1
|
Roccuzzo G, Sarda C, Pala V, Ribero S, Quaglino P. Prognostic biomarkers in melanoma: a 2023 update from clinical trials in different therapeutic scenarios. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:379-392. [PMID: 38738539 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2024.2347484] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the past decade, significant advancements in the field of melanoma have included the introduction of a new staging system and the development of immunotherapy and targeted therapies, leading to changes in substage classification and impacting patient prognosis. Despite these strides, early detection remains paramount. The quest for dependable prognostic biomarkers is ongoing, given melanoma's unpredictable nature, especially in identifying patients at risk of relapse. Reliable biomarkers are critical for informed treatment decisions. AREAS COVERED This review offers a comprehensive review of prognostic biomarkers in the context of clinical trials for immunotherapy and targeted therapy. It explores different clinical scenarios, including adjuvant, metastatic, and neo-adjuvant settings. Key findings suggest that tumor mutational burden, PD-L1 expression, IFN-γ signature, and immune-related factors are promising biomarkers associated with improved treatment responses. EXPERT OPINION Identifying practical prognostic factors for melanoma therapy is challenging due to the tumor's heterogeneity. Promising biomarkers include tumor mutational burden (TMB), circulating tumor DNA, and those characterizing the tumor microenvironment, especially the immune component. Future research should prioritize large-scale, prospective studies to validate and standardize these biomarkers, emphasizing clinical relevance and real-world applicability. Easily accessible biomarkers have the potential to enhance the precision and effectiveness of melanoma management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Roccuzzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Sarda
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Pala
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Ribero
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nelson BE, Roszik J, Ahmed J, Barretto CMN, Nardo M, Campbell E, Johnson AM, Piha-Paul SA, Oliva ICG, Weathers SP, Cabanillas M, Javle M, Meric-Bernstam F, Subbiah V. RAF inhibitor re-challenge therapy in BRAF-aberrant pan-cancers: the RE-RAFFLE study. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:64. [PMID: 38532456 PMCID: PMC10964523 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01982-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown the clinical benefit of rechallenging the RAF pathway in melanoma patients previously treated with BRAF inhibitors. 44 patients with multiple tumors harboring RAF alterations were rechallenged with a second RAF inhibitor, either as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies, after prior therapy with a first RAF inhibitor. This retrospective observational study results showed that rechallenging with RAFi(s) led to an overall response rate of 18.1% [PR in thyroid (1 anaplastic; 3 papillary), 1 ovarian, 2 melanoma, 1 cholangiocarcinoma, and 1 anaplastic astrocytoma]. The clinical benefit rate was 54.5%; more than 30% of patients had durable responses with PR and SD lasting > 6 months. The median progression-free survival on therapy with second RAF inhibitor in the rechallenge setting either as monotherapy or combination was shorter at 2.7 months (0.9-30.1 m) compared to 8.6 months (6.5-11.5 m) with RAF-1i. However, the median PFS with RAF-2i responders (PFS-2) improved at 12.8 months compared to 11.4 months with RAF-1i responders. The median OS from retreatment with RAF-2i was 15.5 months (11.1-30.8 m). Further prospective studies are needed to validate these results and expand targeted therapy options for RAF-aberrant cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blessie Elizabeth Nelson
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Jason Roszik
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jibran Ahmed
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carmelia Maria Noia Barretto
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mirella Nardo
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Erick Campbell
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amber M Johnson
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sarina A Piha-Paul
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Isabella C Glitza Oliva
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shiao-Pei Weathers
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Cabanillas
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Milind Javle
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vivek Subbiah
- Early-Phase Drug Development, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Timofeev O, Giron P, Lawo S, Pichler M, Noeparast M. ERK pathway agonism for cancer therapy: evidence, insights, and a target discovery framework. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:70. [PMID: 38485987 PMCID: PMC10940698 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00554-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
At least 40% of human cancers are associated with aberrant ERK pathway activity (ERKp). Inhibitors targeting various effectors within the ERKp have been developed and explored for over two decades. Conversely, a substantial body of evidence suggests that both normal human cells and, notably to a greater extent, cancer cells exhibit susceptibility to hyperactivation of ERKp. However, this vulnerability of cancer cells remains relatively unexplored. In this review, we reexamine the evidence on the selective lethality of highly elevated ERKp activity in human cancer cells of varying backgrounds. We synthesize the insights proposed for harnessing this vulnerability of ERK-associated cancers for therapeutical approaches and contextualize these insights within established pharmacological cancer-targeting models. Moreover, we compile the intriguing preclinical findings of ERK pathway agonism in diverse cancer models. Lastly, we present a conceptual framework for target discovery regarding ERKp agonism, emphasizing the utilization of mutual exclusivity among oncogenes to develop novel targeted therapies for precision oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Timofeev
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Philippe Giron
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Clinical Sciences, Research group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Centre for Medical Genetics, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steffen Lawo
- CRISPR Screening Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Pichler
- Translational Oncology, II. Med Clinics Hematology and Oncology, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Maxim Noeparast
