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Schaper-Gerhardt K, Gutzmer R, Angela Y, Zimmer L, Livingstone E, Schadendorf D, Hassel JC, Weishaupt C, Remes B, Kubat L, Spassova I, Becker JC. The RANKL inhibitor denosumab in combination with dual checkpoint inhibition is associated with increased CXCL-13 serum concentrations. Eur J Cancer 2024; 202:113984. [PMID: 38479119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2024.113984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests additional immunomodulatory properties of RANKL inhibition possibly boosting the clinical efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). METHODS We conducted a prospective, multicentre clinical trial in unresectable stage IV melanoma patients with bone metastases who received denosumab in parallel with dual ICI (BONEMET) and performed comprehensive immune monitoring at baseline and 4, 12, and 24 weeks after initiation of therapy. Secondary endpoints included tolerability and efficacy. For comparison, biospecimens from melanoma patients treated with dual ICI without denosumab were analyzed accordingly and served as retrospective reference cohort. RESULTS In both the BONEMET (n = 16) and the reference cohort (n = 18) serum levels of 17 cytokines, including IFNγ were significantly increased after 4 weeks of treatment. Patients who received ICI and denosumab showed a significantly higher increase in serum CXCL-13 and a significant decrease in VEGFc compared with the reference cohort. While no changes in T cell composition were observed at 4 weeks, patients in the BONEMET cohort showed a significant decrease in the peripheral naïve T-cell population and an increase in CD8+ effector cells after 12 weeks. Treatment-related adverse events occurred with comparable frequency (93.8% in the BONEMET cohort versus 83.3% in the reference cohort). 7/16 patients in the BONEMET cohort and 8/18 patients in the reference cohort achieved disease control. CONCLUSION Denosumab in combination with dual ICI modulates cytokine expression and T-cell composition in peripheral blood. The upregulation of CXCL-13, a key factor for initiating tertiary lymphoid structures, strengthens the hypothesis that denosumab indeed boost immunological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Schaper-Gerhardt
- Department of Dermatology, Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Campus Minden, Minden, Germany; Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Ralf Gutzmer
- Department of Dermatology, Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Campus Minden, Minden, Germany; Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Yenny Angela
- Department of Dermatology, Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Campus Minden, Minden, Germany; Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; Westdeutsches Tumorzentrum, Essen, Germany, & University Alliance Ruhr, Research Center One Health, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Essen & National Center for Tumor Diseases, Campus Essen (NCT-West), Essen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Livingstone
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; Westdeutsches Tumorzentrum, Essen, Germany, & University Alliance Ruhr, Research Center One Health, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Essen & National Center for Tumor Diseases, Campus Essen (NCT-West), Essen, Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; Westdeutsches Tumorzentrum, Essen, Germany, & University Alliance Ruhr, Research Center One Health, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Essen & National Center for Tumor Diseases, Campus Essen (NCT-West), Essen, Germany
| | - Jessica C Hassel
- Department of Dermatology and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carsten Weishaupt
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Linda Kubat
- Westdeutsches Tumorzentrum, Essen, Germany, & University Alliance Ruhr, Research Center One Health, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), University Medicine Essen, Germany
| | - Ivelina Spassova
- Westdeutsches Tumorzentrum, Essen, Germany, & University Alliance Ruhr, Research Center One Health, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), University Medicine Essen, Germany
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; Westdeutsches Tumorzentrum, Essen, Germany, & University Alliance Ruhr, Research Center One Health, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), University Medicine Essen, Germany
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Chen W, Yang C, Chen B, Xi M, Chen B, Li Q. Management of metastatic bone disease of melanoma. Melanoma Res 2024; 34:22-30. [PMID: 37939058 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
One of the most aggressive tumors arising from the skin, mucosa, and uvea is malignant melanoma, which easily metastasizes. Bone tissue is one of the most typical locations for distant metastasis, and around 5%-20% of patients eventually acquired skeletal metastases. For decades, the incidence of bone metastases was higher, bringing greater burden on the family, society, and healthcare system owing to the progress of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, which prolonging the survival time substantially. Moreover, bone metastases result in skeletal-related events, which influence the quality of life, obviously. Appropriate intervention is therefore crucial. To obtain the optimum cost-effectiveness, existing treatment algorithm must be integrated, which is still controversial. We have aimed to throw light on current views concerning the formation, biological and clinical features, and treatment protocol of melanoma bone metastases to guide the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Research Institute
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Chen Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Research Institute
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Biqi Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Research Institute
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Mian Xi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Research Institute
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Baoqing Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Research Institute
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Qiaoqiao Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Research Institute
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, P. R. China
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Githaka JM, Pirayeshfard L, Goping IS. Cancer invasion and metastasis: Insights from murine pubertal mammary gland morphogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130375. [PMID: 37150225 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer invasion and metastasis accounts for the majority of cancer related mortality. A better understanding of the players that drive the aberrant invasion and migration of tumors cells will provide critical targets to inhibit metastasis. Postnatal pubertal mammary gland morphogenesis is characterized by highly proliferative, invasive, and migratory normal epithelial cells. Identifying the molecular regulators of pubertal gland development is a promising strategy since tumorigenesis and metastasis is postulated to be a consequence of aberrant reactivation of developmental stages. In this review, we summarize the pubertal morphogenesis regulators that are involved in cancer metastasis and revisit pubertal mammary gland transcriptome profiling to uncover both known and unknown metastasis genes. Our updated list of pubertal morphogenesis regulators shows that most are implicated in invasion and metastasis. This review highlights molecular linkages between development and metastasis and provides a guide for exploring novel metastatic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Maringa Githaka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
| | - Leila Pirayeshfard
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Ing Swie Goping
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
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4
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Origin and Therapies of Osteosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143503. [PMID: 35884563 PMCID: PMC9322921 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor in children, with a 5-year survival rate ranging from 70% to 20% depending on the aggressiveness of the disease. The current treatments have not evolved over the past four decades due in part to the genetic complexity of the disease and its heterogeneity. This review will summarize the current knowledge of OS origin, diagnosis and therapies. Abstract Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary bone tumor, mainly affecting children and young adults. Despite therapeutic advances, the 5-year survival rate is 70% but drastically decreases to 20–30% for poor responders to therapies or for patients with metastasis. No real evolution of the survival rates has been observed for four decades, explained by poor knowledge of the origin, difficulties related to diagnosis and the lack of targeted therapies for this pediatric tumor. This review will describe a non-exhaustive overview of osteosarcoma disease from a clinical and biological point of view, describing the origin, diagnosis and therapies.
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Janowska A, Iannone M, Fidanzi C, Romanelli M, Filippi L, Del Re M, Martins M, Dini V. The Genetic Basis of Dormancy and Awakening in Cutaneous Metastatic Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2104. [PMID: 35565234 PMCID: PMC9102235 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune dysregulation, in combination with genetic and epigenetic alterations, induces an excessive proliferation of uncontrolled melanoma cells followed by dissemination of the tumor cells to distant sites, invading organs and creating metastasis. Although immunotherapy, checkpoint inhibitors and molecular targeted therapies have been developed as treatment options for advanced melanoma, there are specific mechanisms by which cancer cells can escape treatment. One of the main factors associated with reduced response to therapy is the ability of residual tumor cells to persist in a dormant state, without proliferation. This comprehensive review aimed at understanding the genetic basis of dormancy/awakening phenomenon in metastatic melanoma will help identify the possible therapeutical strategies that might eliminate melanoma circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or keep them in the dormant state forever, thereby repressing tumor relapse and metastatic spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Janowska
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.I.); (C.F.); (M.R.); (M.M.); (V.D.)
| | - Michela Iannone
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.I.); (C.F.); (M.R.); (M.M.); (V.D.)
| | - Cristian Fidanzi
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.I.); (C.F.); (M.R.); (M.M.); (V.D.)
| | - Marco Romanelli
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.I.); (C.F.); (M.R.); (M.M.); (V.D.)
| | - Luca Filippi
- Unit of Neonatology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Marzia Del Re
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Manuella Martins
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.I.); (C.F.); (M.R.); (M.M.); (V.D.)
| | - Valentina Dini
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.I.); (C.F.); (M.R.); (M.M.); (V.D.)
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6
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Amalinei C, Grigoraș A, Lozneanu L, Căruntu ID, Giușcă SE, Balan RA. The Interplay between Tumour Microenvironment Components in Malignant Melanoma. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58030365. [PMID: 35334544 PMCID: PMC8953474 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58030365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma has shown an increasing incidence during the last two decades, exhibiting a large spectrum of locations and clinicopathological characteristics. Although current histopathological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and molecular methods provide a deep insight into its biological behaviour and outcome, melanoma is still an unpredictable disease, with poor outcome. This review of the literature is aimed at updating the knowledge regarding melanoma’s clinicopathological and molecular hallmarks, including its heterogeneity and plasticity, involving cancer stem cells population. A special focus is given on the interplay between different cellular components and their secretion products in melanoma, considering its contribution to tumour progression, invasion, metastasis, recurrences, and resistance to classical therapy. Furthermore, the influences of the specific tumour microenvironment or “inflammasome”, its association with adipose tissue products, including the release of “extracellular vesicles”, and distinct microbiota are currently studied, considering their influences on diagnosis and prognosis. An insight into melanoma’s particular features may reveal new molecular pathways which may be exploited in order to develop innovative therapeutic approaches or tailored therapy.
