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Hong CR, Liew LP, Wong WW, Dickson BD, Cheng G, Shome A, Airey R, Jaiswal J, Lipert B, Jamieson SMF, Wilson WR, Hay MP. Identification of 6-Anilino Imidazo[4,5- c]pyridin-2-ones as Selective DNA-Dependent Protein Kinase Inhibitors and Their Application as Radiosensitizers. J Med Chem 2024; 67:12366-12385. [PMID: 39007759 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The dominant role of non-homologous end-joining in the repair of radiation-induced double-strand breaks identifies DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) as an excellent target for the development of radiosensitizers. We report the discovery of a new class of imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-2-one DNA-PK inhibitors. Structure-activity studies culminated in the identification of 78 as a nM DNA-PK inhibitor with excellent selectivity for DNA-PK compared to related phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and PI3K-like kinase (PIKK) families and the broader kinome, and displayed DNA-PK-dependent radiosensitization of HAP1 cells. Compound 78 demonstrated robust radiosensitization of a broad range of cancer cells in vitro, displayed high oral bioavailability, and sensitized colorectal carcinoma (HCT116/54C) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (UT-SCC-74B) tumor xenografts to radiation. Compound 78 also provided substantial tumor growth inhibition of HCT116/54C tumor xenografts in combination with radiation. Compound 78 represents a new, potent, and selective class of DNA-PK inhibitors with significant potential as radiosensitizers for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho R Hong
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Lydia P Liew
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Way W Wong
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin D Dickson
- Chemistry and Applied Physics, School of Science, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - Gary Cheng
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Avik Shome
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca Airey
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Jagdish Jaiswal
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Barbara Lipert
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Stephen M F Jamieson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - William R Wilson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Michael P Hay
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
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Ostapowicz J, Ostrowska K, Golusiński W, Kulcenty K, Suchorska WM. Improving therapeutic strategies for Head and Neck Cancer: Insights from 3D hypoxic cell culture models in treatment response evaluation. Adv Med Sci 2024; 69:368-376. [PMID: 39047970 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2024.07.007] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Hypoxia in the tumor core negatively affects the outcome of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Nevertheless, its role in predicting treatment response requires further exploration. Typically, reduced oxygen levels in the tumor core correlate with diminished efficacy of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, which are commonly used for HNSCC patients' treatment. Understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of these varied treatment responses in HNSCC is crucial for enhancing therapeutic outcomes and extending patients' overall survival (OS) rates. Standard monolayer cell culture conditions have major limitations in mimicking tumor physiological features and the complexity of the tumor microenvironment. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures enable the recreation of the in vivo tumor attributes, encompassing oxygen and nutrient gradients, cellular morphology, and intracellular connections. It is vital to use the 3D model in treatment response studies to mimic the tumor microenvironment, as evidenced by the decreased sensitivity of 3D structures to anticancer therapy. Accordingly, the aim of the study was to delineate the utility of the 3D models of hypoxic head and neck tumors in drug screening and treatment response studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ostapowicz
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland; Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Kamila Ostrowska
- Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wojciech Golusiński
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kulcenty
- Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wiktoria M Suchorska
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
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ALMisned G, Kilic CS, Almansoori A, Mesbahi A, Hamad M, Tekin H. Evaluating deposited radiation energy amount and collision quantities of small-molecule radiosensitizers through Monte Carlo simulations. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33734. [PMID: 39050474 PMCID: PMC11267030 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the photon interaction mechanism of various small molecule radiosensitizers, including Hydrogen Peroxide, Nimorazole, 5-Fluorouracil, NVX-108, and others, using the MCNP 6.3 Monte Carlo simulation code. The simulations focused on quantifying the linear attenuation coefficients, mean free path, and accumulation factors of these radiosensitizers, as well as their interactions in a simulated spherical water phantom irradiated with a 100 keV mono-energetic X-ray source. Our findings reveal significant variations in deposited energy, collision events, and mean free path among the radiosensitizers, indicating different efficacy levels in enhancing radiation therapy. Notably, NVX-108 demonstrated the highest energy deposition, suggesting its potential as a highly effective radiosensitizer. The study also examined the individual attenuation properties of these radiosensitizers against energetic photons, with NVX-108 showing the highest attenuation coefficient and a shorter mean free path, further supporting its superior potential in effective radiosensitization. It can be concluded that NVX-108 has higher interaction tendency with the energetic photons comparing other small-molecules under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada ALMisned
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ceyda Sibel Kilic
- Ankara University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Asma Almansoori
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - A. Mesbahi
- Medical Radiation Research Team, South Morang, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mawieh Hamad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - H.O. Tekin
- Department of Medical Diagnostic Imaging, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Istinye University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Computer Engineering Department, Istanbul 34396, Turkey
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4
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Morse RT, Mell LK. Hypoxic Cell Radiosensitization in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Running Out of Air. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 119:783-785. [PMID: 38851276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.02.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T Morse
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Loren K Mell
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
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Thomson DJ, Slevin NJ, Baines H, Betts G, Bolton S, Evans M, Garcez K, Irlam J, Lee L, Melillo N, Mistry H, More E, Nutting C, Price JM, Schipani S, Sen M, Yang H, West CM. Randomized Phase 3 Trial of the Hypoxia Modifier Nimorazole Added to Radiation Therapy With Benefit Assessed in Hypoxic Head and Neck Cancers Determined Using a Gene Signature (NIMRAD). Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 119:771-782. [PMID: 38072326 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.11.055] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumor hypoxia is an adverse prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We assessed whether patients with hypoxic HNSCC benefited from the addition of nimorazole to definitive intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). METHODS AND MATERIALS NIMRAD was a phase 3, multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-anonymized trial of patients with HNSCC unsuitable for concurrent platinum chemotherapy or cetuximab with definitive IMRT (NCT01950689). Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive IMRT (65 Gy in 30 fractions over 6 weeks) plus nimorazole (1.2 g/m2 daily, before IMRT) or placebo. The primary endpoint was freedom from locoregional progression (FFLRP) in patients with hypoxic tumors, defined as greater than or equal to the median tumor hypoxia score of the first 50 patients analyzed (≥0.079), using a validated 26-gene signature. The planned sample size was 340 patients, allowing for signature generation in 85% and an assumed hazard ratio (HR) of 0.50 for nimorazole effectiveness in the hypoxic group and requiring 66 locoregional failures to have 80% power in a 2-tail log-rank test at the 5% significance level. RESULTS Three hundred thirty-eight patients were randomized by 19 centers in the United Kingdom from May 2014 to May 2019, with a median follow-up of 3.1 years (95% CI, 2.9-3.4). Hypoxia scores were available for 286 (85%). The median patient age was 73 years (range, 44-88; IQR, 70-76). There were 36 (25.9%) locoregional failures in the hypoxic group, in which nimorazole + IMRT did not improve FFLRP (adjusted HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.36-1.44; P = .35) or overall survival (adjusted HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.53-1.72; P = .88) compared with placebo + IMRT. Similarly, nimorazole + IMRT did not improve FFLRP or overall survival in the whole population. In total (N = 338), 73% of patients allocated nimorazole adhered to the drug for ≥50% of IMRT fractions. Nimorazole + IMRT caused more acute nausea compared with placebo + IMRT (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 G1+2: 56.6% vs 42.4%, G3: 10.1% vs 5.3%, respectively; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Addition of the hypoxia modifier nimorazole to IMRT for locally advanced HNSCC in older and less fit patients did not improve locoregional control or survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Thomson
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nick J Slevin
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Baines
- National Radiotherapy Trials Quality Assurance (RTTQA) Group, Northwood, United Kingdom; Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Guy Betts
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Steve Bolton
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mererid Evans
- Cardiff University and Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Garcez
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Joely Irlam
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lip Lee
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hitesh Mistry
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom; SystemsForecastingUK Ltd, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Elisabet More
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - James M Price
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Stefano Schipani
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mehmet Sen
- Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Huiqi Yang
- National Radiotherapy Trials Quality Assurance (RTTQA) Group, Northwood, United Kingdom; Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Catharine M West
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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McGovern MK, Witt E, Rhodes AC, Kim J, Feig VR, Bi J, Cafi AB, Hatfield S, Nwosu I, Byrne JD. Impact of formulation on solid oxygen-entrapping materials to overcome tumor hypoxia. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:931-940. [PMID: 38230545 PMCID: PMC10984782 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Tumor hypoxia, resulting from rapid tumor growth and aberrant vascular proliferation, exacerbates tumor aggressiveness and resistance to treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. To increase tumor oxygenation, we developed solid oxygen gas-entrapping materials (O2-GeMs), which were modeled after clinical brachytherapy implants, for direct tumor implantation. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact different formulations of solid O2-GeMs have on the entrapment and delivery of oxygen. Using a Parr reactor, we fabricated solid O2-GeMs using carbohydrate-based formulations used in the confectionary industry. In evaluating solid O2-GeMs manufactured from different sugars, the sucrose-containing formulation exhibited the highest oxygen concentration at 1 mg/g, as well as the fastest dissolution rate. The addition of a surface coating to the solid O2-GeMs, especially polycaprolactone, effectively prolonged the dissolution of the solid O2-GeMs. In vivo evaluation confirmed robust insertion and positioning of O2-GeMs in a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, highlighting potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K McGovern
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Emily Witt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Ashley C Rhodes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jinhee Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vivian R Feig
- Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jianling Bi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Arielle B Cafi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Sam Hatfield
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Ikenna Nwosu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - James D Byrne
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Carlander ALF, Bendtsen SK, Rasmussen JH, Jakobsen KK, Garset-Zamani M, Grønhøj C, Friborg J, Hutcheson K, Johnson FM, Fuller CD, Moreno AC, Babarinde T, Gross ND, Myers JN, von Buchwald C. Clinical and prognostic differences in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in USA and Denmark, two HPV high-prevalence areas. Eur J Cancer 2024; 202:113983. [PMID: 38452723 PMCID: PMC11357839 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2024.113983] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uncertainty persists regarding clinical and treatment variations crucial to consider when comparing high human papillomavirus (HPV)-prevalence oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) cohorts for accurate patient stratification and replicability of clinical trials across different geographical areas. METHODS OPSCC patients were included from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (UTMDACC), USA and from The University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark from 2015-2020, (n = 2484). Outcomes were 3-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free interval (RFI). Subgroup analyses were made for low-risk OPSCC patients (T1-2N0M0) and high-risk patients (UICC8 III-IV). RESULTS There were significantly more HPV-positive (88.2 % vs. 63.1 %), males (89.4 % vs. 74.1 %), never-smokers (52.1 % vs. 23.7 %), lower UICC8-stage (I/II: 79.3 % vs. 68 %), and fewer patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) alone (14.8 % vs. 30.3 %) in the UTMDACC cohort. No difference in the adjusted OS was observed (hazard ratio [HR] 1.21, p = 0.23), but a significantly increased RFI HR was observed for the Copenhagen cohort (HR: 1.74, p = 0.003). Subgroup analyses of low- and high-risk patients revealed significant clinical and treatment differences. No difference in prognosis was observed for low-risk patients, but the prognosis for high-risk patients in the Copenhagen cohort was worse (OS HR 2.20, p = 0.004, RFI HR 2.80, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS We identified significant differences in clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and prognosis between a Northern European and Northern American OPSCC population. These differences are important to consider when comparing outcomes and for patient stratification in clinical trials, as reproducibility might be challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda-Louise Fenger Carlander
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Simone Kloch Bendtsen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob H Rasmussen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kathrine Kronberg Jakobsen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Garset-Zamani
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Grønhøj
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeppe Friborg
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katherine Hutcheson
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, UTMDACC, TX, USA
| | - Faye M Johnson
- Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, UTMDACC, TX, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; UTMDACC, TX, USA
| | - Clifton D Fuller
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, UTMDACC, TX, USA
| | - Amy C Moreno
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, UTMDACC, TX, USA
| | - Toyin Babarinde
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, UTMDACC, TX, USA
| | - Neil D Gross
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, UTMDACC, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, UTMDACC, TX, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; UTMDACC, TX, USA
| | - Christian von Buchwald