- Translational Oncology, II. Med Clinics Hematology and Oncology, 86156, Augsburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dayimu A, Gupta A, Matin RN, Nobes J, Board R, Payne M, Rao A, Fusi A, Danson S, Eccles B, Carser J, Brown CO, Steven N, Bhattacharyya M, Brown E, Gonzalez M, Highley M, Pickering L, Kumar S, Waterston A, Burghel G, Demain L, Baker E, Wulff J, Qian W, Twelves S, Middleton M, Corrie P. A randomised phase 2 study of intermittent versus continuous dosing of dabrafenib plus trametinib in patients with BRAF V600 mutant advanced melanoma (INTERIM). Eur J Cancer 2024; 196:113455. [PMID: 38029480 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113455] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BRAF+MEK inhibitors extend life expectancy of patients with BRAFV600 mutant advanced melanoma. Acquired resistance limits duration of benefit, but preclinical and case studies suggest intermittent dosing could overcome this limitation. INTERIM was a phase 2 trial evaluating an intermittent dosing regimen. METHODS Patients with BRAFV600 mutant advanced melanoma due to start dabrafenib+trametinib were randomised to receive either continuous (CONT), or intermittent (INT; dabrafenib d1-21, trametinib d1-14 every 28 days) dosing. A composite primary endpoint included progression-free survival (PFS) and quality of life (QoL). Secondary endpoints included response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AEs). Mutant BRAFV600E ctDNA was measured by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), using mutant allele frequency of > 1 % as the detection threshold. RESULTS 79 patients (39 INT, 40 CONT) were recruited; median age 67 years, 65 % AJCC (7th ed) stage IV M1c, 29 % had brain metastases. With 19 months median follow-up, INT was inferior in all efficacy measures: median PFS 8.5 vs 10.7mo (HR 1.39, 95 %CI 0.79-2.45, p = 0.255); median OS 18.1mo vs not reached (HR 1.69, 95 %CI 0.87-3.28, p = 0.121), ORR 57 % vs 77 %. INT patients experienced fewer treatment-related AEs (76 % vs 88 %), but more grade > 3 AEs (53 % vs 42 %). QoL favoured CONT. Detection of BRAFV600E ctDNA prior to treatment correlated with worse OS (HR 2.55, 95 %CI 1.25-5.21, p = 0.01) in both arms. A change to undetected during treatment did not significantly predict better OS. CONCLUSION INTERIM findings are consistent with other recent clinical trials reporting that intermittent dosing does not improve efficacy of BRAF+MEK inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alimu Dayimu
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Rubeta N Matin
- Department of Dermatology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Jenny Nobes
- Department of Oncology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Norfolk, UK
| | - Ruth Board
- Department of Oncology, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Preston, UK
| | - Miranda Payne
- Oxford Cancer and Haematology Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Ankit Rao
- Department of Oncology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alberto Fusi
- Department of Medical Oncology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sarah Danson
- Division of Clinical Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Bryony Eccles
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK
| | - Judith Carser
- Department of Oncology, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Neil Steven
- Department of Oncology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Ewan Brown
- Western General Hospital, Lothian NHS Board, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael Gonzalez
- Department of Oncology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Martin Highley
- Oncology Centre, Derriford Hospital, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | - Lisa Pickering
- Skin and Renal Units, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Satish Kumar
- Velindre Cancer Centre, Velindre University NHS Trust, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - George Burghel
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Leigh Demain
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Eleanor Baker
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jerome Wulff
- Cambridge Clinical Trials Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wendi Qian
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Cambridge Clinical Trials Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sophie Twelves
- Cambridge Clinical Trials Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark Middleton
- Oxford Cancer and Haematology Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK; Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pippa Corrie
- Oncology Department, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pu Y, Li L, Peng H, Liu L, Heymann D, Robert C, Vallette F, Shen S. Drug-tolerant persister cells in cancer: the cutting edges and future directions. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:799-813. [PMID: 37749382 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00815-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cell populations were originally discovered in antibiotic-resistant bacterial biofilms. Similar populations with comparable features have since been identified among cancer cells and have been linked with treatment resistance that lacks an underlying genomic alteration. Research over the past decade has improved our understanding of the biological roles of DTP cells in cancer, although clinical knowledge of the role of these cells in treatment resistance remains limited. Nonetheless, targeting this population is anticipated to provide new treatment opportunities. In this Perspective, we aim to provide a clear definition of the DTP phenotype, discuss the underlying characteristics of these cells, their biomarkers and vulnerabilities, and encourage further research on DTP cells that might improve our understanding and enable the development of more effective anticancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Pu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Institute of Thoracic Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Burn Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Li
- Lung Cancer Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haoning Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Institute of Thoracic Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lunxu Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Institute of Thoracic Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dominique Heymann
- Nantes Université, CNRS, UMR6286, US2B, Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Saint-Herblain, France
| | - Caroline Robert
- INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - François Vallette
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Saint-Herblain, France.
