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Hu Y, Zhang Y, Shi F, Yang R, Yan J, Han T, Guan L. Reversal of T-cell exhaustion: Mechanisms and synergistic approaches. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112571. [PMID: 38941674 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112571] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
T cells suffer from long-term antigen stimulation and insufficient energy supply, leading to a decline in their effector functions, memory capabilities, and proliferative capacity, ultimately resulting in T cell exhaustion and an inability to perform normal immune functions in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, exploring how to restore these exhausted T cells to a state with effector functions is of great significance. Exhausted T cells exhibit a spectrum of molecular alterations, such as heightened expression of inhibitory receptors, shifts in transcription factor profiles, and modifications across epigenetic, metabolic, and transcriptional landscapes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various strategies to reverse T cell exhaustion, including immune checkpoint blockade, and explores the potential synergistic effects of combining multiple approaches to reverse T cell exhaustion. It offers new insights and methods for achieving more durable and effective reversal of T cell exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yaqi Zhang
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Fenfen Shi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Ruihan Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jiayu Yan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Tao Han
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China.
| | - Liping Guan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.
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2
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Dumitru AV, Țăpoi DA, Costache M, Ciongariu AM, Ionescu AI, Liscu HD, Alius C, Tampa M, Marin A, Furtunescu AR. Metastatic Nodular Melanoma with Angiosarcomatous Transdifferentiation-A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1323. [PMID: 39001214 PMCID: PMC11240390 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14131323] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Diagnosing cutaneous melanomas relies mainly on histopathological analysis, which, in selected cases, can be aided by immunohistochemical evaluation of conventional melanocytic markers. Nevertheless, these malignancies, particularly in metastatic settings, may display divergent differentiation with unusual histological and immunohistochemical features. In this context, we present the case of a 65-year-old male diagnosed with typical superficial spreading melanoma who developed recurrence and metastatic lesions featuring angiosarcomatous differentiation. The diagnosis of the initial tumour and the subsequently dedifferentiated lesions was confirmed by ample immunohistochemical analysis, which included several melanocytic markers, as well as mesenchymal and vascular markers. The recurrent tumour and lymph nodes metastases were completely negative for Melan-A and PRAME, and focally positive for SOX10. Additionally, they also displayed diffuse, intense positivity for CD10 and WT1 and focal positivity for CD99, ERB, and CD31. Thus, the diagnosis of primary cutaneous melanoma with recurrent and metastatic divergent angiosarcomatous differentiation was established. This occurrence is particularly rare and can pose important diagnostic challenges. Therefore, in addition to presenting this highly unusual case, we also performed a comprehensive review of the literature on divergent differentiation in melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Vasile Dumitru
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.V.D.); (M.C.); (A.M.C.)
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dana Antonia Țăpoi
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.V.D.); (M.C.); (A.M.C.)
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Costache
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.V.D.); (M.C.); (A.M.C.)
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Ciongariu
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.V.D.); (M.C.); (A.M.C.)
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Iuliana Ionescu
- Department of Oncological Radiotherapy and Medical Imaging, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.I.); (H.D.L.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Colțea Clinical Hospital, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Horia Dan Liscu
- Department of Oncological Radiotherapy and Medical Imaging, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.I.); (H.D.L.)
- Department of Radiotherapy, Colțea Clinical Hospital, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalin Alius
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Fourth Department of General Surgery, Emergency University Hospital Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Tampa
- Department of Dermatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.T.); (A.R.F.)
- Department of Dermatology, “Victor Babes” Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Marin
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Andreea Roxana Furtunescu
- Department of Dermatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.T.); (A.R.F.)
