inhibitors, such as PARP inhibitors, have emerged as promising therapeutic avenues. In BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer, PARP inhibitors like olaparib and niraparib have demonstrated efficacy, leading to their approval for specific indications. Similarly, patients with DNA damage response mutations have shown sensitivity to these agents in prostate cancer, heralding a new frontier in disease management. Furthermore, the progression of ovarian and prostate cancer is intricately linked to hormonal regulation. Ovarian cancer development has also been associated with prolonged exposure to estrogen, while testosterone and its metabolite dihydrotestosterone, can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells. Thus, understanding the interplay between hormones, DNA damage and repair mechanisms can hold promise for exploring novel targeted therapies for ovarian and prostate tumors.In addition, it is of primary importance the use of preclinical models that mirror as close as possible the biological and genetic features of patients' tumors in order to effectively translate novel therapeutic findings "from the bench to the bedside".In summary, the complex landscape of urogenital cancers underscores the need for innovative approaches. Targeted therapy tailored to DNA repair mechanisms and hormone regulation might offer promising avenues for improving the management and outcomes for patients affected by ovarian and prostate cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada De Lazzari
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genetics, Strada Provinciale 142, Km 3.95, Candiolo, TO, ZIP 10060, Italy
| | - Alena Opattova
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genetics, Strada Provinciale 142, Km 3.95, Candiolo, TO, ZIP 10060, Italy
| | - Sabrina Arena
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genetics, Strada Provinciale 142, Km 3.95, Candiolo, TO, ZIP 10060, Italy.
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Strada Provinciale 142, Km 3.95, Candiolo, TO, ZIP 10060, Italy.
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Leblebici A, Sancar C, Tercan B, Isik Z, Arayici ME, Ellidokuz EB, Basbinar Y, Yildirim N. In Silico Approach to Molecular Profiling of the Transition from Ovarian Epithelial Cells to Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Tumors for Targeted Therapeutic Insights. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:1777-1798. [PMID: 38534733 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030117] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper aims to elucidate the differentially coexpressed genes, their potential mechanisms, and possible drug targets in low-grade invasive serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSC) in terms of the biologic continuity of normal, borderline, and malignant LGSC. We performed a bioinformatics analysis, integrating datasets generated using the GPL570 platform from different studies from the GEO database to identify changes in this transition, gene expression, drug targets, and their relationships with tumor microenvironmental characteristics. In the transition from ovarian epithelial cells to the serous borderline, the FGFR3 gene in the "Estrogen Response Late" pathway, the ITGB2 gene in the "Cell Adhesion Molecule", the CD74 gene in the "Regulation of Cell Migration", and the IGF1 gene in the "Xenobiotic Metabolism" pathway were upregulated in the transition from borderline to LGSC. The ERBB4 gene in "Proteoglycan in Cancer", the AR gene in "Pathways in Cancer" and "Estrogen Response Early" pathways, were upregulated in the transition from ovarian epithelial cells to LGSC. In addition, SPP1 and ITGB2 genes were correlated with macrophage infiltration in the LGSC group. This research provides a valuable framework for the development of personalized therapeutic approaches in the context of LGSC, with the aim of improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Furthermore, the main goal of the current study is a preliminary study designed to generate in silico inferences, and it is also important to note that subsequent in vitro and in vivo studies will be necessary to confirm the results before considering these results as fully reliable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim Leblebici
- Department of Translational Oncology, Institute of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ceren Sancar
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35340 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Bahar Tercan
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Zerrin Isik
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Emin Arayici
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ender Berat Ellidokuz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Basbinar
- Department of Translational Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nuri Yildirim
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35340 Izmir, Turkey