- Nantes Université, INSERM, U1307, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.
| | - Shensi Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Institute of Thoracic Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chahoud J, Anderson AR, Zhang J, Brown J, Gatenby RA. Evolutionary Dynamics and Intermittent Therapy for Metastatic Cancers. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:4469-4471. [PMID: 37418680 PMCID: PMC10553063 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.00647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mathematical models show that the induction period of intermittent cancer therapy drives cancer toward resistance
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jad Chahoud
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | | | - Jingsong Zhang
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Joel Brown
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Robert A. Gatenby
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
- Department of Radiology, Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hartman ML, Koziej P, Kluszczyńska K, Czyz M. Pro-Apoptotic Activity of MCL-1 Inhibitor in Trametinib-Resistant Melanoma Cells Depends on Their Phenotypes and Is Modulated by Reversible Alterations Induced by Trametinib Withdrawal. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4799. [PMID: 37835493 PMCID: PMC10571954 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194799] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although BRAFV600/MEK inhibitors improved the treatment of melanoma patients, resistance is acquired almost inevitably. METHODS Trametinib withdrawal/rechallenge and MCL-1 inhibition in trametinib-resistance models displaying distinct p-ERK1/2 levels were investigated. RESULTS Trametinib withdrawal/rechallenge caused reversible changes in ERK1/2 activity impacting the balance between pro-survival and pro-apoptotic proteins. Reversible alterations were found in MCL-1 levels and MCL-1 inhibitors, BIM and NOXA. Taking advantage of melanoma cell dependency on MCL-1 for survival, we used S63845. While it was designed to inhibit MCL-1 activity, we showed that it also significantly reduced NOXA levels. S63845-induced apoptosis was detected as the enhancement of Annexin V-positivity, caspase-3/7 activation and histone H2AX phosphorylation. Percentages of Annexin V-positive cells were increased most efficiently in trametinib-resistant melanoma cells displaying the p-ERK1/2low/MCL-1low/BIMhigh/NOXAlow phenotype with EC50 values at concentrations as low as 0.1 μM. Higher ERK1/2 activity associated with increased MCL-1 level and reduced BIM level limited pro-apoptotic activity of S63845 further influenced by a NOXA level. CONCLUSIONS Our study supports the notion that the efficiency of an agent designed to target a single protein can largely depend on the phenotype of cancer cells. Thus, it is important to define appropriate phenotype determinants to stratify the patients for the novel therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Małgorzata Czyz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (M.L.H.); (P.K.); (K.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hockings H, Lakatos E, Huang W, Mossner M, Khan MA, Metcalf S, Nicolini F, Smith K, Baker AM, Graham TA, Lockley M. Adaptive therapy achieves long-term control of chemotherapy resistance in high grade ovarian cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.21.549688. [PMID: 37546942 PMCID: PMC10401956 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.21.549688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance results in poor outcomes for most patients with metastatic cancer. Adaptive Therapy (AT) proposes to address this by exploiting presumed fitness costs incurred by drug-resistant cells when drug is absent, and prescribing dose reductions to allow fitter, sensitive cells to re-grow and re-sensitise the tumour. However, empirical evidence for treatment-induced fitness change is lacking. We show that fitness costs in chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer cause selective decline and apoptosis of resistant populations in low-resource conditions. Moreover, carboplatin AT caused fluctuations in sensitive/resistant tumour population size in vitro and significantly extended survival of tumour-bearing mice. In sequential blood-derived cell-free DNA and tumour samples obtained longitudinally from ovarian cancer patients during treatment, we inferred resistant cancer cell population size through therapy and observed it correlated strongly with disease burden. These data have enabled us to launch a multicentre, phase 2 randomised controlled trial (ACTOv) to evaluate AT in ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Hockings
- Centre for Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Eszter Lakatos
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Weini Huang
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Maximilian Mossner
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Mohammed Ateeb Khan
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Stephen Metcalf
- Centre for Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Francesco Nicolini
- Centre for Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Kane Smith
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Ann-Marie Baker
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Trevor A. Graham
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Michelle Lockley
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Koziej P, Kluszczynska K, Hartman ML, Czyz M. Trametinib-Resistant Melanoma Cells Displaying MITF high/NGFR low/IL-8 low Phenotype Are Highly Responsive to Alternating Periods of Drug Withdrawal and Drug Rechallenge. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097891. [PMID: 37175614 PMCID: PMC10178474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097891] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in targeted therapies against the hyperactivated BRAFV600/MEK pathway for patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma, acquired resistance remains an unsolved clinical problem. In this study, we focused on melanoma cells resistant to trametinib, an agent broadly used in combination therapies. Molecular and cellular changes were assessed during alternating periods of trametinib withdrawal and rechallenge in trametinib-resistant cell lines displaying either a differentiation phenotype (MITFhigh/NGFRlow) or neural crest stem-like dedifferentiation phenotype (NGFRhigh/MITFlow). Neither drug withdrawal nor drug rechallenge induced cell death, and instead of loss of fitness, trametinib-resistant melanoma cells adapted to altered conditions by phenotype switching. In resistant cells displaying a differentiation phenotype, trametinib withdrawal markedly decreased MITF level and activity, which was associated with reduced cell proliferation capacity, and induced stemness assessed as NGFR-positive cells and senescence features, including IL-8 expression and secretion. All these changes could be reversed by trametinib re-exposure, which emphasizes melanoma cell plasticity. Trametinib-resistant cells displaying a dedifferentiation phenotype were less responsive presumably due to the already low level of MITF, a master regulator of the melanoma phenotype. Considering new directions of the development of anti-melanoma treatment, our study suggests that the phenotype of melanomas resistant to targeted therapy might be a crucial determinant of the selection of second-line therapy for melanoma patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Koziej
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 6/8 Mazowiecka Street, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kluszczynska
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 6/8 Mazowiecka Street, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Mariusz L Hartman
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 6/8 Mazowiecka Street, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Czyz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 6/8 Mazowiecka Street, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rational combinations of targeted cancer therapies: background, advances and challenges. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:213-234. [PMID: 36509911 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00615-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, elucidation of the genetic defects that underlie cancer has resulted in a plethora of novel targeted cancer drugs. Although these agents can initially be highly effective, resistance to single-agent therapies remains a major challenge. Combining drugs can help avoid resistance, but the number of possible drug combinations vastly exceeds what can be tested clinically, both financially and in terms of patient availability. Rational drug combinations based on a deep understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with therapy resistance are potentially powerful in the treatment of cancer. Here, we discuss the mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies and how effective drug combinations can be identified to combat resistance. The challenges in clinically developing these combinations and future perspectives are considered.