- Department of Dermatology, “Victor Babes” Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
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Ciccone V, Simonis V, Del Gaudio C, Cucini C, Ziche M, Morbidelli L, Donnini S. ALDH1A1 confers resistance to RAF/MEK inhibitors in melanoma cells by maintaining stemness phenotype and activating PI3K/AKT signaling. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 224:116252. [PMID: 38701866 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116252] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway is pivotal in controlling the proliferation and survival of melanoma cells. Several mutations, including those in BRAF, exhibit an oncogenic effect leading to increased cellular proliferation. As a result, the combination therapy of a MEK inhibitor with a BRAF inhibitor demonstrated higher efficacy and lower toxicity than BRAF inhibitor alone. This combination has become the preferred standard of care for tumors driven by BRAF mutations. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) is a known marker of stemness involved in drug resistance in several type of tumors, including melanoma. This study demonstrates that melanoma cells overexpressing ALDH1A1 displayed resistance to vemurafenib and trametinib through the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling instead of MAPK axis. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling partially rescued sensitivity to the drugs. Consistently, pharmacological inhibition of ALDH1A1 activity downregulated the activation of AKT and partially recovered responsiveness to vemurafenib and trametinib. We propose ALDH1A1 as a new potential target for treating melanoma resistant to MAPK/ERK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Ciccone
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena I-53100, Italy
| | - Vittoria Simonis
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena I-53100, Italy
| | - Cinzia Del Gaudio
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena I-53100, Italy
| | - Claudio Cucini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena I-53100, Italy
| | - Marina Ziche
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena I‑53100, Italy
| | - Lucia Morbidelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena I-53100, Italy
| | - Sandra Donnini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena I-53100, Italy.
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Muraro E, Montico B, Lum B, Colizzi F, Giurato G, Salvati A, Guerrieri R, Rizzo A, Comaro E, Canzonieri V, Anichini A, Del Vecchio M, Mortarini R, Milione M, Weisz A, Pizzichetta MA, Simpson F, Dolcetti R, Fratta E, Sigalotti L. Antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity-inducing anti-EGFR antibodies as effective therapeutic option for cutaneous melanoma resistant to BRAF inhibitors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1336566. [PMID: 38510242 PMCID: PMC10950948 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction About 50% of cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients present activating BRAF mutations that can be effectively targeted by BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi). However, 20% of CM patients exhibit intrinsic drug resistance to BRAFi, while most of the others develop adaptive resistance over time. The mechanisms involved in BRAFi resistance are disparate and globally seem to rewire the cellular signaling profile by up-regulating different receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). RTKs inhibitors have not clearly demonstrated anti-tumor activity in BRAFi resistant models. To overcome this issue, we wondered whether the shared up-regulated RTK phenotype associated with BRAFi resistance could be exploited by using immune weapons as the antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC)-mediated effect of anti-RTKs antibodies, and kill tumor cells independently from the mechanistic roots. Methods and results By using an in vitro model of BRAFi resistance, we detected increased membrane expression of EGFR, both at mRNA and protein level in 4 out of 9 BRAFi-resistant (VR) CM cultures as compared to their parental sensitive cells. Increased EGFR phosphorylation and AKT activation were observed in the VR CM cultures. EGFR signaling appeared dispensable for maintaining resistance, since small molecule-, antibody- and CRISPR-targeting of EGFR did not restore sensitivity of VR cells to BRAFi. Importantly, immune-targeting of EGFR by the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab efficiently and specifically killed EGFR-expressing VR CM cells, both in vitro and in humanized mouse models in vivo, triggering ADCC by healthy donors' and patients' peripheral blood cells. Conclusion Our data demonstrate the efficacy of immune targeting of RTKs expressed by CM relapsing on BRAFi, providing the proof-of-concept supporting the assessment of anti-RTK antibodies in combination therapies in this setting. This strategy might be expected to concomitantly trigger the crosstalk of adaptive immune response leading to a complementing T cell immune rejection of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Muraro
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Barbara Montico
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Benedict Lum
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Francesca Colizzi
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health - CRGS, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Annamaria Salvati