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Moatamed NA, Vahdatshariatpanahi S, Gjertson DW, Sachs CR, Kang Y, Ostrzega N, Huang J, Memarzadeh S. Androgen receptor and its correlation with estrogen and progesterone receptors, aimed for identification of cases for future anti-androgen therapy in endometrial cancers. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291361. [PMID: 37725629 PMCID: PMC10508627 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The expression of androgen receptor (AR) is not commonly tested or studied in uterine cancers, unlike estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) which are positive in most endometrial carcinomas. In this series, we evaluated the expression of AR and its comparison to ER and PR in different types of endometrial cancers and have reviewed the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS The status of AR, ER, and PR expression were evaluated in 71 cases which were categorized into endometrial endometrioid cancer (EEC), non-endometrioid endometrial cancers (NEEC), and metastatic carcinomas of endometrium. Expression of the receptors were compared to each other as well as to mismatch repair proteins (MMR), p53, and body mass index (BMI) using Fisher's Exact test in the StatPlus software. RESULTS In EECs, the positivity was 97% for all the three receptors. In NEEC, positivity rates were 68%, 48%, and 35% for AR, ER, and PR respectively. In Metastatic carcinomas, AR and ER positivity was seen in 100% while PR was positive in 75% of the cases. In all cancers, the rates were 17% (11/66) for MMR loss, 57% (30/53) for p53 aberrant expression, and 76% (54/71) for the patients with BMI of ≥ 25 (kg/m2). CONCLUSION AR is expressed in a high percentage of endometrial cancers. Its significance is more evident in high-grade NEEC where ER and PR may not be expressed. These findings warrant further evaluation of AR expression and candidacy of this pathway as a potential therapeutic target in endometrial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda A. Moatamed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Saba Vahdatshariatpanahi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - David W. Gjertson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States America
| | - Chana R. Sachs
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Yuna Kang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Nora Ostrzega
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Jiaoti Huang
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sanaz Memarzadeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- UCLA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States America
- Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, United Sates of America
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Grisham RN, Manning-Geist BL, Chui MH. The highs and lows of serous ovarian cancer. Cancer 2023; 129:2613-2620. [PMID: 37366225 PMCID: PMC10572736 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34903] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Low-grade serous ovarian cancer was initially described as a distinct type of rare epithelial ovarian cancer 20 years ago; however, only recently have physicians begun to leverage the understanding of the clinical behavior and molecular profile of this disease for treatment. The use of routine next-generation sequencing has allowed a deeper understanding of the molecular drivers of this disease and shown how molecular alterations in mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway genes such as KRAS and BRAF can affect overall prognosis and disease behavior. The use of targeted therapies, including MEK inhibitors, BRAF kinase inhibitors, and other investigational targeted therapies are changing the way this disease is viewed and treated. In addition, endocrine therapy can provide prolonged disease stability with generally mild toxicity, as well as promising response rates in recent studies examining combination therapy with CDK 4/6 inhibitors in the upfront and recurrent setting. Once seen merely as a chemo-resistant form of ovarian cancer, recent studies have worked to harness the unique features of low-grade serous ovarian cancer to provide individualized treatment options for patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel N Grisham
- Department of Medicine, Gynecologic Medical Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Beryl L Manning-Geist
- Gynecology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - M Herman Chui
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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Molecular Regulation of Androgen Receptors in Major Female Reproductive System Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147556. [PMID: 35886904 PMCID: PMC9322163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There are three main types of cancer in the female reproductive system, specifically ovarian cancer (OVCA), endometrial cancer (EC), and cervical cancer (CC). They are common malignant tumors in women worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, androgen receptors (ARs) have been found to be closely related to the occurrence, progression, prognosis, and drug resistance of these three types of tumors. This paper summarizes current views on the role of AR in female reproductive system cancer, the associations between female reproductive system cancers and AR expression and polymorphisms. AR regulates the downstream target genes transcriptional activity and the expression via interacting with coactivators/corepressors and upstream/downstream regulators and through the gene transcription mechanism of “classical A/AR signaling” or “non-classical AR signaling”, involving a large number of regulatory factors and signaling pathways. ARs take part in the processes of cancer cell proliferation, migration/invasion, cancer cell stemness, and chemotherapeutic drug resistance. These findings suggest that the AR and related regulators could target the treatment of female reproductive system cancer.
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