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Bigos KJA, Quiles CG, Lunj S, Smith DJ, Krause M, Troost EGC, West CM, Hoskin P, Choudhury A. Tumour response to hypoxia: understanding the hypoxic tumour microenvironment to improve treatment outcome in solid tumours. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1331355. [PMID: 38352889 PMCID: PMC10861654 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1331355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumours affecting their biology and response to therapy. One of the main transcription factors activated by hypoxia is hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), which regulates the expression of genes involved in various aspects of tumourigenesis including proliferative capacity, angiogenesis, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, and cell migration. This can negatively impact patient outcomes by inducing therapeutic resistance. The importance of hypoxia is clearly demonstrated by continued research into finding clinically relevant hypoxia biomarkers, and hypoxia-targeting therapies. One of the problems is the lack of clinically applicable methods of hypoxia detection, and lack of standardisation. Additionally, a lot of the methods of detecting hypoxia do not take into consideration the complexity of the hypoxic tumour microenvironment (TME). Therefore, this needs further elucidation as approximately 50% of solid tumours are hypoxic. The ECM is important component of the hypoxic TME, and is developed by both cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumour cells. However, it is important to distinguish the different roles to develop both biomarkers and novel compounds. Fibronectin (FN), collagen (COL) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are important components of the ECM that create ECM fibres. These fibres are crosslinked by specific enzymes including lysyl oxidase (LOX) which regulates the stiffness of tumours and induces fibrosis. This is partially regulated by HIFs. The review highlights the importance of understanding the role of matrix stiffness in different solid tumours as current data shows contradictory results on the impact on therapeutic resistance. The review also indicates that further research is needed into identifying different CAF subtypes and their exact roles; with some showing pro-tumorigenic capacity and others having anti-tumorigenic roles. This has made it difficult to fully elucidate the role of CAFs within the TME. However, it is clear that this is an important area of research that requires unravelling as current strategies to target CAFs have resulted in worsened prognosis. The role of immune cells within the tumour microenvironment is also discussed as hypoxia has been associated with modulating immune cells to create an anti-tumorigenic environment. Which has led to the development of immunotherapies including PD-L1. These hypoxia-induced changes can confer resistance to conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the impact of hypoxia on the TME and its implications for therapy resistance. It also discusses the potential of hypoxia biomarkers as prognostic and predictive indictors of treatment response, as well as the challenges and opportunities of targeting hypoxia in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla JA. Bigos
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Conrado G. Quiles
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sapna Lunj
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle J. Smith
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mechthild Krause
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, Helmholtz Association / Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Esther GC. Troost
- OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, Helmholtz Association / Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Radiooncology – OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Rossendorf, Germany
| | - Catharine M. West
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Christie Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Hoskin
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, United Kingdom
| | - Ananya Choudhury
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Germany
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Fok M, Hill R, Fowler H, Clifford R, Kler A, Uzzi-Daniel J, Rocha S, Grundy G, Parsons J, Vimalachandran D. Enhancing radiotherapy outcomes in rectal cancer: A systematic review of targeting hypoxia-induced radioresistance. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2024; 44:100695. [PMID: 37961749 PMCID: PMC10637894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2023.100695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neoadjuvant radiotherapy is successfully used in rectal cancer to improve overall survival. However, treatment response is both unpredictable and variable. There is strong evidence to show that the phenomenon of tumour hypoxia is associated with radioresistance, however the mechanism(s) behind this are poorly understood. Consequently, there have only been a small number of studies evaluating methods targeting hypoxia-induced radioresistance. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the potential effectiveness of targeting hypoxia-induced radioresistance in rectal cancer and provide recommendations for future research in this area. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. This study was registered on the Prospero database (CRD42023441983). Results Eight articles met the inclusion criteria. All studies identified were in vitro or in vivo studies, there were no clinical trials. Of the 8 studies identified, 5 assessed the efficacy of drugs which directly or indirectly targeted hypoxia and three that identified potential targets. There was conflicting in vivo evidence for the use of metformin to overcome hypoxia induced radioresistance. Vorinostat, atovaquone, and evofosfamide showed promising preclinical evidence that they can overcome hypoxia-induced radioresistance. Discussion The importance of investigating hypoxia-induced radioresistance in rectal cancer is crucial. However, to date, only a small number of preclinical studies exist evaluating this phenomenon. This systematic review highlights the importance of further research to fully understand the mechanism behind this radioresistance. There are promising targets identified in this systematic review however, substantially more pre-clinical and clinical research as a priority for future research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Fok
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Rhianna Hill
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Hayley Fowler
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Rachael Clifford
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Aaron Kler
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Jayanma Uzzi-Daniel
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Sonia Rocha
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Gabrielle Grundy
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Jason Parsons
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Dale Vimalachandran
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
- Countess of Chester Hospital, Colorectal Surgery Department, Chester, UK
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10
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Navran A, Al-Mamgani A, Elzinga H, Kessels R, Vens C, Tesselaar M, van den Brekel M, de Haan R, van Triest B, Verheij M. Phase I feasibility study of Olaparib in combination with loco-regional radiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2024; 44:100698. [PMID: 38021094 PMCID: PMC10654000 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2023.100698] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose PARP-inhibitors have potent radiosensitizing properties in pre-clinical models. To identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the PARP-inhibitor Olaparib in combination with radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer, a single institutional phase-I dose escalation trial was initiated. Patients and methods The starting dose of Olaparib was 25 mg BID, combined with radiotherapy (70 Gy in 35 fractions). The MTD was defined as the highest dose-level at which not more than 20 % of patients experience dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) or as the highest reached dose in the absence of DLT's. Results One week Olaparib-only treatment (25 mg QD) was administered to all patients prior to the start of radiotherapy. In dose-level I, Olaparib (25 mg BID) was combined with accelerated radiotherapy (70 Gy in 6 weeks). Because of DLT's in 3 of the 4 treated patients (acute tracheotomy 5 and 7 months and osteoradionecrosis 7 months after treatment), the Olaparib dose was de-escalated to 25 mg QD, and combined with conventional radiotherapy (70 Gy in 7 weeks) (dose-level II). There were no DLT's observed in 5 patients treated within dose-level II. After a median follow-up of 60 months, the 4-year LRC and OS rates were 77.8 % and 88.9 %, respectively. Conclusion Olaparib 25 mg QD combined with conventionally fractionated radiotherapy was well tolerated and identified as the MTD while severe DLT's were observed when Olaparib 25 mg BID was combined with accelerated radiation. This combination might be further explored in future Olaparib dose escalation studies in patients with locally-advanced HNSCC unfit for cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Navran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Abrahim Al-Mamgani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hester Elzinga
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Kessels
- Department of Biomerics, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Conchita Vens
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margot Tesselaar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel van den Brekel
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute and Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rosemarie de Haan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Baukelien van Triest
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Verheij
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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11
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Viktorsson K, Rieckmann T, Fleischmann M, Diefenhardt M, Hehlgans S, Rödel F. Advances in molecular targeted therapies to increase efficacy of (chemo)radiation therapy. Strahlenther Onkol 2023; 199:1091-1109. [PMID: 37041372 PMCID: PMC10673805 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02064-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in understanding the tumor's biology in line with a constantly growing number of innovative technologies have prompted characterization of patients' individual malignancies and may display a prerequisite to treat cancer at its patient individual tumor vulnerability. In recent decades, radiation- induced signaling and tumor promoting local events for radiation sensitization were explored in detail, resulting the development of novel molecular targets. A multitude of pharmacological, genetic, and immunological principles, including small molecule- and antibody-based targeted strategies, have been developed that are suitable for combined concepts with radiation (RT) or chemoradiation therapy (CRT). Despite a plethora of promising experimental and preclinical findings, however, so far, only a very limited number of clinical trials have demonstrated a better outcome and/or patient benefit when RT or CRT are combined with targeted agents. The current review aims to summarize recent progress in molecular therapies targeting oncogenic drivers, DNA damage and cell cycle response, apoptosis signaling pathways, cell adhesion molecules, hypoxia, and the tumor microenvironment to impact therapy refractoriness and to boost radiation response. In addition, we will discuss recent advances in nanotechnology, e.g., RNA technologies and protein-degrading proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that may open new and innovative ways to benefit from molecular-targeted therapy approaches with improved efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Viktorsson
- Department of Oncology/Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Visionsgatan 4, 17164, Solna, Sweden
| | - Thorsten Rieckmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Fleischmann
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University of Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Markus Diefenhardt
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University of Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hehlgans
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Franz Rödel
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University of Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site: Frankfurt, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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12
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Ferioli M, Perrone AM, Buwenge M, Arcelli A, Vadala’ M, Fionda B, Malato MC, De Iaco P, Zamagni C, Cammelli S, Tagliaferri L, Morganti AG. Combination of Electrochemotherapy with Radiotherapy: A Comprehensive, Systematic, PRISMA-Compliant Review of Efficacy and Potential Radiosensitizing Effects in Tumor Control. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:9895-9905. [PMID: 37999139 PMCID: PMC10670517 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30110719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) and electrochemotherapy (ECT) are established local treatments for cancer. While effective, both therapies have limitations, especially in treating bulky and poorly oxygenated tumors. ECT has emerged as a promising palliative treatment, raising interest in exploring its combination with RT to enhance tumor response. However, the potential benefits and challenges of combining these treatments remain unclear. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane libraries were searched. Studies were screened and selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ten studies were included, comprising in vitro and in vivo experiments. Different tumor types were treated with ECT alone or in combination with RT. ECT plus RT demonstrated superior tumor response compared to that under single therapies or other combinations, regardless of the cytotoxic agent and RT dose. However, no study demonstrated a clear superadditive effect in cell survival curves, suggesting inconclusive evidence of specific ECT-induced radiosensitization. Toxicity data were limited. In conclusion, the combination of ECT and RT consistently improved tumor response compared to that with individual therapies, supporting the potential benefit of their combination. However, evidence for a specific ECT-induced radiosensitization effect is currently lacking. Additional investigations are necessary to elucidate the potential benefits of this combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ferioli
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Anna M. Perrone
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
- Division of Oncologic Gynaecology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Milly Buwenge
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Alessandra Arcelli
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
- Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Vadala’
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Bruno Fionda
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, 00168 Roma, Italy; (B.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Maria C. Malato
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
- Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Pierandrea De Iaco
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
- Division of Oncologic Gynaecology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Zamagni
- Oncologia Medica Addarii, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Silvia Cammelli
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
- Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Tagliaferri
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, 00168 Roma, Italy; (B.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Alessio G. Morganti
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
- Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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13
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Kjems J, Elisabet Håkansson K, Andrup Kristensen C, Grau Eriksen J, Horsholt Kristensen M, Ivalu Sander Holm A, Overgaard J, Rønn Hansen C, Zukauskaite R, Johansen J, Richter Vogelius I, Friborg J. The influence of tumor volume on the risk of distant metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Radiother Oncol 2023; 186:109771. [PMID: 37385382 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109771] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Distant metastases (DM) in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are in most circumstances non-curable. The TNM staging system is insufficient to predict the risk of DM. This study investigates if the DM risk can be predicted using a multivariate model including pre-treatment total tumor volume for both p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and all other sites (other HNSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS The study includes patients with localized pharyngeal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas treated with primary radiotherapy from 2008-2017 from three head and neck cancer centers. Patients were identified in the Danish Head and Neck Cancer (DAHANCA) database. Total (nodal and primary) tumor volume (Gross Tumor Volume, GTV) was extracted from local treatment planning systems. The GTV was grouped by volume (cm3) in four intervals and included in a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression controlled for pre-selected clinical values incl. stage. RESULTS The study includes 2,865 patients, of which 321 (11 %) had DM post-treatment. The risk of DM was assessed in a multivariate model based on 2,751 patients (p16-positive OPSCC: 1,032; and other HNSCC: 1,719). There was a significant association between GTV and the risk of DM, and in tumor volumes ≥ 50 cm3 hazard ratios of 7.6 (2.5-23.4) for p16-positive OPSCC and 4.1 (2.3-7.2) in other HNSCC were observed. CONCLUSION Tumor volume is an independent risk factor for DM. The addition of total tumor volume to a predictive model is important to identify subgroups of HNSCC patients at high risk of DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Kjems
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
| | | | - Claus Andrup Kristensen
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
| | - Jesper Grau Eriksen
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus 8200, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Jens Overgaard
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus 8200, Denmark.
