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Haugh A, Daud AI. Therapeutic Strategies in BRAF V600 Wild-Type Cutaneous Melanoma. Am J Clin Dermatol 2024; 25:407-419. [PMID: 38329690 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-023-00841-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
There have been many recent advances in melanoma therapy. While 50% of melanomas have a BRAF mutation and are a target for BRAF inhibitors, the remaining 50% are BRAF wild-type. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) and lymphocyte activated gene-3 (Lag-3) are all approved for the treatment of patients with advanced BRAF wild-type melanoma; however, treatment of this patient population following initial immune checkpoint blockade is a current therapeutic challenge given the lack of other efficacious options. Here, we briefly review available US FDA-approved therapies for BRAF wild-type melanoma and focus on developing treatment avenues for this heterogeneous group of patients. We review the basics of genomic features of both BRAF mutant and BRAF wild-type melanoma as well as efforts underway to develop new targeted therapies involving the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway for patients with BRAF wild-type tumors. We then focus on novel immunotherapies, including developing checkpoint inhibitors and agonists, cytokine therapies, oncolytic viruses and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, all of which represent potential therapeutic avenues for patients with BRAF wild-type melanoma who progress on currently approved immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Haugh
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 6809, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adil I Daud
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 6809, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Maloberti T, De Leo A, Coluccelli S, Sanza V, Gruppioni E, Altimari A, Comito F, Melotti B, Marchese PV, Dika E, Venturi F, Corti B, Ciccimarra G, Ciceu CA, Tallini G, de Biase D. Molecular Characterization of Advanced-Stage Melanomas in Clinical Practice Using a Laboratory-Developed Next-Generation Sequencing Panel. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:800. [PMID: 38667446 PMCID: PMC11048853 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14080800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most lethal tumors among skin cancers, characterized by complex genetic and molecular alterations that result in uncontrolled cell proliferation and metastatic spread. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) enables the simultaneous examination of numerous genes, making this molecular technique essential for melanoma diagnosis, prognostic stratification, and therapy planning. Herein, we present the experience with our laboratory-designed NGS panel for the routine assessment of advanced-stage melanoma. A total of 260 specimens of advanced-stage melanomas were evaluated utilizing a laboratory-developed multi-gene NGS panel, which allowed the investigation of 229 amplicons in 25 oncogene/oncosuppressor genes. The NGS panel proved to be a reliable tool, failing to produce results in only 1.2% of the samples tested. BRAF and TERT were the two more commonly altered genes in 44.0% and 59.9% of samples, respectively. In 59.3% of the mutated cases, at least two concomitant variants were detected. In eight cases, both primary lesion and metastatic disease were analyzed by NGS. In all specimens (8/8, 100%), a perfect concordance in variants harbored by the primary and recurrence lesions was observed. Finally, this study described the validity of a laboratory-developed multi-gene NGS panel built specifically for advanced-stage melanomas in ordinary clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Maloberti
- Solid Tumor Molecular Pathology Laboratory, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (T.M.); (A.D.L.); (S.C.); (V.S.); (E.G.); (A.A.); (G.T.)
| | - Antonio De Leo
- Solid Tumor Molecular Pathology Laboratory, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (T.M.); (A.D.L.); (S.C.); (V.S.); (E.G.); (A.A.); (G.T.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (E.D.); (F.V.)
| | - Sara Coluccelli
- Solid Tumor Molecular Pathology Laboratory, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (T.M.); (A.D.L.); (S.C.); (V.S.); (E.G.); (A.A.); (G.T.)
| | - Viviana Sanza
- Solid Tumor Molecular Pathology Laboratory, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (T.M.); (A.D.L.); (S.C.); (V.S.); (E.G.); (A.A.); (G.T.)
| | - Elisa Gruppioni
- Solid Tumor Molecular Pathology Laboratory, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (T.M.); (A.D.L.); (S.C.); (V.S.); (E.G.); (A.A.); (G.T.)
| | - Annalisa Altimari
- Solid Tumor Molecular Pathology Laboratory, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (T.M.); (A.D.L.); (S.C.); (V.S.); (E.G.); (A.A.); (G.T.)
| | - Francesca Comito
- Oncology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy (B.M.); (P.V.M.)
| | - Barbara Melotti
- Oncology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy (B.M.); (P.V.M.)
| | - Paola Valeria Marchese
- Oncology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy (B.M.); (P.V.M.)
| | - Emi Dika
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (E.D.); (F.V.)
- Oncologic Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Venturi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (E.D.); (F.V.)
