1
|
Shi J, Duan Y. Knowledge-map and research trends of circulating tumor cells in breast cancer: a scientometric analysis. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:506. [PMID: 39340703 PMCID: PMC11438760 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01385-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Assessing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in early-stage breast cancer patients can help identify relapse risk for timely interventions. Molecular analysis of CTCs can reveal vulnerabilities for personalized treatment options in metastatic breast cancer. This study aims to summarize CTCs in breast cancer research understanding and evaluate research trends. Extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection, publications on CTCs in breast cancer studies spanning from January 1, 2008, to December 21, 2023, were included. Co-authorships, references, and keywords were analyzed using Bibliometrix R packages and VOSviewer software. References and keywords burst detection were conducted with CiteSpace, and BICOMB was utilized to generate high-frequency keyword layouts. Biclustering analysis of the binary co-keyword matrix was performed using gCLUTO. 1747 articles focusing on CTCs in breast cancer were identified. The USA and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrated the highest productivity at the national and institutional levels, respectively. The journal "CANCERS" had the highest publication outputs on this subject. Pantel K emerged as the foremost author with the highest publication and co-citation counts. Analysis of co-keywords unveiled five prominent research areas concerning CTCs in breast cancer. The prognostic and predictive roles of CTCs in breast cancer have substantial implications for clinical practice. Nevertheless, precise assessment of CTCs, encompassing its quantities and attributes through advanced technologies, and its role in detecting minimal residual disease in breast cancer, continue to pose notable challenges. In conclusion, recent advancements and trends in CTCs research in breast cancer are examined through scientometric analysis in this study. The results provide valuable insights for the formulation of novel approaches in CTCs research, emphasizing the current research frontiers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinan Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yin Duan
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Iuliani M, Simonetti S, Cristofani L, Cavaliere S, Cortellini A, Russano M, Vincenzi B, Tonini G, Santini D, Pantano F. Circulating receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) levels predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e009432. [PMID: 38908859 PMCID: PMC11328619 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009432] [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] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) can directly promote tumor growth and indirectly support tumor immune evasion by altering the tumor microenvironment and immune cell responses. This study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of soluble RANKL in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving programmed cell death 1 (PD1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1) checkpoint inhibitor therapy. METHODS Plasma RANKL levels were measured in 100 patients with advanced NSCLC without bone metastases undergoing monotherapy with PD1/PDL1 checkpoint inhibitors. To establish the optimal cut-off value, we used the Cutoff Finder package in R. Survival curves for four distinct patient groups, according to their RANKL and PDL1 levels (high or low), were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. The Cox regression model calculated HRs and 95% CIs for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS The optimal RANKL cut-off was established at 280.4 pg/mL, categorizing patients into groups with high or low RANKL levels. A significant association was observed between increased RANKL concentrations and decreased survival rates at 24 months, only within the subgroup expressing high levels of PDL1 (p=0.002). Additionally, low RANKL levels in conjunction with elevated PDL1 expression correlated with improved PFS (median 22 months, 95% CI 6.70 to 50 vs median 4 months, 95% CI 3.0 to 7.30, p=0.009) and OS (median 26 months, 95% CI 20 to not reached vs median 7 months, 95% CI 6 to 13, p=0.003), indicating RANKL's potential as an indicator of adverse prognosis in these patients. Multivariate analysis identified RANKL as an independent negative prognostic factor for both PFS and OS, regardless of other clinicopathological features. CONCLUSION These results highlight the prognostic and predictive value of RANKL specifically in patients with high PDL1 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Iuliani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Sonia Simonetti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Cavaliere
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Cortellini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Russano
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Vincenzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tonini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Santini
- UOC Oncologia Medica A, Policlinico Umberto 1, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pantano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lan H, Wu B, Jin K, Chen Y. Beyond boundaries: unraveling innovative approaches to combat bone-metastatic cancers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1260491. [PMID: 38260135 PMCID: PMC10800370 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1260491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence demonstrated that bones, liver, and lungs are the most common metastasis sites in some human malignancies, especially in prostate and breast cancers. Bone is the third most frequent target for spreading tumor cells among these organs and tissues. Patients with bone-metastatic cancers face a grim prognosis characterized by short median survival time. Current treatments have proven insufficient, as they can only inhibit metastasis or tumor progression within the bone tissues rather than providing a curative solution. Gaining a more profound comprehension of the interplay between tumor cells and the bone microenvironment (BME) is of utmost importance in tackling this issue. This knowledge will pave the way for developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying bone metastasis and discusses the clinical aspects of this pathologic condition. Additionally, it highlights emerging therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for patients affected by bone-metastatic cancers. By synthesizing current research, this review seeks to shed light on the complexities of bone metastasis and offer insights for future advancements in patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huanrong Lan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hosptial, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yefeng Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Choi SW, Sun AK, Cheung JPY, Ho JCY. Circulating Tumour Cells in the Prediction of Bone Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:252. [PMID: 38254743 PMCID: PMC10813668 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020252] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone is the most common organ for the development of metastases in many primary tumours, including those of the breast, prostate and lung. In most cases, bone metastasis is incurable, and treatment is predominantly palliative. Much research has focused on the role of Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) in the mechanism of metastasis to the bone, and methods have been developed to isolate and count CTCs from peripheral blood. Several methods are currently being used in the study of CTCs, but only one, the CellSearchTM system has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for clinical use. This review summarises the advantages and disadvantages, and outlines which clinical studies have used these methods. Studies have found that CTC numbers are predictive of bone metastasis in breast, prostate and lung cancer. Further work is required to incorporate information on CTCs into current staging systems to guide treatment in the prevention of tumour progression into bone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siu-Wai Choi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Tramatology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aria Kaiyuan Sun
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (A.K.S.); (J.C.-Y.H.)