| | - Christian Rønn Hansen
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense 5000, Denmark; Laboratory of Radiation Physics, Odense University Hospital, Odense 5000, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5000, Denmark.
| | - Ruta Zukauskaite
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense 5000, Denmark.
| | - Jørgen Johansen
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense 5000, Denmark.
| | - Ivan Richter Vogelius
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
| | - Jeppe Friborg
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
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14
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Koi L, Bitto V, Weise C, Möbius L, Linge A, Löck S, Yaromina A, Besso MJ, Valentini C, Pfeifer M, Overgaard J, Zips D, Kurth I, Krause M, Baumann M. Prognostic biomarkers for the response to the radiosensitizer nimorazole combined with RCTx: a pre-clinical trial in HNSCC xenografts. J Transl Med 2023; 21:576. [PMID: 37633930 PMCID: PMC10464469 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04439-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor hypoxia is associated with resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), nimorazole, an oxygen mimic, combined with radiotherapy (RT) enabled to improve loco-regional control (LRC) in some patients with hypoxic tumors but it is unknown whether this holds also for radiochemotherapy (RCTx). Here, we investigated the impact of nimorazole combined with RCTx in HNSCC xenografts and explored molecular biomarkers for its targeted use. METHODS Irradiations were performed with 30 fractions in 6 weeks combined with weekly cisplatin. Nimorazole was applied before each fraction, beginning with the first or after ten fractions. Effect of RCTx with or without addition of nimorazole was quantified as permanent local control after irradiation. For histological evaluation and targeted gene expression analysis, tumors were excised untreated or after ten fractions. Using quantitative image analysis, micromilieu parameters were determined. RESULTS Nimorazole combined with RCTx significantly improved permanent local control in two tumor models, and showed a potential improvement in two additional models. In these four models, pimonidazole hypoxic volume (pHV) was significantly reduced after ten fractions of RCTx alone. Our results suggest that nimorazole combined with RCTx might improve TCR compared to RCTx alone if hypoxia is decreased during the course of RCTx but further experiments are warranted to verify this association. Differential gene expression analysis revealed 12 genes as potential for RCTx response. When evaluated in patients with HNSCC who were treated with primary RCTx, these genes were predictive for LRC. CONCLUSIONS Nimorazole combined with RCTx improved local tumor control in some but not in all HNSCC xenografts. We identified prognostic biomarkers with the potential for translation to patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Koi
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Dresden, Germany
| | - Verena Bitto
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Division of Radiooncology / Radiobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- HIDSS4Health - Helmholtz Information and Data Science School for Health, Karlsruhe/Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Corina Weise
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lisa Möbius
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Annett Linge
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Steffen Löck
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ala Yaromina
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - María José Besso
- Division of Radiooncology / Radiobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Chiara Valentini
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Manuel Pfeifer
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jens Overgaard
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Daniel Zips
- Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin, Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ina Kurth
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Division of Radiooncology / Radiobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mechthild Krause
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Baumann
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Division of Radiooncology / Radiobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Das SM, Roy N, Singh D, Sardar PK, Das S. A Comparative Prospective Study Between Conventional Chemo-Radiotherapy and Pure Accelerated Radiotherapy With Concurrent Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer. Cureus 2023; 15:e42206. [PMID: 37602000 PMCID: PMC10439807 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The established standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is concurrent chemoradiotherapy, but the optimum radiotherapy schedule for best disease control and acceptable toxicity is still evolving. Tumor control probability decreases with each day's prolongation of treatment time. Shortening the overall treatment time of radiation by pure accelerated radiotherapy may be a good option. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred and sixty-five patients with histopathologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were included in the study and were assigned into two groups from January 2017 to June 2019. The total dose of 70 Gy was given, 2 Gy/fraction/day. Treatment was given five days a week (conventional radiotherapy) and six days a week (pure accelerated radiotherapy). Both groups received weekly concurrent injections of cisplatin. RESULTS The stage (p=0.006) and fractionation of radiation (p=0.018) were the independent factors affecting disease-free survival (DFS). There was a statistically significant difference (p=0.019) in the recurrence of patients in different fractionation schedules. The median DFS was 39 months with a 95% CI of 31.44 - 46.55. One- and three-year DFS was 51% and 8.5% respectively in the five fractions/week schedule arm while 54.5% and 9.5% respectively in the six fractions/week schedule group. CONCLUSION Pure accelerated radiotherapy is more efficacious in terms of disease control with comparable mildly increased acute side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumana M Das
- Department of Radiotherapy, Radha Gobinda (RG) Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, IND
| | - Niladri Roy
- Department of Radiotherapy, Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, IND
| | - Dharmendra Singh
- Department of Radiotherapy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Deoghar, IND
| | | | - Siddhartha Das
- Department of Physiology, Diamond Harbour Government Medical College, Diamond Harbour, IND
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16
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Abstract
Hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) occurs in most solid malignancies, albeit with considerable heterogeneity. Hypoxia is associated with an aggressive cancer phenotype by promotion of genomic instability, evasion of anti-cancer therapies including radiotherapy and enhancement of metastatic risk. Therefore, hypoxia results in poor cancer outcomes. Targeting hypoxia to improve cancer outcomes is an attractive therapeutic strategy. Hypoxia-targeted dose painting escalates radiotherapy dose to hypoxic sub-volumes, as quantified and spatially mapped using hypoxia imaging. This therapeutic approach could overcome hypoxia-induced radioresistance and improve patient outcomes without the need for hypoxia-targeted drugs. This article will review the premise and underpinning evidence for personalized hypoxia-targeted dose painting. It will present data on relevant hypoxia imaging biomarkers, highlight the challenges and potential benefit of this approach and provide recommendations for future research priorities in this field. Personalized hypoxia-based radiotherapy de-escalation strategies will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Salem
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan; Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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17
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Liew LP, Shome A, Wong WW, Hong CR, Hicks KO, Jamieson SMF, Hay MP. Design, Synthesis and Anticancer Evaluation of Nitroimidazole Radiosensitisers. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28114457. [PMID: 37298933 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of hypoxic tumour cells in resistance to radiotherapy, and in suppression of immune response, continues to endorse tumour hypoxia as a bona fide, yet largely untapped, drug target. Radiotherapy innovations such as stereotactic body radiotherapy herald new opportunities for classical oxygen-mimetic radiosensitisers. Only nimorazole is used clinically as a radiosensitiser, and there is a dearth of new radiosensitisers in development. In this report, we augment previous work to present new nitroimidazole alkylsulfonamides and we document their cytotoxicity and ability to radiosensitise anoxic tumour cells in vitro. We compare radiosensitisation with etanidazole and earlier nitroimidazole sulfonamide analogues and we identify 2-nitroimidazole and 5-nitroimidazole analogues with marked tumour radiosensitisation in ex vivo assays of surviving clonogens and with in vivo tumour growth inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia P Liew
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Avik Shome
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Way W Wong
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Cho R Hong
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Kevin O Hicks
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Stephen M F Jamieson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Michael P Hay
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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18
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Diaz-Dussan D, Peng YY, Rashed FB, Macdonald D, Weinfeld M, Kumar P, Narain R. Optimized Carbohydrate-Based Nanogel Formulation to Sensitize Hypoxic Tumors. Mol Pharm 2023. [PMID: 37148327 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Solid tumors are often poorly vascularized, which impairs oxygen supply and drug delivery to the cells. This often leads to genetic and translational adaptations that promote tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to conventional chemo-/radiotherapy and immunotherapy. A hypoxia-directed nanosensitizer formulation of a hypoxia-activated prodrug (HAP) was developed by encapsulating iodoazomycin arabinofuranoside (IAZA), a 2-nitroimidazole nucleoside-based HAP, in a functionally modified carbohydrate-based nanogel, facilitating delivery and accrual selectively in the hypoxic head and neck and prostate cancer cells. Although IAZA has been reported as a clinically validated hypoxia diagnostic agent, recent studies have pointed to its promising hypoxia-selective anti-tumor properties, which make IAZA an excellent candidate for further exploration as a multimodal theranostic of hypoxic tumors. The nanogels are composed of a galactose-based shell with an inner core of thermoresponsive (di(ethylene glycol) methyl ethyl methacrylate) (DEGMA). Optimization of the nanogels led to high IAZA-loading capacity (≅80-88%) and a slow time-controlled release over 50 h. Furthermore, nanoIAZA (encapsulated IAZA) displayed superior in vitro hypoxia-selective cytotoxicity and radiosensitization in comparison to free IAZA in the head and neck (FaDu) and prostate (PC3) cancer cell lines. The acute systemic toxicity profile of the nanogel (NG1) was studied in immunocompromised mice, indicating no signs of toxicity. Additionally, growth inhibition of subcutaneous FaDu xenograft tumors was observed with nanoIAZA, demonstrating that this nanoformulation offers a significant improvement in tumor regression and overall survival compared to the control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Diaz-Dussan
- Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 1H9, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yi-Yang Peng
- Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 1H9, Alberta, Canada
| | - Faisal Bin Rashed
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, T6G 1Z2, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dawn Macdonald
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, T6G 1Z2, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael Weinfeld
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, T6G 1Z2, Alberta, Canada
| | - Piyush Kumar
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, T6G 1Z2, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ravin Narain
- Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 1H9, Alberta, Canada
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19
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Qian DC, Ulrich BC, Peng G, Zhao H, Conneely KN, Miller AH, Bruner DW, Eldridge RC, Wommack EC, Higgins KA, Shin DM, Saba NF, Smith AK, Burtness B, Park HS, Stokes WA, Beitler JJ, Xiao C. Outcomes Stratification of Head and Neck Cancer Using Pre- and Post-treatment DNA Methylation From Peripheral Blood. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 115:1217-1228. [PMID: 36410685 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Established prognostic factors for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) mostly consist of clinical and tumor features assessed before treatment. We report a novel application of DNA methylation in peripheral blood before and after radiation therapy to further improve outcomes stratification. METHODS AND MATERIALS Peripheral blood samples from patients with nonmetastatic HNSCC were obtained for methylation analysis 1 week before and 1 month after radiation therapy. Patients were randomized 1:1 to a Discovery Cohort or a Validation Cohort. In the Discovery Cohort, associations between genome-wide methylation change (posttreatment minus pretreatment) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) as well as overall survival (OS) were evaluated using Cox regression. A methylation risk score (MRS) was then constructed from methylation levels at the top associated sites, filtered for residing within the regulatory regions of genes expressed in cells of hematopoietic lineage. The prognostic value of MRS was separately assessed in the Discovery and Validation Cohorts. RESULTS Between December 2013 and September 2018, 115 patients participated in this study. Human papilloma virus negative status, oral cavity cancer, gastrostomy tube insertion, and higher neutrophil count before radiation therapy were associated with shorter RFS and OS (P < .05). Genes downstream of the methylation sites comprising MRS are HIF1A, SF1, LGALS9, and FUT5, involved in hypoxia response, blood cell maturation, and immune modulation. High MRS (in the top third) was significantly associated with worse RFS (hazard ratio [HR], 7.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-35.5; P = .016) and OS (HR, 15.9; 95% CI, 1.6-153.6; P = .017) in the Discovery Cohort, independent of the aforementioned risk factors. These findings were replicated in the Validation Cohort, for which high MRS also independently predicted worse RFS (HR, 10.2; 95%, CI 2.4-43.4; P = .002) and OS (HR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.3-10.4; P = .015). CONCLUSIONS We successfully trained and validated a signature of DNA methylation in peripheral blood before and after radiation therapy that stratified outcomes among patients with HNSCC, implicating the potential for genomics-tailored surveillance and consolidation treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Qian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Bryan C Ulrich
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Gang Peng
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Karen N Conneely
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Andrew H Miller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Deborah W Bruner
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ronald C Eldridge
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Evanthia C Wommack
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kristin A Higgins
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Dong M Shin
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Barbara Burtness
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Henry S Park
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - William A Stokes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jonathan J Beitler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Canhua Xiao
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
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20