Collapse
|
11
|
Yaeger R, Mezzadra R, Sinopoli J, Bian Y, Marasco M, Kaplun E, Gao Y, Zhao H, Paula ADC, Zhu Y, Perez AC, Chadalavada K, Tse E, Chowdhry S, Bowker S, Chang Q, Qeriqi B, Weigelt B, Nanjangud GJ, Berger MF, Der-Torossian H, Anderes K, Socci ND, Shia J, Riely GJ, Murciano-Goroff YR, Li BT, Christensen JG, Reis-Filho JS, Solit DB, de Stanchina E, Lowe SW, Rosen N, Misale S. Molecular Characterization of Acquired Resistance to KRASG12C-EGFR Inhibition in Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:41-55. [PMID: 36355783 PMCID: PMC9827113 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
With the combination of KRASG12C and EGFR inhibitors, KRAS is becoming a druggable target in colorectal cancer. However, secondary resistance limits its efficacy. Using cell lines, patient-derived xenografts, and patient samples, we detected a heterogeneous pattern of putative resistance alterations expected primarily to prevent inhibition of ERK signaling by drugs at progression. Serial analysis of patient blood samples on treatment demonstrates that most of these alterations are detected at a low frequency except for KRASG12C amplification, a recurrent resistance mechanism that rises in step with clinical progression. Upon drug withdrawal, resistant cells with KRASG12C amplification undergo oncogene-induced senescence, and progressing patients experience a rapid fall in levels of this alteration in circulating DNA. In this new state, drug resumption is ineffective as mTOR signaling is elevated. However, our work exposes a potential therapeutic vulnerability, whereby therapies that target the senescence response may overcome acquired resistance. SIGNIFICANCE Clinical resistance to KRASG12C-EGFR inhibition primarily prevents suppression of ERK signaling. Most resistance mechanisms are subclonal, whereas KRASG12C amplification rises over time to drive a higher portion of resistance. This recurrent resistance mechanism leads to oncogene-induced senescence upon drug withdrawal and creates a potential vulnerability to senolytic approaches. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rona Yaeger
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Riccardo Mezzadra
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jenna Sinopoli
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Yu Bian
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Michelangelo Marasco
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Esther Kaplun
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Yijun Gao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - HuiYong Zhao
- Antitumour Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Arnaud Da Cruz Paula
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Yingjie Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Almudena Chaves Perez
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kalyani Chadalavada
- Molecular Cytogenetics Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Edison Tse
- Boundless Bio, Inc., San Diego, California
| | | | - Sydney Bowker
- Antitumour Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Qing Chang
- Antitumour Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Besnik Qeriqi
- Antitumour Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Britta Weigelt
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Gouri J. Nanjangud
- Molecular Cytogenetics Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Michael F. Berger
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | | | - Nicholas D. Socci
- Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jinru Shia
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Gregory J. Riely
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Bob T. Li
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | | | - Jorge S. Reis-Filho
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David B. Solit
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumour Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Scott W. Lowe
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland
| | - Neal Rosen
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Center for Molecular-Based Therapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sandra Misale
