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Ditonno F, Franco A, Manfredi C, Fasanella D, Abate M, La Rocca R, Crocerossa F, Iossa V, Falagario UG, Cirillo L, Altieri VM, Di Mauro E, Crocetto F, Barone B, Cilio S, Pandolfo SD, Aveta A, Mirone V, Franzese CA, Arcaniolo D, Napolitano L. The Role of miRNA in Testicular Cancer: Current Insights and Future Perspectives. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2033. [PMID: 38004082 PMCID: PMC10672751 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59112033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Despite advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of testicular germ cell tumours (TGTCs), challenges persist in identifying reliable biomarkers for early detection and precise disease management. This narrative review addresses the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets in the treatment of TGCTs. Materials and Methods: Three databases (PubMed®, Web of Science™, and Scopus®) were queried for studies investigating the utility of miRNA as diagnostic tools, assessing their prognostic significance, and evaluating their potential to guide TGCT treatment. Different combinations of the following keywords were used, according to a free-text protocol: "miRNA", "non-coding RNA", "small RNA", "Testicular Cancer", "seminomatous testicular germ cell", "non-seminomatous testicular germ cell". Results: The potential of miRNAs as possible biomarkers for a non-invasive diagnosis of TGCT is appealing. Their integration into the diagnostic pathway for TGCT patients holds the potential to enhance the discriminative power of conventional serum tumour markers (STMs) and could expedite early diagnosis, given that miRNA overexpression was observed in 50% of GCNIS cases. Among miRNAs, miR-371a-3p stands out with the most promising evidence, suggesting its relevance in the primary diagnosis of TGCT, particularly when conventional STMs offer limited value. Indeed, it demonstrated high specificity (90-99%) and sensitivity (84-89%), with good positive predictive value (97.2%) and negative predictive value (82.7%). Furthermore, a direct relationship between miRNA concentration, disease burden, and treatment response exists, regardless of disease stages. The initial evidence of miRNA decrease in response to surgical treatment and systemic chemotherapy has been further supported by more recent results suggesting the potential utility of this tool not only in evaluating treatment response but also in monitoring residual disease and predicting disease relapse. Conclusions: MiRNAs could represent a reliable tool for accurate diagnosis and disease monitoring in the treatment of TGCT, providing more precise tools for early detection and treatment stratification. Nevertheless, well-designed clinical trials and comprehensive long-term data are needed to ensure their translation into effective clinical tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ditonno
- Department of Urology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612-3833, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Franco
- Department of Urology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612-3833, USA
- Department of Urology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, La Sapienza University, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Celeste Manfredi
- Department of Urology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612-3833, USA
- Urology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University, 81100 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Fasanella
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Abate
- Urology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto La Rocca
- Urology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Crocerossa
- Department of Urology, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Iossa
- Department of Andrology, "Antonio Cardarelli" Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ugo Giovanni Falagario
- Department of Urology and Organ Transplantation, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigi Cirillo
- Urology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Maria Altieri
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
- Department of Urology, Humanitas Gavazzeni, 24125 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ernesto Di Mauro
- Urology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Crocetto
- Urology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Biagio Barone
- Urology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Simone Cilio
- Urology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Savio Domenico Pandolfo
- Urology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Achille Aveta
- Urology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mirone
- Urology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Davide Arcaniolo
- Urology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University, 81100 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Napolitano
- Urology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138 Naples, Italy
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Lobo J, Acosta AM, Netto GJ. Molecular Biomarkers With Potential Clinical Application in Testicular Cancer. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100307. [PMID: 37611872 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) and sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) are the most common testicular neoplasms. The morphologic spectrum of such tumors is wide, with several histologic subtypes within each group. Testicular tumors often represent a diagnostic challenge, requiring proper identification of their biologic potential for accurate risk stratification and selection of therapy. In the era of precision medicine, molecular biomarkers are increasingly assuming a critical role in the management of patients with cancer. Given the overall rarity of certain types of testicular neoplasms, progress in biomarker research has been relatively slow. However, in recent years, we have witnessed a multitude of important contributions, including both tissue-based and liquid biopsy biomarkers, stemming from important discoveries of tumor pathobiology, accurate histopathological analysis, multi-institutional studies, and genome-wide molecular analyses of specific tumor subtypes. In this review, we provide an overview of the progress in molecular biomarkers of TGCTs and SCSTs, focusing on those with greatest potential for clinical application. In TGCTs, developmental biology has been the key to understanding these tumors and identifying clinically useful biomarkers (from classical serum tumor markers to pluripotency factors and circulating microRNAs of the 371-373 cluster). For SCSTs, studies have focused on tissue biomarkers only, and genome-wide investigations have recently contributed to a better understanding of rare phenotypes and the aggressive biological behavior of some tumors within this nosologic category. Several new biomarkers are moving toward clinical implementation in this field. Therefore, the practicing pathologist should be aware of their strengths and limitations in order to utilize them properly and maximize their clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (P.CCC), Porto, Portugal; Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca & RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Porto, Portugal; Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andres M Acosta
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - George J Netto
- Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
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Nestler T, Schoch J, Belge G, Dieckmann KP. MicroRNA-371a-3p-The Novel Serum Biomarker in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3944. [PMID: 37568759 PMCID: PMC10417034 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are a paradigm for the use of serum tumor markers in clinical management. However, conventional markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) have quite limited sensitivities and specificities. Within the last decade, the microRNA-371a-3p (miR371) emerged as a possible new biomarker with promising features. AREAS COVERED This review covers the typical features as well as possible clinical applications of miR371 in TGCT patients, such as initial diagnosis, therapy monitoring, and follow-up. Additionally, technical issues are discussed. EXPERT OPINION With a sensitivity of around 90% and specificity >90%, miR371 clearly outperforms the classical serum tumor markers in TGCTs. The unique features of the test involve the potential of modifying recent standards of care in TGCT. In particular, miR371 is expected to aid clinical decision-making in scenarios such as discriminating small testicular TGCT masses from benign ones prior to surgery, assessing equivocal lymphadenopathies, and monitoring chemotherapy results. Likewise, it is expected to make follow-up easier by reducing the intensity of examinations and by sparing imaging procedures. Overall, the data presently available are promising, but further prospective studies are required before the test can be implemented in standard clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Nestler
- Department of Urology, Federal Armed Forces Hospital Koblenz, 56072 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Justine Schoch
- Department of Urology, Federal Armed Forces Hospital Koblenz, 56072 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Gazanfer Belge
- Department of Tumour Genetics, University Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
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Alsyouf M, Nappi L, Nichols C, Daneshmand S. Plasma Micro-RNA 371 Expression in Early-Stage Germ Cell Tumors: Are We Ready to Move Toward Biology-Based Decision Making? J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:2478-2482. [PMID: 36758194 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.02002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Muhannad Alsyouf
- Department of Urology, USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lucia Nappi
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Craig Nichols
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Siamak Daneshmand
- Department of Urology, USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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Biomarkers in Testicular Cancer. Urol Clin North Am 2023; 50:133-143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Schönberger S, Mohseni MM, Ellinger J, Tran GVQ, Becker M, Claviez A, Classen CF, Hermes B, Driever PH, Jorch N, Lauten M, Mehlitz M, Schäfer N, Scheer-Preiss J, Schneider DT, Troeger A, Calaminus G, Dilloo D. MicroRNA-profiling of miR-371~373- and miR-302/367-clusters in serum and cerebrospinal fluid identify patients with intracranial germ cell tumors. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:791-802. [PMID: 35171328 PMCID: PMC9931786 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-03915-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCT) comprise germinoma and non-germinoma. Their diagnosis predominantly relies on biopsy as only one-fifth of patients present with elevated biomarkers (AFP/ß-HCG) in serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). MicroRNAs (miR/miRNA) have emerged as non-invasive biomarkers in extracranial GCT and may potentially facilitate non-invasive diagnosis in iGCT. METHODS We analyzed eight miRNAs in serum and CSF from the miR-371~373- and miR-302/367-clusters and four miRNAs differentially expressed in iGCT tissue (miR-142-5p/miR-146a-5p/miR-335-5p/miR-654-3p) from eight iGCT patients (age 10-33 years) and 12 control subjects by pre-amplified RT-qPCR. MiR-30b-5p (serum) and miR-204-5p (CSF) acted as reference genes. ΔCt-values were expressed as [Formula: see text] after standardization against controls. RESULTS Between iGCT and control patients' serum ΔCt-values of miR-371a-3p (p = 0.0159), miR-372-3p (p= 0.0095, miR-367 (p = 0.0190), miR-302a (p = 0.0381) and miR-302d-3p (p = 0.0159) differed significantly. Discriminatory pattern in CSF was similar to serum as miR-371a (p = 0.0286), miR-372-3p (p = 0.0028), miR-367-3p (p = 0.0167) and miR-302d-3p (p = 0.0061) distinguished between patients and controls. Abundant [Formula: see text] levels of each of these miRNAs were found across all serum and CSF samples including biomarker-negative patients. CONCLUSION With the largest data set so far, we underline the suitability of miR-371a, miR-372, miR-367 and miR-302d in serum and CSF for diagnosis of iGCT, particularly in biomarker-negative germinoma. Diagnosis of iGCT by miRNA analysis is a feasible and valid approach, particularly as serum can be readily obtained by a less invasive procedure. MiRNA analysis may discriminate iGCT from other tumors with similar radiological findings and may allow to monitor response to therapy as well as early relapse during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schönberger
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany. .,Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Mahsa Mir Mohseni
- grid.15090.3d0000 0000 8786 803XDepartment of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörg Ellinger
- grid.15090.3d0000 0000 8786 803XDepartment of Urology and Center of Integrated Oncology (CIO), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Giao Vu Quynh Tran
- grid.15090.3d0000 0000 8786 803XDepartment of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Martina Becker
- grid.7839.50000 0004 1936 9721Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alexander Claviez
- grid.412468.d0000 0004 0646 2097Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Carl-Friedrich Classen
- grid.413108.f0000 0000 9737 0454University Children’s and Adolescents’ Hospital, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Barbara Hermes
- grid.440206.40000 0004 1765 7498Kreiskliniken Reutlingen, Medizinische Klinik I, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Pablo Hernáiz Driever
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Jorch
- grid.414649.a0000 0004 0558 1051Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Melchior Lauten
- grid.412468.d0000 0004 0646 2097Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marcus Mehlitz
- grid.499820.e0000 0000 8704 7952Department of Neurosurgery, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder Trier, Trier, Germany
| | - Niklas Schäfer
- grid.10388.320000 0001 2240 3300Division of Clinical Neurooncology, Department of Neurology and Center of Integrated Oncology (CIO), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Johanna Scheer-Preiss
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Braunschweig Municipal Hospital, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Dominik T. Schneider
- grid.473616.10000 0001 2200 2697Clinic of Pediatrics, Dortmund Municipal Hospital, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Anja Troeger
- grid.411941.80000 0000 9194 7179Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Calaminus
