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Connaughton M, Dabagh M. Impact of stroma remodeling on forces experienced by cancer cells and stromal cells within a pancreatic tumor tissue. Biomed Eng Online 2024; 23:88. [PMID: 39210409 PMCID: PMC11363431 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-024-01278-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Remodeling (re-engineering) of a tumor's stroma has been shown to improve the efficacy of anti-tumor therapies, without destroying the stroma. Even though it still remains unclear which stromal component/-s and what characteristics hinder the reach of nanoparticles deep into cancer cells, we hypothesis that mechanisms behind stroma's resistance to the penetration of nanoparticles rely heavily on extrinsic mechanical forces on stromal cells and cancer cells. Our hypothesis has been formulated on the basis of our previous study which has shown that changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness with tumor growth influence stresses exerted on fibroblasts and cancer cells, and that malignant cancer cells generate higher stresses on their stroma. This study attempts to establish a distinct identification of the components' remodeling on the distribution and magnitude of stress within a tumor tissue which ultimately will impact the resistance of stroma to treatment. In this study, our objective is to construct a three-dimensional in silico model of a pancreas tumor tissue consisting of cancer cells, stromal cells, and ECM to determine how stromal remodeling alters the stresses distribution and magnitude within the pancreas tumor tissue. Our results show that changes in mechanical properties of ECM significantly alter the magnitude and distribution of stresses within the pancreas tumor tissue. Our results revealed that these stresses are more sensitive to ECM properties as we see the stresses reaching to a maximum of 22,000 Pa for softer ECM with Young's modulus of 250 Pa. The stress distribution and magnitude within the pancreas tumor tissue does not show high sensitivity to the changes in mechanical properties of stromal cells surrounding stiffer cancer cells (PANC-1 with Young's modulus of 2400 Pa). However, softer cancer cells (MIA-PaCa-2 with (Young's modulus of 500 Pa) increase the stresses experienced by stiffer stromal cells and for stiffer ECM. By providing a unique platform to dissect and quantify the impact of individual stromal components on the stress distribution within a tumor tissue, this study serves as an important first step in understanding of which stromal components are vital for an efficient remodeling. This knowledge will be leveraged to overcome a tumor's resistance against the penetration of nanoparticles on a per-patient basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Connaughton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA
| | - Mahsa Dabagh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA.
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2
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Diodati NG, Dupee ZE, Lima FT, Famiglietti J, Smolchek RA, Qu G, Goddard Y, Nguyen DT, Sawyer WG, Phelps EA, Mehrad B, Schaller MA. 3D Culture Analysis of Cancer Cell Adherence to Ex Vivo Lung Microexplants. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2024; 30:343-352. [PMID: 39078332 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2024.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo 3D culture of human tissue explants addresses many limitations of traditional monolayer cell culture techniques, namely the lack of cellular heterogeneity and absence of 3D intercellular spatial relationships, but presents challenges with regard to repeatability owing to the difficulty of acquiring multiple tissue samples from the same donor. In this study, we used a cryopreserved bank of human lung microexplants, ∼1 mm3 fragments of peripheral lung from donors undergoing lung resection surgery, and a liquid-like solid 3D culture matrix to describe a method for the analysis of non-small-cell lung cancer adhesion to human lung tissue. H226 (squamous cell carcinoma), H441 (lung adenocarcinoma), and H460 (large cell carcinoma) cell lines were cocultured with lung microexplants. Confocal fluorescence microscopy was used to visualize the adherence of each cell line to lung microexplants. Adherent cancer cells were quantified following filtration of nonadherent cells, digestion of cultured microexplants, and flow cytometry. This method was used to evaluate the role of integrins in cancer cell adherence. A statistically significant decrease in the adherence of H460 cells to lung microexplants was observed when anti-integrins were administered to H460 cells before coculture with lung microexplants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickolas G Diodati
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Zadia E Dupee
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Felipe T Lima
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jack Famiglietti
- Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida Herbert, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ryan A Smolchek
- Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida Herbert, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ganlin Qu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yana Goddard
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Duy T Nguyen
- Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida Herbert, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of BioEngineering, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - W Gregory Sawyer
- Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida Herbert, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of BioEngineering, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Edward A Phelps
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida Herbert, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Borna Mehrad
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Matthew A Schaller