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7
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Kamińska P, Buszka K, Zabel M, Nowicki M, Alix-Panabières C, Budna-Tukan J. Liquid Biopsy in Melanoma: Significance in Diagnostics, Prediction and Treatment Monitoring. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9714. [PMID: 34575876 PMCID: PMC8468624 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy is a common term referring to circulating tumor cells and other biomarkers, such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) or extracellular vesicles. Liquid biopsy presents a range of clinical advantages, such as the low invasiveness of the blood sample collection and continuous control of the tumor progression. In addition, this approach enables the mechanisms of drug resistance to be determined in various methods of cancer treatment, including immunotherapy. However, in the case of melanoma, the application of liquid biopsy in patient stratification and therapy needs further investigation. This review attempts to collect all of the relevant and recent information about circulating melanoma cells (CMCs) related to the context of malignant melanoma and immunotherapy. Furthermore, the biology of liquid biopsy analytes, including CMCs, ctDNA, mRNA and exosomes, as well as techniques for their detection and isolation, are also described. The available data support the notion that thoughtful selection of biomarkers and technologies for their detection can contribute to the development of precision medicine by increasing the efficacy of cancer diagnostics and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Kamińska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (P.K.); (K.B.); (M.N.)
| | - Karolina Buszka
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (P.K.); (K.B.); (M.N.)
| | - Maciej Zabel
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland;
| | - Michał Nowicki
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (P.K.); (K.B.); (M.N.)
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Centre of Montpellier, 34093 Montpellier, France;
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Joanna Budna-Tukan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (P.K.); (K.B.); (M.N.)
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8
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RANK promotes colorectal cancer migration and invasion by activating the Ca 2+-calcineurin/NFATC1-ACP5 axis. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:336. [PMID: 33795653 PMCID: PMC8016848 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03642-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily member 11a (TNFRSF11a, also known as RANK) was demonstrated to play an important role in tumor metastasis. However, the specific function of RANK in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis and the underlying mechanism are unknown. In this study, we found that RANK expression was markedly upregulated in CRC tissues compared with that in matched noncancerous tissues. Increased RANK expression correlated positively with metastasis, higher TNM stage, and worse prognosis in patients with CRC. Overexpression of RANK promoted CRC cell metastasis in vitro and in vivo, while knockdown of RANK decreased cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, RANK overexpression significantly upregulated the expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5 (TRAP/ACP5) in CRC cells. Silencing of ACP5 in RANK-overexpressing CRC cells attenuated RANK-induced migration and invasion, whereas overexpression of ACP5 increased the migration and invasion of RANK-silencing cells. The ACP5 expression was transcriptionally regulated by calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATC1) axis. The inhibition of calcineurin/NFATC1 significantly decreased ACP5 expression, and attenuated RANK-induced cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, RANK induced phospholipase C-gamma (PLCγ)-mediated inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) axis and stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) to evoke calcium (Ca2+) oscillation. The RANK-mediated intracellular Ca2+ mobilization stimulated calcineurin to dephosphorylate NFATC1 and induce NFATC1 nuclear translocation. Both blockage of PLCγ-IP3R axis and STIM1 rescued RANK-induced NFATC1 nuclear translocation, ACP5 expression, and cell metastasis. Our study revealed the functional expression of RANK in human CRC cells and demonstrated that RANK induced the Ca2+-calcineurin/NFATC1-ACP5 axis in the regulation of CRC metastasis, that might be amenable to therapeutic targeting.
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Minimal Residual Disease in Melanoma:molecular characterization of in transit cutaneous metastases and Circulating Melanoma Cells recognizes an expression panel potentially related to disease progression. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2020; 25:100262. [PMID: 33338742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2020.100262] [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] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Isolating circulating melanoma cells (CMCs) represents a powerful method to monitor minimal residual disease. We documented that MCAM/MUC18/CD146 expression is strongly associated with disease progression. ABCB5 is melanoma-stem antigen with self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, tumorigenicity capabilities. These findings supported us to improve CMC detection, investigating MCAM/MUC18/CD146 and ABCB5 as enrichment targets in MM progression. Moreover, we decided to compare possible molecular diversity of these CMC fractions with metastatic tissue expression, collecting concomitantly cutaneous in transit metastases (CTM). We enriched CMCs from eight melanoma patients staged ≥pT1b AJCC, who developed CTMs at baseline or during follow up. We assessed a gene expression panel comprising ABCB5, the differentiation markers (Tyrosinase, MART1), angiogenic factors (VEGF, bFGF), the cell-cell adhesion molecules (MCAM/MUC18/CD146 5'-portion, Long, and Short isoforms, E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin, VE-Cadherin) and matrix-metallo-proteinases (MMP2 and MMP9) via high-sensitive RT-PCR. Preliminary findings defined three distinct sub-populations: "endothelial" CD45-CD146+CMCs, "stem" CD45-ABCB5+CMCs and a "hybrid- stem-endothelial"- CD45-MCAM+ABCB5+CMCs. The expression panel documented that - almost high expression found in CTMs - like in 73.5% of CMCs resulted positive for at least one transcript at baseline, showing gene-expression variability. Longitudinal monitoring documented shut-down of all gene-expressions in "endothelial"- and "hybrid stem-endothelial"-subsets, whilst persistency or acquisition of MCAM/MUC18/CD146, VE-CADH and MMPs was documented in disease-progression status.Conversely, a drastic expression shut-down was documented when patients achieved clinical remission. The "stem"- CMCs fraction" showed quite lower gene expression frequencies. MCAM/MUC18/CD146 and ABCB5 as melanoma-specific-targets are effective in the selection of highly primitive CMCs and highlights those putative genes associated with disease spreading progression.
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Kyriakou G, Melachrinou M. Cancer stem cells, epigenetics, tumor microenvironment and future therapeutics in cutaneous malignant melanoma: a review. Future Oncol 2020; 16:1549-1567. [PMID: 32484008 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0151] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the ontogeny and biology of melanoma stem cells in cutaneous malignant melanoma. This article also summarizes and evaluates the current knowledge of the underlying epigenetic mechanisms, the regulation of melanoma progress by the tumor microenvironment as well as the therapeutic implications and applications of these novel insights, in the setting of personalized medicine. Unraveling the complex ecosystem of cutaneous malignant melanoma and the interplay between its components, aims to provide novel insights into the establishment of efficient therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Kyriakou
- Department of Dermatology, University General Hospital of Patras, Rion 265 04, Greece
| | - Maria Melachrinou
- Department of Pathology, University General Hospital of Patras, Rion 265 04, Greece
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11
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Rapanotti MC, Campione E, Suarez Viguria TM, Spallone G, Costanza G, Rossi P, Orlandi A, Valenti P, Bernardini S, Bianchi L. Stem-Mesenchymal Signature Cell Genes Detected in Heterogeneous Circulating Melanoma Cells Correlate With Disease Stage in Melanoma Patients. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:92. [PMID: 32548126 PMCID: PMC7272706 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During the process of metastasis, cancer cells dissociate from primary tumors, migrate to distal sites, and finally colonize, eventually leading to the formation of metastatic tumors. These cancer cells, defined circulating tumor cells (CTCs) spreading through the blood stream, may develop metastatic lesions or remain dormant. Some emerging clinical evidence supports that some tumor cells may possess metastatic properties already in the earlier stages of tumorigenesis. Because the initiation and progression of vertical growth in human melanoma is fundamental to the notion of tumor virulence and progression, we decided to immune-magnetic collect and molecularly characterize circulating melanoma cells (CMCs) from melanoma patients AJCC staged = pT1b (i.e., transition from radial to vertical phase). CMCs are phenotypically and molecularly heterogeneous, thus we performed a "home-made Liquid-Biopsy," by targeting the melanoma-associated-antigen, MCAM/MUC18/CD146, and/or the melanoma-initiating marker, ABCB5. We assessed a biomarker qualitative expression panel, contemplating the angiogenic-potential, melanoma-initiating and melanoma-differentiation drivers, cell-cell adhesion molecules, matrix-metallo-proteinases, which was performed on three enriched subpopulations from a total of 61 blood-samples from 21 melanoma patients. At first, a significant differential expression of the specific transcripts was documented between and within the CMC fractions enriched with MCAM-, ABCB5-, and both MCAM/ABCB5-coated beads, when analyzing two distinct groups: early AJCC- (stage I-II) and advanced- staged patients (stage II-IV). Moreover, in the early-AJCC staged-group, we could distinguish "endothelial," CD45-MCAM+ enriched-, "stem" S-CMCs, CD45-ABCB5+ enriched- and a third hybrid bi-phenotypic CD45-MCAM+/ABCB5+ enriched-fractions, due to three distinct gene-expression profiles. In particular, the endothelial-CMCs were characterized by positive expression of genes involved in migration and invasion, whilst the stem CMC-fraction only expressed stem and differentiation markers. The third subpopulation isolated based on concurrent MCAM and ABCB5 protein expression showed an invasive phenotype. All three distinct CMCs sub-populations, exhibited a primitive, "stem-mesenchymal" profile suggesting a highly aggressive and metastasizing phenotype. This study confirms the phenotypic and molecular heterogeneity observed in melanoma and highlights those putative genes involved in early melanoma spreading and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Rapanotti
- Department of Onco-Haematology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Campione
- Department of Dermatology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tara Mayte Suarez Viguria
- Department of Onco-Haematology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Spallone
- Department of Dermatology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetana Costanza
- Anatomic Pathology Division, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Rossi
- Surgery Division, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Augusto Orlandi
- Anatomic Pathology Division, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Bianchi
- Department of Dermatology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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12
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Boyer M, Cayrefourcq L, Dereure O, Meunier L, Becquart O, Alix-Panabières C. Clinical Relevance of Liquid Biopsy in Melanoma and Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040960. [PMID: 32295074 PMCID: PMC7226137 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma are two aggressive skin malignancies with high disease-related mortality and increasing incidence rates. Currently, invasive tumor tissue biopsy is the gold standard for their diagnosis, and no reliable easily accessible biomarker is available to monitor patients with melanoma or Merkel cell carcinoma during the disease course. In these last years, liquid biopsy has emerged as a candidate approach to overcome this limit and to identify biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic response prediction, and patient follow-up. Liquid biopsy is a blood-based non-invasive procedure that allows the sequential analysis of circulating tumor cells, circulating cell-free and tumor DNA, and extracellular vesicles. These innovative biosources show similar features as the primary tumor from where they originated and represent an alternative to invasive solid tumor biopsy. In this review, the biology and technical challenges linked to the detection and analysis of the different circulating candidate biomarkers for melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma are discussed as well as their clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Boyer
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells, University Medical Centre of Montpellier, 34093 Montpellier, France; (M.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Laure Cayrefourcq
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells, University Medical Centre of Montpellier, 34093 Montpellier, France; (M.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Olivier Dereure
- Department of Dermatology and INSERM 1058 Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France;
| | - Laurent Meunier
- Department of Dermatology, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (O.B.)
| | - Ondine Becquart
- Department of Dermatology, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (O.B.)