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health - CRGS, Baronissi, Italy
- Molecular Pathology and Medical Genomics Program, AOU 'S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona' University of Salerno and Rete Oncologica Campana, Salerno, Italy
| | - Roberto Guerrieri
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Aurora Rizzo
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Elisa Comaro
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Canzonieri
- Division of Pathology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Anichini
- Human Tumors Immunobiology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Del Vecchio
- Melanoma Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Mortarini
- Human Tumors Immunobiology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Milione
- Pathology Unit 1, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health - CRGS, Baronissi, Italy
- Molecular Pathology and Medical Genomics Program, AOU 'S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona' University of Salerno and Rete Oncologica Campana, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Pizzichetta
- Division of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
- Department of Dermatology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fiona Simpson
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Translational and Clinical Immunotherapy, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elisabetta Fratta
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Luca Sigalotti
- Oncogenetics and Functional Oncogenomics Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
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Runel G, Lopez-Ramirez N, Barbollat-Boutrand L, Cario M, Durand S, Grimont M, Schartl M, Dalle S, Caramel J, Chlasta J, Masse I. Cancer Cell Biomechanical Properties Accompany Tspan8-Dependent Cutaneous Melanoma Invasion. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:694. [PMID: 38398085 PMCID: PMC10887418 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040694] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The intrinsic biomechanical properties of cancer cells remain poorly understood. To decipher whether cell stiffness modulation could increase melanoma cells' invasive capacity, we performed both in vitro and in vivo experiments exploring cell stiffness by atomic force microscopy (AFM). We correlated stiffness properties with cell morphology adaptation and the molecular mechanisms underlying epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT)-like phenotype switching. We found that melanoma cell stiffness reduction was systematically associated with the acquisition of invasive properties in cutaneous melanoma cell lines, human skin reconstructs, and Medaka fish developing spontaneous MAP-kinase-induced melanomas. We observed a systematic correlation of stiffness modulation with cell morphological changes towards mesenchymal characteristic gains. We accordingly found that inducing melanoma EMT switching by overexpressing the ZEB1 transcription factor, a major regulator of melanoma cell plasticity, was sufficient to decrease cell stiffness and transcriptionally induce tetraspanin-8-mediated dermal invasion. Moreover, ZEB1 expression correlated with Tspan8 expression in patient melanoma lesions. Our data suggest that intrinsic cell stiffness could be a highly relevant marker for human cutaneous melanoma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaël Runel
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, CNRS UMR5286, Inserm U1052, University of Lyon, University Lyon 1, 69000 Lyon, France; (G.R.); (N.L.-R.)
- BioMeca, 60F, Bioserra 2, Av. Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Noémie Lopez-Ramirez
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, CNRS UMR5286, Inserm U1052, University of Lyon, University Lyon 1, 69000 Lyon, France; (G.R.); (N.L.-R.)
| | - Laetitia Barbollat-Boutrand
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, CNRS UMR5286, Inserm U1052, University of Lyon, University Lyon 1, 69000 Lyon, France; (G.R.); (N.L.-R.)
| | - Muriel Cario
- National Reference Center for Rare Skin Disease, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, INSERM 1035, 33000 Bordeaux, France
- AquiDerm, University Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Simon Durand
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, CNRS UMR5286, Inserm U1052, University of Lyon, University Lyon 1, 69000 Lyon, France; (G.R.); (N.L.-R.)
| | - Maxime Grimont
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, CNRS UMR5286, Inserm U1052, University of Lyon, University Lyon 1, 69000 Lyon, France; (G.R.); (N.L.-R.)
| | - Manfred Schartl
- Developmental Biochemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
- Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
| | - Stéphane Dalle
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, CNRS UMR5286, Inserm U1052, University of Lyon, University Lyon 1, 69000 Lyon, France; (G.R.); (N.L.-R.)
- Dermatology Department, Hôpital Universitaire Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Julie Caramel
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, CNRS UMR5286, Inserm U1052, University of Lyon, University Lyon 1, 69000 Lyon, France; (G.R.); (N.L.-R.)
| | - Julien Chlasta
- BioMeca, 60F, Bioserra 2, Av. Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Ingrid Masse
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, CNRS UMR5286, Inserm U1052, University of Lyon, University Lyon 1, 69000 Lyon, France; (G.R.); (N.L.-R.)