| | - Jason Pui-Yin Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Tramatology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jemmi Ching-Ying Ho
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (A.K.S.); (J.C.-Y.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Keup C, Kimmig R, Kasimir-Bauer S. The Diversity of Liquid Biopsies and Their Potential in Breast Cancer Management. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5463. [PMID: 38001722 PMCID: PMC10670968 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Analyzing blood as a so-called liquid biopsy in breast cancer (BC) patients has the potential to adapt therapy management. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), extracellular vesicles (EVs), cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and other blood components mirror the tumoral heterogeneity and could support a range of clinical decisions. Multi-cancer early detection tests utilizing blood are advancing but are not part of any clinical routine yet. Liquid biopsy analysis in the course of neoadjuvant therapy has potential for therapy (de)escalation.Minimal residual disease detection via serial cfDNA analysis is currently on its way. The prognostic value of blood analytes in early and metastatic BC is undisputable, but the value of these prognostic biomarkers for clinical management is controversial. An interventional trial confirmed a significant outcome benefit when therapy was changed in case of newly emerging cfDNA mutations under treatment and thus showed the clinical utility of cfDNA analysis for therapy monitoring. The analysis of PIK3CA or ESR1 variants in plasma of metastatic BC patients to prescribe targeted therapy with alpesilib or elacestrant has already arrived in clinical practice with FDA-approved tests available and is recommended by ASCO. The translation of more liquid biopsy applications into clinical practice is still pending due to a lack of knowledge of the analytes' biology, lack of standards and difficulties in proving clinical utility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Keup
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Song MK, Park SI, Cho SW. Circulating biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring in bone metastasis. J Bone Miner Metab 2023; 41:337-344. [PMID: 36729305 DOI: 10.1007/s00774-022-01396-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Bone is a frequent site of metastasis for multiple types of solid tumors in organs such as prostate, breast, lung, etc., accounting for significant morbidities and mortalities of afflicted patients. One of the major problems of bone metastasis is lack of biomarkers for early diagnosis and for monitoring therapeutic responses. Medical imaging modalities such as computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and radioactive isotope-based bone scans are currently standard clinical practices, yet these imaging techniques are limited to detect early lesions or to accurately monitor the metastatic disease progression during standard and/or experimental therapies. Accordingly, development of novel blood biomarkers rationalizes extensive basic research and clinical development. This review article covers the up-to-date information on protein- and cell-based biomarkers of bone metastasis that are currently used in the clinical practices and also are under development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min-Kyoung Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Serk In Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Korea University College of Medicine, 73 Inchon-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea.
- Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Sun Wook Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Peng J, Madduri S, Clontz AD, Stewart DA. Clinical trial-identified inflammatory biomarkers in breast and pancreatic cancers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1106520. [PMID: 37181043 PMCID: PMC10173309 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1106520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer and pancreatic cancer are two common cancer types characterized by high prevalence and high mortality rates, respectively. However, breast cancer has been more well-studied than pancreatic cancer. This narrative review curated inflammation-associated biomarkers from clinical studies that were systematically selected for both breast and pancreatic cancers and discusses some of the common and unique elements between the two endocrine-regulated malignant diseases. Finding common ground between the two cancer types and specifically analyzing breast cancer study results, we hoped to explore potential feasible methods and biomarkers that may be useful also in diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer. A PubMed MEDLINE search was used to identify articles that were published between 2015-2022 of different kinds of clinical trials that measured immune-modulatory biomarkers and biomarker changes of inflammation defined in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and pancreatic cancer patients. A total of 105 papers (pancreatic cancer 23, breast cancer 82) were input into Covidence for the title and abstract screening. The final number of articles included in this review was 73 (pancreatic cancer 19, breast cancer 54). The results showed some of the frequently cited inflammatory biomarkers for breast and pancreatic cancers included IL-6, IL-8, CCL2, CD8+ T cells and VEGF. Regarding unique markers, CA15-3 and TNF-alpha were two of several breast cancer-specific, and CA19 and IL-18 were pancreatic cancer-specific. Moreover, we discussed leptin and MMPs as emerging biomarker targets with potential use for managing pancreatic cancer based on breast cancer studies in the future, based on inflammatory mechanisms. Overall, the similarity in how both types of cancers respond to or result in further disruptive inflammatory signaling, and that point to a list of markers that have been shown useful in diagnosis and/or treatment method response or efficacy in managing breast cancer could potentially provide insights into developing the same or more useful diagnostic and treatment measurement inflammatory biomarkers for pancreatic cancer. More research is needed to investigate the relationship and associated inflammatory markers between the similar immune-associated biological mechanisms that contribute to breast and pancreatic cancer etiology, drive disease progression or that impact treatment response and reflect survival outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Peng
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Supradeep Madduri
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
| | - Angela D. Clontz
- Department of Nutrition, Meredith College, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Delisha A. Stewart