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Polak R, Zhang ET, Kuo CJ. Cancer organoids 2.0: modelling the complexity of the tumour immune microenvironment. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:523-539. [PMID: 38977835 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00706-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The development of neoplasia involves a complex and continuous interplay between malignantly transformed cells and the tumour microenvironment (TME). Cancer immunotherapies targeting the immune TME have been increasingly validated in clinical trials but response rates vary substantially between tumour histologies and are often transient, idiosyncratic and confounded by resistance. Faithful experimental models of the patient-specific tumour immune microenvironment, capable of recapitulating tumour biology and immunotherapy effects, would greatly improve patient selection, target identification and definition of resistance mechanisms for immuno-oncology therapeutics. In this Review, we discuss currently available and rapidly evolving 3D tumour organoid models that capture important immune features of the TME. We highlight diverse opportunities for organoid-based investigations of tumour immunity, drug development and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roel Polak
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Elisa T Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Calvin J Kuo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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4
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Co IL, Fomina A, Nurse M, McGuigan AP. Applications and evolution of 3D cancer-immune cell models. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00155-0. [PMID: 39025680 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.06.008] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the highly complex tumor-immune landscape is an important goal for developing novel immune therapies for solid cancers. To this end, 3D cancer-immune models have emerged as patient-relevant in vitro tools for modeling the tumor-immune landscape and the cellular interactions within it. In this review, we provide an overview of the components and applications of 3D cancer-immune models and discuss their evolution from 2015 to 2023. Specifically, we observe trends in primary cell-sourced, T cell-based complex models used for therapy evaluation and biological discovery. Finally, we describe the challenges of implementing 3D cancer-immune models and the opportunities for maximizing their potential for deciphering the complex tumor-immune microenvironment and identifying novel, clinically relevant drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana L Co
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Aleksandra Fomina
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Michelle Nurse
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Alison P McGuigan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3E5, Canada.
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Hughes D, Evans A, Go S, Eyres M, Pan L, Mukherjee S, Soonawalla Z, Willenbrock F, O’Neill E. Development of human pancreatic cancer avatars as a model for dynamic immune landscape profiling and personalized therapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadm9071. [PMID: 38968363 PMCID: PMC11225792 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm9071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common form of pancreatic cancer, a disease with dismal overall survival. Advances in treatment are hindered by a lack of preclinical models. Here, we show how a personalized organotypic "avatar" created from resected tissue allows spatial and temporal reporting on a complete in situ tumor microenvironment and mirrors clinical responses. Our perfusion culture method extends tumor slice viability, maintaining stable tumor content, metabolism, stromal composition, and immune cell populations for 12 days. Using multiplexed immunofluorescence and spatial transcriptomics, we identify immune neighborhoods and potential for immunotherapy. We used avatars to assess the impact of a preclinically validated metabolic therapy and show recovery of stromal and immune phenotypes and tumor redifferentiation. To determine clinical relevance, we monitored avatar response to gemcitabine treatment and identify a patient avatar-predictable response from clinical follow-up. Thus, avatars provide valuable information for syngeneic testing of therapeutics and a truly personalized therapeutic assessment platform for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hughes
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Alice Evans
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Simei Go
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Michael Eyres
- Medicines Discovery Catapult, Alderley Park SK10 4ZF, UK
| | - Liuliu Pan
- NanoString Technologies Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Zahir Soonawalla
- Department of HPB surgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | - Eric O’Neill
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