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Lim SY, Rizos H. Single-cell RNA sequencing in melanoma: what have we learned so far? EBioMedicine 2024; 100:104969. [PMID: 38241976 PMCID: PMC10831183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.104969] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, there have been remarkable improvements in the treatment and survival rates of melanoma patients. Treatment resistance remains a persistent challenge, however, and is partly attributable to intratumoural heterogeneity. Melanoma cells can transition through a series of phenotypic and transcriptional cell states that vary in invasiveness and treatment responsiveness. The diverse stromal and immune contexture of the tumour microenvironment also contributes to intratumoural heterogeneity and disparities in treatment response in melanoma patients. Recent advances in single-cell sequencing technologies have enabled a more detailed understanding of melanoma heterogeneity and the underlying transcriptional programs that regulate melanoma cell diversity and behaviour. In this review, we examine the concept of intratumoural heterogeneity and the challenges it poses to achieving long-lasting treatment responses. We focus on the significance of next generation single-cell sequencing in advancing our understanding of melanoma diversity and the unique insights gained from single-cell studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Yin Lim
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Helen Rizos
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, Australia
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Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Alamodi AA, Al Hmada Y, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Santourlidis S, Hassan SL, Haikel Y, Megahed M, Brodell RT, Hassan M. CD133-Dependent Activation of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase /AKT/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling in Melanoma Progression and Drug Resistance. Cells 2024; 13:240. [PMID: 38334632 PMCID: PMC10854812 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030240] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma frequently harbors genetic alterations in key molecules leading to the aberrant activation of PI3K and its downstream pathways. Although the role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR in melanoma progression and drug resistance is well documented, targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway showed less efficiency in clinical trials than might have been expected, since the suppression of the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway-induced feedback loops is mostly associated with the activation of compensatory pathways such as MAPK/MEK/ERK. Consequently, the development of intrinsic and acquired resistance can occur. As a solid tumor, melanoma is notorious for its heterogeneity. This can be expressed in the form of genetically divergent subpopulations including a small fraction of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and non-cancer stem cells (non-CSCs) that make the most of the tumor mass. Like other CSCs, melanoma stem-like cells (MSCs) are characterized by their unique cell surface proteins/stemness markers and aberrant signaling pathways. In addition to its function as a robust marker for stemness properties, CD133 is crucial for the maintenance of stemness properties and drug resistance. Herein, the role of CD133-dependent activation of PI3K/mTOR in the regulation of melanoma progression, drug resistance, and recurrence is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naji Kharouf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W. Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | | | - Youssef Al Hmada
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mossad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Robert T. Brodell
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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8
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Al Hmada Y, Brodell RT, Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Alamodi AA, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Hassan SL, Haikel Y, Megahed M, Santourlidis S, Hassan M. Mechanisms of Melanoma Progression and Treatment Resistance: Role of Cancer Stem-like Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:470. [PMID: 38275910 PMCID: PMC10814963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020470] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer, characterized by its heterogeneity and propensity to metastasize to distant organs. Melanoma is a heterogeneous tumor, composed of genetically divergent subpopulations, including a small fraction of melanoma-initiating cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and many non-cancer stem cells (non-CSCs). CSCs are characterized by their unique surface proteins associated with aberrant signaling pathways with a causal or consequential relationship with tumor progression, drug resistance, and recurrence. Melanomas also harbor significant alterations in functional genes (BRAF, CDKN2A, NRAS, TP53, and NF1). Of these, the most common are the BRAF and NRAS oncogenes, with 50% of melanomas demonstrating the BRAF mutation (BRAFV600E). While the successful targeting of BRAFV600E does improve overall survival, the long-term efficacy of available therapeutic options is limited due to adverse side effects and reduced clinical efficacy. Additionally, drug resistance develops rapidly via mechanisms involving fast feedback re-activation of MAPK signaling pathways. This article updates information relevant to the mechanisms of melanoma progression and resistance and particularly the mechanistic role of CSCs in melanoma progression, drug resistance, and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Al Hmada
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Robert T. Brodell