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Delisha A. Stewart,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Litak J, Czyżewski W, Szymoniuk M, Sakwa L, Pasierb B, Litak J, Hoffman Z, Kamieniak P, Roliński J. Biological and Clinical Aspects of Metastatic Spinal Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194599. [PMID: 36230523 PMCID: PMC9559304 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Spine metastases are a common life-threatening complication of advanced-stage malignancies and often result in poor prognosis. Symptomatic spine metastases develop in the course of about 10% of malignant neoplasms. Therefore, it is essential for contemporary medicine to understand metastatic processes in order to find appropriate, targeted therapeutic options. Our literature review aimed to describe the up-to-date knowledge about the molecular pathways and biomarkers engaged in the spine’s metastatic processes. Moreover, we described current data regarding bone-targeted treatment, the emerging targeted therapies, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy used for the treatment of spine metastases. We hope that knowledge comprehensively presented in our review will contribute to the development of novel drugs targeting specific biomarkers and pathways. The more we learn about the molecular aspects of cancer metastasis, the easier it will be to look for treatment methods that will allow us to precisely kill tumor cells. Abstract Spine metastases are a common life-threatening complication of advanced-stage malignancies and often result in poor prognosis. Symptomatic spine metastases develop in the course of about 10% of malignant neoplasms. Therefore, it is essential for contemporary medicine to understand metastatic processes in order to find appropriate, targeted therapeutic options. Thanks to continuous research, there appears more and more detailed knowledge about cancer and metastasis, but these transformations are extremely complicated, e.g., due to the complexity of reactions, the variety of places where they occur, or the participation of both tumor cells and host cells in these transitions. The right target points in tumor metastasis mechanisms are still being researched; that will help us in the proper diagnosis as well as in finding the right treatment. In this literature review, we described the current knowledge about the molecular pathways and biomarkers engaged in metastatic processes involving the spine. We also presented a current bone-targeted treatment for spine metastases and the emerging therapies targeting the discussed molecular mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Litak
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Czyżewski
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
- Department of Didactics and Medical Simulation, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Szymoniuk
- Student Scientific Association at the Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Leon Sakwa
- Student Scientific Society, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Technologies and Humanities in Radom, Chrobrego 27, 26-600 Radom, Poland
| | - Barbara Pasierb
- Department of Dermatology, Radom Specialist Hospital, Lekarska 4, 26-600 Radom, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Joanna Litak
- St. John’s Cancer Center in Lublin, Jaczewskiego 7, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Zofia Hoffman
- Student Scientific Society, Medical University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 1, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Kamieniak
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Roliński
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Simonetti S, Iuliani M, Stellato M, Cavaliere S, Vincenzi B, Tonini G, Santini D, Pantano F. Extensive plasma proteomic profiling revealed receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) as emerging biomarker of nivolumab clinical benefit in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005136. [PMID: 36104102 PMCID: PMC9476128 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have led to a paradigm change in the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), nevertheless, the benefit of treatment is confined to a limited proportion of patients. Therefore, the identification of predictive biomarkers for response to ICIs represents an unmet clinical need. Here, we performed a large-scale plasma proteomic profile of patients with mRCC, treated with nivolumab, to identify soluble molecules potentially associated with clinical benefit. Methods We analyzed the levels of 507 soluble molecules in the pretreatment plasma of 16 patients with mRCC (discovery set) who received nivolumab therapy as a single agent. The ELISA assay was performed to confirm the protein level of candidate biomarkers associated to clinical benefit in 15 patients with mRCC (validation set). Survival curves of complete cohort were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Results Out of 507 screened molecules, 135 factors were selected as expressed above background and 12 of them were significantly overexpressed in patients who did not benefit from treatment (non-responders (NR)) compared with responders (R) group. After multiplicity adjustment, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) was the only molecule that retained the statistical significance (false discovery rate: 0.023). RANKL overexpression in NR patients was confirmed both in discovery (median NR: 528 pg/mL vs median R: 288 pg/mL, p=0.011) and validation set (median NR: 440 pg/mL vs median R: 253 pg/mL, p<0.001). Considering the complete cohort of patients (discovery+validation set), significantly higher RANKL levels were found in patients who primarily progressed from treatment compared with those who had a partial response (p=0.003) or stable disease (p=0.006). Moreover, patients with low RANKL levels had significant improvements in progression-free survival (median 14.0 months vs 3.4 months, p=0.004) and overall survival (median not reached vs 30.1 months, p=0.003). Conclusions Our exploratory study suggests RANKL as a novel independent biomarker of response and survival in patients with mRCC treated with nivolumab.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Simonetti
- Medical Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Italy
| | - Michele Iuliani
- Medical Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Stellato
- Medical Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Italy .,Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Cavaliere
- Medical Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Italy
| | - Bruno Vincenzi
- Medical Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tonini
- Medical Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Italy
| | - Daniele Santini
- Medical Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Italy.,UOC Oncologia Universitaria, Sapienza University of Rome - Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Francesco Pantano