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Shin YC, Than N, Park SJ, Kim HJ. Bioengineered human gut-on-a-chip for advancing non-clinical pharmaco-toxicology. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2024; 20:593-606. [PMID: 38849312 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2024.2365254] [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: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a growing need for alternative models to advance current non-clinical experimental models because they often fail to accurately predict drug responses in human clinical trials. Human organ-on-a-chip models have emerged as promising approaches for advancing the predictability of drug behaviors and responses. AREAS COVERED We summarize up-to-date human gut-on-a-chip models designed to demonstrate intricate interactions involving the host, microbiome, and pharmaceutical compounds since these models have been reported a decade ago. This overview covers recent advances in gut-on-a-chip models as a bridge technology between non-clinical and clinical assessments of drug toxicity and metabolism. We highlight the promising potential of gut-on-a-chip platforms, offering a reliable and valid framework for investigating reciprocal crosstalk between the host, gut microbiome, and drug compounds. EXPERT OPINION Gut-on-a-chip platforms can attract multiple end users as predictive, human-relevant, and non-clinical model. Notably, gut-on-a-chip platforms provide a unique opportunity to recreate a human intestinal microenvironment, including dynamic bowel movement, luminal flow, oxygen gradient, host-microbiome interactions, and disease-specific manipulations restricted in animal and in vitro cell culture models. Additionally, given the profound impact of the gut microbiome on pharmacological bioprocess, it is critical to leverage breakthroughs of gut-on-a-chip technology to address knowledge gaps and drive innovations in predictive drug toxicology and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Cheol Shin
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nam Than
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Soo Jin Park
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hyun Jung Kim
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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van der Woude H, Phan K, Kenwright DN, Goossens L, Hally KE, Currie MJ, Kokkinos J, Sharbeen G, Phillips PA, Henry CE. Development of a long term, ex vivo, patient-derived explant model of endometrial cancer. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301413. [PMID: 38635728 PMCID: PMC11025966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Incidence of endometrial cancer (EC) is rising in the developed world. The current standard of care, hysterectomy, is often infeasible for younger patients and those with high body mass index. There are limited non-surgical treatment options and a lack of biologically relevant research models to investigate novel alternatives to surgery for EC. The aim of the present study was to develop a long-term, patient-derived explant (PDE) model of early-stage EC and demonstrate its use for investigating predictive biomarkers for a current non-surgical treatment option, the levonorgestrel intra-uterine system (LNG-IUS). Fresh tumour specimens were obtained from patients with early-stage endometrioid EC. Tumours were cut into explants, cultured on media-soaked gelatin sponges for up to 21 days and treated with LNG. Formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) blocks were generated for each explant after 21 days in culture. Tumour architecture and integrity were assessed by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). IHC was additionally performed for the expression of five candidate biomarkers of LNG resistance. The developed ex vivo PDE model is capable of culturing explants from early-stage EC tumours long-term (21 Days). This model can complement existing models and may serve as a tool to validate results obtained in higher-throughput in vitro studies. Our study provides the foundation to validate the extent to which EC PDEs reflect patient response in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah van der Woude
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Khoi Phan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Diane N. Kenwright
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Louise Goossens
- Medical Photography, Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Margaret Jane Currie
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - John Kokkinos
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - George Sharbeen
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Phoebe A. Phillips
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Claire Elizabeth Henry
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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8
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Connaughton M, Dabagh M. Modeling Physical Forces Experienced by Cancer and Stromal Cells Within Different Organ-Specific Tumor Tissue. IEEE JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL ENGINEERING IN HEALTH AND MEDICINE 2024; 12:413-434. [PMID: 38765886 PMCID: PMC11100865 DOI: 10.1109/jtehm.2024.3388561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical force exerted on cancer cells by their microenvironment have been reported to drive cells toward invasive phenotypes by altering cells' motility, proliferation, and apoptosis. These mechanical forces include compressive, tensile, hydrostatic, and shear forces. The importance of forces is then hypothesized to be an alteration of cancer cells' and their microenvironment's biophysical properties as the indicator of a tumor's malignancy state. Our objective is to investigate and quantify the correlation between a tumor's malignancy state and forces experienced by the cancer cells and components of the microenvironment. In this study, we have developed a multicomponent, three-dimensional model of tumor tissue consisting of a cancer cell surrounded by fibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM). Our results on three different organs including breast, kidney, and pancreas show that: A) the stresses within tumor tissue are impacted by the organ specific ECM's biophysical properties, B) more invasive cancer cells experience higher stresses, C) in pancreas which has a softer ECM (Young modulus of 1.0 kPa) and stiffer cancer cells (Young modulus of 2.4 kPa and 1.7 kPa) than breast and kidney, cancer cells experienced significantly higher stresses, D) cancer cells in contact with ECM experienced higher stresses compared to cells surrounded by fibroblasts but the area of tumor stroma experiencing high stresses has a maximum length of 40 μm when the cancer cell is surrounded by