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Elming PB, Busk M, Wittenborn TR, Bussink J, Horsman MR, Lønbro S. The effect of single bout and prolonged aerobic exercise on tumor hypoxia in mice. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 134:692-702. [PMID: 36727633 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00561.2022] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to investigate 1) the effect of acute aerobic exercise on tumor hypoxia and blood perfusion, 2) the impact of exercise intensity, 3) the duration of the effect, and 4) the effect of prolonged training on tumor hypoxia and tumor growth. Female CDF1 mice were inoculated with the C3H mammary carcinoma either in the mammary fat pad or subcutaneously in the back. For experiments on the effect of different intensities in a single exercise bout, mice were randomized to 30-min treadmill running at low-, moderate-, or high-intensity speeds or no exercise. To investigate the prolonged effect on hypoxia and tumor growth, tumor-bearing mice were randomized to no exercise (CON) or daily 30-min high-intensity exercise averaging 2 wk (EX). Tumor hypoxic fraction was quantified using the hypoxia marker Pimonidazole. Initially, high-intensity exercise reduced tumor hypoxic fraction by 37% compared with CON [P = 0.046; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1; 10.3] in fat pad tumors. Low- and moderate-intensity exercises did not. Following experiments investigating the duration of the effect-as well as experiments in mice with back tumors-failed to show any exercise-induced changes in hypoxia. Interestingly, prolonged daily training significantly reduced hypoxic fraction by 60% (P = 0.002; 95% CI: 2.5; 10.1) compared with CON. Despite diverging findings on the acute effect of exercise on hypoxia, our data indicate that if exercise has a diminishing effect, high-intensity exercise is needed. Prolonged training reduced tumor hypoxic fraction-cautiously suggesting a potential clinical potential.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides novel information on the effects of acute and chronic exercise on tumor hypoxia in mice. In contrast to the few related existing studies, diverging findings on tumor hypoxia after acute exercise were observed, suggesting that tumor model and location should be considered in future studies. Highly significant reductions in tumor hypoxia following chronic high-intensity exercise propose a future clinical potential but this should be investigated in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morten Busk
- Experimental Clinical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Centre for Particle Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thomas Rea Wittenborn
- Experimental Clinical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Johan Bussink
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University, Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michael R Horsman
- Experimental Clinical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Simon Lønbro
- Experimental Clinical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Section for Sports Science, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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21
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Influence of 2-Nitroimidazoles in the Response of FaDu Cells to Ionizing Radiation and Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020389. [PMID: 36829948 PMCID: PMC9951954 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020389] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular adaptations to hypoxia promote resistance to ionizing radiation (IR). This presents a challenge for treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) that relies heavily on radiotherapy. Standard radiosensitizers often fail to reach diffusion-restricted hypoxic cells, whereas nitroimidazoles (NIs) [such as iodoazomycin arabinofuranoside (IAZA) and fluoroazomycin arabinofuranoside (FAZA)] can preferentially accumulate in hypoxic tumours. Here, we explored if the hypoxia-selective uptake of IAZA and FAZA could be harnessed to make HNC cells (FaDu) susceptible to radiation therapy. Cellular response to treatment was assessed through clonogenic survival assays and by monitoring DNA damage (immunofluorescence staining of DNA damage markers, γ-H2AX and p-53BP1, and by alkaline comet assay). The effects of reoxygenation were studied using the following assays: estimation of nucleoside incorporation to assess DNA synthesis rates, immunofluorescent imaging of chromatin-associated replication protein A as a marker of replication stress, and quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Both IAZA and FAZA sensitized hypoxic HNC cells to IR, albeit the former is a better radiosensitizer. Radiosensitization by these compounds was restricted only to hypoxic cells, with no visible effects under normoxia. IAZA and FAZA impaired cellular adaptation to reoxygenation; high levels of ROS, reduced DNA synthesis capacity, and signs of replication stress were observed in reoxygenated cells. Overall, our data highlight the therapeutic potentials of IAZA and FAZA for targeting hypoxic HNC cells and provide rationale for future preclinical studies.
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22
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Sminia P, Guipaud O, Viktorsson K, Ahire V, Baatout S, Boterberg T, Cizkova J, Dostál M, Fernandez-Palomo C, Filipova A, François A, Geiger M, Hunter A, Jassim H, Edin NFJ, Jordan K, Koniarová I, Selvaraj VK, Meade AD, Milliat F, Montoro A, Politis C, Savu D, Sémont A, Tichy A, Válek V, Vogin G. Clinical Radiobiology for Radiation Oncology. RADIOBIOLOGY TEXTBOOK 2023:237-309. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-18810-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThis chapter is focused on radiobiological aspects at the molecular, cellular, and tissue level which are relevant for the clinical use of ionizing radiation (IR) in cancer therapy. For radiation oncology, it is critical to find a balance, i.e., the therapeutic window, between the probability of tumor control and the probability of side effects caused by radiation injury to the healthy tissues and organs. An overview is given about modern precision radiotherapy (RT) techniques, which allow optimal sparing of healthy tissues. Biological factors determining the width of the therapeutic window are explained. The role of the six typical radiobiological phenomena determining the response of both malignant and normal tissues in the clinic, the 6R’s, which are Reoxygenation, Redistribution, Repopulation, Repair, Radiosensitivity, and Reactivation of the immune system, is discussed. Information is provided on tumor characteristics, for example, tumor type, growth kinetics, hypoxia, aberrant molecular signaling pathways, cancer stem cells and their impact on the response to RT. The role of the tumor microenvironment and microbiota is described and the effects of radiation on the immune system including the abscopal effect phenomenon are outlined. A summary is given on tumor diagnosis, response prediction via biomarkers, genetics, and radiomics, and ways to selectively enhance the RT response in tumors. Furthermore, we describe acute and late normal tissue reactions following exposure to radiation: cellular aspects, tissue kinetics, latency periods, permanent or transient injury, and histopathology. Details are also given on the differential effect on tumor and late responding healthy tissues following fractionated and low dose rate irradiation as well as the effect of whole-body exposure.
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23
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Barcellini A, Fontana G, Filippini DM, Ronchi S, Bonora M, Vischioni B, Ingargiola R, Camarda AM, Loap P, Facchinetti N, Licitra L, Baroni G, Orlandi E. Exploring the role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and blood chemistry in head and neck adenoid cystic carcinomas treated with carbon ion radiotherapy. Radiother Oncol 2022; 177:143-151. [PMID: 36328091 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.10.027] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In recent years, there is an emerging interest in the prognostic role of chemistry blood biomarkers in oncological patients but their role in adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs) is still unknown. This study aims to assess the prognostic significance of baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and blood chemistry in a series of head and neck ACC patients treated with carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT). MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively retrieved the data of 49 consecutive head and neck ACC patients treated with CIRT. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression (Cox-ph) analyses were performed to look for a potential association of NLR, and other blood biomarker values, with disease-free survival (DFS), Local Control (LC), Metastasis Free Survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS No significant association between NLR > 2,5 and DFS, LC, MFS and OS was found with univariable analysis although a trend was reported for DFS (Hazard ratio [HR]: 2,10, 95 % CI: 0,85 - 5,08, p-value = 0,11). Patients with hemoglobin (hb) ≤ 14 g/dL showed significantly better DFS, MFS and OS. Multivariable regression Cox-ph analysis for DFS, adjusted for margin status, clinical target volume and Absolute Number of Monocytes, reported the following statistically significant HRs, for both NLR > 2,5 and hb > 14 g/dL respectively: 4,850 (95 % CI = 1,408 - 16,701, p = 0,012) and 3,032 (95 % CI = 1,095 - 8,393, p = 0,033). Moreover, hb > 14 with HR = 3,69 (95 % CI: 1,23 - 11,07, p-value = 0,02), was a negative independent prognostic predictor for MFS. CONCLUSIONS Pre-treatment NLR and hb values seem to be independent prognostic predictor for clinical outcomes in head and neck ACC patients. If their role will be validated in a larger prospective cohort, they might be worthwhile for a pre-treatment risk stratification in patients treated with CIRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Barcellini
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Clinical Department, National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Fontana
- Clinical Bioengineering Unit, National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Pavia, Italy
| | - Daria Maria Filippini
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Sant'Orsola Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Ronchi
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Clinical Department, National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Pavia, Italy.
| | - Maria Bonora
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Clinical Department, National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Pavia, Italy
| | - Barbara Vischioni
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Clinical Department, National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Pavia, Italy
| | - Rossana Ingargiola
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Clinical Department, National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Camarda
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Clinical Department, National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Pavia, Italy
| | - Pierre Loap
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Nadia Facchinetti
- Scientific Direction, National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Pavia, Italy
| | - Lisa Licitra
- Scientific Direction, National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Pavia, Italy; Head and Neck Medical Oncology 3 Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Baroni
- Clinical Bioengineering Unit, National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Pavia, Italy; Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB), Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ester Orlandi
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Clinical Department, National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Pavia, Italy
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24
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DuRoss AN, Phan J, Lazar AJ, Walker JM, Guimaraes AR, Baas C, Krishnan S, Thomas CR, Sun C, Bagley AF. Radiotherapy reimagined: Integrating nanomedicines into radiotherapy clinical trials. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 15:e1867. [PMID: 36308008 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Radioenhancing nanoparticles (NPs) are being evaluated in ongoing clinical trials for various cancers including head and neck, lung, esophagus, pancreas, prostate, and soft tissue sarcoma. Supported by decades of preclinical investigation and recent randomized trial data establishing clinical activity, these agents are poised to influence future multimodality treatment paradigms involving radiotherapy. Although the physical interactions between NPs and ionizing radiation are well characterized, less is known about how these agents modify the tumor microenvironment, particularly regarding tumor immunogenicity. In this review, we describe the key multidisciplinary considerations related to radiation, surgery, immunology, and pathology for designing radioenhancing NP clinical trials. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison N DuRoss
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jack Phan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alexander J Lazar
- Department of Pathology and Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Joshua M Walker
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Alexander R Guimaraes
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Carole Baas
- National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sunil Krishnan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Charles R Thomas
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth University, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Conroy Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Alexander F Bagley
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Samaritan Health Services, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
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25
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Ma SJ, Yu H, Khan M, Yu B, Santhosh S, Chatterjee U, Gill J, Iovoli A, Farrugia M, Wooten K, Gupta V, McSpadden R, Kuriakose MA, Markiewicz MR, Al-Afif A, Hicks WL, Platek ME, Seshadri M, Ray AD, Repasky E, Singh AK. Defining the optimal threshold and prognostic utility of pre-treatment hemoglobin level as a biomarker for survival outcomes in head and neck cancer patients receiving chemoradiation. Oral Oncol 2022; 133:106054. [PMID: 35933937 PMCID: PMC10018793 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.106054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to define the optimal threshold for anemia in North American head and neck cancer patients and evaluate its role as a prognostic biomarker. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single-institution database was queried for patients with head and neck cancer who underwent chemoradiation from January 2005 to April 2021. An optimal threshold of hemoglobin (Hgb) level was defined based on maximum log-rank test statistic. Cox multivariable analysis (MVA), Kaplan-Meier, and propensity score matching were performed to evaluate treatment outcomes. RESULTS A total of 496 patients were identified. Threshold for Hgb was determined to be 11.4 for both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Low Hgb was associated with worse OS (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR] 2.41, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.53-3.80, p < 0.001) and PFS (aHR 2.01, 95 % CI 1.30-3.11, p = 0.002). Similar findings were observed among 39 matched pairs for OS (5-year OS 22.3 % vs 49.0 %; HR 2.22, 95 % CI 1.23-4.03, p = 0.008) and PFS (5-year PFS 24.3 % vs 39.1 %; HR 1.78, 95 % CI 1.02-3.12, p = 0.04). Among those with HPV-negative tumors, low Hgb was associated with worse OS (aHR 13.90, 95 % CI 4.66-41.44, p < 0.001) and PFS (aHR 5.24, 95 % CI 2.09-13.18, p < 0.001). However, among those with HPV-positive tumors, low Hgb was not associated with both OS (aHR 1.75, 95 % CI 0.60-5.09, p = 0.31) and PFS (aHR 1.13, 95 % CI 0.41-3.14, p = 0.82). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE Low Hgb below 11.4 was an independent adverse prognostic factor for worse survival. It was also prognostic among patients with HPV-negative tumors, but not for HPV-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Jun Ma
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA.
| | - Han Yu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA.
| | - Michael Khan
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. USA.
| | - Brian Yu
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. USA.
| | - Sharon Santhosh
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. USA.
| | - Udit Chatterjee
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA.
| | - Jasmin Gill
- University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 12 Capen Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260. USA.
| | - Austin Iovoli
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA.
| | - Mark Farrugia
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA.
| | - Kimberly Wooten
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA.
| | - Vishal Gupta
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA.
| | - Ryan McSpadden
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA.
| | - Moni A Kuriakose
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA
| | - Michael R Markiewicz
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214. USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. USA.
| | - Ayham Al-Afif
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA.
| | - Wesley L Hicks
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA.
| | - Mary E Platek
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, D'Youville University, 320 Porter Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14201. USA.
| | - Mukund Seshadri
- Department of Oral Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA.
| | - Andrew D Ray
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA.
| | - Elizabeth Repasky
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA.
| | - Anurag K Singh
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. USA.