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Naji Kharouf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W. Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Abdulhadi A. Alamodi
- College of Health Sciences, Jackson State University, 310 W Woodrow Wilson Ave Ste 300, Jackson, MS 39213, USA;
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mosaad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Medical Faculty, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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9
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Usta SZ, Uchihashi T, Kodama S, Kurioka K, Inubushi T, Shimooka T, Sugauchi A, Seki S, Tanaka S. Current Status and Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotherapy in Oral Malignant Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17282. [PMID: 38139110 PMCID: PMC10743423 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417282] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibodies, have initiated a new era in the treatment of malignant melanoma. ICIs can be used in various settings, including first-line, adjuvant, and neo-adjuvant therapy. In the scope of this review, we examined clinical studies utilizing ICIs in the context of treating oral mucosal melanoma, a rare disease, albeit with an extremely poor prognosis, with a specific focus on unraveling the intricate web of resistance mechanisms. The absence of a comprehensive review focusing on ICIs in oral mucosal melanoma is notable. Therefore, this review seeks to address this deficiency by offering a novel and thorough analysis of the current status, potential resistance mechanisms, and future prospects of applying ICIs specifically to oral malignant melanoma. Clarifying and thoroughly understanding these mechanisms will facilitate the advancement of effective therapeutic approaches and enhance the prospects for patients suffering from oral mucosal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sena Zeynep Usta
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Toshihiro Uchihashi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Shingo Kodama
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Kyoko Kurioka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Toshihiro Inubushi
- Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan;
| | - Takuya Shimooka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Akinari Sugauchi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
- Unit of Dentistry, Osaka University Hospital, 2-15, Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Soju Seki
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Susumu Tanaka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
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10
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Chan WJ, Urandur S, Li H, Goudar VS. Recent advances in copper sulfide nanoparticles for phototherapy of bacterial infections and cancer. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023; 18:2185-2204. [PMID: 38116732 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0202] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS NPs) have attracted growing interest in biomedical research due to their remarkable properties, such as their high photothermal and thermodynamic capabilities, which are ideal for anticancer and antibacterial applications. This comprehensive review focuses on the current state of antitumor and antibacterial applications of CuS NPs. The initial section provides an overview of the various approaches to synthesizing CuS NPs, highlighting the size, shape and composition of CuS NPs fabricated using different methods. In this review, the mechanisms underlying the antitumor and antibacterial activities of CuS NPs in medical applications are discussed and the clinical challenges associated with the use of CuS NPs are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jen Chan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Sandeep Urandur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Huatian Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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11
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Jain P, Pillai M, Duddu AS, Somarelli JA, Goyal Y, Jolly MK. Dynamical hallmarks of cancer: Phenotypic switching in melanoma and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 96:48-63. [PMID: 37788736 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.09.007] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity was recently incorporated as a hallmark of cancer. This plasticity can manifest along many interconnected axes, such as stemness and differentiation, drug-sensitive and drug-resistant states, and between epithelial and mesenchymal cell-states. Despite growing acceptance for phenotypic plasticity as a hallmark of cancer, the dynamics of this process remains poorly understood. In particular, the knowledge necessary for a predictive understanding of how individual cancer cells and populations of cells dynamically switch their phenotypes in response to the intensity and/or duration of their current and past environmental stimuli remains far from complete. Here, we present recent investigations of phenotypic plasticity from a systems-level perspective using two exemplars: epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in carcinomas and phenotypic switching in melanoma. We highlight how an integrated computational-experimental approach has helped unravel insights into specific dynamical hallmarks of phenotypic plasticity in different cancers to address the following questions: a) how many distinct cell-states or phenotypes exist?; b) how reversible are transitions among these cell-states, and what factors control the extent of reversibility?; and c) how might cell-cell communication be able to alter rates of cell-state switching and enable diverse patterns of phenotypic heterogeneity? Understanding these dynamic features of phenotypic plasticity may be a key component in shifting the paradigm of cancer treatment from reactionary to a more predictive, proactive approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paras Jain