fibroblasts and 12 μm for when the cancer cell is in vicinity of ECM. This study serves as an important first step in understanding of how the stresses experienced by cancer cells, fibroblasts, and ECM are associated with malignancy states of cancer cells in different organs. The quantification of forces exerted on cancer cells by different organ-specific ECM and at different stages of malignancy will help, first to develop theranostic strategies, second to predict accurately which tumors will become highly malignant, and third to establish accurate criteria controlling the progression of cancer cells malignancy. Furthermore, our in silico model of tumor tissue can yield critical, useful information for guiding ex vivo or in vitro experiments, narrowing down variables to be investigated, understanding what factors could be impacting cancer treatments or even biomarkers to be looking for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Connaughton
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukeeWI53211USA
| | - Mahsa Dabagh
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukeeWI53211USA
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9
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Conley J, Perry JR, Ashford B, Ranson M. Ex vivo therapeutic screening of metastatic cSCC: A review of methodological considerations for clinical implementation. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e15089. [PMID: 38659312 DOI: 10.1111/exd.15089] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common malignancy worldwide, with most deaths caused by locally advanced and metastatic disease. Treatment of resectable metastases is typically limited to invasive surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy; however, many patients fail to respond and there is minimal data to predict response or propose effective alternatives. Precision medicine could improve this, though genomic biomarkers remain elusive in the high mutational background and genomic complexity of cSCC. A phenotypic approach to precision medicine using patient-derived ex vivo tumour models is gaining favour for its capacity to directly assess biological responses to therapeutics as a functional, predictive biomarker. However, the use of ex vivo models for guiding therapeutic selection has yet to be employed for metastatic cSCC. This review will therefore evaluate the existing experimental models of metastatic cSCC and discuss how ex vivo methods could overcome the shortcomings of these existing models. Disease-specific considerations for a prospective methodological pipeline will also be discussed in the context of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Conley
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jay R Perry
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bruce Ashford
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marie Ranson
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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Huang YK, Cheng WC, Kuo TT, Yang JC, Wu YC, Wu HH, Lo CC, Hsieh CY, Wong SC, Lu CH, Wu WL, Liu SJ, Li YC, Lin CC, Shen CN, Hung MC, Lin JT, Yeh CC, Sher YP. Inhibition of ADAM9 promotes the selective degradation of KRAS and sensitizes pancreatic cancers to chemotherapy. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:400-419. [PMID: 38267627 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00720-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) signaling drives pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) malignancy, which is an unmet clinical need. Here, we identify a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain (ADAM)9 as a modulator of PDAC progression via stabilization of wild-type and mutant KRAS proteins. Mechanistically, ADAM9 loss increases the interaction of KRAS with plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), which functions as a selective autophagy receptor in conjunction with light chain 3 (LC3), triggering lysosomal degradation of KRAS. Suppression of ADAM9 by a small-molecule inhibitor restricts disease progression in spontaneous models, and combination with gemcitabine elicits dramatic regression of patient-derived tumors. Our findings provide a promising strategy to target the KRAS signaling cascade and demonstrate a potential modality to enhance sensitivity to chemotherapy in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Kai Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chung Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, China Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Ting Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Juan-Cheng Yang
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Chang Wu
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Heng-Hsiung Wu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chien Lo
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ying Hsieh
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sze-Ching Wong
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hao Lu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ling Wu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Liu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chuan Li
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chan Lin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ning Shen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jaw-Town Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chieh Yeh
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Surgery, Organ Transplantation Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Yuh-Pyng Sher
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, China Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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11