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Azad A, Kong A. The Therapeutic Potential of Imidazole or Quinone-Based Compounds as Radiosensitisers in Combination with Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194694. [PMID: 36230623 PMCID: PMC9563564 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Patients with curable head and neck cancers are usually treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but they experience significant, severe side effects, which greatly affect their quality of life. Some of these patients still experience disease relapse after an intensive course of treatment due to tumours that are resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy because of hypoxia (lack of oxygen). In addition, some patients are not suitable for and/or are not able to have combined chemotherapy with radiotherapy due to their age or other physical conditions. Certain small-molecule drugs, which are used to treat various infections including malaria, have been shown to reduce hypoxia and thus make radiotherapy more effective. Therefore, their combination with radiotherapy could have less toxicities compared with the combination of chemotherapy with radiotherapy. Here, we discuss the promising results from preclinical work and clinical trials of these agents, and their potential use in the clinic, to reduce hypoxia and to sensitise radiotherapy. These agents could potentially be used for patients who are not suitable for combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy; they may also be used to reduce the dose of radiotherapy if able to enhance radiotherapy effect at lower dose in order to reduce toxicities while maintaining the treatment efficacy in a more personalised manner. Abstract The addition of platinum chemotherapy to primary radiotherapy (chemoradiation) improves survival outcomes for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but it carries a high incidence of acute and long-term treatment-related complications, resulting in a poor quality of life. In addition, patients with significant co-morbidities, or older patients, cannot tolerate or do not benefit from concurrent chemoradiation. These patients are often treated with radiotherapy alone resulting in poor locoregional control and worse survival outcomes. Thus, there is an urgent need to assess other less toxic treatment modalities, which could become an alternative to chemoradiation in HNSCC. Currently, there are several promising anti-cancer drugs available, but there has been very limited success so far in replacing concurrent chemoradiation due to their low efficacy or increased toxicities. However, there is new hope that a treatment strategy that incorporates agents that act as radiosensitisers to improve the efficacy of conventional radiotherapy could be an alternative to more toxic chemotherapeutic agents. Recently, imidazole-based or quinone-based anti-malarial compounds have drawn considerable attention as potential radiosensitisers in several cancers. Here, we will discuss the possibility of using these compounds as radiosensitisers, which could be assessed as safe and effective alternatives to chemotherapy, particularly for patients with HNSCC that are not suitable for concurrent chemotherapy due to their age or co-morbidities or in metastatic settings. In addition, these agents could also be tested to assess their efficacy in combination with immunotherapy in recurrent and metastatic settings or in combination with radiotherapy and immunotherapy in curative settings.
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Biological Mechanisms to Reduce Radioresistance and Increase the Efficacy of Radiotherapy: State of the Art. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810211. [PMID: 36142122 PMCID: PMC9499172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment with ionizing radiation (IR) is a well-established and effective clinical method to fight different types of tumors and is a palliative treatment to cure metastatic stages. Approximately half of all cancer patients undergo radiotherapy (RT) according to clinical protocols that employ two types of ionizing radiation: sparsely IR (i.e., X-rays) and densely IR (i.e., protons). Most cancer cells irradiated with therapeutic doses exhibit radio-induced cytotoxicity in terms of cell proliferation arrest and cell death by apoptosis. Nevertheless, despite the more tailored advances in RT protocols in the last few years, several tumors show a relatively high percentage of RT failure and tumor relapse due to their radioresistance. To counteract this extremely complex phenomenon and improve clinical protocols, several factors associated with radioresistance, of both a molecular and cellular nature, must be considered. Tumor genetics/epigenetics, tumor microenvironment, tumor metabolism, and the presence of non-malignant cells (i.e., fibroblast-associated cancer cells, macrophage-associated cancer cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, endothelial cells, cancer stem cells) are the main factors important in determining the tumor response to IR. Here, we attempt to provide an overview of how such factors can be taken advantage of in clinical strategies targeting radioresistant tumors.
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Hill RM, Rocha S, Parsons JL. Overcoming the Impact of Hypoxia in Driving Radiotherapy Resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4130. [PMID: 36077667 PMCID: PMC9454974 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is very common in most solid tumours and is a driving force for malignant progression as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistance. Incidences of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have increased in the last decade and radiotherapy is a major therapeutic technique utilised in the treatment of the tumours. However, effectiveness of radiotherapy is hindered by resistance mechanisms and most notably by hypoxia, leading to poor patient prognosis of HNSCC patients. The phenomenon of hypoxia-induced radioresistance was identified nearly half a century ago, yet despite this, little progress has been made in overcoming the physical lack of oxygen. Therefore, a more detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms of hypoxia and the underpinning radiobiological response of tumours to this phenotype is much needed. In this review, we will provide an up-to-date overview of how hypoxia alters molecular and cellular processes contributing to radioresistance, particularly in the context of HNSCC, and what strategies have and could be explored to overcome hypoxia-induced radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhianna M. Hill
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | - Sonia Rocha
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Jason L. Parsons
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
- Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Clatterbridge Road, Bebington CH63 4JY, UK
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29
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Zhou Y, Larnaudie A, Ghannam Y, Ollivier L, Gounane Y, Laville A, Coutte A, Huertas A, Maroun P, Chargari C, Bockel S. Interactions of radiation therapy with common and innovative systemic treatments: Antidiabetic treatments, antihypertensives, lipid-lowering medications, immunosuppressive medications and other radiosensitizing methods. Cancer Radiother 2022; 26:979-986. [PMID: 36028416 DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2022.06.030] [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: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The invention and approval of innovative anticancer therapies in the last decade have revolutionized oncology treatment. Radiotherapy is one of the three traditional pillars in oncology treatment with surgery and systemic therapies. Some standard-of-care combinations of chemoradiotherapy widened the therapeutic window of radiation, while some other chemotherapies such as gemcitabine caused unacceptable toxicities when combined with radiation in lung cancers. Fast-paced progress are specially focused on immunotherapies, targeted-therapies, anti-angiogenic treatment, DNA repair inhibitors, hormonotherapy and cell cycle inhibitors. New anticancer therapeutic arsenals provided new possibilities of combined oncological treatments. The interactions of the radiotherapy with other systemic treatments, such as non-anticancer immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive medications are sometimes overlooked even though they could offer a real therapeutic benefit. In this review, we summarize the new opportunities and the risks of historical and novel combined therapies with radiation: non-anticancer immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive drugs, systemic reoxygenation, new therapies such as nanoparticles and SMAC mimetics. Key biological mechanisms, pre-clinical and available clinical data will be provided to demonstrate the promising opportunities in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, CHU d'Amiens-Picardie, 80000 Amiens, France; Institut de radiothérapie du sud de l'Oise, 60100 Creil, France
| | - A Larnaudie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, centre hospitalier universitaire Dupuytren, 87000 Limoges, France
| | - Y Ghannam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut de cancérologie de l'Ouest centre Paul-Papin, 49100 Angers, France
| | - L Ollivier
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut de cancérologie de l'Ouest centre René-Gauducheau, 44880 Nantes, France
| | - Y Gounane
- Department of Radiation Oncology, hôpital La Source, 45100 Orléans, France
| | - A Laville
- Department of Radiation Oncology, CHU d'Amiens-Picardie, 80000 Amiens, France
| | - A Coutte
- Department of Radiation Oncology, CHU d'Amiens-Picardie, 80000 Amiens, France
| | - A Huertas
- Institut de radiothérapie du sud de l'Oise, 60100 Creil, France
| | - P Maroun
- Institut de radiothérapie du sud de l'Oise, 60100 Creil, France
| | - C Chargari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave-Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - S Bockel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave-Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France.
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30
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Matsui JK, Perlow HK, Ritter AR, Upadhyay R, Raval RR, Thomas EM, Beyer SJ, Pillainayagam C, Goranovich J, Ong S, Giglio P, Palmer JD. Small Molecules and Immunotherapy Agents for Enhancing Radiotherapy in Glioblastoma. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071763. [PMID: 35885067 PMCID: PMC9313399 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor that is associated with a poor prognosis and quality of life. The standard of care has changed minimally over the past two decades and currently consists of surgery followed by radiotherapy (RT), concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide, and tumor treating fields (TTF). Factors such as tumor hypoxia and the presence of glioma stem cells contribute to the radioresistant nature of GBM. In this review, we discuss the current treatment modalities, mechanisms of radioresistance, and studies that have evaluated promising radiosensitizers. Specifically, we highlight small molecules and immunotherapy agents that have been studied in conjunction with RT in clinical trials. Recent preclinical studies involving GBM radiosensitizers are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K. Matsui
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Haley K. Perlow
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (H.K.P.); (A.R.R.); (R.U.); (R.R.R.); (E.M.T.); (S.J.B.)
| | - Alex R. Ritter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (H.K.P.); (A.R.R.); (R.U.); (R.R.R.); (E.M.T.); (S.J.B.)
| | - Rituraj Upadhyay
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (H.K.P.); (A.R.R.); (R.U.); (R.R.R.); (E.M.T.); (S.J.B.)
| | - Raju R. Raval
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (H.K.P.); (A.R.R.); (R.U.); (R.R.R.); (E.M.T.); (S.J.B.)
| | - Evan M. Thomas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (H.K.P.); (A.R.R.); (R.U.); (R.R.R.); (E.M.T.); (S.J.B.)
| | - Sasha J. Beyer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (H.K.P.); (A.R.R.); (R.U.); (R.R.R.); (E.M.T.); (S.J.B.)
| | - Clement Pillainayagam
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (C.P.); (J.G.); (S.O.); (P.G.)
| | - Justin Goranovich
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (C.P.); (J.G.); (S.O.); (P.G.)
| | - Shirley Ong
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (C.P.); (J.G.); (S.O.); (P.G.)
| | - Pierre Giglio
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (C.P.); (J.G.); (S.O.); (P.G.)