- grid.15090.3d0000 0000 8786 803XDepartment of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dagmar Dilloo
- grid.15090.3d0000 0000 8786 803XDepartment of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Christiansen AJ, Lobo J, Fankhauser CD, Rothermundt C, Cathomas R, Batavia AA, Grogg JB, Templeton AJ, Hirschi-Blickenstorfer A, Lorch A, Gillessen S, Moch H, Beyer J, Hermanns T. Impact of differing methodologies for serum miRNA-371a-3p assessment in stage I testicular germ cell cancer recurrence. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1056823. [PMID: 36568207 PMCID: PMC9773982 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1056823] [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: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Current evidence shows that serum miR-371a-3p can identify disease recurrence in testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) patients and correlates with tumour load. Despite convincing evidence showing the advantages of including miR-371a-3p testing to complement and overcome the classical serum tumour markers limitations, the successful introduction of a serum miRNA based test into clinical practice has been impeded by a lack of consensus regarding optimal methodologies and lack of a universal protocol and thresholds. Herein, we investigate two quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) based pipelines in detecting disease recurrence in stage I TGCT patients under active surveillance, and compare the sensitivity and specificity for each method. Methods Sequential serum samples collected from 33 stage I TGCT patients undergoing active surveillance were analysed for miR-371a-3p via qRT-PCR with and without an amplification step included. Results Using a pre-amplified protocol, all known recurrences were detected via elevated miR-371a-3p expression, while without pre-amplification, we failed to detect recurrence in 3/10 known recurrence patients. For pre-amplified analysis, sensitivity and specificity was 90% and 94.4% respectively. Without amplification, sensitivity dropped to 60%, but exhibited 100% specificity. Discussion We conclude that incorporating pre-amplification increases sensitivity of miR-371a-3p detection, but produces more false positive results. The ideal protocol for quantification of miR-371a-3p still needs to be determined. TGCT patients undergoing active surveillance may benefit from serum miR-371a-3p quantification with earlier detection of recurrences compared to current standard methods. However, larger cross-institutional studies where samples are processed and data is analysed in a standardised manner are required prior to its routine clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailsa J. Christiansen
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Institute of Oncology (IPO) Porto, RISE@CI-IPOP Health Research Network, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center, Porto, Portugal,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS–School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Christian D. Fankhauser
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Clinic for Urology, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | - Richard Cathomas
- Division of Oncology/Hematology, Kantonsspital Graubünden, Chur, Switzerland
| | - Aashil A. Batavia
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Josias B. Grogg
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Arnoud J. Templeton
- St. Clara Research, St. Claraspital Basel and Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Anja Lorch
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Silke Gillessen
- Department of Oncology, Kantonsspital, St. Gallen, Switzerland,Department of Medical Oncology, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences Universita della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland,Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Holger Moch
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Beyer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Hermanns
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,*Correspondence: Thomas Hermanns,
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Lesko P, Chovanec M, Mego M. Biomarkers of disease recurrence in stage I testicular germ cell tumours. Nat Rev Urol 2022; 19:637-658. [PMID: 36028719 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00624-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Stage I testicular cancer is a disease restricted to the testicle. After orchiectomy, patients are considered to be without disease; however, the tumour is prone to relapse in ~4-50% of patients. Current predictive markers of relapse, which are tumour size and invasion to rete testis (in seminoma) or lymphovascular invasion (in non-seminoma), have limited clinical utility and are unable to correctly predict relapse in a substantial proportion of patients. Adjuvant therapeutic strategies based on available biomarkers can lead to overtreatment of 50-85% of patients. Discovery and implementation of novel biomarkers into treatment decision making will help to reduce the burden of adjuvant treatments and improve patient selection for adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lesko
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Chovanec
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Wang S, Yang X, Yu Z, Du P, Cao Y, Ji Y, Ma J, Yang Y. The values of systemic immune-inflammation index and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in predicting testicular germ cell tumors: A retrospective clinical study. Front Oncol 2022; 12:893877. [PMID: 36185298 PMCID: PMC9523471 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.893877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine whether complete blood count (CBC) based inflammatory parameters can be used as markers predicting testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). Material and methods Between 2013 to 2018 the data of 58 patients with testicular TGCT undergoing radical orchiectomy and 54 malignancy-free healthy men were retrospectively analyzed as tumor group and control group. Patient baseline characteristics including age, pathological stage and pre-surgery CBC based inflammatory parameters including neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), lymphocyte ratio (LR), neutrophil ratio (NR), mean platelet volume (MPV) and red cell distribution width (RDW) were analyzed and compared between tumor group and control group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used analyzing data with significantly difference to assess the discriminative ability of the markers for TGCT, area under the curve (AUC), cut-off value, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. The binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between significant inflammatory markers and risk of TGCT. Results Mean age of the tumor and control group was 41.1 ± 15.36 and 44.89 ± 9.2 years, respectively. Mean NLR, SII and RDW were significantly higher in tumor group compared with control group with P=0.005, P=0.001 and P=0.016, respectively; there were no significantly differences of age, PLR, LMR, LR, NR, MPV and RDW between groups. The ROC curve for NLR, SII and RDW was plotted in the diagnosis of TGCT and tumor progression, the cut-off value for NLR, SII and RDW were found as 3.38 (AUC: 0.704, sensitivity=51.4%, specificity=88.6%, P=0.003), 881.24 (AUC: 0.725, sensitivity=45.7%, specificity=91.4%, P=0.001) and 0.14 (AUC: 0.63, sensitivity=28.6%, specificity=97%, P=0.063), respectively. Patients were divided into two groups according to the threshold values, respectively. By using the multivariable logistic regression models, NLR ≥ 3.38 (OR, 5.86; 95% CI, 1.67-20.65, P=0.006) and SII ≥ 881.24 (OR, 4.89; 95% CI, 1.48-15.32, P=0.009) were independent risk factors predicting TGCT. Significantly statistical difference of pathological stage was also found between groups with respect to NLR cut-off values (P=0.034) and SII cut-off values (P=0.049). Combined the data together, NLR and SII both exhibited good differential diagnosis potential which could be used as markers predicting the TGCT. Conclusion As the CBC based inflammation parameters, both NLR and SII could be used as effective tumor markers predicting the TGCT, and higher NLR and SII are associated with higher pathological stage. In addition, SII is a more powerful tool among these two inflammatory markers.
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Constâncio V, Tavares NT, Henrique R, Jerónimo C, Lobo J. MiRNA biomarkers in cancers of the male reproductive system: are we approaching clinical application? Andrology 2022; 11:651-667. [PMID: 35930290 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific cancer types face specific clinical management challenges. Owing to their stability, robustness and fast, easy, and cost-effective detection, microRNAs (miRNAs) are attractive candidate biomarkers to the clinic. OBJECTIVES Based on a comprehensive review of the relevant literature in the field, we explore the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers to answer relevant clinical dilemmas inherent to cancers of the male reproductive tract (prostate (PCa), testis (TGCTs) and penis (PeCa)) and identify some of the challenges/limitations hampering their widely application. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We conclude that the use of miRNAs as biomarkers is at different stages for these distinct cancer types. While for TGCTs, miRNA-371a-3p is universally accepted to fill in important clinicals gaps and is moving fast towards clinical implementation, for PCa almost no overlap of miRNAs exists between studies, denoting the absence of a consistent miRNA biomarker, and for PeCa the field of miRNAs has just recently started, with only a few studies attempting to explore their clinical usefulness. CONCLUSION Technological advances influencing miRNA detection and quantification will be instrumental to continue to move forward with implementation of miRNAs in the clinic as biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment monitoring and follow-up. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Constâncio
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal.,Doctoral Programme in Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-513, Portugal
| | - Nuno Tiago Tavares
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-513, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-513, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-513, Portugal
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11
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Sequeira JP, Lobo J, Constâncio V, Brito-Rocha T, Carvalho-Maia C, Braga I, Maurício J, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. DigiMir Test: Establishing a Novel Pipeline for MiR-371a Quantification Using Droplet Digital PCR in Liquid Biopsies From Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Patients. Front Oncol 2022; 12:876732. [PMID: 35756620 PMCID: PMC9226402 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.876732] [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: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common cancers in young-adult male patients aged between 15 and 39 years. Hsa-miR-371a-3p is currently the most reliable biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring of these patients non-invasively in liquid biopsies, and it is destined to be introduced in the clinic due to improved performance compared to the classical serum tumor markers available. Current studies have focused on real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) protocols for its determination; still, some challenges remain, since these protocols often require preamplification steps (costly and time-consuming), and report relative levels normalized to a housekeeping microRNA, not always performed the same way. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) shows the promise to overcome these challenges, skipping normalization and preamplifications, but has hardly been explored in the field of TGCTs. In this work, we provide a report of a ddPCR-based pipeline for the quantification of hsa-miR-371a-3p (the DigiMir pipeline) and compare it with two RT-qPCR protocols. A total of 107 plasma samples were investigated in the validation setting. The DigiMir pipeline detected TGCTs in a manner representative of tumor burden, with a sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 100%, respectively, outperforming the combined sensitivity of all three classical serum tumor markers (61.5%). Therefore, in this proof-of-concept investigation, we have shown that the DigiMir pipeline constitutes a new promising methodology to accurately report hsa-miR-371a-3p in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pedro Sequeira
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Master in Oncology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Constâncio
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Doctoral Programme in Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Tiago Brito-Rocha
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Master in Oncology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Carina Carvalho-Maia
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
| | - Isaac Braga
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Urology and Urology Clinics, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquina Maurício
- Department of Medical Oncology and Urology Clinics, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
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12
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Krasic J, Skara L, Bojanac AK, Ulamec M, Jezek D, Kulis T, Sincic N. The utility of cfDNA in TGCT patient management: a systematic review. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2022; 14:17588359221090365. [PMID: 35656387 PMCID: PMC9152191 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221090365] [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: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common young male malignancy with a steadily rising incidence. Standard clinical practice is radical orchidectomy of suspicious lumps followed by histopathological diagnosis and tumor subtyping. This practice can lead to complications and quality of life issues for the patients. Liquid biopsies, especially cell-free DNA (cfDNA), promised to be true surrogates for tissue biopsies, which are considered dangerous to perform in cases of testicular tumors. In this study, we have performed a systematic review on the potential of cfDNA in TGCT patient management, its potential challenges in translation to clinical application and possible approaches in further research. Materials & Methods: The review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines on EuropePMC and PUBMED electronic databases, with the last update being on October 21, 2021. Due to the high heterogeneity in identified research articles, we have performed an overview of their efficacy. Results: Eight original articles have been identified on cfDNA in TGCT patients published from 2004 to 2021, of which six had more than one TGCT patient enrolled and were included in the final analysis. Three studies investigated cfDNA methylation, one has investigated mutations in cfDNA, two have investigated cfDNA amount, and one has investigated cfDNA integrity in TGCT. The sensitivity of cfDNA for TGCT was found to be higher than in serum tumor markers and lower than miR-371a-3p, with comparable specificity. cfDNA methylation analysis has managed to accurately detect teratoma in TGCT patients. Conclusion: Potential challenges in cfDNA application to TGCT patient management were identified. The challenges relating to the biology of TGCT with its low mutational burden and low cfDNA amounts in blood plasma make next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods especially challenging. We have also proposed possible approaches to help find clinical application, including a focus on cfDNA methylation analysis, and potentially solving the challenge of teratoma detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jure Krasic