- Oncologic Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Corti
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giulia Ciccimarra
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.C.); (C.A.C.)
| | - Crina Adriana Ciceu
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.C.); (C.A.C.)
| | - Giovanni Tallini
- Solid Tumor Molecular Pathology Laboratory, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (T.M.); (A.D.L.); (S.C.); (V.S.); (E.G.); (A.A.); (G.T.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (E.D.); (F.V.)
| | - Dario de Biase
- Solid Tumor Molecular Pathology Laboratory, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (T.M.); (A.D.L.); (S.C.); (V.S.); (E.G.); (A.A.); (G.T.)
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.C.); (C.A.C.)
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Zhou P, Liu W, Zheng J, Zhang H, Luo J. Case report: Primary sarcoma of the mandible with a novel SLMAP-BRAF fusion. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1369046. [PMID: 38606111 PMCID: PMC11006978 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1369046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary sarcomas of the jaw are very rare tumor with unclear mechanism of tumorigenesis. Identification of genetic alterations contributes to better understanding of tumorigenesis and extension of tumor spectrum, as well as potential therapeutic targets application. Herein, we firstly report a case of primary sarcoma in the mandible with novel SLMAP-BRAF fusion. Morphologically, the tumor was composed of histiocyte-like cells, larger epithelioid cells, spindle cells and osteoclast-like giant cells with moderate atypia. Focally, it mimicked tenosynovial giant cell tumor or biphasic synovial sarcoma, and even giant cell tumor of bone. SATB2 was diffusely expressed, while p63 and p16 were locally positive with loss expression of p16 in histiocyte-like and larger epithelioid cells. SLMAP-BRAF (S11:B10) fusion was detected by both DNA and RNA NGS, and further verified by sanger sequencing, DNA electrophoresis and FISH. Then a descriptive diagnosis of BRAF rearrangement sarcoma with moderate-grade malignancy (non-specific type) was given according to the biological behavior, morphological features and gene alteration. The patient finished six cycles of chemotherapy after hemimaxillectomy. Within 7 months of follow-up, no tumor recurrence or metastasis was observed. Our case has enriched the spectrum of jaw bone tumor and BRAF rearrangement tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Clinical Medical Research Center for Cancer Pathogenic Genes Testing and Diagnosis, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Beijing Novogene Bioinformatics Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jiaoyun Zheng
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Clinical Medical Research Center for Cancer Pathogenic Genes Testing and Diagnosis, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiadi Luo
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Clinical Medical Research Center for Cancer Pathogenic Genes Testing and Diagnosis, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Donati M, Nosek D, Olivares S, Lemahieu J, Loontiens S, Mansour B, Gerami P, Kazakov DV. Spitz tumor with RAF1 fusion: A report of 3 cases. Ann Diagn Pathol 2023; 67:152215. [PMID: 37856952 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2023.152215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Spitz tumors are melanocytic neoplasms morphologically characterized by spindled and/or epithelioid cells and specific stromal and epidermal changes associated with mutually exclusive fusion kinases involving ALK, ROS1, NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3, MET and RET, BRAF and MAP3K8 genes or, less commonly, HRAS mutation. RAF1 fusions have been recently detected in cutaneous melanocytic neoplasms, including conventional melanoma, congenital nevus and BAP-1 inactivated tumors. We report herewith three Spitz neoplasms with a RAF1 fusion, including a previously reported CTDSPL::RAF1 fusion and two novel PPAP2B::RAF1 and ATP2B4::RAF1 fusions. Two cases were classified as Spitz nevus, while the remaining neoplasm was classified as Spitz melanoma at the time of the diagnosis, given 9p21 homozygous deletion and positive sentinel lymph node biopsy. We suggest that RAF1 fused melanocytic neoplasms can represent a novel subgroup of Spitz tumors, with a RAF1 fusion representing an oncogenic driver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Donati
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniel Nosek
- Department of Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Shantel Olivares
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Siebe Loontiens
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Molecular Diagnostics Ghent University Hospital (MDG), Ghent, Belgium; CRIG, Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Boulos Mansour
- Department of Pathology, Ospedale Israelitico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Pedram Gerami
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dmitry V Kazakov
- IDP Institut für Dermatohistopathologie, Pathologie Institut Enge, Zürich, Switzerland
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Rumpf M, Pautz S, Drebes B, Herberg FW, Müller HAJ. Microtubule-Associated Serine/Threonine (MAST) Kinases in Development and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11913. [PMID: 37569286 PMCID: PMC10419289 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-Associated Serine/Threonine (MAST) kinases represent an evolutionary conserved branch of the AGC protein kinase superfamily in the kinome. Since the discovery of the founding member, MAST2, in 1993, three additional family members have been identified in mammals and found to be broadly expressed across various tissues, including the brain, heart, lung, liver, intestine and kidney. The study of MAST kinases is highly relevant for unraveling the molecular basis of a wide range of different human diseases, including breast and liver cancer, myeloma, inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis and various neuronal disorders. Despite several reports on potential substrates and binding partners of MAST kinases, the molecular mechanisms that would explain their involvement in human diseases remain rather obscure. This review will summarize data on the structure, biochemistry and cell and molecular biology of MAST kinases in the context of biomedical research as well as organismal model systems in order to provide a current profile of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Rumpf
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, 34321 Kassel, Germany; (M.R.)