| | - Joshua D. Palmer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (H.K.P.); (A.R.R.); (R.U.); (R.R.R.); (E.M.T.); (S.J.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Gallez B. The Role of Imaging Biomarkers to Guide Pharmacological Interventions Targeting Tumor Hypoxia. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:853568. [PMID: 35910347 PMCID: PMC9335493 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.853568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors that contributes to angiogenesis, invasiveness, metastasis, altered metabolism and genomic instability. As hypoxia is a major actor in tumor progression and resistance to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, multiple approaches have emerged to target tumor hypoxia. It includes among others pharmacological interventions designed to alleviate tumor hypoxia at the time of radiation therapy, prodrugs that are selectively activated in hypoxic cells or inhibitors of molecular targets involved in hypoxic cell survival (i.e., hypoxia inducible factors HIFs, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, unfolded protein response). While numerous strategies were successful in pre-clinical models, their translation in the clinical practice has been disappointing so far. This therapeutic failure often results from the absence of appropriate stratification of patients that could benefit from targeted interventions. Companion diagnostics may help at different levels of the research and development, and in matching a patient to a specific intervention targeting hypoxia. In this review, we discuss the relative merits of the existing hypoxia biomarkers, their current status and the challenges for their future validation as companion diagnostics adapted to the nature of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Gallez
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
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32
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Alpuim Costa D, Sampaio-Alves M, Netto E, Fernandez G, Oliveira E, Teixeira A, Daniel PM, Bernardo GS, Amaro C. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as a Complementary Treatment in Glioblastoma-A Scoping Review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:886603. [PMID: 35847231 PMCID: PMC9283648 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.886603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor in adults. The mainstay of management for GBM is surgical resection, radiation (RT), and chemotherapy (CT). Even with optimized multimodal treatment, GBM has a high recurrence and poor survival rates ranging from 12 to 24 months in most patients. Recently, relevant advances in understanding GBM pathophysiology have opened new avenues for therapies for recurrent and newly diagnosed diseases. GBM's hypoxic microenvironment has been shown to be highly associated with aggressive biology and resistance to RT and CT. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may increase anticancer therapy sensitivity by increasing oxygen tension within the hypoxic regions of the neoplastic tissue. Previous data have investigated HBOT in combination with cytostatic compounds, with an improvement of neoplastic tissue oxygenation, inhibition of HIF-1α activity, and a significant reduction in the proliferation of GBM cells. The biological effect of ionizing radiation has been reported to be higher when it is delivered under well-oxygenated rather than anoxic conditions. Several hypoxia-targeting strategies reported that HBOT showed the most significant effect that could potentially improve RT outcomes, with higher response rates and survival and no serious adverse events. However, further prospective and randomized studies are necessary to validate HBOT's effectiveness in the 'real world' GBM clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Alpuim Costa
- Haematology and Oncology Department, CUF Oncologia, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA Medical School (NMS), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica, Azinhaga dos Ulmeiros, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro Hiperbárico de Cascais, Cascais, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Sampaio-Alves
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Oporto, Portugal
- PTSurg – Portuguese Surgical Research Collaborative, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Netto
- Radioncology Department, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), E.P.E., Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Edson Oliveira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Neurosurgery Department, Cluster CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreia Teixeira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica, Azinhaga dos Ulmeiros, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Modas Daniel
- Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica, Azinhaga dos Ulmeiros, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Guilherme Silva Bernardo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica, Azinhaga dos Ulmeiros, Lisbon, Portugal
- Urology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Carla Amaro
- Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica, Azinhaga dos Ulmeiros, Lisbon, Portugal
- Otorhinolaryngology Department, CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal
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Escalating a Biological Dose of Radiation in the Target Volume Applying Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Patients with Head and Neck Region Tumours. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071484. [PMID: 35884789 PMCID: PMC9313164 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The treatment of head and neck tumours is a complicated process usually involving surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic treatment. Despite the multidisciplinary approach, treatment outcomes are still unsatisfactory, especially considering malignant tumours such as squamous cell carcinoma or sarcoma, where the frequency of recurrence has reached 50% of cases. The implementation of modern and precise methods of radiotherapy, such as a radiosurgery boost, may allow for the escalation of the biologically effective dose in the gross tumour volume and improve the results of treatment. Methods: The administration of a stereotactic radiotherapy boost can be done in two ways: an upfront boost followed by conventional radio(chemo)therapy or a direct boost after conventional radio(chemo)therapy. The boost dose depends on the primary or nodal tumour volume and localization regarding the organs at risk. It falls within the range of 10–18 Gy. Discussion: The collection of detailed data on the response of the disease to the radiosurgery boost combined with conventional radiotherapy as well as an assessment of early and late toxicities will contribute crucial information to the prospective modification of fractionated radiotherapy. In the case of beneficial findings, the stereotactic radiosurgery boost in the course of radio(chemo)therapy in patients with head and neck tumours will be able to replace traditional techniques of radiation, and radical schemes of treatment will be possible for future development.
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34
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Significance of Specific Oxidoreductases in the Design of Hypoxia-Activated Prodrugs and Fluorescent Turn Off–On Probes for Hypoxia Imaging. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112686. [PMID: 35681666 PMCID: PMC9179281 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs), selectively reduced by specific oxidoreductases under hypoxic conditions, form cytotoxic agents damaging the local cancer cells. On the basis of the reported clinical data concerning several HAPs, one can draw conclusions regarding their preclinical attractiveness and, regrettably, the low efficacy of Phase III clinical trials. Clinical failure may be explained, inter alia, by the lack of screening of patients on the basis of tumor hypoxia and low availability of specific oxidoreductases involved in HAP activation. There is surprisingly little information on the quantification of these enzymes in cells or tissues, compared to the advanced research associated with the use of HAPs. Our knowledge about the expression and activity of these enzymes in various cancer cell lines under hypoxic conditions is inadequate. Only in a few cases were researchers able to demonstrate the differences in the expression or activity of selected oxidoreductases, depending on the oxygen concentration. Additionally, it was cell line dependent. More systematic studies are required. The optical probes, based on turning on the fluorescence emission upon irreversible reduction catalyzed by the overexpressed oxidoreductases, can be helpful in this type of research. Ultimately, such sensors can estimate both the oxidoreductase activity and the degree of oxygenation in one step. To achieve this goal, their response must be correlated with the expression or activity of enzymes potentially involved in turning on their emissions, as determined by biochemical methods. In conclusion, the incorporation of biomarkers to identify hypoxia is a prerequisite for successful HAP therapies. However, it is equally important to assess the level of specific oxidoreductases required for their activation. Abstract Hypoxia is one of the hallmarks of the tumor microenvironment and can be used in the design of targeted therapies. Cellular adaptation to hypoxic stress is regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). Hypoxia is responsible for the modification of cellular metabolism that can result in the development of more aggressive tumor phenotypes. Reduced oxygen concentration in hypoxic tumor cells leads to an increase in oxidoreductase activity that, in turn, leads to the activation of hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs). The same conditions can convert a non-fluorescent compound into a fluorescent one (fluorescent turn off–on probes), and such probes can be designed to specifically image hypoxic cancer cells. This review focuses on the current knowledge about the expression and activity of oxidoreductases, which are relevant in the activation of HAPs and fluorescent imaging probes. The current clinical status of HAPs, their limitations, and ways to improve their efficacy are briefly discussed. The fluorescence probes triggered by reduction with specific oxidoreductase are briefly presented, with particular emphasis placed on those for which the correlation between the signal and enzyme expression determined with biochemical methods is achievable.
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35
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Precision Medicine in Head and Neck Cancers: Genomic and Preclinical Approaches. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12060854. [PMID: 35743639 PMCID: PMC9224778 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12060854] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) represent the sixth most widespread malignancy worldwide. Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic drugs represent the main clinical approaches for HNC patients. Moreover, HNCs are characterised by an elevated mutational load; however, specific genetic mutations or biomarkers have not yet been found. In this scenario, personalised medicine is showing its efficacy. To study the reliability and the effects of personalised treatments, preclinical research can take advantage of next-generation sequencing and innovative technologies that have been developed to obtain genomic and multi-omic profiles to drive personalised treatments. The crosstalk between malignant and healthy components, as well as interactions with extracellular matrices, are important features which are responsible for treatment failure. Preclinical research has constantly implemented in vitro and in vivo models to mimic the natural tumour microenvironment. Among them, 3D systems have been developed to reproduce the tumour mass architecture, such as biomimetic scaffolds and organoids. In addition, in vivo models have been changed over the last decades to overcome problems such as animal management complexity and time-consuming experiments. In this review, we will explore the new approaches aimed to improve preclinical tools to study and apply precision medicine as a therapeutic option for patients affected by HNCs.
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36
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Mudassar F, Shen H, Cook KM, Hau E. Improving the synergistic combination of programmed death‐1/programmed death ligand‐1 blockade and radiotherapy by targeting the hypoxic tumour microenvironment. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2022; 66:560-574. [PMID: 35466515 PMCID: PMC9322583 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13416] [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: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibition with PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade is a promising area in the field of anti‐cancer therapy. Although clinical data have revealed success of PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade as monotherapy or in combination with CTLA‐4 or chemotherapy, the combination with radiotherapy could further boost anti‐tumour immunity and enhance clinical outcomes due to the immunostimulatory effects of radiation. However, the synergistic combination of PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade and radiotherapy can be challenged by the complex nature of the tumour microenvironment (TME), including the presence of tumour hypoxia. Hypoxia is a major barrier to the effectiveness of both radiotherapy and PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade immunotherapy. Thus, targeting the hypoxic TME is an attractive strategy to enhance the efficacy of the combination. Addition of compounds that directly or indirectly reduce hypoxia, to the combination of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors and radiotherapy may optimize the success of the combination and improve therapeutic outcomes. In this review, we will discuss the synergistic combination of PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade and radiotherapy and highlight the role of hypoxic TME in impeding the success of both therapies. In addition, we will address the potential approaches for targeting tumour hypoxia and how exploiting these strategies could benefit the combination of PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade and radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiqa Mudassar
- Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research The Westmead Institute for Medical Research Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Medical School The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Han Shen
- Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research The Westmead Institute for Medical Research Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Medical School The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Kristina M Cook
- Sydney Medical School The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Eric Hau
- Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research The Westmead Institute for Medical Research Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Medical School The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Blacktown Hematology and Cancer Centre Blacktown Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Zdrowowicz M, Datta M, Rychłowski M, Rak J. Radiosensitization of PC3 Prostate Cancer Cells by 5-Thiocyanato-2'-deoxyuridine. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14082035. [PMID: 35454941 PMCID: PMC9025292 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14082035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Radiation therapy is one of the main treatments for cancer. However, the success of treatment by radiation therapy is largely dependent on tumor radiosensitivity. To improve therapeutic outcomes, radiation therapy should be combined with the use of a radiosensitizer which enables irradiation at lower doses with higher efficacies. 5-Thiocyanato-2′-deoxyuridine has been reported as a potential radiosensitizer of DNA damage based on advanced radiation chemical studies. In this paper, for the first time, we demonstrate the radiosensitizing properties of this modified nucleoside at the cellular level. The tested analogue increases the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to ionizing radiation which is, at least partially, related to an increase in the number of DNA double-strand breaks and cell cycle regulation. Abstract Purpose: The radiosensitizing properties of uracil analogs modified in the C5 position are very interesting in the context of their effectiveness and safety in radiation therapy. Recently, radiation chemical studies have confirmed that 5-thiocyanato-2′-deoxyuridine (SCNdU) undergoes dissociation induced by an excess electron attachment and established this nucleoside as a potential radiosensitizer. In this paper, we verify the sensitizing properties of SCNdU at the cellular level and prove that it can effectively enhance ionizing radiation-induced cellular death. Methods and Materials: Prostate cancer cells were treated with SCNdU and irradiated with X rays. The cytotoxicity of SCNdU was determined by MTT test. Cell proliferation was assessed using a clonogenic assay. Cell cycle analyses, DNA damage, and cell death analyses were performed by flow cytometry. Results: SCNdU treatment significantly suppressed the proliferation and increased the radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cells. The radiosensitizing effect expressed by the dose enhancement factor is equal to 1.69. Simultaneous exposure of cells to SCNdU and radiation causes an increase in the fraction of the most radiosensitive G2/M phase, enhancement of the histone H2A.X phosphorylation level, and apoptosis induction. Finally, SCNdU turned out to be marginally cytotoxic in the absence of ionizing radiation. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that SCNdU treatment enhances the radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cells in a manner associated with the cell cycle regulation, double strand formation, and a slight induction of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Zdrowowicz
- Laboratory of Biological Sensitizers, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.D.); (J.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Magdalena Datta
- Laboratory of Biological Sensitizers, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.D.); (J.R.)
| | - Michał Rychłowski
- Laboratory of Virus Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Janusz Rak
- Laboratory of Biological Sensitizers, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.D.); (J.R.)