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang X, Cheng Q. Suppression of exosomal hsa_circ_0001005 eliminates the Vemurafenib resistance of melanoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-022-04434-y. [PMID: 36598578 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04434-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES More and more evidences show that circular RNAs (circRNAs) can be used as miRNA sponge to regulate the drug resistance of malignancies, including melanoma. However, how exosomal circRNAs participate in the therapeutic resistance of melanoma remains ambiguous. METHODS Vemurafenib-resistant A375 cells were cultured and then the circRNA profile of exosomes from the parental A375 and A375-resistant cells were sequenced. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), exogenous nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and Western Blot assays were leveraged to confirm the successful collection of exosomes from A375 and A375R cells. Another five published RNA-seq data and microRNA-seq data, and seven miRNA databases were collected to construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis was adopted to identify key molecules related to the drug resistance, including multiscale embedded gene co-expression network analysis (MEGENA). Then, qRT-PCR, cell viability and colony formation were used to estimate the function of hub circRNAs. The role of has_circ_0001005 in vivo was verified via xenograft assay. The Tumor online Prognostic analyses Platform (ToPP) was leveraged to develop the has_circ_0001005-related prognostic models for melanoma patients based on TCGA data. RESULTS Compared with parental cells, hsa_circ_0001005 expression was significantly increased in resistant cells and their exosomes. The elevated level of hsa_circ_0001005 was related to the poor clinical prognosis of melanoma patients. Hsa_circ_0001005 found in melanoma was mainly secreted by drug-resistant cells as exosomes. Exosomal hsa_circ_0001005 activated multiple canonical pathways related to drug resistance through sponging four miRNAs, thus suppressing the drug sensitivity of melanoma. Knocking down hsa_circ_0001005 in vitro, we found that the inhibition of hsa_circ_0001005 could hinder the clone formation of melanoma. Further in vivo animal experiments suggested that suppression of hsa_circ_0001005 can increase the sensitivity to Vemurafenib of melanoma cells. Finally, we also constructed the functional regulatory ceRNA network and prognostic risk models for hsa_circ_0001005, and further survival analysis reveals that the regulatory network and prognostic risk models obviously affected the prognosis of melanoma patients. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed that the level of hsa_circ_0001005 in exosomes is the key factor affecting drug resistance of melanoma, which provides a new potential therapeutic target for melanoma patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xicheng Wang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Qiong Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with melanoma: results of the Spanish Melanoma Group registry. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:768-775. [PMID: 36566266 PMCID: PMC9789885 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02985-7] [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: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Spanish Melanoma Group (GEM) developed a national registry of patients with melanoma infected by SARS-CoV-2 ("GRAVID"). METHODS The main objective was to describe the COVID-19 fatality rate in patients with melanoma throughout the pandemic, as well as to explore the effect of melanoma treatment and tumor stage on the risk of COVID-19 complications. These are the final data of the register, including cases from February 2020 to September 2021. RESULTS One hundred-fifty cases were registered. Median age was 68 years (range 6-95), 61 (40%) patients were females, and 63 (42%) patients had stage IV. Thirty-nine (26%) were on treatment with immunotherapy, and 17 (11%) with BRAF-MEK inhibitors. COVID-19 was resolved in 119 cases, including 85 (57%) patients cured, 15 (10%) that died due to melanoma, and 20 (13%) that died due to COVID-19. Only age over 60 years, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes mellitus increased the risk of death due to COVID-19, but not advanced melanoma stage nor melanoma systemic therapies. Three waves have been covered by the register: February-May 2020, August-November 2020, and December 2020-April 2021. The first wave had the highest number of registered cases and COVID-19 mortality. CONCLUSION Tumor stage or melanoma treatments are non-significant prognostic factors for COVID-19 mortality. During the pandemic in Spain there was a downward trend in the number of patients registered across the waves, as well as in the severity of the infection. CLINICALTRIALS GOV IDENTIFIER NCT04344002.