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers (Epimark), School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Skara
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers (Epimark), School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Katusic Bojanac
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Ulamec
- Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers (Epimark), School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Clinical Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Davor Jezek
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Kulis
- Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers (Epimark), School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nino Sincic
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, Zagreb, 10 000, Croatia
- Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers (Epimark), School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, Zagreb, 10 000, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, Zagreb, 10 000, Croatia
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13
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Oldenburg J, Berney DM, Bokemeyer C, Climent MA, Daugaard G, Gietema JA, De Giorgi U, Haugnes HS, Huddart RA, Leão R, Sohaib A, Gillessen S, Powles T. Testicular seminoma and non-seminoma: ESMO-EURACAN Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol 2022; 33:362-375. [PMID: 35065204 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J Oldenburg
- Department of Oncology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog; Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - D M Berney
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London; Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - C Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation with section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M A Climent
- Fundacion Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, València, Spain
| | - G Daugaard
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J A Gietema
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - U De Giorgi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST),'Dino Amadori', Meldola, Italy
| | - H S Haugnes
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway and UiT-The Arctic University, Tromsoe, Norway
| | - R A Huddart
- Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - R Leão
- Department of Urology, Hospital de Braga, Hospital CUF Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A Sohaib
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - S Gillessen
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Lugano, Switzerland; Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester
| | - T Powles
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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14
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Soleimani M, Kollmannsberger C, Nappi L. Emerging Role of Biomarkers in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:437-442. [PMID: 35142973 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-022-01231-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will focus on biomarkers in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT), focusing on microRNAs with high potential clinical application to drive management of TGCT. We explore the mechanism of action of microRNAs, literature to date, and how microRNAs may be incorporated into clinical practice in the near future. RECENT FINDINGS MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs found in blood which play an important role in post-transcriptional gene regulation and have been explored in TGCT for the past 15 years. More recently, results show they are promising biomarkers for diagnosis with impressive sensitivity and specificity, while also being cost-effective. MicroRNAs will likely play a critical role in areas of unmet need in GCT in the next decade, as they have many of the characteristics of an ideal biomarker. Ongoing prospective clinical trials evaluating microRNA-371 will be eagerly awaited and will help inform decision-making in real-world application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Soleimani
- BC Cancer, Division of Medical Oncology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christian Kollmannsberger
- BC Cancer, Division of Medical Oncology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lucia Nappi
- BC Cancer, Division of Medical Oncology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. .,Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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15
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Santoro G, Lapucci C, Giannoccaro M, Caporilli S, Rusin M, Seidenari A, Ferrari M, Farina A. Abnormal Circulating Maternal miRNA Expression Is Associated with a Low (<4%) Cell-Free DNA Fetal Fraction. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11112108. [PMID: 34829454 PMCID: PMC8625387 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11112108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The present pilot study investigates whether an abnormal miRNA profile in NIPT plasma samples can explain the finding of a low cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fetal fraction (cfDNAff) in euploid fetuses and non-obese women. Twelve women who underwent neoBona® NIPT with a normal fetal karyotype were studied. Six with a cfDNAff < 4% were matched with a control group with normal levels of cfDNAff > 4%. Samples were processed using the nanostring nCounter® platform with a panel of 800 miRNAs. Four of the maternal miRNAs, miR-579, miR-612, miR-3144 and miR-6721, had a significant abnormal expression in patients. A data filtering analysis showed that miR-579, miR-612, miR-3144 and miR-6721 targeted 169, 1, 48 and 136 placenta-specific genes, respectively. miR-579, miR-3144 and miR-6721 shared placenta-specific targeted genes involved in trophoblast invasion and migration pathways (IGF2R, PTCD2, SATB2, PLAC8). Moreover, the miRNA target genes encoded proteins localized in the placenta and involved in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia, including chorion-specific transcription factor GCMa, PRG2, Lin-28 Homolog B and IGFBP1. In conclusion, aberrant maternal miRNA expression in circulating plasma could be a source of dysregulating trophoblast invasion and migration and could represent a novel cause of a low cfDNAff in the sera of pregnant women at the time of NIPT analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziano Santoro
- Genetic Unit, Synlab, Via B. L. Pavoni 18, Castenedolo, 25014 Brescia, Italy; (G.S.); (C.L.); (M.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Cristina Lapucci
- Genetic Unit, Synlab, Via B. L. Pavoni 18, Castenedolo, 25014 Brescia, Italy; (G.S.); (C.L.); (M.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Marco Giannoccaro
- Genetic Unit, Synlab, Via B. L. Pavoni 18, Castenedolo, 25014 Brescia, Italy; (G.S.); (C.L.); (M.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Simona Caporilli
- Genetic Unit, Synlab, Via B. L. Pavoni 18, Castenedolo, 25014 Brescia, Italy; (G.S.); (C.L.); (M.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Martina Rusin
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC), IRCCS Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.R.); (A.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Anna Seidenari
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC), IRCCS Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.R.); (A.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Maurizio Ferrari
- IRCCS, SDN, Via Gianturco 113, 80143 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Antonio Farina
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC), IRCCS Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.R.); (A.S.); (A.F.)
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16
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Ahmadi H, Jang TL, Daneshmand S, Ghodoussipour S. Editorial by Bendu K. Konneh, John T. Lafin and Aditya Bagrodia on pp. 341-342 of this issue: MicroRNA-371a-3p as a blood-based biomarker in testis cancer. Asian J Urol 2021; 8:400-406. [PMID: 34765447 PMCID: PMC8566368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajur.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs involved in the regulation of mRNA transcription and translation, and possess all desirable features of an ideal tumor marker. Of almost 31 different miRNA clusters identified in germ cell tumors (GCTs), miR-371a-3p has shown exceptionally high sensitivity and specificity for both seminomatous and nonseminomatous GCTs. It is easily obtainable and correlates well with tumor burden. Recent multi-institutional prospective studies have shown promising test characteristics for miR-371a-3p as a diagnostic blood-based biomarker for GCT prior to orchiectomy including 80%-100% sensitivity and 90%-100% specificity. This accuracy may address other unmet needs in the management of patients with GCT. Early studies have suggested the utility of miR-371a-3p in detecting occult nodal metastasis in high-risk clinical stage I and early stage II disease. Ongoing clinical trials including SWOG 1823 and AGCT1531 are specifically designed to confirm the utility of miR-371a-3p in clinical stage I GCT. Despite its strong association with viable GCT after treatment with chemotherapy, miR-371a-3p does not seem to accurately predict the presence of teratoma in residual lesions. Also, standardization of extraction and interpretation methods is a necessary step to assure uniform results across different institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Ahmadi
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas L Jang
- Section of Urologic Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Siamak Daneshmand
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Saum Ghodoussipour
- Section of Urologic Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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17
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Timmerman DM, Eleveld TF, Gillis AJM, Friedrichs CC, Hillenius S, Remmers TL, Sriram S, Looijenga LHJ. The Role of TP53 in Cisplatin Resistance in Mediastinal and Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111774. [PMID: 34769213 PMCID: PMC8583723 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are considered to be highly curable; however, there are major differences in the outcomes related to histology and anatomical localization. GCTs originating from the testis are, overall, sensitive to platinum-based chemotherapy, whereas GCTs originating from the mediastinum show a worse response, which remains largely unexplained. Here, we address the differences among GCTs from two different anatomical locations (testicular versus mediastinal/extragonadal), with a specific focus on the role of the P53 pathway. It was recently shown that GCTs with TP53 mutations most often localize to the mediastinum. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, TP53 knock-out lines were generated in cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant clones of the representative 2102Ep cell line (wild-type TP53 testicular GCT) and NCCIT cell line (hemizygously mutated TP53, mutant TP53 mediastinal GCT). The full knock-out of TP53 in 2102Ep and resistant NCCIT resulted in an increase in cisplatin resistance, suggesting a contributing role for P53, even in NCCIT, in which P53 had been reported to be non-functional. In conclusion, these results suggest that TP53 mutations contribute to the cisplatin-resistant phenotype of mediastinal GCTs and, therefore, are a potential candidate for targeted treatment. This knowledge provides a novel model system to elucidate the underlying mechanism of clinical behavior and possible alternative treatment of the TP53 mutant and mediastinal GCTs.
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18
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Lobo J, van Zogchel LMJ, Nuru MG, Gillis AJM, van der Schoot CE, Tytgat GAM, Looijenga LHJ. Combining Hypermethylated RASSF1A Detection Using ddPCR with miR-371a-3p Testing: An Improved Panel of Liquid Biopsy Biomarkers for Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5228. [PMID: 34680375 PMCID: PMC8534014 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The classical serum tumor markers used routinely in the management of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) patients-alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)-show important limitations. miR-371a-3p is the most recent promising biomarker for TGCTs, but it is not sufficiently informative for detection of teratoma, which is therapeutically relevant. We aimed to test the feasibility of hypermethylated RASSF1A (RASSF1AM) detected in circulating cell-free DNA as a non-invasive diagnostic marker of testicular germ cell tumors, combined with miR-371a-3p. A total of 109 serum samples of patients and 29 sera of healthy young adult males were included, along with representative cell lines and tumor tissue samples. We describe a novel droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) method for quantitatively assessing RASSF1AM in liquid biopsies. Both miR-371a-3p (sensitivity = 85.7%) and RASSF1AM (sensitivity = 86.7%) outperformed the combination of AFP and HCG (sensitivity = 65.5%) for TGCT diagnosis. RASSF1AM detected 88% of teratomas. In this representative cohort, 14 cases were negative for miR-371a-3p, all of which were detected by RASSF1AM, resulting in a combined sensitivity of 100%. We have described a highly sensitive and specific panel of biomarkers for TGCT patients, to be validated in the context of patient follow-up and detection of minimal residual disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.L.); (L.M.J.v.Z.); (A.J.M.G.)