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells, University Medical Centre of Montpellier, 34093 Montpellier, France; (M.B.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-4-1175-99-31; Fax: +33-4-1175-99-33
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13
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Tucci M, D'Oronzo S, Mannavola F, Felici C, Lovero D, Cafforio P, Palmirotta R, Silvestris F. Dual-procedural separation of CTCs in cutaneous melanoma provides useful information for both molecular diagnosis and prognosis. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920905415. [PMID: 32206092 PMCID: PMC7074504 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920905415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have recently emerged as a new dynamic soluble marker for several malignancies including cutaneous melanoma (CM) and are suitable for prognostic evaluations and treatment monitoring. However, to date many limitations still hamper the wide-scale application of CTCs in CM setting, including the lack of standardized methods as well as both low levels and heterogeneity of these cells. Methods: We developed a protocol for CTC detection in CM based on immune-magnetic sorting to deplete CD45-, CD31- or CD34-positive cells, followed by dielectrophoretic DEPArray separation according to cell morphology and immunophenotype. To this end, we explored the expression of melanoma stem cell antigens (CD271, ABCB5, and RANK) and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers (N-Cad, -CD44, and -MCAM/CD146) on CTCs from 17 stage IV CM patients, and investigated their BRAF mutational status by droplet digital PCR. Results: The number of CTCs isolated from CM patients ranged from 2 to 91 cells (38 ± 6.4) with respect to healthy donors (p < 0.0002). To confirm the melanoma origin of isolated cells, we observed an 80% agreement between their BRAFV600 mutational status and matched primary tumors. The characterization of the immune phenotype of isolated cells revealed high interindividual and intraindividual heterogeneity that was found to correlate with the clinical outcome. Conclusions: The dual-step protocol of immune-magnetic sorting and subsequent dielectrophoretic DEPArray separation, turned out to be a suitable method to isolate viable CTCs from stage IV melanoma patients and enabled quantitative and qualitative analyses on these cells, which may deserve prospective evaluation for potential use in the clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Tucci
- DIMO, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', P.za Giulio Cesare, 11, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Stella D'Oronzo
- DIMO, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro' Italy
| | - Francesco Mannavola
- DIMO, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro' Italy
| | - Claudia Felici
- DIMO, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro' Italy
| | - Domenica Lovero
- DIMO, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro' Italy
| | - Paola Cafforio
- DIMO, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro' Italy
| | - Raffaele Palmirotta
- DIMO, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro' Italy
| | - Franco Silvestris
- DIMO, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro' Italy
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14
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Aya-Bonilla CA, Morici M, Hong X, McEvoy AC, Sullivan RJ, Freeman J, Calapre L, Khattak MA, Meniawy T, Millward M, Ziman M, Gray ES. Detection and prognostic role of heterogeneous populations of melanoma circulating tumour cells. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:1059-1067. [PMID: 32037400 PMCID: PMC7109152 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0750-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) can be assessed through a minimally invasive blood sample with potential utility as a predictive, prognostic and pharmacodynamic biomarker. The large heterogeneity of melanoma CTCs has hindered their detection and clinical application. METHODS Here we compared two microfluidic devices for the recovery of circulating melanoma cells. The presence of CTCs in 43 blood samples from patients with metastatic melanoma was evaluated using a combination of immunocytochemistry and transcript analyses of five genes by RT-PCR and 19 genes by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), whereby a CTC score was calculated. Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) from the same patient blood sample, was assessed by ddPCR targeting tumour-specific mutations. RESULTS Our analysis revealed an extraordinary heterogeneity amongst melanoma CTCs, with multiple non-overlapping subpopulations. CTC detection using our multimarker approach was associated with shorter overall and progression-free survival. Finally, we found that CTC scores correlated with plasma ctDNA concentrations and had similar pharmacodynamic changes upon treatment initiation. CONCLUSIONS Despite the high phenotypic and molecular heterogeneity of melanoma CTCs, multimarker derived CTC scores could serve as viable tools for prognostication and treatment response monitoring in patients with metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Morici
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Xin Hong
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Ryan Joseph Sullivan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James Freeman
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Leslie Calapre
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Muhammad Adnan Khattak
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Tarek Meniawy
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Michael Millward
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Mel Ziman
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Elin Solomonovna Gray
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia.
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15
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Valverde A, Serafín V, Montero‐Calle A, González‐Cortés A, Barderas R, Yáñez‐Sedeño P, Campuzano S, Pingarrón JM. Carbon/Inorganic Hybrid Nanoarchitectures as Carriers for Signaling Elements in Electrochemical Immunosensors: First Biosensor for the Determination of the Inflammatory and Metastatic Processes Biomarker RANK‐ligand. ChemElectroChem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.201902025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Valverde
- Analytical Chemistry Dept., Faculty of ChemistryComplutense University of Madrid. 28040 Madrid Spain
| | - Verónica Serafín
- Analytical Chemistry Dept., Faculty of ChemistryComplutense University of Madrid. 28040 Madrid Spain
| | - Ana Montero‐Calle
- Chronic Disease ProgrammeUFIEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid Spain
| | - Araceli González‐Cortés
- Analytical Chemistry Dept., Faculty of ChemistryComplutense University of Madrid. 28040 Madrid Spain
| | - Rodrigo Barderas
- Chronic Disease ProgrammeUFIEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid Spain
| | - Paloma Yáñez‐Sedeño
- Analytical Chemistry Dept., Faculty of ChemistryComplutense University of Madrid. 28040 Madrid Spain
| | - Susana Campuzano
- Analytical Chemistry Dept., Faculty of ChemistryComplutense University of Madrid. 28040 Madrid Spain
| | - José M. Pingarrón
- Analytical Chemistry Dept., Faculty of ChemistryComplutense University of Madrid. 28040 Madrid Spain
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16
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Yoshida S, Fujimura T, Kambayashi Y, Amagai R, Hashimoto A, Aiba S. Successful Treatment of Multiple Metastatic Melanoma with Nivolumab, Ipilimumab plus Denosumab Combined Therapy. Case Rep Oncol 2019; 12:829-833. [PMID: 31762756 PMCID: PMC6872996 DOI: 10.1159/000504019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Nivolumab plus ipilimumab combined therapy is one of the promising drugs that enhance the anti- immune response in patients with advanced melanoma. Therefore, to increase its response rate is of great interest to dermatologists. Recent reports suggested that, since CD8+ T cells after the administration of ICIs increase the RANKL expression to induce an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in melanoma, denosumab might enhance the anti-tumor effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as nivolumab and ipilimumab. In this report, we present a case of multiple metastatic melanoma with nivolumab, ipilimumab plus denosumab combined therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saaya Yoshida
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Taku Fujimura
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yumi Kambayashi
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryo Amagai
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akira Hashimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Setsuya Aiba
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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17
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Cayrefourcq L, De Roeck A, Garcia C, Stoebner PE, Fichel F, Garima F, Perriard F, Daures JP, Meunier L, Alix-Panabières C. S100-EPISPOT: A New Tool to Detect Viable Circulating Melanoma Cells. Cells 2019; 8:cells8070755. [PMID: 31330795 PMCID: PMC6678250 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is one of the most aggressive and drug-resistant cancers with very poor overall survival. Circulating melanoma cells (CMCs) were first described in 1991. However, there is no general consensus on the clinical utility of CMC detection, largely due to conflicting results linked to the use of heterogeneous patient populations and different detection methods. Here, we developed a new EPithelial ImmunoSPOT (EPISPOT) assay to detect viable CMCs based on their secretion of the S100 protein (S100-EPISPOT). Then, we compared the results obtained with the S100-EPISPOT assay and the CellSearch® CMC kit using blood samples from a homogeneous population of patients with metastatic melanoma. We found that S100-EPISPOT sensitivity was significantly higher than that of CellSearch®. Specifically, the percentage of patients with ≥2 CMCs was significantly higher using S100-EPISPOT than CellSearch® (48% and 21%, respectively; p = 0.0114). Concerning CMC prognostic value, only the CellSearch® results showed a significant association with overall survival (p = 0.006). However, due to the higher sensitivity of the new S100-EPISPOT assay, it would be interesting to determine whether this functional test could be used in patients with non-metastatic melanoma for the early detection of tumor relapse and for monitoring the treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Cayrefourcq
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Centre of Montpellier, UPRES EA2415, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Aurélie De Roeck
- Department of Dermatology, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, 30029 Nîmes, France
| | - Caroline Garcia
- Department of Dermatology, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, 30029 Nîmes, France
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Stoebner
- Department of Dermatology, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, 30029 Nîmes, France
| | - Fanny Fichel
- Department of Dermatology, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, 30029 Nîmes, France
| | - Françoise Garima
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Centre of Montpellier, UPRES EA2415, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Françoise Perriard
- UPRES EA2415, University Institute of Clinical Research (IURC), Montpellier University, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Daures
- UPRES EA2415, University Institute of Clinical Research (IURC), Montpellier University, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Meunier
- Department of Dermatology, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, 30029 Nîmes, France
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Centre of Montpellier, UPRES EA2415, 34093 Montpellier, France.
