1
|
Ozyerli-Goknar E, Kala EY, Aksu AC, Bulut I, Cingöz A, Nizamuddin S, Biniossek M, Seker-Polat F, Morova T, Aztekin C, Kung SHY, Syed H, Tuncbag N, Gönen M, Philpott M, Cribbs AP, Acilan C, Lack NA, Onder TT, Timmers HTM, Bagci-Onder T. Epigenetic-focused CRISPR/Cas9 screen identifies (absent, small, or homeotic)2-like protein (ASH2L) as a regulator of glioblastoma cell survival. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:328. [PMID: 37974198 PMCID: PMC10652464 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01335-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor with extremely poor prognosis, highlighting an urgent need for developing novel treatment options. Identifying epigenetic vulnerabilities of cancer cells can provide excellent therapeutic intervention points for various types of cancers. METHOD In this study, we investigated epigenetic regulators of glioblastoma cell survival through CRISPR/Cas9 based genetic ablation screens using a customized sgRNA library EpiDoKOL, which targets critical functional domains of chromatin modifiers. RESULTS Screens conducted in multiple cell lines revealed ASH2L, a histone lysine methyltransferase complex subunit, as a major regulator of glioblastoma cell viability. ASH2L depletion led to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. RNA sequencing and greenCUT&RUN together identified a set of cell cycle regulatory genes, such as TRA2B, BARD1, KIF20B, ARID4A and SMARCC1 that were downregulated upon ASH2L depletion. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed the interaction partners of ASH2L in glioblastoma cell lines as SET1/MLL family members including SETD1A, SETD1B, MLL1 and MLL2. We further showed that glioblastoma cells had a differential dependency on expression of SET1/MLL family members for survival. The growth of ASH2L-depleted glioblastoma cells was markedly slower than controls in orthotopic in vivo models. TCGA analysis showed high ASH2L expression in glioblastoma compared to low grade gliomas and immunohistochemical analysis revealed significant ASH2L expression in glioblastoma tissues, attesting to its clinical relevance. Therefore, high throughput, robust and affordable screens with focused libraries, such as EpiDoKOL, holds great promise to enable rapid discovery of novel epigenetic regulators of cancer cell survival, such as ASH2L. CONCLUSION Together, we suggest that targeting ASH2L could serve as a new therapeutic opportunity for glioblastoma. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Ozyerli-Goknar
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34450, Türkiye
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Urology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ezgi Yagmur Kala
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34450, Türkiye
| | - Ali Cenk Aksu
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34450, Türkiye
| | - Ipek Bulut
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34450, Türkiye
| | - Ahmet Cingöz
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34450, Türkiye
| | - Sheikh Nizamuddin
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Urology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Biniossek
- Institute for Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fidan Seker-Polat
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34450, Türkiye
| | - Tunc Morova
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Can Aztekin
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Sonia H Y Kung
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hamzah Syed
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34450, Türkiye
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Data Management Lab, KUTTAM, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Nurcan Tuncbag
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34450, Türkiye
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Mehmet Gönen
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34450, Türkiye
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Martin Philpott
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Adam P Cribbs
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ceyda Acilan
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34450, Türkiye
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Nathan A Lack
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34450, Türkiye
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tamer T Onder
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34450, Türkiye
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - H T Marc Timmers
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Urology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tugba Bagci-Onder
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34450, Türkiye.