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lieke M. J. van Zogchel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.L.); (L.M.J.v.Z.); (A.J.M.G.)
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research Amsterdam, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.G.N.); (C.E.v.d.S.)
| | - Mohammed G. Nuru
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research Amsterdam, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.G.N.); (C.E.v.d.S.)
| | - Ad J. M. Gillis
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.L.); (L.M.J.v.Z.); (A.J.M.G.)
| | - C. Ellen van der Schoot
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research Amsterdam, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.G.N.); (C.E.v.d.S.)
| | - Godelieve A. M. Tytgat
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.L.); (L.M.J.v.Z.); (A.J.M.G.)
| | - Leendert H. J. Looijenga
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.L.); (L.M.J.v.Z.); (A.J.M.G.)
- Lab. for Exp. Patho-Oncology (LEPO), Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Konneh BK, Lafin JT, Bagrodia A. Referring to the article published on pp. 400-406 of this issue: Progress and challenges in testicular cancer microRNAs. Asian J Urol 2021; 8:341-342. [PMID: 34765441 PMCID: PMC8566365 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajur.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bendu K. Konneh
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - John T. Lafin
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Aditya Bagrodia
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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20
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Zhao XY, Gao YL, Li DF, Liu HC, Zhu RF, Zhu CT. Diagnostic performance of microRNAs in testicular germ cell tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:19657-19677. [PMID: 34343969 PMCID: PMC8386578 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The sensitivity (Sen) of classic biomarkers for the diagnosis of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) is currently low. Previous studies have shown the diagnostic potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) for TGCTs; however, the results of these studies are inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate their diagnostic value. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched until September 30, 2020 and 18 trials from 11 studies involving 2,068 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Using a bivariate mixed-effects meta-analysis model, the pooled Sen, specificity (Spe), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) with 95% confidence interval values of total miRNAs were 0.83 (0.73-0.90), 0.95 (0.89-0.98), 15.79 (7.41-33.66), 0.18 (0.11-0.29), 87.13 (41.99-180.82), and 0.95 (0.93-0.97), respectively; however, the observed values of single miR-371a-3p were 0.84 (0.76-0.90), 0.95 (0.91-0.98), 18.41 (9.69-34.97), 0.17 (0.11-0.26), 111.56 (47.72-260.80), and 0.97 (0.95-0.98), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that miRNAs that included miR-371a-3p showed higher predictive performance than those that did not (P < 0.05). This research identified that miR-371a-3p has a high diagnostic value for TGCTs, except teratoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Yi Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yu-Lu Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan 215300, China
| | - Dan-Feng Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Hong-Chao Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Rui-Fang Zhu
- Editorial Department, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Chang-Tai Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
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21
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Myklebust MP, Thor A, Rosenlund B, Gjengstø P, Karlsdottir Á, Brydøy M, Bercea BS, Olsen C, Johnson I, Berg MI, Langberg CW, Andreassen KE, Kjellman A, Haugnes HS, Dahl O. Serum miR371 in testicular germ cell cancer before and after orchiectomy, assessed by digital-droplet PCR in a prospective study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15582. [PMID: 34341387 PMCID: PMC8329070 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94812-2] [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] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-371a-3p (miR371) has been suggested as a sensitive biomarker in testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC). We aimed to compare miR371 with the classical biomarkers α-fetoprotein (AFP) and β-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCGβ). Overall, 180 patients were prospectively enrolled in the study, with serum samples collected before and after orchiectomy. We compared the use of digital droplet PCR (RT-ddPCR) with the quantitative PCR used by others for detection of miR371. The novel RT-ddPCR protocol showed high performance in detection of miR371 in serum samples. In the study cohort, miR371 was measured using RT-ddPCR. MiR371 detected CS1 of the seminoma and the non-seminoma sub-types with a sensitivity of 87% and 89%, respectively. The total sensitivity was 89%. After orchiectomy, miR371 levels declined in 154 of 159 TGCC cases. The ratio of miR371 pre- and post-orchiectomy was 20.5 in CS1 compared to 6.5 in systemic disease. AFP and hCGβ had sensitivities of 52% and 51% in the non-seminomas. MiR371 is a sensitive marker that performs better than the classical markers in all sub-types and clinical stages. Especially for the seminomas CS1, the high sensitivity of miR371 in detecting TGCC cells may have clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Pernille Myklebust
- Mohn Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 91B, 5021, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Anna Thor
- Department of Urology and CLINTEC Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benedikte Rosenlund
- Mohn Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 91B, 5021, Bergen, Norway
| | - Peder Gjengstø
- Department of Urology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ása Karlsdottir
- Mohn Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 91B, 5021, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marianne Brydøy
- Mohn Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 91B, 5021, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Christian Olsen
- Mohn Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 91B, 5021, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ida Johnson
- Department of Urology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mathilde I Berg
- Department of Urology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Anders Kjellman
- Department of Urology and CLINTEC Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hege S Haugnes
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, UIT-The Arctic University, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Olav Dahl
- Mohn Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 91B, 5021, Bergen, Norway
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22
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Conduit C, Tran B. Improving outcomes in germ cell cancers using miRNA. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2021; 13:17588359211027826. [PMID: 34262617 PMCID: PMC8252353 DOI: 10.1177/17588359211027826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to advances in treatment paradigms across the last five decades, testicular cancer is now eminently curable. However, current serum tumour and imaging biomarkers lack adequate sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value. Subsequently, their utility in detecting active malignancy and informing treatment decisions is minimal in a large proportion of men with testicular cancer. Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNA), pertinently miR-371a-3p, offer a new tool, which based on early data, appears to fill many of the gaps that existing biomarkers leave. This paper reviews the evolution of the technology, potential limitations, and discusses the clinical relevance of miRNA as it moves towards the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Conduit
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ben Tran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Locked Bag 1, A’Beckett St, Melbourne, VIC 8006, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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23
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Leão R, Albersen M, Looijenga LHJ, Tandstad T, Kollmannsberger C, Murray MJ, Culine S, Coleman N, Belge G, Hamilton RJ, Dieckmann KP. Circulating MicroRNAs, the Next-Generation Serum Biomarkers in Testicular Germ Cell Tumours: A Systematic Review. Eur Urol 2021; 80:456-466. [PMID: 34175151 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Clinical management of testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs) is hampered by low sensitivity and specificity of the biomarkers currently in use. Circulating microRNAs (miRs) might offer the potential to address areas of unmet clinical need. OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the evidence for clinical applications of serum levels of miR302/367 and miR371-3 in adult testicular GCTs in terms of primary diagnosis, various clinical scenarios, and the costs of clinical implementation. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We performed a critical review of PubMed/Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library in January 2021 in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Thirty-one manuscripts addressed miR performance and potential clinical use in testicular GCT. Of these, 23 evaluated the utility in primary diagnosis, seven in early-stage disease, and 13 in metastatic disease, and two addressed the costs of clinical implementation. Of the various miRs studied, miR-371a-3p appears the most useful and potentially the only one that needs to be assayed, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve >0.90, sensitivity of 89-96%, and specificity of >90% for both seminoma and nonseminoma, surpassing the classic serum tumour markers. The miRs studied to date are not elevated in cases with teratoma only. Levels of miR-371a-3p correlate with primary tumour mass, clinical stage, and International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group risk groups. Serial measurements mirror treatment efficacy in all clinical stages. CONCLUSIONS Circulating miRNA levels, particularly of miR-371a-3p, have potential for incorporation in clinical practice and may aid in clinical decision-making in various clinical scenarios in GCT. PATIENT SUMMARY We analysed the current evidence on the usefulness of blood levels of molecules called microRNAs in the management of testicular tumours. The microRNA-371a-3p molecule has better sensitivity and specificity than the markers currently being measured. This new biomarker may soon have a place in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Leão
- Department of Urology, Hospital de Braga, Hospitais CUF, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maarten Albersen
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Torgrim Tandstad
- The Cancer Clinic, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Christian Kollmannsberger
- Department of Medicine, Medical Oncology Division, BC Cancer, Vancouver Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Matthew J Murray
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephane Culine
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, Paris, France; Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Nicholas Coleman
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Histopathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gazanfer Belge
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Robert J Hamilton
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
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24
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Timmerman DM, Remmers TL, Hillenius S, Looijenga LHJ. Mechanisms of TP53 Pathway Inactivation in Embryonic and Somatic Cells-Relevance for Understanding (Germ Cell) Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105377. [PMID: 34065345 PMCID: PMC8161298 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The P53 pathway is the most important cellular pathway to maintain genomic and cellular integrity, both in embryonic and non-embryonic cells. Stress signals induce its activation, initiating autophagy or cell cycle arrest to enable DNA repair. The persistence of these signals causes either senescence or apoptosis. Over 50% of all solid tumors harbor mutations in TP53 that inactivate the pathway. The remaining cancers are suggested to harbor mutations in genes that regulate the P53 pathway such as its inhibitors Mouse Double Minute 2 and 4 (MDM2 and MDM4, respectively). Many reviews have already been dedicated to P53, MDM2, and MDM4, while this review additionally focuses on the other factors that can deregulate P53 signaling. We discuss that P14ARF (ARF) functions as a negative regulator of MDM2, explaining the frequent loss of ARF detected in cancers. The long non-coding RNA Antisense Non-coding RNA in the INK4 Locus (ANRIL) is encoded on the same locus as ARF, inhibiting ARF expression, thus contributing to the process of tumorigenesis. Mutations in tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins deregulate P53 signaling through their ubiquitin ligase activity. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) inactivate the P53 pathway through inhibition of translation. CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) maintains an open chromatin structure at the TP53 locus, explaining its inactivation of CTCF during tumorigenesis. P21, a downstream effector of P53, has been found to be deregulated in different tumor types. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these factors that are known to deregulate the P53 pathway in both somatic and embryonic cells, as well as their malignant counterparts (i.e., somatic and germ cell tumors). It provides insights into which aspects still need to be unraveled to grasp their contribution to tumorigenesis, putatively leading to novel targets for effective cancer therapies.