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Hasselluhn MC, Decker-Farrell AR, Vlahos L, Thomas DH, Curiel-Garcia A, Maurer HC, Wasko UN, Tomassoni L, Sastra SA, Palermo CF, Dalton TC, Ma A, Li F, Tolosa EJ, Hibshoosh H, Fernandez-Zapico ME, Muir A, Califano A, Olive KP. Tumor Explants Elucidate a Cascade of Paracrine SHH, WNT, and VEGF Signals Driving Pancreatic Cancer Angiosuppression. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:348-361. [PMID: 37966260 PMCID: PMC10922937 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The sparse vascularity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a mystery: What prevents this aggressive malignancy from undergoing neoangiogenesis to counteract hypoxia and better support growth? An incidental finding from prior work on paracrine communication between malignant PDAC cells and fibroblasts revealed that inhibition of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway partially relieved angiosuppression, increasing tumor vascularity through unknown mechanisms. Initial efforts to study this phenotype were hindered by difficulties replicating the complex interactions of multiple cell types in vitro. Here we identify a cascade of paracrine signals between multiple cell types that act sequentially to suppress angiogenesis in PDAC. Malignant epithelial cells promote HH signaling in fibroblasts, leading to inhibition of noncanonical WNT signaling in fibroblasts and epithelial cells, thereby limiting VEGFR2-dependent activation of endothelial hypersprouting. This cascade was elucidated using human and murine PDAC explant models, which effectively retain the complex cellular interactions of native tumor tissues. SIGNIFICANCE We present a key mechanism of tumor angiosuppression, a process that sculpts the physiologic, cellular, and metabolic environment of PDAC. We further present a computational and experimental framework for the dissection of complex signaling cascades that propagate among multiple cell types in the tissue environment. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 201.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C. Hasselluhn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Amanda R. Decker-Farrell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Lukas Vlahos
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | | | - Alvaro Curiel-Garcia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - H. Carlo Maurer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Urszula N. Wasko
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Lorenzo Tomassoni
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Stephen A. Sastra
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Carmine F. Palermo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Tanner C. Dalton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Alice Ma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Fangda Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Ezequiel J. Tolosa
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Hanina Hibshoosh
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | | | - Alexander Muir
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Andrea Califano
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- J.P. Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Kenneth P. Olive
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
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12
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Decker-Farrell AR, Ma A, Li F, Muir A, Olive KP. Generation and ex vivo culture of murine and human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissue slice explants. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102711. [PMID: 37950862 PMCID: PMC10682255 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional 2D/3D co-culture models typically do not reflect the cellular heterogeneity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors, while in vivo models can be slow and ill-suited to mechanistic investigations. Here, we present a protocol for culturing murine PDAC explants and a corresponding human PDAC model using tissue slice explants. We describe steps for sponge production, preparation of media and materials, tissue collection, and sectioning. We then detail procedures for explant plating, daily culture, and collection of samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Decker-Farrell
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Alice Ma
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Fangda Li
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Alexander Muir
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kenneth P Olive
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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13
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Mui M, Clark M, Vu TMSH, Clemons N, Hollande F, Roth S, Ramsay R, Michael M, Heriot AG, Kong JCH. Use of patient-derived explants as a preclinical model for precision medicine in colorectal cancer: A scoping review. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2023; 408:392. [PMID: 37816905 PMCID: PMC10564805 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-023-03133-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Whilst the treatment paradigm for colorectal cancer has evolved significantly over time, there is still a lack of reliable biomarkers of treatment response. Treatment decisions are based on high-risk features such as advanced TNM stage and histology. The role of the tumour microenvironment, which can influence tumour progression and treatment response, has generated considerable interest. Patient-derived explant cultures allow preservation of native tissue architecture and tumour microenvironment. The aim of the scoping review is to evaluate the utility of patient-derived explant cultures as a preclinical model in colorectal cancer. METHODS A search was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from start of database records to September 1, 2022. We included all peer-reviewed human studies in English language which used patient-derived explants as a preclinical model in primary colorectal cancer. Eligible studies were grouped into the following categories: assessing model feasibility; exploring tumour microenvironment; assessing ex vivo drug responses; discovering and validating biomarkers. RESULTS A total of 60 studies were eligible. Fourteen studies demonstrated feasibility of using patient-derived explants as a preclinical model. Ten studies explored the tumour microenvironment. Thirty-eight studies assessed ex vivo drug responses of chemotherapy agents and targeted therapies. Twenty-four studies identified potential biomarkers of treatment response. CONCLUSIONS Given the preservation of tumour microenvironment and tumour heterogeneity, patient-derived explants has the potential to identify reliable biomarkers, treatment resistance mechanisms, and novel therapeutic agents. Further validation studies are required to characterise, refine and standardise this preclinical model before it can become a part of precision medicine in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Mui