| | - Sabine Pautz
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, 34321 Kassel, Germany
| | - Benedikt Drebes
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, 34321 Kassel, Germany; (M.R.)
| | - Friedrich W. Herberg
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, 34321 Kassel, Germany
| | - Hans-Arno J. Müller
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, 34321 Kassel, Germany; (M.R.)
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Larkin R, Hermsen MA, London NR. Translocations and Gene Fusions in Sinonasal Malignancies. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:269-278. [PMID: 36753024 PMCID: PMC10316133 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01364-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW During the past few years there has been an expansion in our understanding of gene fusions and translocations involved in cancer of the sinonasal tract. Here we review the downstream biologic effects, clinical characteristics, and pathologic features of these tumors. The molecular consequences and neo-antigens resulting from these chromosomal aberrations are considered and targets for current and future clinical trials discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Several new, clinically relevant, chromosomal aberrations have been discovered and evaluated to varying degrees in sinonasal tumors including DEK::AFF2, BRD4::NUT, ADCK4::NUMBL, and ETV6::NTRK3. Sinonasal malignancies demonstrate a diverse genetic landscape and varying clinical courses. Recent studies illustrate that gene fusions and translocations may play a role in carcinogenesis in certain sinonasal tumor subtypes and may be used to develop new biomarker-driven and patient-centered treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley Larkin
- Sinonasal and Skull Base Tumor Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mario A Hermsen
- Department of Head and Neck Cancer, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nyall R London
- Sinonasal and Skull Base Tumor Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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7
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Pipek O, Vizkeleti L, Doma V, Alpár D, Bödör C, Kárpáti S, Timar J. The Driverless Triple-Wild-Type (BRAF, RAS, KIT) Cutaneous Melanoma: Whole Genome Sequencing Discoveries. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061712. [PMID: 36980598 PMCID: PMC10046270 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic makeup of the triple-wild-type melanoma (BRAF, NRAS and NF1) has been known for some time, but those studies grouped together rare histopathological versions with common ones, as well as mucosal and even uveal ones. Here we used whole genome sequencing to genetically characterize the triple-wild-type melanoma (TWM), termed here as BRAF, RAS and KIT wild type (the most frequent oncogenic drivers of skin melanoma), using the most common histological forms and excluding rare ones. All these tumors except one were clearly induced by UV based on the mutational signature. The tumor mutational burden was low in TWM, except in the NF1 mutant forms, and a relatively high frequency of elevated LOH scores suggested frequent homologue recombination deficiency, but this was only confirmed by the mutation signature in one case. Furthermore, all these TWMs were microsatellite-stabile. In this driverless setting, we revealed rare oncogenic drivers known from melanoma or other cancer types and identified rare actionable tyrosine kinase mutations in NTRK1, RET and VEGFR1. Mutations of TWM identified genes involved in antitumor immunity (negative and positive predictors of immunotherapy), Ca++ and BMP signaling. The two regressed melanomas of this cohort shared a 17-gene mutation signature, containing genes involved in antitumor immunity and several cell surface receptors. Even with this comprehensive genomic approach, a few cases remained driverless, suggesting that unrecognized drivers are hiding among passenger mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orsolya Pipek
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1053 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Laura Vizkeleti
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktória Doma
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Dermatooncology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Donát Alpár
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Bödör
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sarolta Kárpáti
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Dermatooncology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jozsef Timar
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Correspondence:
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Zhao L, Wang N, Zhang D, Jia Y, Kong F. A comprehensive overview of the relationship between RET gene and tumor occurrence. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1090757. [PMID: 36865807 PMCID: PMC9971812 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1090757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
RET gene plays significant roles in the nervous system and many other tissues. Rearranged during transfection (RET) mutation is related to cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Many invasive tumors (e.g., non-small cell lung cancer, thyroid cancer, and breast cancer) were found to have changes in RET. Recently, great efforts have been made against RET. Selpercatinib and pralsetinib, with encouraging efficacy, intracranial activity, and tolerability, were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020. The development of acquired resistance is inevitable, and a deeper exploration should be conducted. This article systematically reviewed RET gene and its biology as well as the oncogenic role in multiple cancers. Moreover, we also summarized recent advances in the treatment of RET and the mechanism of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhao
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Dou Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingjie Jia
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Fanming Kong
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Fanming Kong,
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