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25
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Mørup N, Stakaitis R, Golubickaite I, Riera M, Dalgaard MD, Schierup MH, Jørgensen N, Daugaard G, Juul A, Almstrup K. Small RNAs in Seminal Plasma as Novel Biomarkers for Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102346. [PMID: 34067956 PMCID: PMC8152278 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men. It is rarely diagnosed at early stages, being only detected with a highly invasive procedure that presents notable side-effects. Circulating small RNAs have recently been identified as testicular tumor markers, but are unable to diagnose testicular cancer at an early pre-invasive stage. So far, studies have been limited to microRNAs, with other small RNAs remaining unexplored as likely biomarkers. By sequencing all small RNAs in semen samples from men with different stages of testicular cancer and healthy men, we identify signatures predictive of cancer, even at an early stage. Thus, our study provides great potential for non-invasive early diagnosis of testicular cancer. Extensive biological variance in small RNA levels across samples, together with small sample sizes, limit the power to detect single small RNA markers. Hence, larger studies are needed to confirm our findings and deduce their full diagnostic capacity. Abstract Circulating miRNAs secreted by testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) show great potential as novel non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis of TGCT. Seminal plasma (SP) represents a biofluid closer to the primary site. Here, we investigate whether small RNAs in SP can be used to diagnose men with TGCTs or the precursor lesions, germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS). Small RNAs isolated from SP from men with TGCTs (n = 18), GCNIS-only (n = 5), and controls (n = 25) were sequenced. SP from men with TGCT/GCNIS (n = 37) and controls (n = 22) were used for validation by RT-qPCR. In general, piRNAs were found at lower levels in SP from men with TGCTs. Ten small RNAs were found at significantly (q-value < 0.05) different levels in SP from men with TGCT/GCNIS than controls. Random forests classification identified sets of small RNAs that could detect either TGCT/GCNIS or GCNIS-only with an area under the curve of 0.98 and 1 in ROC analyses, respectively. RT-qPCR validated hsa-miR-6782-5p to be present at 2.3-fold lower levels (p = 0.02) in the SP from men with TGCTs compared with controls. Small RNAs in SP show potential as novel biomarkers for diagnosing men with TGCT/GCNIS but validation in larger cohorts is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Mørup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (N.M.); (R.S.); (I.G.); (N.J.); (A.J.)
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rytis Stakaitis
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (N.M.); (R.S.); (I.G.); (N.J.); (A.J.)
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Ieva Golubickaite
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (N.M.); (R.S.); (I.G.); (N.J.); (A.J.)
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Meritxell Riera
- Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.H.S.)
| | - Marlene Danner Dalgaard
- DTU Multi-Assay Core, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Mikkel H. Schierup
- Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (M.R.); (M.H.S.)
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (N.M.); (R.S.); (I.G.); (N.J.); (A.J.)
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gedske Daugaard
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (N.M.); (R.S.); (I.G.); (N.J.); (A.J.)
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (N.M.); (R.S.); (I.G.); (N.J.); (A.J.)
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-3545-6639
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The Diagnostic Accuracy of miR-371a-3p for Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 25:273-281. [PMID: 33886084 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-021-00521-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to assess the utility of miR-371a-3p levels as a tool for diagnosing testicular germ cell tumors. METHODS For this systematic review and meta-analysis we reviewed available published studies assessing the accuracy of miR-371a-3p as a tool for diagnosing testicular germ cell tumors. STATA 16.0 was used to calculate pooled sensitivity, specificity, negative likelihood ratio (NLR), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and area under the curve (AUC) values. RESULTS In total, six studies incorporating 1835 individuals were included in this analysis. Pooled results suggested that miR-371a-3p was able to differentiate between testicular germ cell tumors and non-testicular germ cell tumors or healthy individuals with a sensitivity of 0.90 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-0.92], a specificity of 0.93 (95% CI 0.87-0.96), a PLR of 12.2 (95% CI 6.90-18.24), an NLR of 0.11 (95% CI 0.09-0.14) a diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 121.56 (95% CI 64.84-227.89), and an AUC of 0.94. CONCLUSIONS MiR-371a-3p represents a viable biomarker associated with testicular germ cell tumors.
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27
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Lobo J, Leão R, Jerónimo C, Henrique R. Liquid Biopsies in the Clinical Management of Germ Cell Tumor Patients: State-of-the-Art and Future Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052654. [PMID: 33800799 PMCID: PMC7961393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsies constitute a minimally invasive means of managing cancer patients, entailing early diagnosis, follow-up and prediction of response to therapy. Their use in the germ cell tumor field is invaluable since diagnostic tissue biopsies (which are invasive) are often not performed, and therefore only a presumptive diagnosis can be made, confirmed upon examination of the surgical specimen. Herein, we provide an overall review of the current liquid biopsy-based biomarkers of this disease, including the classical, routinely used serum tumor markers—the promising microRNAs rapidly approaching the introduction into clinical practice—but also cell-free DNA markers (including DNA methylation) and circulating tumor cells. Finally, and importantly, we also explore novel strategies and challenges for liquid biopsy markers and methodologies, providing a critical view of the future directions for liquid biopsy tests in this field, highlighting gaps and unanswered questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Leão
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (C.J.); (R.H.); Tel.: +351-22-225084000 (C.J. & R.H.); Fax: +351-22-5084199 (C.J. & R.H.)
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (C.J.); (R.H.); Tel.: +351-22-225084000 (C.J. & R.H.); Fax: +351-22-5084199 (C.J. & R.H.)
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28
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Murray MJ, Scarpini CG, Coleman N. A Circulating MicroRNA Panel for Malignant Germ Cell Tumor Diagnosis and Monitoring. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2195:225-243. [PMID: 32852767 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0860-9_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Reverse transcription (RT) based quantitative PCR (qPCR) for quantifying microRNAs (miRNAs) in in the circulation presents specific challenges. Here, we describe an optimized research protocol to assess serum sample quality and quantify levels of a panel of four test miRNAs (miR-371a-3p, miR-372-3p, miR-373-3p, and miR-367-3p) that enables highly sensitive and specific malignant germ cell tumor (GCT) diagnosis and monitoring. This protocol utilizes a multiplex RT step using Taqman miRNA stem-loop primers. A multiplexed preamplification stage is then employed to increase the sensitivity of the final quantification step, which is performed using standard singleplex Taqman qPCR methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Murray
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | - Nicholas Coleman
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Department of Histopathology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
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29
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Circulating microRNAs as biomarkers to assist the management of the malignant germ-cell-tumour subtype choriocarcinoma. Transl Oncol 2020; 14:100904. [PMID: 33049521 PMCID: PMC7557903 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Current biomarkers have limited utility for management of germ-cell-tumours. Limitations include secretion restricted to specific subtypes and long half-life. Limitations can make interpretation and clinical decision-making challenging. Circulating microRNAs show promise for management of these tumours. We identify specific circulating microRNAs for the choriocarcinoma subtype.
Germ-cell-tumours (GCTs) are heterogeneous and management is complex. The current conventional biomarkers, alpha-fetoprotein and human-chorionic-gonadotropin (HCG), have limited utility for diagnosis/follow-up as secretion is restricted to specific malignant-GCT subtypes and long half-life can make interpretation and clinical decision-making challenging. We sought to identify circulating microRNAs that reflected choriocarcinoma disease activity more accurately than HCG in a metastatic primary mediastinal nonseminomatous-GCT (PMNSGCT) case with elevated diagnostic serum HCG (>250,000 U/L), consistent with pure choriocarcinoma. We undertook comprehensive microRNA profiling (n = 754 microRNAs) using two 384-well TaqMan Low-Density-Array cards in 16 serum samples; 10 from PMNSGCT diagnosis/follow-up and six controls. Key findings underwent confirmatory qRT-PCR. We identified a serum panel of choriocarcinoma-specific ‘chromosome-19-microRNA-cluster’ (C19MC) microRNAs that were highly elevated at diagnosis but fell rapidly on treatment and normalised before the second full chemotherapy course. We also re-confirmed serum elevation of the previously identified malignant-GCT marker miR-371a-3p at diagnosis. These circulating microRNA markers reflected choriocarcinoma disease activity more accurately than serum HCG and real-time knowledge would have assisted clinical decision-making. With further study, these microRNA markers will facilitate future management of such patients and are likely to result in improved outcomes.