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18
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Angela Y, Haferkamp S, Weishaupt C, Ugurel S, Becker JC, Oberndörfer F, Alar V, Satzger I, Gutzmer R. Combination of denosumab and immune checkpoint inhibition: experience in 29 patients with metastatic melanoma and bone metastases. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:1187-1194. [PMID: 31187176 PMCID: PMC11028174 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02353-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PD-1 inhibition (PD-1i) is the standard of care in melanoma and other malignancies. In patients with bone metastases of solid tumors, the monoclonal antibody denosumab directed against RANKL is approved for the prevention of skeletal-related events. However, RANKL is not only relevant in osteoclastogenesis, but also has immunological effects. Hence, we aimed at investigating, whether the combination of PD-1i and denosumab produces synergistic effects in metastatic melanoma treatment. METHODS We retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical data of metastatic melanoma patients with bone metastases, who received PD-1i and denosumab therapy. RESULTS 29 patients were identified with a median age of 60.7 years: 20 were male and 9 were female. 20 patients (69%) were in stage IV M1c and 9 (31%) in stage IV M1d; 52% had an increased serum LDH. 24 patients (83%) received PD-1i as first-line therapy and five patients (17%) as second- or third-line therapy. 13 patients received the triple combination nivolumab, ipilimumab and denosumab (N + I+D), 16 patients received PD-1i and denosumab (PD-1i + D). Within a median follow-up time of 19.8 months, 17 patients progressed with a median time to progression of 6 months. The objective response rate was 54% in the N + I + D group and 50% in the PD-1i + D group. Recalcification of bone metastases was radiologically observed in 18 (62%) patients. No unexpected treatment-related adverse events emerged. CONCLUSIONS The combination therapy of metastatic melanoma with PD-1i and denosumab was feasible without unexpected safety issues and showed a promising efficacy signal. Further investigation in prospective studies is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yenny Angela
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Skin Cancer Center Hannover, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl Neuberg Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | | | | | - Selma Ugurel
- Department of Dermatology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Department of Dermatology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Florian Oberndörfer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Skin Cancer Center Hannover, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl Neuberg Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Vesna Alar
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Skin Cancer Center Hannover, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl Neuberg Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Imke Satzger
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Skin Cancer Center Hannover, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl Neuberg Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ralf Gutzmer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Skin Cancer Center Hannover, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl Neuberg Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
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19
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Aya-Bonilla C, Gray ES, Manikandan J, Freeman JB, Zaenker P, Reid AL, Khattak MA, Frank MH, Millward M, Ziman M. Immunomagnetic-Enriched Subpopulations of Melanoma Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) Exhibit Distinct Transcriptome Profiles. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11020157. [PMID: 30769764 PMCID: PMC6406574 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are phenotypically and molecularly heterogeneous. We profiled the gene expression of CTC subpopulations immunomagnetic-captured by targeting either the melanoma-associated marker, MCSP, or the melanoma-initiating marker, ABCB5. Firstly, the expression of a subset of melanoma genes was investigated by RT-PCR in MCSP-enriched and ABCB5-enriched CTCs isolated from a total of 59 blood draws from 39 melanoma cases. Of these, 6 MCSP- and 6 ABCB5-enriched CTC fractions were further analysed using a genome-wide gene expression microarray. The transcriptional programs of both CTC subtypes included cell survival maintenance, cell proliferation, and migration pathways. ABCB5-enriched CTCs were specifically characterised by up-regulation of genes involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), suggesting an invasive phenotype. These findings underscore the presence of at least two distinct melanoma CTC subpopulations with distinct transcriptional programs, which may have distinct roles in disease progression and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Aya-Bonilla
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.
| | - Elin S Gray
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.
| | | | - James B Freeman
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.
| | - Pauline Zaenker
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.
| | - Anna L Reid
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.
| | - Muhammad A Khattak
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Markus H Frank
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.
- Transplantation Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Michael Millward
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Mel Ziman
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
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20
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Liede A, Hernandez RK, Wade SW, Bo R, Nussbaum NC, Ahern E, Dougall WC, Smyth MJ. An observational study of concomitant immunotherapies and denosumab in patients with advanced melanoma or lung cancer. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1480301. [PMID: 30524886 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1480301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
After a case report of profound clinical response in a melanoma patient following treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and RANK-ligand inhibitor denosumab, we identified similar patients from electronic health records (EHR) and described patient characteristics and outcomes. This 2017 observational study used Flatiron Health's EHR database from ~255 US cancer clinics. Included were advanced melanoma or non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who received denosumab within 30 days of CTLA-4 (ipilimumab) or PD1 (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) inhibitors start with a minimum of 6 months of follow up. Real-world tumor response (rwTR) was analyzed for scans available up to 30 days after concomitant therapy. Preclinical experiments evaluated sequencing of ICI, denosumab vs monotherapy or control. Melanoma (n = 66) patients received concomitant denosumab/ICI for a mean 4.0 months, 3.1 months for NSCLC (n = 241). Two-thirds of patients had best rwTR evaluable (complete [CR], partial response [PR], stable disease [SD], or disease progression [PD]). Longer mean duration of concomitant exposure was associated with overall response rate (ORR; CR+PR) in melanoma (p = 0.0172), NSCLC (p < .0001), and combined cohorts (p < .0001). The disease control rate (ORR plus SD) was 56% amongst melanoma patients and 58% amongst NSCLC patients. Longer concomitant therapy was associated with increased overall survival, primarily in NSCLC (p < .0001). Preclinical data suggest that ICI initiated before or at same time as denosumab was optimal. Results provide proof-of-concept that rwTR is associated with concomitant denosumab/ICI. Crude survival analyses supported the association of concomitant therapy and improved outcomes outside of clinical trials and warrant comparative study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Liede
- Center for Observational Research, Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks and South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rohini K Hernandez
- Center for Observational Research, Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks and South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sally W Wade
- Center for Observational Research, Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks and South San Francisco, California, USA.,Wade Outcomes Research and Consulting, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Ronghai Bo
- Center for Observational Research, Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks and South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nathan C Nussbaum
- Flatiron Health, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ahern
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Australia.,Medical Oncology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Australia
| | - William C Dougall
- Immuno-oncology Discovery Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Australia
| | - Mark J Smyth
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Australia
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21
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Weishaupt C, Emmert S. Connecting basic cold plasma technology to dermato-oncology. CLINICAL PLASMA MEDICINE 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpme.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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22
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Eisenstein A, Gonzalez EC, Raghunathan R, Xu X, Wu M, McLean EO, McGee J, Ryu B, Alani RM. Emerging Biomarkers in Cutaneous Melanoma. Mol Diagn Ther 2018; 22:203-218. [PMID: 29411301 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-018-0318-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Earlier identification of aggressive melanoma remains a goal in the field of melanoma research. With new targeted and immune therapies that have revolutionized the care of patients with melanoma, the ability to predict progression and monitor or predict response to therapy has become the new focus of research into biomarkers in melanoma. In this review, promising biomarkers are highlighted. These biomarkers have been used to diagnose melanoma as well as predict progression to advanced disease and response to therapy. The biomarkers take various forms, including protein expression at the level of tissue, genetic mutations of cancer cells, and detection of circulating DNA. First, a brief description is provided about the conventional tissue markers used to stage melanoma, including tumor depth. Next, protein biomarkers, which provide both diagnostic and prognostic information, are described. This is followed by a discussion of important genetic mutations, microRNA, and epigenetic modifications that can provide therapeutic and prognostic material. Finally, emerging serologic biomarkers are reviewed, including circulating melanoma cells and exosomes. Overall the goal is to identify biomarkers that aid in the earlier identification and improved treatment of aggressive melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Eisenstein
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Estela Chen Gonzalez
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Rekha Raghunathan
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Xixi Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Muzhou Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Emily O McLean
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Jean McGee
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Byungwoo Ryu
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Rhoda M Alani
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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23
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Li X, Savory S, Vandergriff T, Glass DA. Osteoclast-Like Giant Cells in Malignant Melanoma: Unintentional Accident or Strategic Recruitment? Am J Dermatopathol 2018; 40:303-304. [PMID: 28692466 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000000860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Li
- Department of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
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24
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Marsavela G, Aya-Bonilla CA, Warkiani ME, Gray ES, Ziman M. Melanoma circulating tumor cells: Benefits and challenges required for clinical application. Cancer Lett 2018; 424:1-8. [PMID: 29548820 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The implementation of novel therapeutic interventions has improved the survival rates of melanoma patients with metastatic disease. Nonetheless, only 33% of treated cases exhibit long term responses. Circulating tumor cell (CTC) measurements are currently of clinical value in breast, prostate and colorectal cancers. However, the clinical utility of melanoma CTCs (MelCTCs) is still unclear due to challenges that appear intrinsic to MelCTCs (i.e. rarity, heterogeneity) and a lack of standardization in their isolation, across research laboratories. Here, we review the latest developments, pinpoint the challenges in MelCTC isolation and address their potential role in melanoma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Marsavela
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - C A Aya-Bonilla
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia.