- Medical Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rahmanian M, Sartipzadeh Hematabad O, Askari E, Shokati F, Bakhshi A, Moghadam S, Olfatbakhsh A, Al Sadat Hashemi E, Khorsand Ahmadi M, Morteza Naghib S, Sinha N, Tel J, Eslami Amirabadi H, den Toonder JMJ, Majidzadeh-A K. A micropillar array-based microfluidic chip for label-free separation of circulating tumor cells: The best micropillar geometry? J Adv Res 2022; 47:105-121. [PMID: 35964874 PMCID: PMC10173300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The information derived from the number and characteristics of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), is crucial to ensure appropriate cancer treatment monitoring. Currently, diverse microfluidic platforms have been developed for isolating CTCs from blood, but it remains a challenge to develop a low-cost, practical, and efficient strategy. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to isolate CTCs from the blood of cancer patients via introducing a new and efficient micropillar array-based microfluidic chip (MPA-Chip), as well as providing prognostic information and monitoring the treatment efficacy in cancer patients. METHODS We fabricated a microfluidic chip (MPA-Chip) containing arrays of micropillars with different geometries (lozenge, rectangle, circle, and triangle). We conducted numerical simulations to compare velocity and pressure profiles inside the micropillar arrays. Also, we experimentally evaluated the capture efficiency and purity of the geometries using breast and prostate cancer cell lines as well as a blood sample. Moreover, the device's performance was validated on 12 patients with breast cancer (BC) in different states. RESULTS The lozenge geometry was selected as the most effective and optimized micropillar design for CTCs isolation, providing high capture efficiency (>85 %), purity (>90 %), and viability (97 %). Furthermore, the lozenge MPA-chip was successfully validated by the detection of CTCs from 12 breast cancer (BC) patients, with non-metastatic (median number of 6 CTCs) and metastatic (median number of 25 CTCs) diseases, showing different prognoses. Also, increasing the chemotherapy period resulted in a decrease in the number of captured CTCs from 23 to 7 for the metastatic patient. The MPA-Chip size was only 0.25 cm2 and the throughput of a single chip was 0.5 ml/h, which can be increased by multiple MPA-Chips in parallel. CONCLUSION The lozenge MPA-Chip presented a novel micropillar geometry for on-chip CTC isolation, detection, and staining, and in the future, the possibilities can be extended to the culture of the CTCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Rahmanian
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Group, Interdisciplinary Technologies Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Microsystems Research Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Omid Sartipzadeh Hematabad
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Group, Interdisciplinary Technologies Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esfandyar Askari
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Group, Interdisciplinary Technologies Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Shokati
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Group, Interdisciplinary Technologies Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atin Bakhshi
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Group, Interdisciplinary Technologies Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shiva Moghadam
- Breast Diseases Group, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Asiie Olfatbakhsh
- Breast Diseases Group, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmat Al Sadat Hashemi
- Breast Diseases Group, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khorsand Ahmadi
- Microsystems Research Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Seyed Morteza Naghib
- Nanotechnology Department, School of Advanced Technologies, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nidhi Sinha
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jurjen Tel
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Hossein Eslami Amirabadi
- Microsystems Research Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; AZAR Innovations, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap M J den Toonder
- Microsystems Research Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Keivan Majidzadeh-A
- Genetics Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chang PH, Lee CH, Wu TMH, Yeh KY, Wang HM, Huang WK, Chan SC, Chou WC, Kuan FC, Kuo HC, Kuo YC, Hu CC, Hsieh JCH. Association of early changes of circulating cancer stem-like cells with survival among patients with metastatic breast cancer. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2022; 14:17588359221110182. [PMID: 35860832 PMCID: PMC9290096 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221110182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating cancer stem-like cells (cCSCs) before and after one cycle of chemotherapy and assessed the effects of early changes in CTCs and cCSCs on the outcomes of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Methods: Patients with stage IV invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast who received first-line chemotherapy between April 2014 and January 2016 were enrolled. CTCs and cCSCs were measured before the first cycle of chemotherapy (baseline) and on day 21, before the second cycle of chemotherapy commenced; a negative selection strategy and flow cytometry protocol were employed. Results: CTC and cCSC counts declined in 68.8 and 45.5% of patients, respectively. Declines in CTCs and cCSCs following the first chemotherapy cycle were associated with superior chemotherapy responses, longer progression-free survival (PFS), and longer overall survival (OS). An early decline in cCSCs remained an independent prognostic indicator for OS and PFS in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: A cCSC decline after one cycle of chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer is predictive of a superior chemotherapy response and longer PFS and OS, implying that cCSC dynamic monitoring may be helpful in early prediction of treatment response and prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Hung Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Keelung City
| | - Chun-Hui Lee
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City
| | - Tyler Min-Hsien Wu
- Circulating Tumour Cell Lab, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City
| | - Kun-Yun Yeh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Keelung City
| | - Hung-Ming Wang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City
| | - Wen-Kuan Huang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City
| | - Sheng-Chieh Chan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien City
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City
| | - Feng-Che Kuan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Puzi City
| | - Hsuan-Chih Kuo
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City
| | - Yung-Chia Kuo
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City
| | - Ching-Chih Hu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Keelung City
| | - Jason Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Road, Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan City 333