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nuñez-Corona D, Contreras-Sanzón E, Puente-Rivera J, Arreola R, Camacho-Nuez M, Cruz Santiago J, Estrella-Parra EA, Torres-Romero JC, López-Camarillo C, Alvarez-Sánchez ME. Epigenetic Factors and ncRNAs in Testicular Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12194. [PMID: 37569569 PMCID: PMC10418327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular cancer is the most prevalent tumor among males aged 15 to 35, resulting in a significant number of newly diagnosed cases and fatalities annually. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators in various cellular processes and pathologies, including testicular cancer. Their involvement in gene regulation, coding, decoding, and overall gene expression control suggests their potential as targets for alternative treatment approaches for this type of cancer. Furthermore, epigenetic modifications, such as histone modifications, DNA methylation, and the regulation by microRNA (miRNA), have been implicated in testicular tumor progression and treatment response. Epigenetics may also offer critical insights for prognostic evaluation and targeted therapies in patients with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). This comprehensive review aims to present the latest discoveries regarding the involvement of some proteins and ncRNAs, mainly miRNAs and lncRNA, in the epigenetic aspect of testicular cancer, emphasizing their relevance in pathogenesis and their potential, given the fact that their specific expression holds promise for prognostic evaluation and targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Nuñez-Corona
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma De México (UACM), San Lorenzo 290, Col. Del Valle, México City 03100, Mexico
| | - Estefania Contreras-Sanzón
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma De México (UACM), San Lorenzo 290, Col. Del Valle, México City 03100, Mexico
| | | | - Rodrigo Arreola
- Departamento De Genética, Instituto Nacional De Psiquiatría “Ramón De la Fuente Muñiz”, Calz. Mexico, Xochimilco 101, Col. Huipulco, Tlalpan, México City 14370, Mexico
| | - Minerva Camacho-Nuez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma De México (UACM), San Lorenzo 290, Col. Del Valle, México City 03100, Mexico
| | - José Cruz Santiago
- Hospital De Especialidades Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, IMSS, México City 02990, Mexico
| | - Edgar Antonio Estrella-Parra
- Laboratorio De Fitoquímica, UBIPRO, FES-Iztacala, Unidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios No.1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Julio César Torres-Romero
- Laboratorio De Bioquímica y Genética Molecular, Facultad De Química, Universidad Autónoma De Yucatán, Calle 43 s/n x Calle 96, Paseo De las Fuentes y 40, Col. Inalambrica, Yucatán 97069, Mexico
| | - César López-Camarillo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma De México (UACM), San Lorenzo 290, Col. Del Valle, México City 03100, Mexico
| | - María Elizbeth Alvarez-Sánchez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma De México (UACM), San Lorenzo 290, Col. Del Valle, México City 03100, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Barsoum M, Stenzel AT, Bochyńska A, Kuo CC, Tsompanidis A, Sayadi-Boroujeni R, Bussmann P, Lüscher-Firzlaff J, Costa IG, Lüscher B. Loss of the Ash2l subunit of histone H3K4 methyltransferase complexes reduces chromatin accessibility at promoters. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21506. [PMID: 36513698 PMCID: PMC9747801 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25881-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in gene expression programs are intimately linked to cell fate decisions. Post-translational modifications of core histones contribute to control gene expression. Methylation of lysine 4 of histone H3 (H3K4) correlates with active promoters and gene transcription. This modification is catalyzed by KMT2 methyltransferases, which require interaction with 4 core subunits, WDR5, RBBP5, ASH2L and DPY30, for catalytic activity. Ash2l is necessary for organismal development and for tissue homeostasis. In mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs), Ash2l loss results in gene repression, provoking a senescence phenotype. We now find that upon knockout of Ash2l both H3K4 mono- and tri-methylation (H3K4me1 and me3, respectively) were deregulated. In particular, loss of H3K4me3 at promoters correlated with gene repression, especially at CpG island promoters. Ash2l loss resulted in increased loading of histone H3 and reduced chromatin accessibility at promoters, accompanied by an increase of repressing and a decrease of activating histone marks. Moreover, we observed altered binding of CTCF upon Ash2l loss. Lost and gained binding was noticed at promoter-associated and intergenic sites, respectively. Thus, Ash2l loss and reduction of H3K4me3 correlate with altered chromatin accessibility and transcription factor binding. These findings contribute to a more detailed understanding of mechanistic consequences of H3K4me3 loss and associated repression of gene transcription and thus of the observed cellular consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Barsoum
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XInstitute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander T. Stenzel
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XInstitute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Agnieszka Bochyńska
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XInstitute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Chao-Chung Kuo
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XInstitute for Computational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany ,grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XInterdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander Tsompanidis
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XInstitute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Roksaneh Sayadi-Boroujeni
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XInstitute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Philip Bussmann
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XInstitute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Juliane Lüscher-Firzlaff
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XInstitute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ivan G. Costa
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XInstitute for Computational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Lüscher
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ancos-Pintado R, Bragado-García I, Morales ML, García-Vicente R, Arroyo-Barea A, Rodríguez-García A, Martínez-López J, Linares M, Hernández-Sánchez M. High-Throughput CRISPR Screening in Hematological Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3612. [PMID: 35892871 PMCID: PMC9329962 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR is becoming an indispensable tool in biological research, revolutionizing diverse fields of medical research and biotechnology. In the last few years, several CRISPR-based genome-targeting tools have been translated for the study of hematological neoplasms. However, there is a lack of reviews focused on the wide uses of this technology in hematology. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the main CRISPR-based approaches of high throughput screenings applied to this field. Here we explain several libraries and algorithms for analysis of CRISPR screens used in hematology, accompanied by the most relevant databases. Moreover, we focus on (1) the identification of novel modulator genes of drug resistance and efficacy, which could anticipate relapses in patients and (2) new therapeutic targets and synthetic lethal interactions. We also discuss the approaches to uncover novel biomarkers of malignant transformations and immune evasion mechanisms. We explain the current literature in the most common lymphoid and myeloid neoplasms using this tool. Then, we conclude with future directions, highlighting the importance of further gene candidate validation and the integration and harmonization of the data from CRISPR screening approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Ancos-Pintado
- Department of Translational Hematology, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Hematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit H12O-CNIO, CIBERONC, ES 28041 Madrid, Spain; (R.A.-P.); (M.L.M.); (R.G.-V.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.-L.); (M.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pharmacy School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, ES 28040 Madrid, Spain; (I.B.-G.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - Irene Bragado-García
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pharmacy School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, ES 28040 Madrid, Spain; (I.B.-G.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - María Luz Morales
- Department of Translational Hematology, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Hematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit H12O-CNIO, CIBERONC, ES 28041 Madrid, Spain; (R.A.-P.); (M.L.M.); (R.G.-V.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.-L.); (M.L.)