Collapse
|
14
|
Faisal Hamdi AI, How SH, Islam MK, Lim JCW, Stanslas J. Adaptive therapy to circumvent drug resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in cancer: is it clinically relevant? Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2022; 22:1309-1323. [PMID: 36376248 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2147671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer is highly adaptable and is constantly evolving against current targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Despite advances in recent decades, the emergence of drug resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors constantly hampers therapeutic efficacy of cancer treatment. Continuous therapy versus intermittent clinical regimen has been a debate in drug administration of cancer patients. An ecologically-inspired shift in cancer treatment known as 'adaptive therapy' intends to improve the drug administration of drugs to cancer patients that can delay emergence of drug resistance. AREAS COVERED We discuss improved understanding of the concept of drug resistance, the basis of continuous therapy, intermittent clinical regimens, and adaptive therapy will be reviewed. In addition, we discuss how adaptive therapy provides guidance for future cancer treatment. EXPERT OPINION The current understanding of drug resistance in cancer leads to poor prognosis and limited treatment options in patients. Fighting drug resistance mutants is constantly followed by new forms of resistance. In most reported cases, continuous therapy leads to drug resistance and an intermittent clinical regimen vaguely delays it. However, adaptive therapy, conceptually, exploits multiple parameters that can suppress the growth of drug resistance and provides safe treatment for cancer patients in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Imran Faisal Hamdi
- Pharmacotherapeutics Unit, Department of Medicine, Universiti Putra MalaysiaMedicine, 43400, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Soon Hin How
- Kuliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan Campus, Kuliyyah of Medicine, 25200, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | | | - Jonathan Chee Woei Lim
- Pharmacotherapeutics Unit, Department of Medicine, Universiti Putra MalaysiaMedicine, 43400, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Johnson Stanslas
- Pharmacotherapeutics Unit, Department of Medicine, Universiti Putra MalaysiaMedicine, 43400, Serdang, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Caksa S, Baqai U, Aplin AE. The future of targeted kinase inhibitors in melanoma. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108200. [PMID: 35513054 PMCID: PMC10187889 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment-producing cells of the body and its incidence is rising. Targeted inhibitors that act against kinases in the MAPK pathway are approved for BRAF-mutant metastatic cutaneous melanoma and increase patients' survival. Response to these therapies is limited by drug resistance and is less durable than with immune checkpoint inhibition. Conversely, rare melanoma subtypes have few therapeutic options for advanced disease and MAPK pathway targeting agents show minimal anti-tumor effects. Nevertheless, there is a future for targeted kinase inhibitors in melanoma: in new applications such as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy and in novel combinations with immunotherapies or other targeted therapies. Pre-clinical studies continue to identify tumor dependencies and their corresponding actionable drug targets, paving the way for rational targeted kinase inhibitor combinations as a personalized medicine approach for melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Signe Caksa
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Usman Baqai
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Addressing Drug Resistance in Cancer: A Team Medicine Approach. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195701. [PMID: 36233569 PMCID: PMC9572909 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195701] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance remains one of the major impediments to treating cancer. Although many patients respond well initially, resistance to therapy typically ensues. Several confounding factors appear to contribute to this challenge. Here, we first discuss some of the challenges associated with drug resistance. We then discuss how a ‘Team Medicine’ approach, involving an interdisciplinary team of basic scientists working together with clinicians, has uncovered new therapeutic strategies. These strategies, referred to as intermittent or ‘adaptive’ therapy, which are based on eco-evolutionary principles, have met with remarkable success in potentially precluding or delaying the emergence of drug resistance in several cancers. Incorporating such treatment strategies into clinical protocols could potentially enhance the precision of delivering personalized medicine to patients. Furthermore, reaching out to patients in the network of hospitals affiliated with leading academic centers could help them benefit from such innovative treatment options. Finally, lowering the dose of the drug and its frequency (because of intermittent rather than continuous therapy) can also have a significant impact on lowering the toxicity and undesirable side effects of the drugs while lowering the financial burden carried by the patient and insurance providers.