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nanou A, Lorenzo-Moldero I, Gazouleas KD, Cortese B, Moroni L. 3D Culture Modeling of Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells in Additive Manufactured Scaffolds. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:28389-28402. [PMID: 35687666 PMCID: PMC9227707 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c07492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer biology research is increasingly moving toward innovative in vitro 3D culture models, as conventional and current 2D cell cultures fail to resemble in vivo cancer biology. In the current study, porous 3D scaffolds, designed with two different porosities along with 2D tissue culture polystyrene (TCP) plates were used with a model breast cancer human cell line. The 3D engineered system was evaluated for the optimal seeding method (dynamic versus static), adhesion, and proliferation rate of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The expression profiles of proliferation-, stemness-, and dormancy-associated cancer markers, namely, ki67, lamin A/C, SOX2, Oct3/4, stanniocalcin 1 (STC1), and stanniocalcin 2 (STC2), were evaluated in the 3D cultured cells and compared to the respective profiles of the cells cultured in the conventional 2D TCP. Our data suggested that static seeding was the optimal seeding method with porosity-dependent efficiency. Moreover, cells cultured in 3D scaffolds displayed a more dormant phenotype in comparison to 2D, which was manifested by the lower proliferation rate, reduced ki67 expression, increased lamin A/C expression, and overexpression of STCs. The possible relationship between the cell affinity to different extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and the RANK expression levels was also addressed after deriving collagen type I (COL-I) and fibronectin (FN) MDA-MB-231 filial cell lines with enhanced capacity to attach to the respective ECM proteins. The new derivatives exhibited a more mesenchymal like phenotype and higher RANK levels in relation to the parental cells, suggesting a relationship between ECM cell affinity and RANK expression. Therefore, the present 3D cell culture model shows that cancer cells on printed scaffolds can work as better representatives in cancer biology and drug screening related studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afroditi Nanou
- Tissue
Regeneration Department, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 ND Enschede, The Netherlands
- Medical
Cell BioPhysics Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Dienstweg 1, 7522 ND Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Ivan Lorenzo-Moldero
- Tissue
Regeneration Department, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 ND Enschede, The Netherlands
- Complex
Tissue Regeneration Department, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired
Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kyriakos D. Gazouleas
- Tissue
Regeneration Department, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 ND Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Cortese
- National
Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), 00185 Rome, Italy
- Email for B.C.:
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Tissue
Regeneration Department, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 ND Enschede, The Netherlands
- Complex
Tissue Regeneration Department, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired
Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- National
Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), 00185 Rome, Italy
- Email for L.M.:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tombolan L, Rossi E, Binatti A, Zin A, Manicone M, Facchinetti A, Lucchetta S, Carmen Affinita M, Bonvini P, Bortoluzzi S, Zamarchi R, Bisogno G. Clinical significance of circulating tumor cells and cell-free DNA in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:2071-2085. [PMID: 35212153 PMCID: PMC9120897 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy analysis represents a powerful and noninvasive tool to uncover biomarkers for disseminated disease assessment and longitudinal monitoring of patients. Herein, we explored the value of circulating and disseminated tumor cells (CTC and DTC, respectively) and cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Peripheral blood and bone marrow samples were analyzed to detect and enumerate CTC and DTC, respectively. We used the epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (EpCAM)‐based CellSearch platform coupled with an automatic device to collect both EpCAM‐positive and EpCAM‐low/negative CTCs. The standard assay was implemented, including the mesenchymal marker desmin. For selected cases, we molecularly profiled primary tumors and liquid biopsy biomarkers using whole‐exome sequencing and droplet digital PCR, respectively. RMS patients with metastatic disease had a significantly higher number of CTCs compared to those with localized disease, whereas DTCs were detected independently of disease presentation. The use of the desmin marker remarkably increased the identification of CTCs and DTCs in RMS samples. Of note, CTC clusters were detected in RMS patients with disseminated disease. Further, cfDNA and CTC molecular features closely reflected the molecular makeup of primary tumors and informed of disease course.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Tombolan
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy.,Department of Woman's and Children's Health, Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rossi
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Oncology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Binatti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Angelica Zin
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Facchinetti
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Oncology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Lucchetta
- Department of Woman's and Children's Health, Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Carmen Affinita
- Department of Woman's and Children's Health, Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonvini
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Rita Zamarchi
- Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianni Bisogno
- Department of Woman's and Children's Health, Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dotse E, Lim KH, Wang M, Wijanarko KJ, Chow KT. An Immunological Perspective of Circulating Tumor Cells as Diagnostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:323. [PMID: 35207611 PMCID: PMC8878951 DOI: 10.3390/life12020323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune modulation is a hallmark of cancer. Cancer-immune interaction shapes the course of disease progression at every step of tumorigenesis, including metastasis, of which circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are regarded as an indicator. These CTCs are a heterogeneous population of tumor cells that have disseminated from the tumor into circulation. They have been increasingly studied in recent years due to their importance in diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of treatment response. Ample evidence demonstrates that CTCs interact with immune cells in circulation, where they must evade immune surveillance or modulate immune response. The interaction between CTCs and the immune system is emerging as a critical point by which CTCs facilitate metastatic progression. Understanding the complex crosstalk between the two may provide a basis for devising new diagnostic and treatment strategies. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of CTCs and the complex immune-CTC interactions. We also present novel options in clinical interventions, targeting the immune-CTC interfaces, and provide some suggestions on future research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Dotse
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (E.D.); (K.H.L.); (M.W.)
| | - King H. Lim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (E.D.); (K.H.L.); (M.W.)
| | - Meijun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (E.D.); (K.H.L.); (M.W.)