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Jensen KH, Vogelius IR, Bernsdorf M, Gothelf A, Kristensen CA, Maare C, Andersen E, Specht L, Friborg J. Early non-cancer mortality risk prediction after curative-intent radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Radiother Oncol 2022; 171:1-6. [PMID: 35395275 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.03.020] [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: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), curative-intent radiotherapy (RT)andchemoradiotherapy (CRT)areassociated with substantial acute morbidity and 5-10% of patients die within 180 days of treatment initiation.Mostof these early deaths occur without HNSCCrecurrence or progression andmay therefore be preventable to some extent.We developed a prediction tool to estimate the risk of non-HNSCC mortality occurring within the first 180 days followingRT/CRT initiation. METHODS Patients with HNSCC treated with RT/CRT, including postoperative RT/CRT, at Rigshospitalet or Herlev Hospitals between 2010-2017 were identified in the Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group (DAHANCA) database. Predictor variables included age, stage, performance status, tumor subsite including p16 status, comorbidity, postoperative status, smoking and pre-treatment albumin levels. The 180-day non-HNSCCmortality risk was estimated by combining cause-specific Cox regression models. RESULTS We included 2209 patients.The 180-daynon-HNSCCmortality rate was 4.4% and almostone third (31.6%) of non-HNSCCdeathswere caused by pneumonia.After internal model validation, the area under the receiver operating curve was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.66-0.81) and calibration was good for risk predictions ranging from 0-20%. CONCLUSION We developed a prediction tool to estimate the 180-day non-HNSCC mortality risk. This tool can be used to select high-risk patients for supportive interventions aiming to improve survival rates, and is availablefor interactive use at https://emriskpred.shinyapps.io/EMNED_App/.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mogens Bernsdorf
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Anita Gothelf
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | | | - Christian Maare
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Elo Andersen
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Lena Specht
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Jeppe Friborg
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
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Cellular mechanism of action of 2-nitroimidzoles as hypoxia-selective therapeutic agents. Redox Biol 2022; 52:102300. [PMID: 35430547 PMCID: PMC9038562 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid tumours are often poorly oxygenated, which confers resistance to standard treatment modalities. Targeting hypoxic tumours requires compounds, such as nitroimidazoles (NIs), equipped with the ability to reach and become activated within diffusion limited tumour niches. NIs become selectively entrapped in hypoxic cells through bioreductive activation, and have shown promise as hypoxia directed therapeutics. However, little is known about their mechanism of action, hindering the broader clinical usage of NIs. Iodoazomycin arabinofuranoside (IAZA) and fluoroazomycin arabinofuranoside (FAZA) are clinically validated 2-NI hypoxic radiotracers with excellent tumour uptake properties. Hypoxic cancer cells have also shown preferential susceptibility to IAZA and FAZA treatment, making them ideal candidates for an in-depth study in a therapeutic setting. Using a head and neck cancer model, we show that hypoxic cells display higher sensitivity to IAZA and FAZA, where the drugs alter cell morphology, compromise DNA replication, slow down cell cycle progression and induce replication stress, ultimately leading to cytostasis. Effects of IAZA and FAZA on target cellular macromolecules (DNA, proteins and glutathione) were characterized to uncover potential mechanism(s) of action. Covalent binding of these NIs was only observed to cellular proteins, but not to DNA, under hypoxia. While protein levels remained unaffected, catalytic activities of NI target proteins, such as the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and the detoxification enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) were significantly curtailed in response to drug treatment under hypoxia. Intraperitoneal administration of IAZA was well-tolerated in mice and produced early (but transient) growth inhibition of subcutaneous mouse tumours. Hypoxic cells display preferential sensitivity to IAZA and FAZA. They alter cell morphology and induce cytostasis. IAZA and FAZA generate covalent adducts of proteins but not DNA. GAPDH and GST activities, but not protein levels, are significantly reduced.
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Greene J, Segaran A, Lord S. Targeting OXPHOS and the electronic transport chain in cancer; molecular and therapeutic implications. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:851-859. [PMID: 35122973 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) takes place in mitochondria and is the process whereby cells use carbon fuels and oxygen to generate ATP. Formerly OXPHOS was thought to be reduced in tumours and that glycolysis was the critical pathway for generation of ATP but it is now clear that OXPHOS, at least in many tumour types, plays a critical role in delivering the bioenergetic and macromolecular anabolic requirements of cancer cells. There is now great interest in targeting the OXPHOS and the electron transport chain for cancer therapy and in this review article we describe current therapeutic approaches and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Greene
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ashvina Segaran
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Lord
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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41
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Alsner J, Overgaard J, Tramm T, Lindegaard JC. Hypoxic gene expression is a prognostic factor for disease free survival in a cohort of locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the uterine cervix. Acta Oncol 2022; 61:172-178. [PMID: 34586924 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2021.1979249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tumour hypoxia in locally advanced squamous cervical cancer (LACC) has been shown to be of substantial prognostic importance. The aims of the present study were therefore to investigate if hypoxia could be identified by a newly validated hypoxic gene expression classifier and used as a prognostic factor for disease free survival (DFS). MATERIAL AND METHODS Paraffin embedded biopsies were obtained from 190 patients with LACC with squamous cell carcinoma treated 2005-2016 with chemo-radiation and image guided adaptive brachytherapy. Analysis of hypoxia was successful in 183 patients (96%). Hypoxic classification of tumours into 'more' or 'less' hypoxic was based on 15 genes using the same method as in a prospective head and neck cancer trial (NCT02661152). HPV was genotyped using INNO-LiPA. Local tumour invasion was evaluated by the T-score. Primary endpoint was DFS analysed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression. Events were death of any cause, persistent disease, or recurrence. RESULTS The FIGO2009 stage distribution was IB-IIA 9%, IIB 64%, and III-IVA 27%, and mean T-score was 7.2. Pathological nodes were present in 53%. Median observation time was 5.2 years. Local control rate at 5 years was 96%, and pelvic (loco-regional) control 91%. Overall, 36% of the tumours were classified as 'more' hypoxic. The frequency of 'more' hypoxic tumours increased with local tumour intrusion (30% for T-score 0-9 vs. 55% for T-score ≥10, p = 0.004). Hypoxia was associated with decreased DFS in univariate, HR 1.71 (1.04-2.82), and multivariate analysis, HR 1.75 (1.04-2.92), and the effect was particularly observed among tumours with a T-score ≥10. HPV 16/18 was not associated with improved DFS in neither in univariate nor in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION Hypoxic gene expression is a prominent prognostic factor for DFS in LACC with SCC histology and should be considered for treatment stratification in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Alsner
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens Overgaard
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Trine Tramm
- Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Scarborough JA, Scott JG. Translation of Precision Medicine Research Into Biomarker-Informed Care in Radiation Oncology. Semin Radiat Oncol 2022; 32:42-53. [PMID: 34861995 PMCID: PMC8667861 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The reach of personalized medicine in radiation oncology has expanded greatly over the past few decades as technical precision has improved the delivery of radiation to each patient's unique anatomy. Yet, the consideration of biological heterogeneity between patients has largely not been translated to clinical care. There are innumerable promising advancements in the discovery and validation of biomarkers, which could be used to alter radiation therapy directly or indirectly. Directly, biomarker-informed care may alter treatment dose or identify patients who would benefit most from radiation therapy and who could safely avoid more aggressive care. Indirectly, a variety of biomarkers could assist with choosing the best radiosensitizing chemotherapies. The translation of these advancements into clinical practice will bring radiation oncology even further into the era of precision medicine, treating patients according to their unique anatomical and biological differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Scarborough
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research Department, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland,OH; Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Program, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Jacob G Scott
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research Department, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland,OH; Radiation Oncology Department, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 10201 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH.
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Carson JL, Stanworth SJ, Dennis JA, Trivella M, Roubinian N, Fergusson DA, Triulzi D, Dorée C, Hébert PC. Transfusion thresholds for guiding red blood cell transfusion. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 12:CD002042. [PMID: 34932836 PMCID: PMC8691808 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd002042.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal haemoglobin threshold for use of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in anaemic patients remains an active field of research. Blood is a scarce resource, and in some countries, transfusions are less safe than in others because of inadequate testing for viral pathogens. If a liberal transfusion policy does not improve clinical outcomes, or if it is equivalent, then adopting a more restrictive approach could be recognised as the standard of care. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review update was to compare 30-day mortality and other clinical outcomes for participants randomised to restrictive versus liberal red blood cell (RBC) transfusion thresholds (triggers) for all clinical conditions. The restrictive transfusion threshold uses a lower haemoglobin concentration as a threshold for transfusion (most commonly, 7.0 g/dL to 8.0 g/dL), and the liberal transfusion threshold uses a higher haemoglobin concentration as a threshold for transfusion (most commonly, 9.0 g/dL to 10.0 g/dL). SEARCH METHODS We identified trials through updated searches: CENTRAL (2020, Issue 11), MEDLINE (1946 to November 2020), Embase (1974 to November 2020), Transfusion Evidence Library (1950 to November 2020), Web of Science Conference Proceedings Citation Index (1990 to November 2020), and trial registries (November 2020). We checked the reference lists of other published reviews and relevant papers to identify additional trials. We were aware of one trial identified in earlier searching that was in the process of being published (in February 2021), and we were able to include it before this review was finalised. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised trials of surgical or medical participants that recruited adults or children, or both. We excluded studies that focused on neonates. Eligible trials assigned intervention groups on the basis of different transfusion schedules or thresholds or 'triggers'. These thresholds would be defined by a haemoglobin (Hb) or haematocrit (Hct) concentration below which an RBC transfusion would be administered; the haemoglobin concentration remains the most commonly applied marker of the need for RBC transfusion in clinical practice. We included trials in which investigators had allocated participants to higher thresholds or more liberal transfusion strategies compared to more restrictive ones, which might include no transfusion. As in previous versions of this review, we did not exclude unregistered trials published after 2010 (as per the policy of the Cochrane Injuries Group, 2015), however, we did conduct analyses to consider the differential impact of results of trials for which prospective registration could not be confirmed. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We identified trials for inclusion and extracted data using Cochrane methods. We pooled risk ratios of clinical outcomes across trials using a random-effects model. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We conducted predefined analyses by clinical subgroups. We defined participants randomly allocated to the lower transfusion threshold as being in the 'restrictive transfusion' group and those randomly allocated to the higher transfusion threshold as being in the 'liberal transfusion' group. MAIN RESULTS A total of 48 trials, involving data from 21,433 participants (at baseline), across a range of clinical contexts (e.g. orthopaedic, cardiac, or vascular surgery; critical care; acute blood loss (including gastrointestinal bleeding); acute coronary syndrome; cancer; leukaemia; haematological malignancies), met the eligibility criteria. The haemoglobin concentration used to define the restrictive transfusion group in most trials (36) was between 7.0 g/dL and 8.0 g/dL. Most trials included only adults; three trials focused on children. The included studies were generally at low risk of bias for key domains including allocation concealment and incomplete outcome data. Restrictive transfusion strategies reduced the risk of receiving at least one RBC transfusion by 41% across a broad range of clinical contexts (risk ratio (RR) 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 to 0.66; 42 studies, 20,057 participants; high-quality evidence), with a large amount of heterogeneity between trials (I² = 96%). Overall, restrictive transfusion strategies did not increase or decrease the risk of 30-day mortality compared with liberal transfusion strategies (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.15; 31 studies, 16,729 participants; I² = 30%; moderate-quality evidence) or any of the other outcomes assessed (i.e. cardiac events (low-quality evidence), myocardial infarction, stroke, thromboembolism (all high-quality evidence)). High-quality evidence shows that the liberal transfusion threshold did not affect the risk of infection (pneumonia, wound infection, or bacteraemia). Transfusion-specific reactions are uncommon and were inconsistently reported within trials. We noted less certainty in the strength of evidence to support the safety of restrictive transfusion thresholds for the following predefined clinical subgroups: myocardial infarction, vascular surgery, haematological malignancies, and chronic bone-marrow disorders. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Transfusion at a restrictive haemoglobin concentration decreased the proportion of people exposed to RBC transfusion by 41% across a broad range of clinical contexts. Across all trials, no evidence suggests that a restrictive transfusion strategy impacted 30-day mortality, mortality at other time points, or morbidity (i.e. cardiac events, myocardial infarction, stroke, pneumonia, thromboembolism, infection) compared with a liberal transfusion strategy. Despite including 17 more randomised trials (and 8846 participants), data remain insufficient to inform the safety of transfusion policies in important and selected clinical contexts, such as myocardial infarction, chronic cardiovascular disease, neurological injury or traumatic brain injury, stroke, thrombocytopenia, and cancer or haematological malignancies, including chronic bone marrow failure. Further work is needed to improve our understanding of outcomes other than mortality. Most trials compared only two separate thresholds for haemoglobin concentration, which may not identify the actual optimal threshold for transfusion in a particular patient. Haemoglobin concentration may not be the most informative marker of the need for transfusion in individual patients with different degrees of physiological adaptation to anaemia. Notwithstanding these issues, overall findings provide good evidence that transfusions with allogeneic RBCs can be avoided in most patients with haemoglobin thresholds between the range of 7.0 g/dL and 8.0 g/dL. Some patient subgroups might benefit from RBCs to maintain higher haemoglobin concentrations; research efforts should focus on these clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Carson
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Simon J Stanworth
- John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Systematic Review Initiative, NHS Blood and Transplant, Oxford, UK
| | - Jane A Dennis
- Cochrane Injuries Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Nareg Roubinian
- Kaiser Permanente Division of Research Northern California, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Dean A Fergusson
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Darrell Triulzi
- The Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Carolyn Dorée
- Systematic Review Initiative, NHS Blood and Transplant, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul C Hébert
- Centre for Research, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
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Therapeutic targeting of the hypoxic tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2021; 18:751-772. [PMID: 34326502 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-021-00539-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia is prevalent in human tumours and contributes to microenvironments that shape cancer evolution and adversely affect therapeutic outcomes. Historically, two different tumour microenvironment (TME) research communities have been discernible. One has focused on physicochemical gradients of oxygen, pH and nutrients in the tumour interstitium, motivated in part by the barrier that hypoxia poses to effective radiotherapy. The other has focused on cellular interactions involving tumour and non-tumour cells within the TME. Over the past decade, strong links have been established between these two themes, providing new insights into fundamental aspects of tumour biology and presenting new strategies for addressing the effects of hypoxia and other microenvironmental features that arise from the inefficient microvascular system in solid tumours. This Review provides a perspective on advances at the interface between these two aspects of the TME, with a focus on translational therapeutic opportunities relating to the elimination and/or exploitation of tumour hypoxia.