Collapse
|
17
|
Homan M, Warrier G, Lao CD, Yentz S, Kraft S, Fecher LA. Treatment related toxicities with combination BRAF and MEK inhibitor therapy in resected stage III melanoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:855794. [PMID: 36212431 PMCID: PMC9538392 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.855794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Combination dabrafenib (D) and trametinib (T) is an FDA approved adjuvant therapy for patients with resected stage III BRAF-mutant melanoma. We describe treatment-related toxicities with adjuvant D+T in a real-world population through a retrospective case series. The primary endpoint was development of toxicities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Homan
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Govind Warrier
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Christopher D. Lao
- Department of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sarah Yentz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Shawna Kraft
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Leslie A. Fecher
- Department of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Leslie A. Fecher,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jahanbani F, Maynard RD, Sing JC, Jahanbani S, Perrino JJ, Spacek DV, Davis RW, Snyder MP. Phenotypic characteristics of peripheral immune cells of Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome via transmission electron microscopy: A pilot study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272703. [PMID: 35943990 PMCID: PMC9362953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex chronic multi-systemic disease characterized by extreme fatigue that is not improved by rest, and worsens after exertion, whether physical or mental. Previous studies have shown ME/CFS-associated alterations in the immune system and mitochondria. We used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate the morphology and ultrastructure of unstimulated and stimulated ME/CFS immune cells and their intracellular organelles, including mitochondria. PBMCs from four participants were studied: a pair of identical twins discordant for moderate ME/CFS, as well as two age- and gender- matched unrelated subjects-one with an extremely severe form of ME/CFS and the other healthy. TEM analysis of CD3/CD28-stimulated T cells suggested a significant increase in the levels of apoptotic and necrotic cell death in T cells from ME/CFS patients (over 2-fold). Stimulated Tcells of ME/CFS patients also had higher numbers of swollen mitochondria. We also found a large increase in intracellular giant lipid droplet-like organelles in the stimulated PBMCs from the extremely severe ME/CFS patient potentially indicative of a lipid storage disorder. Lastly, we observed a slight increase in platelet aggregation in stimulated cells, suggestive of a possible role of platelet activity in ME/CFS pathophysiology and disease severity. These results indicate extensive morphological alterations in the cellular and mitochondrial phenotypes of ME/CFS patients' immune cells and suggest new insights into ME/CFS biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Jahanbani
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Rajan D. Maynard
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Justin Cyril Sing
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shaghayegh Jahanbani
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, and VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - John J. Perrino
- Stanford Cell Sciences Imaging Facility (CSIF), Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Damek V. Spacek
- Karius Incorporated, Redwood City, California, United States of America
| | - Ronald W. Davis
- ME/CFS Collaborative Research Center at Stanford, Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Michael P. Snyder
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Avery TY, Köhler N, Zeiser R, Brummer T, Ruess DA. Onco-immunomodulatory properties of pharmacological interference with RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway hyperactivation. Front Oncol 2022; 12:931774. [PMID: 35965494 PMCID: PMC9363660 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.931774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperactivation of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK cascade - a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway – has a well-known association with oncogenesis of leading tumor entities, including non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal carcinoma, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Increasing evidence shows that genetic alterations leading to RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway hyperactivation mediate contact- and soluble-dependent crosstalk between tumor, tumor microenvironment (TME) and the immune system resulting in immune escape mechanisms and establishment of a tumor-sustaining environment. Consequently, pharmacological interruption of this pathway not only leads to tumor-cell intrinsic disruptive effects but also modification of the TME and anti-tumor immunomodulation. At the same time, the importance of ERK signaling in immune cell physiology and potentiation of anti-tumor immune responses through ERK signaling inhibition within immune cell subsets has received growing appreciation. Specifically, a strong case was made for targeted MEK inhibition due to promising associated immune cell intrinsic modulatory effects. However, the successful transition of therapeutic agents interrupting RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK hyperactivation is still being hampered by significant limitations regarding durable efficacy, therapy resistance and toxicity. We here collate and summarize the multifaceted role of RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling in physiology and oncoimmunology and outline the rationale and concepts for exploitation of immunomodulatory properties of RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK inhibition while accentuating the role of MEK inhibition in combinatorial and intermittent anticancer therapy. Furthermore, we point out the extensive scientific efforts dedicated to overcoming the challenges encountered during the clinical transition of various therapeutic agents in the search for the most effective and safe patient- and tumor-tailored treatment approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Yul Avery