| | - Kevin Julio Wijanarko
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Kwan T. Chow
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (E.D.); (K.H.L.); (M.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cucchiara F, Scarpitta R, Crucitta S, Scatena C, Arici R, Naccarato AG, Fogli S, Danesi R, Del Re M. Diagnosis and treatment monitoring in breast cancer: how liquid biopsy can support patient management. Pharmacogenomics 2022; 23:119-134. [PMID: 35006002 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2021-0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Imaging and tissue biopsies represent the current gold standard for breast cancer diagnosis and patient management. However, these practices are time-consuming, expensive and require invasive procedures. Moreover, tissue biopsies do not capture spatial and temporal tumor heterogeneity. Conversely, liquid biopsy, which includes circulating tumor cells, circulating free nucleic acids and extracellular vesicles, is minimally invasive, easy to perform and can be repeated during a patient's follow-up. Increasing evidence also suggests that liquid biopsy can be used to efficiently screen and diagnose tumors at an early stage, and to monitor changes in the tumor molecular profile. In the present review, clinical applications and prospects are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Cucchiara
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosa Scarpitta
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research & New Technologies in Medicine & Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Stefania Crucitta
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristian Scatena
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research & New Technologies in Medicine & Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Roberta Arici
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Giuseppe Naccarato
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research & New Technologies in Medicine & Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Stefano Fogli
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Romano Danesi
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marzia Del Re
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Albaradei S, Uludag M, Thafar MA, Gojobori T, Essack M, Gao X. Predicting Bone Metastasis Using Gene Expression-Based Machine Learning Models. Front Genet 2021; 12:771092. [PMID: 34858485 PMCID: PMC8631472 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.771092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone is the most common site of distant metastasis from malignant tumors, with the highest prevalence observed in breast and prostate cancers. Such bone metastases (BM) cause many painful skeletal-related events, such as severe bone pain, pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia, with adverse effects on life quality. Many bone-targeting agents developed based on the current understanding of BM onset's molecular mechanisms dull these adverse effects. However, only a few studies investigated potential predictors of high risk for developing BM, despite such knowledge being critical for early interventions to prevent or delay BM. This work proposes a computational network-based pipeline that incorporates a ML/DL component to predict BM development. Based on the proposed pipeline we constructed several machine learning models. The deep neural network (DNN) model exhibited the highest prediction accuracy (AUC of 92.11%) using the top 34 featured genes ranked by betweenness centrality scores. We further used an entirely separate, "external" TCGA dataset to evaluate the robustness of this DNN model and achieved sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 80%, positive predictive value of 78.10%, negative predictive value of 80%, and AUC of 85.78%. The result shows the models' way of learning allowed it to zoom in on the featured genes that provide the added benefit of the model displaying generic capabilities, that is, to predict BM for samples from different primary sites. Furthermore, existing experimental evidence provides confidence that about 50% of the 34 hub genes have BM-related functionality, which suggests that these common genetic markers provide vital insight about BM drivers. These findings may prompt the transformation of such a method into an artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic tool and direct us towards mechanisms that underlie metastasis to bone events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Somayah Albaradei
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmut Uludag
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha A Thafar
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.,College of Computers and Information Technology, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Takashi Gojobori
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Magbubah Essack
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xin Gao
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
The Roadmap of RANKL/RANK Pathway in Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081978. [PMID: 34440747 PMCID: PMC8393235 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor activator of the nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/RANK signaling pathway was identified in the late 1990s and is the key mediator of bone remodeling. Targeting RANKL with the antibody denosumab is part of the standard of care for bone loss diseases, including bone metastases (BM). Over the last decade, evidence has implicated RANKL/RANK pathway in hormone and HER2-driven breast carcinogenesis and in the acquisition of molecular and phenotypic traits associated with breast cancer (BCa) aggressiveness and poor prognosis. This marked a new era in the research of the therapeutic use of RANKL inhibition in BCa. RANKL/RANK pathway is also an important immune mediator, with anti-RANKL therapy recently linked to improved response to immunotherapy in melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This review summarizes and discusses the pre-clinical and clinical evidence of the relevance of the RANKL/RANK pathway in cancer biology and therapeutics, focusing on bone metastatic disease, BCa onset and progression, and immune modulation.
Collapse
|
18
|
Rossi E, Aieta M, Tartarone A, Pezzuto A, Facchinetti A, Santini D, Ulivi P, Ludovini V, Possidente L, Fiduccia P, Minicuci N, Zamarchi R. A fully automated assay to detect the expression of pan-cytokeratins and of EML4-ALK fusion protein in circulating tumour cells (CTCs) predicts outcome of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2021; 10:80-92. [PMID: 33569295 PMCID: PMC7867748 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-20-855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background In advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) a recent meta-analysis confirms circulating tumour cells (CTCs) as an independent prognostic indicator of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). However, further investigations are necessary to predict and dynamically monitor the therapy in NSCLC patients using CTCs. To this aim, we combined the classical standard assay (SA) with an expanded cytokeratins profile (EA) and quantified the expression of EML4-ALK fusion protein in CTCs. Methods The CellSearch (CS) platform—first marked in vitro diagnostic use (IVD) from Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and “gold standard” for quantifying CTCs - detects EpCAM and cytokeratins (CKs) 8, 18, and 19. Since NSCLC shows different CKs profile, we customized the SA, to recognize CK 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 18, and 19 (EA). Using both assays we designed a prospective, multi-center study, primarily aimed to enumerate CTCs in advanced NSCLC. Secondarily, we developed an integration of the EA to quantify the expression of EML4-ALK fusion protein in CTCs, and correlated them with PFS and OS. Results EA identified a significantly much more number of CTC-positive patients (115 out of 180) than SA (103 out of 192; Chi-square =4.0179, with 1 degrees of freedom, P=0.04502). Similar to SA, EA levels were still associated with patient’ outcomes. Furthermore, the expression of EML4-ALK on CTCs allowed stratifying NSCLC patients according to a statistically significant difference in PFS. Conclusions We proposed here two novel automated tests, to characterize the expression of specific molecules on CTCs. We demonstrated that these integrated assays are robust and actionable in prospective clinical studies, and in the future could allow clinicians to improve both choice and length of treatment in individual NSCLC patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Rossi