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Qadeer A, Quincey C, Gill K, Paddock M. Splenogonadal fusion: a radiologic-pathologic correlation and review of the literature. Radiol Case Rep 2020; 15:1817-1822. [PMID: 32793323 PMCID: PMC7413983 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2020.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We present the case of a 29-year-old male who presented to his General Practitioner with a left testicular lump. Scrotal ultrasound examination revealed 4 well-defined, homogenous, mildly hypoechoic extratesticular mass lesions. He was referred for an urgent urological opinion and underwent local excision. Histologic analysis revealed splenic tissue resulting in the diagnosis of splenogonadal fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Qadeer
- Department of Paediatrics, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Quincey
- Department of Pathology, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Kanwar Gill
- Medical Imaging Department, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Paddock
- Medical Imaging Department, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom.,Academic Unit of Child Health, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Damer Street Building, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
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Ernst S, Heinzelmann J, Bohle RM, Weber G, Stöckle M, Junker K, Heinzelbecker J. The metastatic potential of seminomatous germ cell tumours is associated with a specific microRNA pattern. Andrology 2020; 8:1687-1698. [PMID: 32530514 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seminomatous germ cell tumours (SGCT) are the most frequent malignancy in young men. Reliable prognostic biomarkers for the prediction of metastasis at diagnosis and the risk of relapse in clinical stage I (CSI) are lacking. Adjuvant therapies carry a risk of overtreatment, whereas salvage therapies have a risk of high toxicities. Thus, the identification of reliable prognostic biomarkers is highly desirable to identify patients who will benefit from early adjuvant treatment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate tumour development and progression, and their potential as biomarkers has already been proven in a variety of malignancies. OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was to define a specific miRNA expression pattern that discriminates metastatic from non-metastatic primary SGCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS Total RNA was isolated from 24 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) primary SGCT tumours (10 non-metastatic, five metachronously and nine synchronously metastatic) and from 10 normal testicular tissue samples. Microarray analysis was performed for global miRNA expression profiling. The results were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS Microarray analyses revealed a specific miRNA pattern that distinguishes metastatic from non-metastatic SGCT. Sixty-three miRNAs were differentially expressed in metastatic compared to non-metastatic tumours (P < .01). Microarray results were confirmed by qRT-PCR for three out of five selected miRNAs (miR-29c-5p, miR-506-3p and miR-371a-5p; P < .05). All five miRNAs (miR-29c-5p, miR-506-3p, miR-1307-5p, miR-371a-5p and miR-371a-3p) showed differential expression between tumour and normal tissues (P < .05). CONCLUSION Metastatic primary SGCTs are characterized by a specific miRNA expression pattern. Therefore, specific miRNAs could represent a new tool to predict the metastatic potential in SGCT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Ernst
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany.,Department of Urology, Knappschaftsklinikum Saar, Sulzbach/Saar, Germany
| | - Joana Heinzelmann
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Rainer M Bohle
- Institute of Pathology, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Georg Weber
- Gemeinschaftspraxis für Humangenetik, Biomedizinisches Zentrum, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Michael Stöckle
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Kerstin Junker
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Julia Heinzelbecker
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Radtke A, Dieckmann KP, Grobelny F, Salzbrunn A, Oing C, Schulze W, Belge G. Expression of miRNA-371a-3p in seminal plasma and ejaculate is associated with sperm concentration. Andrology 2020; 7:469-474. [PMID: 31310058 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The microRNAs of the miR-371-3 cluster are novel serum markers for testicular germ cell tumors. Sporadic reports suggested the expression of this miRNA in semen. OBJECTIVES To verify the expression of miR-371a-3p in seminal plasma and unprocessed ejaculate; to compare seminal plasma miRNA levels in germ cell tumors patients with those of controls; to look for an association of miRNA levels with semen quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS The miR-371a-3p expression was analyzed with qPCR. The study population consisted of 100 participants: seminal plasma samples from 20 germ cell tumors patients and 30 controls, serum samples from 12 healthy men, ejaculate samples from 38 men undergoing fertility testing. RESULTS The seminal plasma miR-371a-3p levels of germ cell tumors patients were not different from controls. The miRNA expression was very low in serum but much higher in seminal plasma. In ejaculate samples, the miRNA expression significantly correlated with sperm concentration and the total sperm count. DISCUSSION miR-371-a-3p is present in sperm-containing fluids. Seminal plasma levels cannot be used to distinguish germ cell tumors from controls. The correlation with sperm concentration in ejaculate samples suggests the spermatozoa as possible source of miR-371a-3p production. CONCLUSION The miR-371a-3p levels in ejaculate could represent a novel biomarker for the non-invasive evaluation of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Radtke
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - K-P Dieckmann
- Department of Urology, Asklepios Klinik Altona, Hamburg, Germany.,Amedes Group, MVZ Fertility Center GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - F Grobelny
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - A Salzbrunn
- Institute of Andrology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - C Oing
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Division of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - W Schulze
- Amedes Group, MVZ Fertility Center GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - G Belge
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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Forterre A, Komuro H, Aminova S, Harada M. A Comprehensive Review of Cancer MicroRNA Therapeutic Delivery Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1852. [PMID: 32660045 PMCID: PMC7408939 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the field of molecular oncology, microRNAs (miRNAs) and their role in regulating physiological processes and cancer pathogenesis have been a revolutionary discovery over the last decade. It is now considered that miRNA dysregulation influences critical molecular pathways involved in tumor progression, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis in a wide range of cancer types. Hence, altering miRNA levels in cancer cells has promising potential as a therapeutic intervention, which is discussed in many other articles in this Special Issue. Some of the most significant hurdles in therapeutic miRNA usage are the stability and the delivery system. In this review, we cover a comprehensive update on the challenges and strategies for the development of therapeutic miRNA delivery systems that includes virus-based delivery, non-viral delivery (artificial lipid-based vesicles, polymer-based or chemical structures), and recently emerged extracellular vesicle (EV)-based delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Forterre
- UMR DIATHEC, EA 7294, Centre Européen d’Etude du Diabète, 67200 Strasbourg, France;
| | - Hiroaki Komuro
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan;
| | - Shakhlo Aminova
- Lyman Briggs College, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48825, USA;
- Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering (IQ), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Masako Harada
- Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering (IQ), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Belge G, Hennig F, Dumlupinar C, Grobelny F, Junker K, Radtke A, Dieckmann KP. Graded expression of microRNA-371a-3p in tumor tissues, contralateral testes, and in serum of patients with testicular germ cell tumor. Oncotarget 2020; 11:1462-1473. [PMID: 32363003 PMCID: PMC7185068 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Serum levels of microRNA-371a-3p represent a specific tumor marker of testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) but the origin of circulating miR-371a-3p is not finally resolved. The correlation between miR-levels in tissue and serum is unclear.
Results: MiR-levels in GCT tissue are 399-fold higher than in contralateral testicular tissue and 5843-fold higher than in non-testicular tissue. MiR tissue levels correlate with corresponding serum levels (r2 = 0.181). ISH detected miR-371a-3p intracellularly in GCT cells except teratoma. A low expression was also detected in normal testicular germ cells.
Conclusions: Circulating miR-371a-3p is specifically derived from GCT tissue. The miR is present in GCT cells except teratoma. A low expression is also found in normal testicular tissue but not in non-testicular tissue. MiR-371a-3p levels in tissue and serum correlate significantly. This study underscores the usefulness of serum miR-371a-3p as tumor marker of GCT.
Patients and methods: Expression levels of miR-371a-3p were concurrently measured in tissues of GCT, contralateral testes (n = 38), and in serum (n = 36) with real time PCR. For control, 5 healthy testicles and 4 non-testicular tissue samples were examined. MiR-levels were compared using descriptive statistical methods. We also performed in situ hybridization (ISH) of GCT tissue with a probe specific for miR-371a-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gazanfer Belge
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Finja Hennig
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Cansu Dumlupinar
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | | | - Klaus Junker
- Department of Pathology, Klinikum Bremen-Mitte, Bremen, Germany
| | - Arlo Radtke
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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Evaluation of Circulating miRNA Biomarkers of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors during Therapy and Follow-up-A Copenhagen Experience. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030759. [PMID: 32210101 PMCID: PMC7140092 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
New microRNA-based serum biomarkers (miRNA-367-3p, -371a-3p, -372-3p, and -373-3p) have shown great potential for the detection of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), but few studies have investigated the clinical utility and performance of these tests in treatment monitoring. In this study, circulating miRNA levels were measured, together with serum tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in 406 consecutive blood samples obtained during the treatment and follow-up of 52 TGCT patients at the Copenhagen University Hospital. After testing three different methods of RNA isolation from peripheral blood and PCR quantification in a subset of samples (n = 15), the best performing setup of targeted isolation of miRNAs inside and outside exosomes was selected to analyze all samples. At primary diagnosis, the miRNAs significantly outperformed the serum tumor markers, with a sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 100% (based on 40 patients), respectively. The picture was not as clear when patient trajectories were investigated, with both positive and negative signals for miRNAs and serum tumor markers. To establish whether measuring miRNAs adds value beyond the primary diagnosis, large prospective clinical trials comparing miRNAs and classical tumor markers during the treatment and follow-up of TGCT patients are needed.
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Non-Coding microRNAs as Novel Potential Tumor Markers in Testicular Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030749. [PMID: 32235691 PMCID: PMC7140096 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular cancer is an important disease with increasing incidence and a high burden of morbidity and mortality in young men worldwide. Histological examination of the testicular tissue after orchiectomy plays an important role alongside patient history, imaging, clinical presentation and laboratory parameters. Surgical procedures and chemotherapeutic treatment provide a high chance of cure in early stages, though some patients in advanced stages belonging to a poor risk group experience cancer-related death. Though conventional serum-based tumor markers, including α-fetoprotein (AFP), the β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), are useful as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers, unfortunately, these tumor markers only have a sensitivity of about 60%, and in pure seminoma even lower with about 20%. Therefore, the development of new tumor markers is an important and intensively ongoing issue. The analysis of epigenetic modification and non-coding RNA microRNAs (miRNAs) are carrying most promising potential as tumor markers in future. miRNAs are small RNAs secreted by testicular tumor cells and circulate and be measurable in body fluids. In recent years, miRNAs of the miR-371-373 cluster in particular have been identified as potentially superior tumor markers in testicular cancer patients. Studies showed that miR-371a-3p and miR-302/367 expression significantly differ between testicular tumors and healthy testicular tissue. Several studies including high prospective multi-center trials clearly demonstrated that these miRNAs significantly exceed the sensitivity and specificity of conventional tumor markers and may help to facilitate the diagnosis, follow-up, and early detection of recurrences in testicular cancer patients. In addition, other miRNAs such as miR-223-3p, miR-449, miR-383, miR-514a-3p, miR-199a-3p, and miR-214 will be discussed in this review. However, further studies are needed to identify the value of these novel markers in additional clinical scenarios, including the monitoring in active surveillance or after adjuvant chemotherapy, but also to show the limitations of these tumor markers. The aim of this review is to give an overview on the current knowledge regarding the relevance of non-coding miRNAs as biomarkers in testicular cancer.
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Hauser S, Kaminski A, Syring I, Holdenrieder S, Dieckmann KP, Muller SC, Ellinger J. Evaluation of Serum Biomarkers (FGF-2, HGF, MIF and PTN) in Patients With Testicular Germ Cell Cancer. In Vivo 2020; 33:1935-1940. [PMID: 31662522 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM FGF-2, HGF, MIF and PTN have been suggested as biomarkers for testicular germ cell cancer patients in earlier studies. Our study was designed to validate these potential novel tumor markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum FGF-2, HGF, MIF and PTN levels were analysed using an ELISA technique in a screening cohort of 20 testicular germ cell cancer patients and 10 healthy men. MIF levels were measured in a validation cohort of 84 patients with testicular cancer, 24 with non-malignant testicular tumors and 64 healthy men. RESULTS Serum FGF-2, HGF and PTN levels did not differ in cancer patients and healthy males within the screening cohort, whereas MIF was significantly increased among cancer patients. Within the validation cohort, a modest but insignificant increase of serum MIF was observed in TGCT patients compared to healthy men. MIF levels were not correlated with adverse clinical-pathological parameters. CONCLUSION FGF-2, HGF, MIF and PTN are not suitable as non-invasive biomarkers for testicular germ cell cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hauser
- Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie und Kinderurologie, Bonn, Germany
| | - Annette Kaminski
- Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie und Kinderurologie, Bonn, Germany
| | - Isabella Syring
- Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie und Kinderurologie, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Institut für Klinische Chemie und Klinische Pharmakologie, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Stefan C Muller
- Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie und Kinderurologie, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jorg Ellinger
- Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie und Kinderurologie, Bonn, Germany
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Application of miRNAs in the diagnosis and monitoring of testicular germ cell tumours. Nat Rev Urol 2020; 17:201-213. [PMID: 32157202 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-020-0296-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are the most frequent cancer type in young men and originate from the common precursor germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS). For decades, clinical management of patients with TGCT has relied on classic serum tumour markers: α-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin subunit-β and lactate dehydrogenase. In the past 10 years, microRNAs have been shown to outperform classic serum tumour markers in the diagnosis of primary tumours and in follow-up monitoring and prediction of relapse. miR-371a-3p is the most consistent marker and exhibits >90% diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in TGCT. However, miR-371a-3p cannot be used to diagnose GCNIS or mature teratoma. Future efforts must technically standardize the microRNA-based methods internationally and introduce miR-371a-3p as a molecular liquid biopsy-based marker for TGCTs in the clinic.