- Division of Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Molly Clark
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tamara M S H Vu
- Division of Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas Clemons
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Frédéric Hollande
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, The University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sara Roth
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert Ramsay
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Michael
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Division of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander G Heriot
- Division of Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph C H Kong
- Division of Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Urbanova M, Cihova M, Buocikova V, Slopovsky J, Dubovan P, Pindak D, Tomas M, García-Bermejo L, Rodríguez-Garrote M, Earl J, Kohl Y, Kataki A, Dusinska M, Sainz B, Smolkova B, Gabelova A. Nanomedicine and epigenetics: New alliances to increase the odds in pancreatic cancer survival. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115179. [PMID: 37481927 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115179] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest cancers worldwide, primarily due to its robust desmoplastic stroma and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which facilitate tumor progression and metastasis. In addition, fibrous tissue leads to sparse vasculature, high interstitial fluid pressure, and hypoxia, thereby hindering effective systemic drug delivery and immune cell infiltration. Thus, remodeling the TME to enhance tumor perfusion, increase drug retention, and reverse immunosuppression has become a key therapeutic strategy. In recent years, targeting epigenetic pathways has emerged as a promising approach to overcome tumor immunosuppression and cancer progression. Moreover, the progress in nanotechnology has provided new opportunities for enhancing the efficacy of conventional and epigenetic drugs. Nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) offer several advantages, including improved drug pharmacokinetics, enhanced tumor penetration, and reduced systemic toxicity. Smart NDDSs enable precise targeting of stromal components and augment the effectiveness of immunotherapy through multiple drug delivery options. This review offers an overview of the latest nano-based approaches developed to achieve superior therapeutic efficacy and overcome drug resistance. We specifically focus on the TME and epigenetic-targeted therapies in the context of PDAC, discussing the advantages and limitations of current strategies while highlighting promising new developments. By emphasizing the immense potential of NDDSs in improving therapeutic outcomes in PDAC, our review paves the way for future research in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Urbanova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marina Cihova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Slopovsky
- 2nd Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Spitalska 24, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Dubovan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Surgical Oncology, National CancerInstitute in Bratislava, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Limbová12, 833 03 Bratislava
| | - Daniel Pindak
- Department of Surgical Oncology, National CancerInstitute in Bratislava, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Limbová12, 833 03 Bratislava
| | - Miroslav Tomas
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Surgical Oncology, National CancerInstitute in Bratislava, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Limbová12, 833 03 Bratislava
| | - Laura García-Bermejo
- Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets Group, Area4, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Carretera Colmenar Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Rodríguez-Garrote
- Molecular Epidemiology and Predictive Tumor Markers Group, Area 3, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Carretera Colmenar Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julie Earl
- Molecular Epidemiology and Predictive Tumor Markers Group, Area 3, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Carretera Colmenar Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yvonne Kohl
- Department Bioprocessing & Bioanalytics, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, 66280 Sulzbach, Germany
| | - Agapi Kataki
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias 114, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department of Environmental Chemistry, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, 2002 Kjeller, Norway
| | - Bruno Sainz
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas"Alberto Sols" (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Biomarkers and Personalized Approach to Cancer (BIOPAC) Group, Area 3, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alena Gabelova
- Department of Nanobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia..