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | - Aldo Pezzuto
- Department of Cardiopulmonary and Vascular Science, S. Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonella Facchinetti
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniele Santini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Ulivi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola (FC), Italy
| | - Vienna Ludovini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Rita Zamarchi
- Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Clézardin P, Coleman R, Puppo M, Ottewell P, Bonnelye E, Paycha F, Confavreux CB, Holen I. Bone metastasis: mechanisms, therapies, and biomarkers. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:797-855. [PMID: 33356915 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00012.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal metastases are frequent complications of many cancers, causing bone complications (fractures, bone pain, disability) that negatively affect the patient's quality of life. Here, we first discuss the burden of skeletal complications in cancer bone metastasis. We then describe the pathophysiology of bone metastasis. Bone metastasis is a multistage process: long before the development of clinically detectable metastases, circulating tumor cells settle and enter a dormant state in normal vascular and endosteal niches present in the bone marrow, which provide immediate attachment and shelter, and only become active years later as they proliferate and alter the functions of bone-resorbing (osteoclasts) and bone-forming (osteoblasts) cells, promoting skeletal destruction. The molecular mechanisms involved in mediating each of these steps are described, and we also explain how tumor cells interact with a myriad of interconnected cell populations in the bone marrow, including a rich vascular network, immune cells, adipocytes, and nerves. We discuss metabolic programs that tumor cells could engage with to specifically grow in bone. We also describe the progress and future directions of existing bone-targeted agents and report emerging therapies that have arisen from recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of bone metastases. Finally, we discuss the value of bone turnover biomarkers in detection and monitoring of progression and therapeutic effects in patients with bone metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Clézardin
- INSERM, Research Unit UMR_S1033, LyOS, Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Coleman
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Margherita Puppo
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Penelope Ottewell
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Edith Bonnelye
- INSERM, Research Unit UMR_S1033, LyOS, Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Frédéric Paycha
- Service de Médecine Nucléaire, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France
| | - Cyrille B Confavreux
- INSERM, Research Unit UMR_S1033, LyOS, Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Service de Rhumatologie Sud, CEMOS-Centre Expert des Métastases Osseuses, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Ingunn Holen
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tellez-Gabriel M, Knutsen E, Perander M. Current Status of Circulating Tumor Cells, Circulating Tumor DNA, and Exosomes in Breast Cancer Liquid Biopsies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9457. [PMID: 33322643 PMCID: PMC7763984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Although the five-, ten- and fifteen-year survival rates are good for breast cancer patients diagnosed with early-stage disease, some cancers recur many years after completion of primary therapy. Tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution may lead to distant metastasis and therapy resistance, which are the main causes of breast cancer-associated deaths. In the clinic today, imaging techniques like mammography and tissue biopsies are used to diagnose breast cancer. Even though these methods are important in primary diagnosis, they have limitations when it comes to longitudinal monitoring of residual disease after treatment, disease progression, therapy responses, and disease recurrence. Over the last few years, there has been an increasing interest in the diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive potential of circulating cancer-derived material acquired through liquid biopsies in breast cancer. Thanks to the development of sensitive devices and platforms, a variety of tumor-derived material, including circulating cancer cells (CTCs), circulating DNA (ctDNA), and biomolecules encapsulated in extracellular vesicles, can now be extracted and analyzed from body fluids. Here we will review the most recent studies on breast cancer, demonstrating the clinical potential and utility of CTCs and ctDNA. We will also review literature illustrating the potential of circulating exosomal RNA and proteins as future biomarkers in breast cancer. Finally, we will discuss some of the advantages and limitations of liquid biopsies and the future perspectives of this field in breast cancer management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tellez-Gabriel
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT—The Arctic University of Norway, 9011 Tromsø, Norway; (E.K.); (M.P.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cancer Stem Cell-Associated Pathways in the Metabolic Reprogramming of Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239125. [PMID: 33266219 PMCID: PMC7730588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming of cancer is now considered a hallmark of many malignant tumors, including breast cancer, which remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women all over the world. One of the main challenges for the effective treatment of breast cancer emanates from the existence of a subpopulation of tumor-initiating cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Over the years, several pathways involved in the regulation of CSCs have been identified and characterized. Recent research has also shown that CSCs are capable of adopting a metabolic flexibility to survive under various stressors, contributing to chemo-resistance, metastasis, and disease relapse. This review summarizes the links between the metabolic adaptations of breast cancer cells and CSC-associated pathways. Identification of the drivers capable of the metabolic rewiring in breast cancer cells and CSCs and the signaling pathways contributing to metabolic flexibility may lead to the development of effective therapeutic strategies. This review also covers the role of these metabolic adaptation in conferring drug resistance and metastasis in breast CSCs.