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Lembeck AL, Puchas P, Hutterer G, Barth DA, Terbuch A, Bauernhofer T, Pichler M. MicroRNAs as Appropriate Discriminators in Non-Specific Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Elevation in Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Patients. Noncoding RNA 2020; 6:ncrna6010002. [PMID: 31906360 PMCID: PMC7151547 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna6010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in younger men. The monitoring of disease course and recurrence is supported by traditional tumor markers, including α-fetoprotein (AFP). AFP is physiologically synthesized in the liver and can be detected at increased levels in testicular cancer patients as well as under other benign liver diseases, which have been reported as a misleading cause of interpretation of TGCTs clinical course. A cluster of stem cell-associated microRNAs has been reported to outperform traditional tumor markers in newly diagnosed TGCTs, but the value of these microRNAs to differentiate between specific and unspecific AFP elevations, has never been reported. We report here a patient with chronic hepatitis B and normal liver related blood values presenting with a surgically removed primary TGCT and elevated AFP levels. Clinical staging revealed a suspect retroperitoneal metastatic lymph node together with other risk factors and first line treatment with PEB chemotherapy was administered. During curative treatment significantly rising AFP levels led to the assumption of chemo-resistant disease, mandating the initiation of salvage chemotherapy and surgical removal of the putative lymph node metastases. The AFP levels continuously decreased with the interruption of chemotherapeutic agents, indicating a chemotherapy-induced liver toxicity on the basis of pre-existing liver disease. MiR-371a-3p serum levels were not detectable in serum samples with elevated AFP levels. In conclusion, miR-371a-3p may be a reliable biomarker to differentiate between non-specific AFP elevations in TGCTs patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L. Lembeck
- Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.L.L.); (P.P.); (D.A.B.); (A.T.); (T.B.)
| | - Philip Puchas
- Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.L.L.); (P.P.); (D.A.B.); (A.T.); (T.B.)
| | - Georg Hutterer
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Dominik A. Barth
- Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.L.L.); (P.P.); (D.A.B.); (A.T.); (T.B.)
| | - Angelika Terbuch
- Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.L.L.); (P.P.); (D.A.B.); (A.T.); (T.B.)
| | - Thomas Bauernhofer
- Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.L.L.); (P.P.); (D.A.B.); (A.T.); (T.B.)
| | - Martin Pichler
- Division of Oncology and Research Unit for Non-Coding RNA and Genome Editing, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
- Correspondence:
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Identification and Validation Model for Informative Liquid Biopsy-Based microRNA Biomarkers: Insights from Germ Cell Tumor In Vitro, In Vivo and Patient-Derived Data. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121637. [PMID: 31847394 PMCID: PMC6952794 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy-based biomarkers, such as microRNAs, represent valuable tools for patient management, but often do not make it to integration in the clinic. We aim to explore issues impeding this transition, in the setting of germ cell tumors, for which novel biomarkers are needed. We describe a model for identifying and validating clinically relevant microRNAs for germ cell tumor patients, using both in vitro, in vivo (mouse model) and patient-derived data. Initial wide screening of candidate microRNAs is performed, followed by targeted profiling of potentially relevant biomarkers. We demonstrate the relevance of appropriate (negative) controls, experimental conditions (proliferation), and issues related to sample origin (serum, plasma, cerebral spinal fluid) and pre-analytical variables (hemolysis, contaminants, temperature), all of which could interfere with liquid biopsy-based studies and their conclusions. Finally, we show the value of our identification model in a specific scenario, contradicting the presumed role of miR-375 as marker of teratoma histology in liquid biopsy setting. Our findings indicate other putative microRNAs (miR-885-5p, miR-448 and miR-197-3p) fulfilling this clinical need. The identification model is informative to identify the best candidate microRNAs to pursue in a clinical setting.
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Chovanec M, Kalavska K, Mego M, Cheng L. Liquid biopsy in germ cell tumors: biology and clinical management. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2019; 20:187-194. [PMID: 31652083 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2019.1685383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Liquid biopsy is an increasingly studied approach for optimal and minimally invasive diagnostics of malignant tumors. The aim of this review is to provide evidence and discuss the utility of liquid biopsy in the management of germ cell tumors (GCTs).Areas covered: Herein, we summarize the evidence on liquid biopsy in GCTs including serum tumor markers, circulating tumor cells, microRNA and cell-free DNA. The search of literature was conducted from Pubmed/Medline, ASCO-meeting library searching for terms 'liquid biopsy', 'germ cell tumors', 'circulating tumor cells', 'microRNA', 'cell-free DNA'. Obtained original studies were included. Reference lists of review articles and key original articles were searched for additional original studies. We included articles published between1990 and 2019.Expert opinion: Liquid biopsy is a minimally invasive tool using body fluids for diagnostic purposes in cancer. The established value of serum tumor markers may be already considered a liquid biopsy technique in diagnosis of GCTs. Possible near-future refinements in diagnosis of GCTs are emerging. Further information on diagnosis, prognosis and resistance is added with recently described microRNAs, circulating tumor cells and cell-free DNA. While great promise is shown, further large-scale validation is needed to incorporate these novel liquid biopsies into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Chovanec
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Division of Hematology Oncology, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Katarina Kalavska
- Translational Research Unit at 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Translational Research Unit at 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine0, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Urology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Ronchi A, Cozzolino I, Montella M, Panarese I, Zito Marino F, Rossetti S, Chieffi P, Accardo M, Facchini G, Franco R. Extragonadal germ cell tumors: Not just a matter of location. A review about clinical, molecular and pathological features. Cancer Med 2019; 8:6832-6840. [PMID: 31568647 PMCID: PMC6853824 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGGCTs) are uncommon neoplasms, which arise in anatomical locations other than gonads. The pathogenesis of these neoplasms is still poorly understood and it is a matter of debate if they really represent extragondal primary neoplasms or rather extragondal metastasis from occult gonadal neoplasms. The actual observations suggest that EGGCTs represent a unique entity, so their biology and behavior are substantially different from gonadal counterparts. The diagnosis of EGGCTs is often challenging, and differential diagnosis is particularly wide. Nevertheless, a correct diagnosis is essential for the correct management of the patient. We summarize the state of art about EGGCTs, with particular emphasis on diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ronchi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Immacolata Cozzolino
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Montella
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Iacopo Panarese
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Zito Marino
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rossetti
- Uro-Andrologic Oncology Unit, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale"-IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Chieffi
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Marina Accardo
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Facchini
- Uro-Andrologic Oncology Unit, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale"-IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Renato Franco
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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43
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Boellaard WPA, Gillis AJM, van Leenders GJLH, Stoop H, van Agthoven T, Dorssers LCJ, Dinkelman‐Smit M, Boormans JL, Looijenga LHJ. Cellular origin of microRNA-371a-3p in healthy males based on systematic urogenital tract tissue evaluation. Andrology 2019; 7:463-468. [PMID: 30786164 PMCID: PMC6767197 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The microRNA-371a-3p (miR-371a-3p) has been reported to be an informative liquid biopsy (serum and plasma) molecular biomarker for both diagnosis and follow-up of patients with a malignant (testicular) germ cell tumor ((T)GCT). It is expressed in all histological cancer elements, with the exception of mature teratoma. However, normal testis, semen, and serum of males with a disrupted testicular integrity without a TGCT may contain miR-371a-3p levels above threshold, of which the cellular origin is unknown. OBJECTIVES Therefore, a series of relevant tissues (frozen and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE), when available) from the complete male urogenital tract (i.e., kidney to urethra and testis to urethra) and semen was investigated for miR-371a-3p levels using targeted quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, semen of males with normospermia (n = 11) and oligospermia (n = 3) was investigated, as well as 88 samples derived from 32 different patients. The samples represented one set of tissues related to the entire male urogenital tract (11 anatomical locations), three sets for 10 locations, and four sets for six locations. RESULTS All testis parenchyma (n = 17) cases showed low miR-371a-3p levels. Eight out of 14 (57%) semen samples showed detectable miR-371a-3p levels, irrespective of the amount of motile spermatozoa, but related to sperm concentration and matched Johnsen score (Spearman's rho correlation coefficient 0.849 and 0.871, p = 0.000, respectively). In all other tissues investigated, miR-371a-3p could not be detected. DISCUSSION This study demonstrates that the miR-371a-3p in healthy adult males is solely derived from the germ cell compartment. CONCLUSIONS The observation is important in the context of applying miR-371a-3p as molecular liquid biopsy biomarker for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with malignant (T)GCT. Moreover, miR-371a-3p might be an informative seminal biomarker for testicular germ cell composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. P. A. Boellaard
- Department of UrologyErasmus MC Cancer InstituteUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - A. J. M. Gillis
- Pathology (LEPO)Erasmus MC Cancer InstituteUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - H. Stoop
- Pathology (LEPO)Erasmus MC Cancer InstituteUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - T. van Agthoven
- Pathology (LEPO)Erasmus MC Cancer InstituteUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - L. C. J. Dorssers
- Pathology (LEPO)Erasmus MC Cancer InstituteUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - M. Dinkelman‐Smit
- Department of UrologyErasmus MC Cancer InstituteUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - J. L. Boormans
- Department of UrologyErasmus MC Cancer InstituteUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - L. H. J. Looijenga
- Pathology (LEPO)Erasmus MC Cancer InstituteUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric OncologyUtrechtThe Netherlands
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Dieckmann KP, Radtke A, Geczi L, Matthies C, Anheuser P, Eckardt U, Sommer J, Zengerling F, Trenti E, Pichler R, Belz H, Zastrow S, Winter A, Melchior S, Hammel J, Kranz J, Bolten M, Krege S, Haben B, Loidl W, Ruf CG, Heinzelbecker J, Heidenreich A, Cremers JF, Oing C, Hermanns T, Fankhauser CD, Gillessen S, Reichegger H, Cathomas R, Pichler M, Hentrich M, Eredics K, Lorch A, Wülfing C, Peine S, Wosniok W, Bokemeyer C, Belge G. Serum Levels of MicroRNA-371a-3p (M371 Test) as a New Biomarker of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: Results of a Prospective Multicentric Study. J Clin Oncol 2019; 37:1412-1423. [PMID: 30875280 PMCID: PMC6544462 DOI: 10.1200/jco.18.01480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies suggested that serum levels of microRNA (miR)-371a-3p (so-called M371 test) have a much higher sensitivity and specificity than the classic markers of testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) and are applicable toward both seminoma and nonseminoma. We sought to confirm the usefulness of this test as a novel biomarker for GCT. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a prospective, multicentric study, serum samples of 616 patients with testicular GCTs and 258 male controls were examined for serum levels of miRNA-371a-3p (miR levels) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The GCT population encompassed 359 patients with seminoma and 257 with nonseminoma; 371 had clinical stage I disease, 201 had systemic disease, and 46 had relapses. Paired measurements before and after orchiectomy were performed in 424 patients; 118 with systemic disease had serial measurements during treatment. miR levels were compared with those of β-human chorionic gonadotropin, α-fetoprotein, and lactate dehydrogenase. RESULTS For the primary diagnosis of GCT, the M371 test showed a sensitivity of 90.1%, a specificity of 94.0%, an area under the curve of 0.966 upon receiver operating characteristic analysis, and a positive predictive value of 97.2%. α-Fetoprotein, β-human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase had sensitivities of less than 50% in seminoma and slightly higher sensitivities in nonseminomas. miR levels were significantly associated with clinical stage, primary tumor size, and response to treatment. Relapses had elevated miR levels that subsequently dropped to normal upon remission. Teratoma did not express miR-371a-3p. CONCLUSION The M371 test outperforms the classic markers of GCT with both a sensitivity and a specificity greater than 90%. All histologic subgroups, except teratoma, express this marker. The test could be considered for clinical implementation after further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus-Peter Dieckmann