| | - M E Warkiani
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - E S Gray
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - M Ziman
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia; School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
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25
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Zhang X, Cheng X, Lai Y, Zhou Y, Cao W, Hua ZC. Salmonella VNP20009-mediated RNA interference of ABCB5 moderated chemoresistance of melanoma stem cell and suppressed tumor growth more potently. Oncotarget 2017; 7:14940-50. [PMID: 26910836 PMCID: PMC4924763 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance remains an obstacle hindering the success of chemotherapy. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been recently found to confer resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore functional markers of CSCs should be discovered and specific therapies targeting these cells should be developed. In our investigation, a small population of B16F10 cells which was positive for ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 5 (ABCB5) was isolated. This population displayed characteristics similar to those of CSCs and ABCB5 was identified to confer tumor growth and drug resistance in B16F10 cell line. Although targeting ABCB5 by small short interfering RNA delivered by VNP20009 failed to inhibit tumor growth, the combined treatment of VNP-shABCB5 and chemotherapy can act synergistically to delay tumor growth and enhance survival time in a primary B16F10 mice model. Results suggest that the combined treatment of VNP-shABCB5 and chemotherapy can improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, this combination therapy is of potential significance for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxin Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science and School of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China.,Changzhou High-Tech Research Institute of Nanjing University and Jiangsu TargetPharma Laboratories Inc., Changzhou, 213164, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiawei Cheng
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science and School of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yueyang Lai
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science and School of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuqiang Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science and School of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenmin Cao
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science and School of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zi-Chun Hua
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science and School of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China.,Changzhou High-Tech Research Institute of Nanjing University and Jiangsu TargetPharma Laboratories Inc., Changzhou, 213164, Jiangsu, China.,The State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu , China
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26
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Testa U, Castelli G, Pelosi E. Melanoma: Genetic Abnormalities, Tumor Progression, Clonal Evolution and Tumor Initiating Cells. Med Sci (Basel) 2017; 5:E28. [PMID: 29156643 PMCID: PMC5753657 DOI: 10.3390/medsci5040028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive neoplasia issued from the malignant transformation of melanocytes, the pigment-generating cells of the skin. It is responsible for about 75% of deaths due to skin cancers. Melanoma is a phenotypically and molecularly heterogeneous disease: cutaneous, uveal, acral, and mucosal melanomas have different clinical courses, are associated with different mutational profiles, and possess distinct risk factors. The discovery of the molecular abnormalities underlying melanomas has led to the promising improvement of therapy, and further progress is expected in the near future. The study of melanoma precursor lesions has led to the suggestion that the pathway of tumor evolution implies the progression from benign naevi, to dysplastic naevi, to melanoma in situ and then to invasive and metastatic melanoma. The gene alterations characterizing melanomas tend to accumulate in these precursor lesions in a sequential order. Studies carried out in recent years have, in part, elucidated the great tumorigenic potential of melanoma tumor cells. These findings have led to speculation that the cancer stem cell model cannot be applied to melanoma because, in this malignancy, tumor cells possess an intrinsic plasticity, conferring the capacity to initiate and maintain the neoplastic process to phenotypically different tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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27
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Aya-Bonilla CA, Marsavela G, Freeman JB, Lomma C, Frank MH, Khattak MA, Meniawy TM, Millward M, Warkiani ME, Gray ES, Ziman M. Isolation and detection of circulating tumour cells from metastatic melanoma patients using a slanted spiral microfluidic device. Oncotarget 2017; 8:67355-67368. [PMID: 28978038 PMCID: PMC5620178 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) are promising cancer biomarkers. Several methods have been developed to isolate CTCs from blood samples. However, the isolation of melanoma CTCs is very challenging as a result of their extraordinary heterogeneity, which has hindered their biological and clinical study. Thus, methods that isolate CTCs based on their physical properties, rather than surface marker expression, such as microfluidic devices, are greatly needed in melanoma. Here, we assessed the ability of the slanted spiral microfluidic device to isolate melanoma CTCs via label-free enrichment. We demonstrated that this device yields recovery rates of spiked melanoma cells of over 80% and 55%, after one or two rounds of enrichment, respectively. Concurrently, a two to three log reduction of white blood cells was achieved with one or two rounds of enrichment, respectively. We characterised the isolated CTCs using multimarker flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry and gene expression. The results demonstrated that CTCs from metastatic melanoma patients were highly heterogeneous and commonly expressed stem-like markers such as PAX3 and ABCB5. The implementation of the slanted microfluidic device for melanoma CTC isolation enables further understanding of the biology of melanoma metastasis for biomarker development and to inform future treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Aya-Bonilla
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gabriela Marsavela
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James B Freeman
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Chris Lomma
- Department of Health, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Markus H Frank
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Transplantation Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Muhammad A Khattak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tarek M Meniawy
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Millward
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Majid E Warkiani
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Australian Center for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elin S Gray
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mel Ziman
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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Kumar D, Gorain M, Kundu G, Kundu GC. Therapeutic implications of cellular and molecular biology of cancer stem cells in melanoma. Mol Cancer 2017; 16:7. [PMID: 28137308 PMCID: PMC5282877 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-016-0578-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a form of cancer that initiates in melanocytes. Melanoma has multiple phenotypically distinct subpopulation of cells, some of them have embryonic like plasticity which are involved in self-renewal, tumor initiation, metastasis and progression and provide reservoir of therapeutically resistant cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) can be identified and characterized based on various unique cell surface and intracellular markers. CSCs exhibit different molecular pattern with respect to non-CSCs. They maintain their stemness and chemoresistant features through specific signaling cascades. CSCs are weak in immunogenicity and act as immunosupressor in the host system. Melanoma treatment becomes difficult and survival is greatly reduced when the patient develop metastasis. Standard conventional oncology treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical resection are only responsible for shrinking the bulk of the tumor mass and tumor tends to relapse. Thus, targeting CSCs and their microenvironment niche addresses the alternative of traditional cancer therapy. Combined use of CSCs targeted and traditional therapies may kill the bulk tumor and CSCs and offer a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, 411007, India
| | - Mahadeo Gorain
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, 411007, India
| | - Gautam Kundu
- Deapartment of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Gopal C Kundu
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, 411007, India.
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Fujimura T, Kambayashi Y, Furudate S, Kakizaki A, Hidaka T, Aiba S. Possible mechanisms of the crosstalk between Langerhans cells and regulatory T cells in extramammary Paget disease by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) ligand/RANK pathways. Br J Dermatol 2016; 176:387-394. [PMID: 27411503 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a skin adenocarcinoma of apocrine gland origin, in which Paget cells express receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) ligand (RANKL) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7, and release soluble (s)RANKL into the tumour microenvironment. We previously reported that about 60% of the RANK+ cells among the stromal cells are M2 macrophages, but the identity of the remaining population of RANK+ cells is still unknown. OBJECTIVES To investigate the unknown subpopulation of RANK-expressing cells in EMPD. METHODS The main population of RANK-expressing cells in the epidermis was composed of epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs). To explore the effects of RANKL on LCs, we stimulated LCs generated from human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells with graded concentrations of sRANKL. To further examine the correlation between LCs and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in EMPD, we employed immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS sRANKL stimulation was shown to augment the production of C-C motif chemokine ligand 17 (CCL17) from LCs. We additionally demonstrated CCL17 expression by CD1a+ LCs in EMPD in an immunofluorescence study. Spearman's rank correlation test confirmed a correlation between the number of LCs and the number of Foxp3+ Tregs in the lesional skin of invasive EMPD. In addition, the numbers of Foxp3+ Tregs in the sentinel lymph nodes of metastatic EMPD were significantly higher than those of metastatic melanoma, which did not express RANKL. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that the RANKL/RANK pathway in EMPD might contribute to the recruitment of Tregs and to maintenance of the tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Fujimura
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Y Kambayashi
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - S Furudate
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - A Kakizaki
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - T Hidaka
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - S Aiba
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Abstract
The link between inflammation, immunity and cancer is well established. In the last decade, there has been considerable excitement over cancer stem cells, believed to be a subset of tumour cells responsible for their initiation, propagation and resistance to conventional chemoradiotherapy. In this review, we discuss the characterization of cancer stem cells and describe their modulation by inflammation with a focus on melanoma.
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31
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Abstract
Oncogenic events combined with a favourable environment are the two main factors in the oncological process. The tumour microenvironment is composed of a complex, interconnected network of protagonists, including soluble factors such as cytokines, extracellular matrix components, interacting with fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells and various specific cell types depending on the location of the cancer cells (e.g. pulmonary epithelium, osteoblasts). This diversity defines specific "niches" (e.g. vascular, immune, bone niches) involved in tumour growth and the metastatic process. These actors communicate together by direct intercellular communications and/or in an autocrine/paracrine/endocrine manner involving cytokines and growth factors. Among these glycoproteins, RANKL (receptor activator nuclear factor-κB ligand) and its receptor RANK (receptor activator nuclear factor), members of the TNF and TNFR superfamilies, have stimulated the interest of the scientific community. RANK is frequently expressed by cancer cells in contrast with RANKL which is frequently detected in the tumour microenvironment and together they participate in every step in cancer development. Their activities are markedly regulated by osteoprotegerin (OPG, a soluble decoy receptor) and its ligands, and by LGR4, a membrane receptor able to bind RANKL. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of the functional implication of the RANK/RANKL system in cancer development, and to underline the most recent clinical studies.