Collapse
|
22
|
Nicolazzo C, Loreni F, Caponnetto S, Magri V, Vestri AR, Zamarchi R, Gradilone A, Facchinetti A, Rossi E, Cortesi E, Gazzaniga P. Baseline CD44v6-positive circulating tumor cells to predict first-line treatment failure in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4115-4122. [PMID: 33227095 PMCID: PMC7665234 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
CD44v6, the CD44 isoform mostly involved in cancer cell migration and invasion, has been identified as a functional biomarker and therapeutic target in colon cancer stem cells. We here provide evidence that baseline CD44v6-positive CTC predict treatment failure in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer undergoing first-line chemotherapy. We suggest that CD44v6-positive CTC can be used to early detect intrinsic drug resistance in this cancer type.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Nicolazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Liquid Biopsy Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Loreni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Liquid Biopsy Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Caponnetto
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Magri
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Vestri
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Zamarchi
- Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Angela Gradilone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Liquid Biopsy Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Facchinetti
- Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy.,Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rossi
- Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy.,Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico Cortesi
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Gazzaniga
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Liquid Biopsy Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Tombolan L, Rossi E, Zin A, Santoro L, Bonvini P, Zamarchi R, Bisogno G. Pediatric sarcomas display a variable EpCAM expression in a histology-dependent manner. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100846. [PMID: 32805674 PMCID: PMC7453064 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
EpCAM is a transmembrane glycoprotein typically overexpressed in cancer of epithelial origin and mainly involved in the epithelial-to–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells that spread and disseminate. Strategies for the targeting and capture of EpCAM-expressing tumor cells are showing promise in cancers prone to metastatize, both as diagnostic tools and potential therapies. Sarcomas are among the most aggressive tumors in children, with a common mesenchymal origin that comprises both soft tissue sarcomas (STS) and bone sarcomas. The aim of this study was to assess EpCAM expression in pediatric sarcomas and correlate its expression with disease progression. To do so, we analyzed a set of cell lines and primary tumor tissues from rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), Ewing sarcoma (ES), synovial sarcoma (SS) and desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) STS, or osteosarcoma (OS) bone cancer. We demonstrated that EpCAM was variably expressed in pediatric sarcomas, with DSRCT, a rare, aggressive and almost fatal tumor type, characterized by the highest EpCAM expression levels. Interestingly, although EpCAM expression was lower in RMS tumors, high levels at diagnosis correlated with reduced patients' overall survival (p < 0.05). Indeed, membrane-bound EpCAM was detected in circulating sarcoma tumor cells, revealing its potential to be used as dissemination biomarker in this type of childhood cancers. This reinforces the concept that pediatric sarcomas do express both epithelial and mesenchymal markers and reside in an intermediate condition that most likely contributes to their aggressive phenotype and low survival rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Tombolan
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padua, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Rossi
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Oncology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Angelica Zin
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padua, Italy
| | - Luisa Santoro
- University Hospital of Padova, Institute of Pathology, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonvini
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padua, Italy
| | - Rita Zamarchi
- Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianni Bisogno
- Department of Woman's and Children's Health, Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cellular Mechanisms of Circulating Tumor Cells During Breast Cancer Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145040. [PMID: 32708855 PMCID: PMC7404335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that detach from the primary site and travel in the blood stream. A higher number of CTCs increases the risk of breast cancer metastasis, and it is inversely associated with the survival rates of patients with breast cancer. Although the numbers of CTCs are generally low and the majority of CTCs die in circulation, the survival of a few CTCs can seed the development of a tumor at a secondary location. An increasing number of studies demonstrate that CTCs undergo modification in response to the dynamic biophysical environment in the blood due in part to fluid shear stress. Fluid shear stress generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggers redox-sensitive cell signaling, and alters the function of intracellular organelles. In particular, the mitochondrion is an important target organelle in determining the metastatic phenotype of CTCs. In healthy cells, mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) via oxidative phosphorylation in the electron transport chain, and during oxidative phosphorylation, they produce physiological levels of ROS. Mitochondria also govern death mechanisms such as apoptosis and mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening to, in order eliminate unwanted or damaged cells. However, in cancer cells, mitochondria are dysregulated, causing aberrant energy metabolism, redox homeostasis, and cell death pathways that may favor cancer invasiveness. In this review, we discuss the influence of fluid shear stress on CTCs with an emphasis on breast cancer pathology, then discuss alterations of cellular mechanisms that may increase the metastatic potentials of CTCs.
Collapse
|
25
|
Jang A, Chen SR, Xie J, Bilen MA, Barata PC. Skeletal-Related Events in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review. KIDNEY CANCER 2020. [DOI: 10.3233/kca-200087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Jang
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Shuang R. Chen
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - John Xie
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Mehmet A. Bilen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pedro C. Barata
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Iuliani M, Simonetti S, Ribelli G, Napolitano A, Pantano F, Vincenzi B, Tonini G, Santini D. Current and Emerging Biomarkers Predicting Bone Metastasis Development. Front Oncol 2020; 10:789. [PMID: 32582538 PMCID: PMC7283490 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone is one of the preferential sites of distant metastases from malignant tumors, with the highest prevalence observed in breast and prostate cancers. Patients with bone metastases (BMs) may experience skeletal-related events, such as severe bone pain, pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia, with negative effects on the quality of life. In the last decades, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the BM onset has been gained, leading to the development of bone-targeting agents. So far, most of the research has been focused on the pathophysiology and treatment of BM, with only relatively few studies investigating potential predictors of risk for BM development. The ability to select such "high-risk" patients could allow early identification of those most likely to benefit from interventions to prevent or delay BM. This review summarizes several evidences for the potential use of specific biomarkers able to predict early the BM development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Iuliani
- Medical Oncology, Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Simonetti
- Medical Oncology, Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ribelli
- Medical Oncology, Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Bruno Vincenzi
- Medical Oncology, Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tonini
- Medical Oncology, Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Santini
- Medical Oncology, Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|