| | - Roberto García-Vicente
- Department of Translational Hematology, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Hematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit H12O-CNIO, CIBERONC, ES 28041 Madrid, Spain; (R.A.-P.); (M.L.M.); (R.G.-V.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.-L.); (M.L.)
| | - Andrés Arroyo-Barea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pharmacy School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, ES 28040 Madrid, Spain; (I.B.-G.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - Alba Rodríguez-García
- Department of Translational Hematology, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Hematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit H12O-CNIO, CIBERONC, ES 28041 Madrid, Spain; (R.A.-P.); (M.L.M.); (R.G.-V.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.-L.); (M.L.)
| | - Joaquín Martínez-López
- Department of Translational Hematology, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Hematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit H12O-CNIO, CIBERONC, ES 28041 Madrid, Spain; (R.A.-P.); (M.L.M.); (R.G.-V.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.-L.); (M.L.)
- Department of Medicine, Medicine School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, ES 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Linares
- Department of Translational Hematology, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Hematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit H12O-CNIO, CIBERONC, ES 28041 Madrid, Spain; (R.A.-P.); (M.L.M.); (R.G.-V.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.-L.); (M.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pharmacy School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, ES 28040 Madrid, Spain; (I.B.-G.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - María Hernández-Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pharmacy School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, ES 28040 Madrid, Spain; (I.B.-G.); (A.A.-B.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nicu AT, Medar C, Chifiriuc MC, Gradisteanu Pircalabioru G, Burlibasa L. Epigenetics and Testicular Cancer: Bridging the Gap Between Fundamental Biology and Patient Care. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:861995. [PMID: 35465311 PMCID: PMC9023878 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.861995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor affecting young males. Most testicular cancers are testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), which are divided into seminomas (SGCTs) and non-seminomatous testicular germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). During their development, primordial germ cells (PGCs) undergo epigenetic modifications and any disturbances in their pattern might lead to cancer development. The present study provides a comprehensive review of the epigenetic mechanisms–DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, bivalent marks, non-coding RNA–associated with TGCT susceptibility, initiation, progression and response to chemotherapy. Another important purpose of this review is to highlight the recent investigations regarding the identification and development of epigenetic biomarkers as powerful tools for the diagnostic, prognostic and especially for epigenetic-based therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alina-Teodora Nicu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cosmin Medar
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Clinical Hospital “Prof. dr Theodor Burghele”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of University of Bucharest (ICUB), Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
- Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Liliana Burlibasa
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Allegra A, Di Salvo E, Casciaro M, Musolino C, Pioggia G, Gangemi S. The Impact of Immunological Checkpoint Inhibitors and Targeted Therapy on Chronic Pruritus in Cancer Patients. Biomedicines 2020; 9:biomedicines9010002. [PMID: 33375183 PMCID: PMC7822170 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although pruritus may sometimes be a consequential situation to neoplasms, it more frequently emerges after commencing chemotherapy. In this review, we present our analysis of the chemotherapy treatments that most often induce skin changes and itching. After discussing conventional chemotherapies capable of inducing pruritus, we present our evaluation of new drugs such as immunological checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies. Although ICIs and targeted therapy are thought to damage tumor cells, these therapies can modify homeostatic events of the epidermis and dermis, causing the occurrence of cutaneous toxicities in treated subjects. In the face of greater efficacy, greater skin toxicity has been reported for most of these drugs. A remarkable aspect of some reports is the presence of a probable correlation between cutaneous toxicity and treatment effectiveness in tumor patients who were treated with novel drugs such as nivolumab or pembrolizumab. Findings from these experiments demonstrate that the occurrence of any grade of skin side effects can be considered as a predictor of a better outcome. In the near future, studies on the relationship between the onset of skin alterations and outcomes could open new perspectives on the treatment of neoplasms through specific target therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-221-2364
| | - Eleonora Di Salvo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Marco Casciaro
- School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.C.); (S.G.)
- Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Caterina Musolino
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy;
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.C.); (S.G.)
- Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|