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32
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González-Suárez E, Sanz-Moreno A. RANK as a therapeutic target in cancer. FEBS J 2016; 283:2018-33. [PMID: 26749530 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The RANK signaling pathway has emerged as a new target in breast cancer as receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and its receptor RANK mediate the pro-tumorigenic role of progesterone in the mammary gland. Thousands of cancer patients worldwide are already taking RANKL inhibitors for the management of bone metastasis, given the relevance of this pathway in osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. RANK signaling also has multiple divergent effects in immunity and inflammation, both in the generation of active immune responses and in the induction of tolerance: it is required for lymph node organogenesis, thymic medullary epithelial development and self-tolerance, and regulates activation of several immune cells and inflammatory processes. The RANK pathway interferes with mammary epithelial differentiation and mediates the major proliferative response of mammary epithelium to progesterone and progesterone-driven expansion of mammary stem cells; it also controls hair follicle and epidermal stem cell homeostasis, pointing to RANK as a key regulator of epithelial stemness. Here we revisit the main functions of RANK signaling in bone remodeling, immune cells and epithelial differentiation. We also discuss the mechanistic evidence that supports its pleiotropic effects on cancer: from bone metastasis to immune and cancer-cell-dependent effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva González-Suárez
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrián Sanz-Moreno
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Circulating melanoma cells (CMCs) represent critical mediators of metastatic melanoma progression. However, isolation and characterization of CMCs has been challenging due to the low frequency of these cells and the paucity of melanoma-specific cell surface markers. Herein, we describe a method for the isolation of CMCs that employs two independent markers, displays high sensitivity for CMC enrichment, and can be readily adapted to include additional molecular melanoma markers of interest. CMCs isolated by this method are enriched for ABCB5-positive melanoma stem cells, are tumorigenic in xenotransplantation assays, and can be used for phenotypical, genetic, and functional investigations of CMC biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ma
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Transplantation Research Program, Division of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Markus H Frank
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Transplantation Research Program, Division of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Aberrant Activation of the RANK Signaling Receptor Induces Murine Salivary Gland Tumors. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128467. [PMID: 26061636 PMCID: PMC4464738 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike cancers of related exocrine tissues such as the mammary and prostate gland, diagnosis and treatment of aggressive salivary gland malignancies have not markedly advanced in decades. Effective clinical management of malignant salivary gland cancers is undercut by our limited knowledge concerning the key molecular signals that underpin the etiopathogenesis of this rare and heterogeneous head and neck cancer. Without knowledge of the critical signals that drive salivary gland tumorigenesis, tumor vulnerabilities cannot be exploited that allow for targeted molecular therapies. This knowledge insufficiency is further exacerbated by a paucity of preclinical mouse models (as compared to other cancer fields) with which to both study salivary gland pathobiology and test novel intervention strategies. Using a mouse transgenic approach, we demonstrate that deregulation of the Receptor Activator of NFkB Ligand (RANKL)/RANK signaling axis results in rapid tumor development in all three major salivary glands. In line with its established role in other exocrine gland cancers (i.e., breast cancer), the RANKL/RANK signaling axis elicits an aggressive salivary gland tumor phenotype both at the histologic and molecular level. Despite the ability of this cytokine signaling axis to drive advanced stage disease within a short latency period, early blockade of RANKL/RANK signaling markedly attenuates the development of malignant salivary gland neoplasms. Together, our findings have uncovered a tumorigenic role for RANKL/RANK in the salivary gland and suggest that targeting this pathway may represent a novel therapeutic intervention approach in the prevention and/or treatment of this understudied head and neck cancer.
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Gray ES, Reid AL, Bowyer S, Calapre L, Siew K, Pearce R, Cowell L, Frank MH, Millward M, Ziman M. Circulating Melanoma Cell Subpopulations: Their Heterogeneity and Differential Responses to Treatment. J Invest Dermatol 2015; 135:2040-2048. [PMID: 25830652 PMCID: PMC4504811 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2015.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a highly heterogeneous tumor; thus, methods to analyze tumor-derived cells circulating in blood should address this diversity. Taking this into account, we analyzed, using multiparametric flow cytometry, the co-expression of the melanoma markers melanoma cell adhesion molecule and melanoma-associated chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan and the tumor-initiating markers ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 5 (ABCB5), CD271, and receptor activator of NF-κβ (RANK) in individual circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from 40 late-stage (III-IV) and 16 early-stage (I-II) melanoma patients. CTCs were heterogeneous within and between patients, with limited co-expression between the five markers analyzed. Analysis of patient matched blood and metastatic tumors revealed that ABCB5 and RANK subpopulations are more common among CTCs than in the solid tumors, suggesting a preferential selection for these cells in circulation. Pairwise comparison of CTC subpopulations longitudinally before and 6-13 weeks after treatment initiation showed that the percentage of RANK(+) CTCs significantly increased in the patients undergoing targeted therapy (N=16, P<0.01). Moreover, the presence of ⩾5 RANK(+) CTCs in the blood of patients undergoing targeted therapies was prognostic of shorter progression-free survival (hazards ratio 8.73, 95% confidence interval 1.82-41.75, P<0.01). Taken together, our results provide evidence of the heterogeneity among CTC subpopulations in melanoma and the differential response of these subpopulations to targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin S Gray
- School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Washington, Australia.
| | - Anna L Reid
- School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | - Samantha Bowyer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Washington, Australia
| | - Leslie Calapre
- School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | - Kelvin Siew
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Washington, Australia
| | - Robert Pearce
- School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | - Lester Cowell
- Level 1 Melanoma Skin Cancer Clinic, Fremantle, Washington, Australia
| | - Markus H Frank
- School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Washington, Australia; Transplantation Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Millward
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Washington, Australia; School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Washington, Australia
| | - Mel Ziman
- School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Washington, Australia; School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Washington, Australia
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Reid AL, Freeman JB, Millward M, Ziman M, Gray ES. Detection of BRAF-V600E and V600K in melanoma circulating tumour cells by droplet digital PCR. Clin Biochem 2014; 48:999-1002. [PMID: 25523300 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Defining the BRAF mutation status in metastatic melanoma patients is critical to selecting patients for therapeutic treatment with targeted therapies. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) can provide an alternative source of contemporaneous tumour genetic material. However methodologies to analyse the presence of rare mutations in a background of wild-type DNA requires a detailed assessment. Here we evaluate the sensitivity of two technologies for cancer mutation detection and the suitability of whole genome amplified DNA as a template for the detection of BRAF-V600 mutations. DESIGN AND METHODS Serial dilutions of mutant BRAF-V600E DNA in wild-type DNA were tested using both competitive allele-specific PCR (castPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), with and without previous whole genome amplification (WGA). Using immunomagnetic beads, we partially enriched CTCs from blood obtained from metastatic melanoma patients with confirmed BRAF mutation positive tumours and extracted RNA and DNA from the CTCs. We used RT-PCR of RNA to confirm the presence of melanoma cells in the CTC fraction then the DNAs of CTC positive fractions were WGA and tested for BRAF V600E or V600K mutations by ddPCRs. RESULTS WGA DNA produced lower than expected fractional abundances by castPCR analysis but not by ddPCR. Moreover, ddPCR was found to be 200 times more sensitive than castPCR and in combination with WGA produced the most concordant results, with a limit of detection of 0.0005%. BRAF-V600E or V600K mutated DNA was detected in 77% and 44%, respectively, of enriched CTC fractions from metastatic melanoma patients carrying the corresponding mutations. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that using ddPCR in combination with WGA DNA allows the detection with high sensitivity of cancer mutations in partially enriched CTC fractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Reid
- School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - James B Freeman
- School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Michael Millward
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.
| | - Melanie Ziman
- School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.
| | - Elin S Gray
- School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia.