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Wegge M, Dok R, Nuyts S. Hypoxia and Its Influence on Radiotherapy Response of HPV-Positive and HPV-Negative Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5959. [PMID: 34885069 PMCID: PMC8656584 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cancers are a heterogeneous group of cancers that arise from the upper aerodigestive tract. Etiologically, these tumors are linked to alcohol/tobacco abuse and infections with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV-positive HNSCCs are characterized by a different biology and also demonstrate better therapy response and survival compared to alcohol/tobacco-related HNSCCs. Despite this advantageous therapy response and the clear biological differences, all locally advanced HNSCCs are treated with the same chemo-radiotherapy schedules. Although we have a better understanding of the biology of both groups of HNSCC, the biological factors associated with the increased radiotherapy response are still unclear. Hypoxia, i.e., low oxygen levels because of an imbalance between oxygen demand and supply, is an important biological factor associated with radiotherapy response and has been linked with HPV infections. In this review, we discuss the effects of hypoxia on radiotherapy response, on the tumor biology, and the tumor microenvironment of HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs by pointing out the differences between these two tumor types. In addition, we provide an overview of the current strategies to detect and target hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Wegge
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Department of Oncology, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.W.); (R.D.)
| | - Rüveyda Dok
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Department of Oncology, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.W.); (R.D.)
| | - Sandra Nuyts
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Department of Oncology, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.W.); (R.D.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, UZ Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Elbanna M, Chowdhury NN, Rhome R, Fishel ML. Clinical and Preclinical Outcomes of Combining Targeted Therapy With Radiotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:749496. [PMID: 34733787 PMCID: PMC8558533 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.749496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the era of precision medicine, radiation medicine is currently focused on the precise delivery of highly conformal radiation treatments. However, the tremendous developments in targeted therapy are yet to fulfill their full promise and arguably have the potential to dramatically enhance the radiation therapeutic ratio. The increased ability to molecularly profile tumors both at diagnosis and at relapse and the co-incident progress in the field of radiogenomics could potentially pave the way for a more personalized approach to radiation treatment in contrast to the current ‘‘one size fits all’’ paradigm. Few clinical trials to date have shown an improved clinical outcome when combining targeted agents with radiation therapy, however, most have failed to show benefit, which is arguably due to limited preclinical data. Several key molecular pathways could theoretically enhance therapeutic effect of radiation when rationally targeted either by directly enhancing tumor cell kill or indirectly through the abscopal effect of radiation when combined with novel immunotherapies. The timing of combining molecular targeted therapy with radiation is also important to determine and could greatly affect the outcome depending on which pathway is being inhibited.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Elbanna
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Nayela N Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Ryan Rhome
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Melissa L Fishel
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Department of Pediatrics and Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Bouleftour W, Rowinski E, Louati S, Sotton S, Wozny AS, Moreno-Acosta P, Mery B, Rodriguez-Lafrasse C, Magne N. A Review of the Role of Hypoxia in Radioresistance in Cancer Therapy. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e934116. [PMID: 34728593 PMCID: PMC8573967 DOI: 10.12659/msm.934116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia involves neoplastic cells. Unlike normal tissue, solid tumors are composed of aberrant vasculature, leading to a hypoxic microenvironment. Hypoxia is also known to be involved in both metastasis initiation and therapy resistance. Radiotherapy is the appropriate treatment in about half of all cancers, but loco-regional control failure and a disease recurrence often occur due to clinical radioresistance. Hypoxia induces radioresistance through a number of molecular pathways, and numerous strategies have been developed to overcome this. Nevertheless, these strategies have resulted in disappointing results, including adverse effects and limited efficacy. Additional clinical studies are needed to achieve a better understanding of the complex hypoxia pathways. This review presents an update on the mechanisms of hypoxia in radioresistance in solid tumors and the potential therapeutic solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Bouleftour
- Radiotherapy Department, Lucien Neuwirth Cancerology Institute, Saint Priest en Jarez, France
| | - Elise Rowinski
- Radiotherapy Department, Lucien Neuwirth Cancerology Institute, Saint Priest en Jarez, France
| | - Safa Louati
- Université Lyon 1, Faculté de Médecine-Lyon-Sud, Oullins, France.,Laboratoire de Radiobiologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, CNRS UMR 5822, Institut de Physique Nucléaire de Lyon, IPNL, Villeurbanne, France.,Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sandrine Sotton
- Radiotherapy Department, Lucien Neuwirth Cancerology Institute, Saint Priest en Jarez, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Wozny
- Université Lyon 1, Faculté de Médecine-Lyon-Sud, Oullins, France.,Laboratoire de Radiobiologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, CNRS UMR 5822, Institut de Physique Nucléaire de Lyon, IPNL, Villeurbanne, France.,Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Pablo Moreno-Acosta
- Research Group in Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Benoite Mery
- Radiotherapy Department, Lucien Neuwirth Cancerology Institute, Saint Priest en Jarez, France
| | - Claire Rodriguez-Lafrasse
- Université Lyon 1, Faculté de Médecine-Lyon-Sud, Oullins, France.,Laboratoire de Radiobiologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, CNRS UMR 5822, Institut de Physique Nucléaire de Lyon, IPNL, Villeurbanne, France.,Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Magne
- Radiotherapy Department, Lucien Neuwirth Cancerology Institute, Saint Priest en Jarez, France.,Université Lyon 1, Faculté de Médecine-Lyon-Sud, Oullins, France.,Laboratoire de Radiobiologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, CNRS UMR 5822, Institut de Physique Nucléaire de Lyon, IPNL, Villeurbanne, France.,Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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48
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Kjems J, Zukauskaite R, Johansen J, Eriksen JG, Lassen P, Andersen E, Andersen M, Farhadi M, Overgaard J, Vogelius IR, Friborg J. Distant metastases in squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx and larynx: a population-based DAHANCA study. Acta Oncol 2021; 60:1472-1480. [PMID: 34369265 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2021.1959056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In head and neck cancer, distant metastases may be present at diagnosis (M1) or occur after treatment (DM). It is unknown whether M1 and DM follow the same clinical development and share prognosis, as population-based studies regarding outcomes are scarce. Therefore, we investigated the incidence, location of metastases and overall survival of patients with M1 and DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx and larynx in Denmark 2008-2017 were identified in the Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group (DAHANCA) database. We identified 7300 patients, of whom 197 (3%) had M1 and 498 (8%) developed DM during follow-up. RESULTS The 5-year cumulative incidence of DM was 8%. 1- and 2-year overall survival for DM (27% and 13%) vs. M1 (28% and 9%) were equally poor. There was no significant difference in location of metastases for M1 and DM and the most frequently involved organs were lungs, bone, lymph nodes and liver, in descending order. In oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, the location of metastases did not differ by p16-status. For p16-positive patients, 21% of DM occurred later than three years of follow-up compared to 7% of p16-negative patients. CONCLUSION Incidence, location of metastases and prognosis of primary metastatic (M1) or post-treatment metastatic (DM) disease in pharyngeal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma are similar in this register-based study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Kjems
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ruta Zukauskaite
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Johansen
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Pernille Lassen
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Elo Andersen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Maria Andersen
- Department of Oncology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Jens Overgaard
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Jeppe Friborg
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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49
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Datta A, West C, O'Connor JPB, Choudhury A, Hoskin P. Impact of hypoxia on cervical cancer outcomes. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2021; 31:1459-1470. [PMID: 34593564 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2021-002806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The annual global incidence of cervical cancer is approximately 604 000 cases/342 000 deaths, making it the fourth most common cancer in women. Cervical cancer is a major healthcare problem in low and middle income countries where 85% of new cases and deaths occur. Secondary prevention measures have reduced incidence and mortality in developed countries over the past 30 years, but cervical cancer remains a major cause of cancer deaths in women. For women who present with Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique (FIGO 2018) stages IB3 or upwards, chemoradiation is the established treatment. Despite high rates of local control, overall survival is less than 50%, largely due to distant relapse. Reducing the health burden of cervical cancer requires greater individualization of treatment, identifying those at risk of relapse and progression for modified or intensified treatment. Hypoxia is a well known feature of solid tumors and an established therapeutic target. Low tumorous oxygenation increases the risk of local invasion, metastasis and treatment failure. While meta-analyses show benefit, many individual trials targeting hypoxia failed in part due to not selecting patients most likely to benefit. This review summarizes the available hypoxia-targeted strategies and identifies further research and new treatment paradigms needed to improve patient outcomes. The applications and limitations of hypoxia biomarkers for treatment selection and response monitoring are discussed. Finally, areas of greatest unmet clinical need are identified to measure and target hypoxia and therefore improve cervical cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anubhav Datta
- Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
- Clinical Radiology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Catharine West
- Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
| | - James P B O'Connor
- Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Ananya Choudhury
- Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
- Clinical Oncology, The Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter Hoskin
- Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
- Clinical Oncology, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, Middlesex, UK
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50
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Vilaplana-Lopera N, Besh M, Moon EJ. Targeting Hypoxia: Revival of Old Remedies. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1604. [PMID: 34827602 PMCID: PMC8615589 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour hypoxia is significantly correlated with patient survival and treatment outcomes. At the molecular level, hypoxia is a major driving factor for tumour progression and aggressiveness. Despite the accumulative scientific and clinical efforts to target hypoxia, there is still a need to find specific treatments for tumour hypoxia. In this review, we discuss a variety of approaches to alter the low oxygen tumour microenvironment or hypoxia pathways including carbogen breathing, hyperthermia, hypoxia-activated prodrugs, tumour metabolism and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) inhibitors. The recent advances in technology and biological understanding reveal the importance of revisiting old therapeutic regimens and repurposing their uses clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eui Jung Moon
- Department of Oncology, MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Headington OX3 7DQ, UK; (N.V.-L.); (M.B.)
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