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15
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Wu KZ, Adine C, Mitriashkin A, Aw BJJ, Iyer NG, Fong ELS. Making In Vitro Tumor Models Whole Again. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202279. [PMID: 36718949 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202279] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
As a reductionist approach, patient-derived in vitro tumor models are inherently still too simplistic for personalized drug testing as they do not capture many characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as tumor architecture and stromal heterogeneity. This is especially problematic for assessing stromal-targeting drugs such as immunotherapies in which the density and distribution of immune and other stromal cells determine drug efficacy. On the other end, in vivo models are typically costly, low-throughput, and time-consuming to establish. Ex vivo patient-derived tumor explant (PDE) cultures involve the culture of resected tumor fragments that potentially retain the intact TME of the original tumor. Although developed decades ago, PDE cultures have not been widely adopted likely because of their low-throughput and poor long-term viability. However, with growing recognition of the importance of patient-specific TME in mediating drug response, especially in the field of immune-oncology, there is an urgent need to resurrect these holistic cultures. In this Review, the key limitations of patient-derived tumor explant cultures are outlined and technologies that have been developed or could be employed to address these limitations are discussed. Engineered holistic tumor explant cultures may truly realize the concept of personalized medicine for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Zhuoran Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Christabella Adine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Aleksandr Mitriashkin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Jun Jie Aw
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - N Gopalakrishna Iyer
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
| | - Eliza Li Shan Fong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute (CSI), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
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16
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Terrones M, de Beeck KO, Van Camp G, Vandeweyer G. Pre-clinical modelling of ROS1+ non-small cell lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2023; 180:107192. [PMID: 37068393 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2023.107192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a heterogeneous group of diseases which accounts for 80% of newly diagnosed lung cancers. In the previous decade, a new molecular subset of NSCLC patients (around 2%) harboring rearrangements of the c-ros oncogene 1 was defined. ROS1+ NSCLC is typically diagnosed in young, nonsmoker individuals presenting an adenocarcinoma histology. Patients can benefit from tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as crizotinib and entrectinib, compounds initially approved to treat ALK-, MET- or NTRK- rearranged malignancies respectively. Given the low prevalence of ROS1-rearranged tumors, the use of TKIs was authorized based on pre-clinical evidence using limited experimental models, followed by basket clinical trials. After initiating targeted therapy, disease relapse is reported in approximately 50% of cases as a result of the appearance of resistance mechanisms. The restricted availability of TKIs active against resistance events critically reduces the overall survival. In this review we discuss the pre-clinical ROS1+ NSCLC models developed up to date, highlighting their strengths and limitations with respect to the unmet clinical needs. By combining gene-editing tools and novel cell culture approaches, newly developed pre-clinical models will enhance the development of next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors that overcome resistant tumor cell subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Terrones
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Ken Op de Beeck
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Van Camp
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Geert Vandeweyer
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
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17
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Functional precision oncology using patient-derived assays: bridging genotype and phenotype. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:305-317. [PMID: 36914745 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00745-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Genomics-based precision medicine has revolutionized oncology but also has inherent limitations. Functional precision oncology is emerging as a complementary approach that aims to bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype by modelling individual tumours in vitro. These patient-derived ex vivo models largely preserve several tumour characteristics that are not captured by genomics approaches and enable the functional dissection of tumour vulnerabilities in a personalized manner. In this Review, we discuss several examples of personalized functional assays involving tumour organoids, spheroids and explants and their potential to predict treatment responses and drug-induced toxicities in individual patients. These developments have opened exciting new avenues for precision oncology, with the potential for successful clinical applications in contexts in which genomic data alone are not informative. To implement these assays into clinical practice, we outline four key barriers that need to be overcome: assay success rates, turnaround times, the need for standardized conditions and the definition of in vitro responders. Furthermore, we discuss novel technological advances such as microfluidics that might reduce sample requirements, assay times and labour intensity and thereby enable functional precision oncology to be implemented in routine clinical practice.
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18
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Guan L, Yang Y, Lu Y, Chen Y, Luo X, Xin D, Meng X, Shan Z, Jiang G, Wang F. Reactivation of mutant p53 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by isothiocyanate inhibits tumor growth. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1141420. [PMID: 37168998 PMCID: PMC10164965 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1141420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