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Shultz LD, Goodwin N, Ishikawa F, Hosur V, Lyons BL, Greiner DL. Human cancer growth and therapy in immunodeficient mouse models. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2014; 2014:694-708. [PMID: 24987146 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.top073585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the "nude" mouse more than 40 years ago, investigators have attempted to model human tumor growth in immunodeficient mice. Here, we summarize how the field has advanced over the ensuing years owing to improvements in the murine recipients of human tumors. These improvements include the discovery of the scid mutation and development of targeted mutations in the recombination-activating genes 1 and 2 (Rag1(null), Rag2(null)) that severely cripple the adaptive immune response of the murine host. More recently, mice deficient in adaptive immunity have been crossed with mice bearing targeted mutations designed to weaken the innate immune system, ultimately leading to the development of immunodeficient mice bearing a targeted mutation in the gene encoding the interleukin 2 (IL2) receptor common γ chain (IL2rg(null), also known in humans as cytokine receptor common subunit γ). The IL2rg(null) mutation has been used to develop several immunodeficient strains of mice, including the NOD-scid IL2rg(null) (NSG) strain. Using NSG mice as human xenograft recipients, it is now possible to grow almost all types of primary human tumors in vivo, including most solid tumors and hematological malignancies that maintain characteristics of the primary tumor in the patient. Programs to optimize patient-specific therapy using patient-derived xenograft tumor growth in NSG mice have been established at several institutions, including The Jackson Laboratory. Moreover, NSG mice can be engrafted with functional human immune systems, permitting for the first time the potential to study primary human tumors in vivo in the presence of a human immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fumihiko Ishikawa
- The Laboratory for Human Disease Models, RIKEN Research Center for Allergy and Immunology, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | | | | | - Dale L Greiner
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
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Wilson BJ, Saab KR, Ma J, Schatton T, Pütz P, Zhan Q, Murphy GF, Gasser M, Waaga-Gasser AM, Frank NY, Frank MH. ABCB5 maintains melanoma-initiating cells through a proinflammatory cytokine signaling circuit. Cancer Res 2014; 74:4196-207. [PMID: 24934811 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-0582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The drug efflux transporter ABCB5 identifies cancer stem-like cells (CSC) in diverse human malignancies, where its expression is associated with clinical disease progression and tumor recurrence. ABCB5 confers therapeutic resistance, but other functions in tumorigenesis independent of drug efflux have not been described that might help explain why it is so broadly overexpressed in human cancer. Here we show that in melanoma-initiating cells, ABCB5 controls IL1β secretion, which serves to maintain slow cycling, chemoresistant cells through an IL1β/IL8/CXCR1 cytokine signaling circuit. This CSC maintenance circuit involved reciprocal paracrine interactions with ABCB5-negative cancer cell populations. ABCB5 blockade induced cellular differentiation, reversed resistance to multiple chemotherapeutic agents, and impaired tumor growth in vivo. Together, our results defined a novel function for ABCB5 in CSC maintenance and tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Wilson
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Transplant Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karim R Saab
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Transplant Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Transplant Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tobias Schatton
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Transplant Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pablo Pütz
- Transplant Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Qian Zhan
- Program in Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - George F Murphy
- Program in Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Martin Gasser
- Department of Surgery, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Natasha Y Frank
- Transplant Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts. Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Markus H Frank
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Transplant Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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39
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Lee N, Barthel SR, Schatton T. Melanoma stem cells and metastasis: mimicking hematopoietic cell trafficking? J Transl Med 2014; 94:13-30. [PMID: 24126889 PMCID: PMC3941309 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2013.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a highly metastatic cancer that bears responsibility for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. Amidst the research efforts to better understand melanoma progression, there has been increasing evidence that hints at a role for a subpopulation of virulent cancer cells, termed malignant melanoma stem or initiating cells (MMICs), in metastasis formation. MMICs are characterized by their preferential ability to initiate and propagate tumor growth and their selective capacity for self-renewal and differentiation into less tumorigenic melanoma cells. The frequency of MMICs has been shown to correlate with poor clinical prognosis in melanoma. In addition, MMICs are enriched among circulating tumor cells in the peripheral blood of cancer patients, suggesting that MMICs may be a critical factor in the metastatic cascade. Although these links exist between MMICs and metastatic disease, the mechanisms by which MMICs may advance metastatic progression are only beginning to be elucidated. Recent studies have shown that MMICs express molecules critical for hematopoietic cell maintenance and trafficking, providing a possible explanation for how circulating MMICs could drive melanoma dissemination. We therefore propose that MMICs might fuel melanoma metastasis by exploiting homing mechanisms commonly utilized by hematopoietic cells. Here we review the biological properties of MMICs and the existing literature on their metastatic potential. We will discuss possible mechanisms by which MMICs might initiate metastases in the context of established knowledge of cancer stem cells in other cancers and of hematopoietic homing molecules, with a particular focus on selectins, integrins, chemokines and chemokine receptors known to be expressed by melanoma cells. Biological understanding of how these molecules might be utilized by MMICs to propel the metastatic cascade could critically impact the development of more effective therapies for advanced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayoung Lee
- Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven R. Barthel
- Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tobias Schatton
- Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Transplantation Research Center, Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,To whom correspondence should be addressed: Tobias Schatton, Pharm.D., Ph.D., Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Institutes of Medicine, Rm. 673B, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
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40
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Kukita A, Kukita T. Multifunctional properties of RANKL/RANK in cell differentiation, proliferation and metastasis. Future Oncol 2013; 9:1609-22. [DOI: 10.2217/fon.13.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that there are close relationships between bone destruction and tumor growth in bone metastasis. RANKL is a central factor in bone metastasis, inducing osteoclastogenesis mediated by its receptor RANK. Recent reports demonstrate that RANKL has important roles in organogenesis stimulating proliferation and differentiation of epithelial and stroma cells. RANKL is induced not only by cytokines and hormones but also by UV-irradiation, inflammation and carcinogens. Expression of RANK and RANKL is found in several human cancer cell lines, and RANK signaling stimulates proliferation, migration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of cancer cells, which may be involved in metastasis via an autocrine/paracrine mechanism. RANKL regulates the number of Tregs that produce RANKL, which may affect cancer metastasis. In this review we discuss the multifunctional roles of RANKL/RANK in osteoclastogenesis, organogenesis, and the metastasis and tumorigenesis of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Kukita
- Department of Microbiology, Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1, Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Toshio Kukita
- Molecular Cell Biology & Oral Anatomy, Kyushu University, Maidashi, Fukuoka, Japan
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41
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Liu D, Liu X, Xing M. Activities of multiple cancer-related pathways are associated with BRAF mutation and predict the resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibitors in melanoma cells. Cell Cycle 2013; 13:208-19. [PMID: 24200969 DOI: 10.4161/cc.26971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is a major obstacle in the targeted therapy of melanoma using BRAF/MEK inhibitors. This study was to identify BRAF V600E-associated oncogenic pathways that predict resistance of BRAF-mutated melanoma to BRAF/MEK inhibitors. We took in silico approaches to analyze the activities of 24 cancer-related pathways in melanoma cells and identify those whose activation was associated with BRAF V600E and used the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm to predict the resistance of BRAF-mutated melanoma cells to BRAF/MEK inhibitors. We then experimentally confirmed the in silico findings. In a microarray gene expression dataset of 63 melanoma cell lines, we found that activation of multiple oncogenic pathways preferentially occurred in BRAF-mutated melanoma cells. This finding was reproduced in 5 additional independent melanoma datasets. Further analysis of 46 melanoma cell lines that harbored BRAF mutation showed that 7 pathways, including TNFα, EGFR, IFNα, hypoxia, IFNγ, STAT3, and MYC, were significantly differently expressed in AZD6244-resistant compared with responsive melanoma cells. A SVM classifier built on this 7-pathway activation pattern correctly predicted the response of 10 BRAF-mutated melanoma cell lines to the MEK inhibitor AZD6244 in our experiments. We experimentally showed that TNFα, EGFR, IFNα, and IFNγ pathway activities were also upregulated in melanoma cell A375 compared with its sub-line DRO, while DRO was much more sensitive to AZD6244 than A375. In conclusion, we have identified specific oncogenic pathways preferentially activated in BRAF-mutated melanoma cells and a pathway pattern that predicts resistance of BRAF-mutated melanoma to BRAF/MEK inhibitors, providing novel clinical implications for melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingxie Liu
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Thyroid Research; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Xuan Liu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Mingzhao Xing
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Thyroid Research; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA
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42
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Murphy GF, Wilson BJ, Girouard SD, Frank NY, Frank MH. Stem cells and targeted approaches to melanoma cure. Mol Aspects Med 2013; 39:33-49. [PMID: 24145241 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma stem cells, also known as malignant melanoma-initiating cells, are identifiable through expression of specific biomarkers such as ABCB5 (ATP-binding cassette, sub-family B (MDR/TAP), member 5), NGFR (nerve growth factor receptor, CD271) and ALDH (aldehyde dehydrogenase), and drive melanoma initiation and progression based on prolonged self-renewal capacity, vasculogenic differentiation and immune evasion. As we will review here, specific roles of these aggressive subpopulations have been documented in tumorigenic growth, metastatic dissemination, therapeutic resistance, and malignant recurrence. Moreover, recent findings have provided pre-clinical proof-of-concept for the potential therapeutic utility of the melanoma stem cell concept. Therefore, melanoma stem cell-directed therapeutic approaches represent promising novel strategies to improve therapy of this arguably most virulent human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- George F Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Brian J Wilson
- Transplantation Research Center, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Dermatology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sasha D Girouard
- Dermatology Residency Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Natasha Y Frank
- Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Markus H Frank
- Transplantation Research Center, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Dermatology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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43
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Hasegawa T, Shimada S, Ishida H, Nakashima M. Chafuroside B, an Oolong tea polyphenol, ameliorates UVB-induced DNA damage and generation of photo-immunosuppression related mediators in human keratinocytes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77308. [PMID: 24116222 PMCID: PMC3792907 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chafuroside B was recently isolated as a new polyphenolic constituent of oolong tea leaves. However, the effects of chafuroside B on skin function have not been examined. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of chafuroside B against UVB-induced DNA damage, apoptosis and generation of photo-immunosuppression related mediators in cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK). Chafuroside B at 1 µM attenuated both UVB-induced apoptosis, evaluated in terms of caspase-3/7 activity, and UVB-induced DNA damage, evaluated in terms of formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD), in NHEK exposed to UVB (20 mJ/cm2). In addition, chafuroside B at 0.3 or 1 µM suppressed the UVB-induced production of interleukin (IL)-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), as determined by ELISA, and conversely enhanced IL-12 mRNA expression and production, as measured by RT-PCR and ELISA. Further, chafuroside B at 1 µM also suppressed UVB-induced expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) mRNA. These results indicate that chafuroside B promotes repair of UVB-induced DNA damage and ameliorates the generation of IL-10, TNF-α, PGE2, and RANKL, all of which are UVB-induced immunosuppression related mediators. These effects of chafuroside B may be mediated at least in part through induction of IL-12 synthesis in human keratinocytes. Because chafuroside B might have practical value as a photoprotective agent, a further study of the in vivo effects of chafuroside B seems warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Hasegawa
- Functional Food Research and Development Center, Shiseido Research Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Shoichiro Shimada
- Functional Food Research and Development Center, Shiseido Research Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ishida
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masaya Nakashima
- Functional Food Research and Development Center, Shiseido Research Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
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44
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Stecca B, Santini R, Pandolfi S, Penachioni JY. Culture and isolation of melanoma-initiating cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; Chapter 3:Unit 3.6. [PMID: 23404674 DOI: 10.1002/9780470151808.sc0306s24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer. This unit illustrates protocols for culture and isolation of human melanoma cancer stem cells/tumor-initiating cells (CSC/TIC). We describe two complementary methods to enrich for melanoma CSC/TIC. The first approach exploits the ability of CSC/TIC to grow as tumor spheres in low-adherent culture conditions, as previously shown for neural stem cells and human embryonic stem cells. As a second approach, melanoma CSC/TIC are enriched by fluorescence-activated cell sorting for the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzyme activity. We previously showed that melanoma cells with high ALDH activity (ALDH(high)) are endowed with higher self-renewal and tumorigenic abilities than the population with low activity (ALDH(low)), suggesting that ALDH might be a good marker to select for melanoma CSC/TIC. This unit will also describe how to functionally test melanoma CSC/TIC by determining self-renewal in vitro and tumor-forming abilities in vivo using orthotopic xenograft assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Stecca
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Florence, Italy
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45
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Co-expression of CD44+/RANKL+ tumor cells in the carcinogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Odontology 2013; 103:36-49. [PMID: 23979059 DOI: 10.1007/s10266-013-0133-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa (RANK)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) signaling helps putative cancer stem cells (CSC) to maintain their stemness. Expression of CD44 and RANKL was analyzed in oral squamous cell carcinoma specimen (n = 191). Moreover, RANKL expression was measured in cancer cell lines (BICR3, BICR56) by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Scanned images were digitally analyzed using ImageJ and the immunomembrane plug-in. CD44 and RANKL expression on protein level was correlated with clinical characteristics and impact on survival. RANKL was co-labeled with CD44 in immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence double labeling experiments. Although high CD44+/RANKL+ co-expression was significantly associated with clinicopathological factors and worse survival, multivariate analysis did not demonstrate high CD44+/RANKL+ co-expression as independent prognostic factor. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence double labeling experiments revealed RANKL expression by CD44+ cancer cells. RANKL specificity was confirmed by western blot analysis. For the first time, this study provides evidence that RANKL expression in OSCC might be associated with disease recurrence and a cell compartment measured by CD44+/RANKL+ co-expression within the mucosal epithelial basal layer cells.