- Asklepios Klinik Altona, Hamburg, Germany
- Albertinen-Krankenhaus Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Lajos Geczi
- National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Zastrow
- Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Susanne Krege
- Klinikum Essen-Mitte Huyssenstiftung, Essen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anja Lorch
- Urologische Universitätsklinik der Heinrich Heine Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Sven Peine
- Universitätsklinikum Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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45
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Myklebust MP, Rosenlund B, Gjengstø P, Bercea BS, Karlsdottir Á, Brydøy M, Dahl O. Quantitative PCR Measurement of miR-371a-3p and miR-372-p Is Influenced by Hemolysis. Front Genet 2019; 10:463. [PMID: 31191602 PMCID: PMC6539204 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free microRNAs have been reported as biomarkers for several diseases. For testicular germ cell tumors (GCT), circulating microRNAs 371a-3p and 372-3p in serum and plasma have been proposed as biomarkers for diagnostic and disease monitoring purposes. The most widely used method for quantification of specific microRNAs in serum and plasma is reverse transcriptase real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) by the comparative Ct-method. In this method one or several reference genes or reference microRNAs are needed in order to normalize and calculate the relative microRNA levels across samples. One of the pitfalls in analysis of microRNAs from serum and plasma is the release of microRNAs from blood cells during hemolysis. This is an important issue because varying degrees of hemolysis are not uncommon in routine blood sampling. Thus, hemolysis must be taken into consideration when working with circulating microRNAs from blood. miR-93-5p, miR-30b-5p, and miR-20a-5p have been reported as reference microRNA in analysis of the miR-371a-373 cluster. We here show how these three microRNAs are influenced by hemolysis. We also propose a new reference microRNA, miR-191-5p, which is relatively stable in serum samples with mild hemolysis. In addition, we show how hemolysis can have effect on the reported microRNA levels in patient samples when these reference microRNAs are used in samples with varying levels of hemolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benedikte Rosenlund
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Peder Gjengstø
- Department of Urology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Ása Karlsdottir
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marianne Brydøy
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Olav Dahl
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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46
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Woo WK, Dzaki N, Thangadurai S, Azzam G. Ectopic miR-975 induces CTP synthase directed cell proliferation and differentiation in Drosophila melanogaster. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6096. [PMID: 30988367 PMCID: PMC6465261 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42369-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CTP synthase (CTPSyn) is an essential metabolic enzyme, synthesizing precursors required for nucleotides and phospholipids production. Previous studies have also shown that CTPSyn is elevated in various cancers. In many organisms, CTPSyn compartmentalizes into filaments called cytoophidia. In Drosophila melanogaster, only its isoform C (CTPSynIsoC) forms cytoophidia. In the fruit fly's testis, cytoophidia are normally seen in the transit amplification regions close to its apical tip, where the stem-cell niche is located, and development is at its most rapid. Here, we report that CTPSynIsoC overexpression causes the lengthening of cytoophidia throughout the entirety of the testicular body. A bulging apical tip is found in approximately 34% of males overexpressing CTPSynIsoC. Immunostaining shows that this bulged phenotype is most likely due to increased numbers of both germline cells and spermatocytes. Through a microRNA (miRNA) overexpression screen, we found that ectopic miR-975 concurrently increases both the expression levels of CTPSyn and the length of its cytoophidia. The bulging testes phenotype was also recovered at a penetration of approximately 20%. However, qPCR assays reveal that CTPSynIsoC and miR-975 overexpression each provokes a differential response in expression of a number of cancer-related genes, indicating that the shared CTPSyn upregulation seen in either case is likely the cause of observed testicular overgrowth. This study presents the first instance of consequences of miRNA-asserted regulation upon CTPSyn in D. melanogaster, and further reaffirms the enzyme's close ties to germline cells overgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Kan Woo
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Najat Dzaki
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | | | - Ghows Azzam
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia.
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Vilela-Salgueiro B, Barros-Silva D, Lobo J, Costa AL, Guimarães R, Cantante M, Lopes P, Braga I, Oliveira J, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. Germ cell tumour subtypes display differential expression of microRNA371a-3p. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 373:rstb.2017.0338. [PMID: 29685967 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, mostly affecting young men. Curability rates are high and adequate treatment relies on careful and accurate pathological and clinical assessment. Indeed, TGCTs' histopathological subtyping is critical for adequate therapeutic decision. Considering the limitation of currently available serum biomarkers, novel candidates have been proposed, most notably miR-371a-3p, which outperformed classical serum markers, but no detailed information concerning TGCT subtype was available. Thus, we carried out evaluation of miR-371a-3p expression levels among TGCT subtypes using a consecutive cohort of tissue samples. MiR-371a-3p discriminated TGCTs from control tissues with high sensitivity and specificity (AUC = 0.99). Furthermore, seminomas displayed higher miR-371a-3p expression levels compared to non-seminomatous TGCTs, which also showed significant differences among them. Nonetheless, prepubertal TGCTs depicted lower miR-371a-3p expression levels than postpubertal TGCTs. Globally, miR-371a-3p expression levels decreased in parallel with progressive cell differentiation. We concluded that miR-371a-3p is TGCTs-specific and it might be clinically useful for early detection and disease monitoring.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Frontiers in epigenetic chemical biology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Vilela-Salgueiro
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Barros-Silva
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Master in Oncology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar-University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n.° 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar-University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n.° 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Laura Costa
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Master in Oncology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar-University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n.° 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Guimarães
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Cantante
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Lopes
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isaac Braga
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Oliveira
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar-University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n.° 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal .,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar-University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n.° 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
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48
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Guo H, Ji F, Zhao X, Yang X, He J, Huang L, Zhang Y. MicroRNA-371a-3p promotes progression of gastric cancer by targeting TOB1. Cancer Lett 2019; 443:179-188. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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49
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Lobo J, Gillis AJM, Jerónimo C, Henrique R, Looijenga LHJ. Human Germ Cell Tumors are Developmental Cancers: Impact of Epigenetics on Pathobiology and Clinic. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E258. [PMID: 30634670 PMCID: PMC6359418 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Current (high throughput omics-based) data support the model that human (malignant) germ cell tumors are not initiated by somatic mutations, but, instead through a defined locked epigenetic status, representative of their cell of origin. This elegantly explains the role of both genetic susceptibility as well as environmental factors in the pathogenesis, referred to as 'genvironment'. Moreover, it could also explain various epidemiological findings, including the rising incidence of this type of cancer in Western societies. In addition, it allows for identification of clinically relevant and informative biomarkers both for diagnosis and follow-up of individual patients. The current status of these findings will be discussed, including the use of high throughput DNA methylation profiling for determination of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) as well as chromosomal copy number variation (CNV). Finally, the potential value of methylation-specific tumor DNA fragments (i.e., XIST promotor) as well as embryonic microRNAs as molecular biomarkers for cancer detection in liquid biopsies will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal;.
| | - Ad J M Gillis
- Laboratory of Experimental Patho-Oncology (LEPO), Josephine Nefkens Building, Erasmus MC, Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal;.
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal;.
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Laboratory of Experimental Patho-Oncology (LEPO), Josephine Nefkens Building, Erasmus MC, Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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50
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Salvatori DCF, Dorssers LCJ, Gillis AJM, Perretta G, van Agthoven T, Gomes Fernandes M, Stoop H, Prins JB, Oosterhuis JW, Mummery C, Looijenga LHJ. The MicroRNA-371 Family as Plasma Biomarkers for Monitoring Undifferentiated and Potentially Malignant Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in Teratoma Assays. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 11:1493-1505. [PMID: 30503260 PMCID: PMC6294243 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Predicting developmental potency and risk of posttransplantation tumor formation by human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and their derivatives largely rely on classical histological analysis of teratomas. Here, we investigated whether an assay based on microRNAs (miRNA) in blood plasma is able to detect potentially malignant elements. Several hPSCs and human malignant germ cell tumor (hGCT) lines were investigated in vitro and in vivo after mouse xenografting. The multiple conventional hPSC lines generated mature teratomas, while xenografts from induced hPSCs (hiPSCs) with reactivated reprogramming transgenes and hGCT lines contained undifferentiated and potentially malignant components. The presence of these elements was reflected in the mRNA and miRNA profiles of the xenografts with OCT3/4 mRNA and the miR-371 and miR-302 families readily detectable. miR-371 family members were also identified in mouse plasma faithfully reporting undifferentiated elements in the xenografts. This study demonstrated that undifferentiated and potentially malignant cells could be detected in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela C F Salvatori
- Central Laboratory Animal Facility, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, Leiden 2333 ZC, the Netherlands.
| | - Lambert C J Dorssers
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Experimental Patho-Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ad J M Gillis
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Experimental Patho-Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gemma Perretta
- Fondazione Guido Bernardini, Via Manfredo Camperio, 10, 20123 Milano, Italy
| | - Ton van Agthoven
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Experimental Patho-Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Gomes Fernandes
- Central Laboratory Animal Facility, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, Leiden 2333 ZC, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Stoop
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Experimental Patho-Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan-Bas Prins
- Central Laboratory Animal Facility, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, Leiden 2333 ZC, the Netherlands
| | - J Wolter Oosterhuis
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Experimental Patho-Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christine Mummery
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Experimental Patho-Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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