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Maalavika Pillai
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | - Jason A Somarelli
- Department of Medicine, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yogesh Goyal
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
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12
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Nkune NW, Abrahamse H. The Efficacy of Zinc Phthalocyanine Nanoconjugate on Melanoma Cells Grown as Three-Dimensional Multicellular Tumour Spheroids. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2264. [PMID: 37765232 PMCID: PMC10535874 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma remains a major public health concern that is highly resistant to standard therapeutic approaches. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an underutilised cancer therapy with an increased potency and negligible side effects, and it is non-invasive compared to traditional treatment modalities. Three-dimensional multicellular tumour spheroids (MCTS) closely resemble in vivo avascular tumour features, allowing for the more efficient and precise screening of novel anticancer agents with various treatment combinations. In this study, we utilised A375 human melanoma spheroids to screen the phototoxic effect of zinc phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (ZnPcS4) conjugated to gold nanoparticles (AuNP). The nanoconjugate was synthesised and characterised using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential (ZP). The phototoxicity of the nanoconjugate was tested on the A375 MCTS using PDT at a fluency of 10 J/cm2. After 24 h, the cellular responses were evaluated via microscopy, an MTT viability assay, an ATP luminescence assay, and cell death induction using annexin propidium iodide. The MTT viability assay demonstrated that the photoactivated ZnPcS4, at a concentration of 12.73 µM, caused an approximately 50% reduction in the cell viability of the spheroids. When conjugated to AuNPs, the latter significantly increased the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in the melanoma spheroids via the induction of apoptosis. This novel Zinc Phthalocyanine Nanoconjugate shows promise as a more effective PDT treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi Abrahamse
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, P.O. Box 17011, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa;
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13
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Țăpoi DA, Gheorghișan-Gălățeanu AA, Dumitru AV, Ciongariu AM, Furtunescu AR, Marin A, Costache M. Primary Undifferentiated/Dedifferentiated Cutaneous Melanomas-A Review on Histological, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Features with Emphasis on Prognosis and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9985. [PMID: 37373134 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129985] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnosing cutaneous melanoma is usually straightforward based on these malignancies' histopathological and immunohistochemical features. Nevertheless, melanomas can imitate various other neoplasms, sometimes lacking the expression of conventional melanocytic markers and expressing non-melanocytic ones. Furthermore, divergent differentiation is more often encountered in metastatic melanomas and is still poorly described in primary cutaneous melanomas, and little is known about these patients' prognosis and therapeutic approach. Therefore, we reviewed the literature on undifferentiated/dedifferentiated cutaneous melanomas, and we discuss the histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular profiles of undifferentiated/dedifferentiated cutaneous melanomas to understand these peculiar lesions better and improve their diagnostic algorithm. In addition to this, we also discuss how different genetic mutations may influence prognosis and become potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Antonia Țăpoi
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ancuța-Augustina Gheorghișan-Gălățeanu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Vasile Dumitru
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Ciongariu
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Roxana Furtunescu
- Doctoral School, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Marin
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Costache
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
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14
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Verrier L. Focus on the 9th Annual Seminar organized by the Canceropôle Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur: Highlights of the event. Bull Cancer 2023:S0007-4551(23)00196-0. [PMID: 37150732 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2023.04.003] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The 9th Annual Seminar of the Canceropôle Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur took place on July, 5th-6th 2022 in Saint-Raphaël, south of France. Annual meeting of the regional scientific community working in the field of cancer research, this seminar brings together a large and diverse audience, with 285 people attending in 2022: PhD students, postdocs, PIs (Principal Investigators) and senior researchers, clinicians, patient associations, funding partners of the Canceropôle. This document reviews the major scientific results presented and key moments of the event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Verrier
- Canceropôle Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur, 27, boulevard Jean-Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France.
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