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46
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Lin JY, Zhang M, Schatton T, Wilson BJ, Alloo A, Ma J, Qureshi AA, Frank NY, Han J, Frank MH. Genetically determined ABCB5 functionality correlates with pigmentation phenotype and melanoma risk. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 436:536-42. [PMID: 23770371 PMCID: PMC3756469 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
ABCB5 is a multidrug resistance (MDR) member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily of active transporters and represents a marker for chemoresistant malignant melanoma-initiating cells. ABCB5 expression is closely linked to tumorigenicity and progression of diverse human malignancies, including melanoma, and is functionally required for tumor growth. Here, we genotyped 585 melanoma cases and 605 age-matched controls for 44 ABCB5 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to span a region covering 108.2kb of the gene on the 7p21.1 locus. We identified three SNPs that were associated with decreased melanoma risk in additive models: rs10231520 (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70-0.98), rs17817117 (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68-0.98), and rs2301641 (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69-0.98). Additionally, the rs2301641 SNP was associated with non-red compared to red hair color (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.14-1.03) in controls. Twelve human melanoma cell lines were genotyped for the rs2301641 SNP, which encodes a non-synonymous ABCB5 amino acid change (K115E). Functional studies revealed that the E form associated with lower melanoma risk correlated significantly with decreased ABCB5 transport capacity (P<0.01) and increased melanin production (P<0.05). Our results identify novel associations of the ABCB5 K115E polymorphism with human pigmentation phenotype and melanoma risk and point to potential functional roles of ABCB5 in melanomagenesis. Moreover, they provide a first example that functional variation in a prospective cancer stem cell marker can be associated with disease risk for the corresponding malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Y Lin
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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47
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Prominin-1 (CD133) and Metastatic Melanoma: Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Perspectives. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 777:197-211. [PMID: 23161084 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-5894-4_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Innovative approaches to specifically target the melanoma subpopulation responsible for local invasion and metastatic dissemination are needed. Prominin-1 (CD133) expression has been observed in many melanoma cell lines, as well as in primary and metastatic melanomas from patients. Although its function(s) in melanoma is presently unknown, prominin-1 may represent a molecular target, due to its association with melanoma stem cells and with the metastatic phenotype.
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48
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Schmiedel BJ, Nuebling T, Steinbacher J, Malinovska A, Wende CM, Azuma M, Schneider P, Grosse-Hovest L, Salih HR. Receptor activator for NF-κB ligand in acute myeloid leukemia: expression, function, and modulation of NK cell immunosurveillance. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 190:821-31. [PMID: 23241893 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1201792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The TNF family member receptor activator for NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and its receptors RANK and osteoprotegerin are key regulators of bone remodeling but also influence cellular functions of tumor and immune effector cells. In this work, we studied the involvement of RANK-RANKL interaction in NK cell-mediated immunosurveillance of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Substantial levels of RANKL were found to be expressed on leukemia cells in 53 of 78 (68%) investigated patients. Signaling via RANKL into the leukemia cells stimulated their metabolic activity and induced the release of cytokines involved in AML pathophysiology. In addition, the immunomodulatory factors released by AML cells upon RANKL signaling impaired the anti-leukemia reactivity of NK cells and induced RANK expression, and NK cells of AML patients displayed significantly upregulated RANK expression compared with healthy controls. Treatment of AML cells with the clinically available RANKL Ab Denosumab resulted in enhanced NK cell anti-leukemia reactivity. This was due to both blockade of the release of NK-inhibitory factors by AML cells and prevention of RANK signaling into NK cells. The latter was found to directly impair NK anti-leukemia reactivity with a more pronounced effect on IFN-γ production compared with cytotoxicity. Together, our data unravel a previously unknown function of the RANK-RANKL molecule system in AML pathophysiology as well as NK cell function and suggest that neutralization of RANKL with therapeutic Abs may serve to reinforce NK cell reactivity in leukemia patients.
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49
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Anti-RANKL therapy for bone tumours: Basic, pre-clinical and clinical evidences. J Bone Oncol 2012; 1:2-11. [PMID: 26909248 PMCID: PMC4723324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone remodelling is related to coordinated phases of bone resorption and bone apposition allowing the maintenance of bone integrity, the phosphocalcic homoeostasis all along the life and consequently the bone adaptation to mechanical constraints or/and to endocrine fluctuations. Unfortunately, bone is a frequent site of tumour development originated from bone cell lineages (primary bone tumours: bone sarcomas) or from nonosseous origins (bone metastases: carcinomas). These tumour cells disrupt the balance between osteoblast and osteoclast activities resulting in a disturbed bone remodelling weakening the bone tissue, in a strongly altered bone microenvironment and consequently facilitating the tumour growth. At the early stage of tumour development, osteoclast differentiation and recruitment of mature osteoclasts are strongly activated resulting in a strong bone matrix degradation and release of numerous growth factors initially stored into this organic/calcified matrix. In turn these soluble factors stimulate the proliferation of tumour cells and exacerbate their migration and their ability to initiate metastases. Because Receptor Activator of NFκB Ligand (RANKL) is absolutely required for in vivo osteoclastogenesis, its role in the bone tumour growth has been immediately pointed out and has consequently allowed the development of new targeted therapies of these malignant diseases. The present review summarises the role of RANKL in the bone tumour microenvironment, the most recent pre-clinical and clinical evidences of its targeting in bone metastases and bone sarcomas. The following sections position RANKL targeted therapy among the other anti-resorptive therapies available and underline the future directions which are currently under investigations.
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50
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Mimeault M, Batra SK. Novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for optimizing the therapeutic management of melanomas. World J Clin Oncol 2012; 3:32-42. [PMID: 22442756 PMCID: PMC3309891 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v3.i3.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2011] [Revised: 02/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous malignant melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer with an extremely poor survival rate for the patients diagnosed with locally invasive and metastatic disease states. Intensive research has led in last few years to an improvement of the early detection and curative treatment of primary cutaneous melanomas that are confined to the skin by tumor surgical resection. However, locally advanced and disseminated melanomas are generally resistant to conventional treatments, including ionizing radiation, systemic chemotherapy, immunotherapy and/or adjuvant stem cell-based therapies, and result in the death of patients. The rapid progression of primary melanomas to locally invasive and/or metastatic disease states remains a major obstacle for an early effective diagnosis and a curative therapeutic intervention for melanoma patients. Importantly, recent advances in the melanoma research have led to the identification of different gene products that are often implicated in the malignant transformation of melanocytic cells into melanoma cells, including melanoma stem/progenitor cells, during melanoma initiation and progression to locally advanced and metastatic disease states. The frequent deregulated genes products encompass the oncogenic B-RafV600E and N-RasQ61R mutants, different receptor tyrosine kinases and developmental pathways such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), stem cell-like factor (SCF) receptor KIT, hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGFR receptor. These growth factors can cooperate to activate distinct tumorigenic downstream signaling elements and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated molecules, including phosphatidylinositol 3’-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/ molecular target of rapamycin (mTOR), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1), vimentin, snail and twist. Of therapeutic relevance, these deregulated signal transduction components constitute new potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets of great clinical interest for improving the efficacy of current diagnostic and prognostic methods and management of patients diagnosed with locally advanced, metastatic and/or relapsed melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murielle Mimeault
- Murielle Mimeault, Surinder K Batra, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, United States
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