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Thomas Yul Avery, ; Dietrich Alexander Ruess,
| | - Natalie Köhler
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium Deutsches Konsortium Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tilman Brummer
- German Cancer Consortium Deutsches Konsortium Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dietrich Alexander Ruess
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium Deutsches Konsortium Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Thomas Yul Avery, ; Dietrich Alexander Ruess,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Intermittent treatment of BRAF V600E melanoma cells delays resistance by adaptive resensitization to drug rechallenge. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2113535119. [PMID: 35290123 PMCID: PMC8944661 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2113535119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies of metastatic melanoma treated with targeted therapeutics have suggested that alternating periods of treatment and withdrawal might delay the onset of resistance. This has been attributed to drug addiction, where cells lose fitness upon drug removal due to the resulting hyperactivation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling. This study presents evidence that the intermittent treatment response can also be explained by the resensitization of cells following drug removal and enhanced cell loss upon drug rechallenge. Resensitization is accompanied by adaptive transcriptomic switching and occurs despite the sustained expression of resistance genes throughout the intermittent treatment. Patients with melanoma receiving drugs targeting BRAFV600E and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) invariably develop resistance and face continued progression. Based on preclinical studies, intermittent treatment involving alternating periods of drug withdrawal and rechallenge has been proposed as a method to delay the onset of resistance. The beneficial effect of intermittent treatment has been attributed to drug addiction, where drug withdrawal reduces the viability of resistant cells due to MAP kinase pathway hyperactivation. However, the mechanistic basis of the intermittent effect is incompletely understood. We show that intermittent treatment with the BRAFV600E inhibitor, LGX818/encorafenib, suppresses growth compared with continuous treatment in human melanoma cells engineered to express BRAFV600E, p61-BRAFV600E, or MEK2C125 oncogenes. Analysis of the BRAFV600E-overexpressing cells shows that, while drug addiction clearly occurs, it fails to account for the advantageous effect of intermittent treatment. Instead, growth suppression is best explained by resensitization during periods of drug removal, followed by cell death after drug readdition. Continuous treatment leads to transcriptional responses prominently associated with chemoresistance in melanoma. By contrast, cells treated intermittently reveal a subset of transcripts that reverse expression between successive cycles of drug removal and rechallenge and include mediators of cell invasiveness and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. These transcripts change during periods of drug removal by adaptive switching, rather than selection pressure. Resensitization occurs against a background of sustained expression of melanoma resistance genes, producing a transcriptome distinct from that of the initial drug-naive cell state. We conclude that phenotypic plasticity leading to drug resensitization can underlie the beneficial effect of intermittent treatment.
Collapse
|
21
|
Genes Involved in Immune Reinduction May Constitute Biomarkers of Response for Metastatic Melanoma Patients Treated with Targeted Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020284. [PMID: 35203494 PMCID: PMC8869294 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapy in metastatic melanoma often achieves a major tumour regression response and significant long-term survival via the release of antigens that reinduce immunocompetence. The biomarkers thus activated may guide the prediction of response, but this association and its mechanism have yet to be established. Blood samples were collected from nineteen consecutive patients with metastatic melanoma before, during, and after treatment with targeted therapy. Differential gene expression analysis was performed, which identified the genes involved in the treatment, both in the first evaluation of response and during progression. Although clinical characteristics of the patients were poorer than those obtained in pivotal studies, radiological responses were similar to those reported previously (objective response rate: 73.7%). In the first tumour assessment, the expression of some genes increased (CXCL-10, SERPING1, PDL1, and PDL2), while that of others decreased (ARG1, IL18R1, IL18RAP, IL1R1, ILR2, FLT3, SLC11A1, CD163, and S100A12). The analysis of gene expression in blood shows that some are activated and others inhibited by targeted therapy. This response pattern may provide biomarkers of the immune reinduction response, which could be used to study potential combination treatments. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to validate these results.
Collapse
|