p53 mutations are prevalent in human cancers; approximately half of patients with esophageal cancer present these mutations. Mutant p53 (mutp53) exerts oncogenic functions that promote malignant tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance, resulting in poor prognosis. Some small molecules have been shown to mitigate the oncogenic function of mutp53 by restoring its wild-type activity. Although these molecules have been evaluated in clinical trials, none have been successfully used in the clinic. Here, we investigated the antitumor effects of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) in p53-mutant esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and elucidated its mechanism to identify new therapeutic strategies. We observed that p53R248Q is a DNA contact mutation and a structural mutation and that PEITC can restore the activity of p53R248Q in vitro and in vivo, further clarifying the antitumor activity of PEITC in cancers with different types of p53 mutations. PEITC can inhibit ESCC growth, induce apoptosis, and arrest cell cycle progression and has a preferential selectivity for ESCC with p53 mutations. Mechanistic studies showed that PEITC induced apoptosis and arrested cells at G2/M transition in cells expressing the p53R248Q mutant by restoring the wild-type conformation and transactivation function of p53; these effects were concentration dependent. Furthermore, PEITC inhibited the growth of subcutaneous xenografts in vivo and restored p53 mutant activity in xenografts. According to these findings, PEITC has antitumor effects, with its ability to restore p53R248Q activity being a key molecular event responsible for these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Guan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yalan Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xi Luo
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dao Xin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiangrui Meng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhengzheng Shan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guozhong Jiang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Wang,
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19
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Koch MK, Ravichandran A, Murekatete B, Clegg J, Joseph MT, Hampson M, Jenkinson M, Bauer HS, Snell C, Liu C, Gough M, Thompson EW, Werner C, Hutmacher DW, Haupt LM, Bray LJ. Exploring the Potential of PEG-Heparin Hydrogels to Support Long-Term Ex Vivo Culture of Patient-Derived Breast Explant Tissues. Adv Healthc Mater 2022:e2202202. [PMID: 36527735 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202202] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a complex, highly heterogenous, and dynamic disease and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Evaluation of the heterogeneity of breast cancer and its various subtypes is crucial to identify novel treatment strategies that can overcome the limitations of currently available options. Explant cultures of human mammary tissue have been known to provide important insights for the study of breast cancer structure and phenotype as they include the context of the surrounding microenvironment, allowing for the comprehensive exploration of patient heterogeneity. However, the major limitation of currently available techniques remains the short-term viability of the tissue owing to loss of structural integrity. Here, an ex vivo culture model using star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) and maleimide-functionalized heparin (PEG-HM) hydrogels to provide structural support to the explant cultures is presented. The mechanical support allows the culture of the human mammary tissue for up to 3 weeks and prevent disintegration of the cellular structures including the epithelium and surrounding stromal tissue. Further, maintenance of epithelial phenotype and hormonal receptors is observed for up to 2 weeks of culture which makes them relevant for testing therapeutic interventions. Through this study, the importance of donor-to-donor variability and intra-patient tissue heterogeneity is reiterated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria K Koch
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Akhilandeshwari Ravichandran
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia.,Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Berline Murekatete
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Julien Clegg
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia.,Centre for the Personalised Analysis of Cancers, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Mary Teresa Joseph
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Madison Hampson
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Mitchell Jenkinson
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Hannah S Bauer
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Cameron Snell
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.,Mater Pathology, Mater Hospital Brisbane, Mater Health Services, Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Cheng Liu
- Mater Pathology, Mater Hospital Brisbane, Mater Health Services, Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Madeline Gough
- Mater Pathology, Mater Hospital Brisbane, Mater Health Services, Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia.,Cancer Pathology Research Group, Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- Centre for the Personalised Analysis of Cancers, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Carsten Werner
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dietmar W Hutmacher
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia.,Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.,Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Multiscale 3D Imaging, Modelling, and Manufacturing (M3D Innovation), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.,Max Planck Queensland Center for the Materials Science of Extracellular Matrices, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Larisa M Haupt
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.,Max Planck Queensland Center for the Materials Science of Extracellular Matrices, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.,Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Laura J Bray
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia.,Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia.,Centre for the Personalised Analysis of Cancers, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.,Max Planck Queensland Center for the Materials Science of Extracellular Matrices, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
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20
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O'Kane GM, Lowery MA. Moving the Needle on Precision Medicine in Pancreatic Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:2693-2705. [PMID: 35839440 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.02514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has posed a considerable challenge for decades, with incidence and mortality rates almost mirroring each other. Despite this, a deeper understanding of the complex biology inherent to PDAC has provided a roadmap for a more precise approach to treatment. PDAC deficient in homologous recombination repair and mismatch repair is a subgroup that should be identified in the clinic for a targeted approach. In addition, KRAS wild-type PDAC, occurring in approximately 10% of patients, is enriched in highly actionable alterations including fusions, underscoring the importance of integrative germline and somatic sequencing. Comprehensive sequencing efforts over the past decade have documented genomic- and transcriptomic-based classifiers, with the latter emerging as two main subtypes: the classical and basal-like, which are now being evaluated in clinical trials. Together with promising, innovative strategies to target KRAS mutations and their pleotropic effects, a new era of precision medicine in PDAC is on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grainne M O'Kane
- Trinity St James Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Wallace McCain Centre for Pancreatic Cancer, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
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21
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Clark J, Fotopoulou C, Cunnea P, Krell J. Novel Ex Vivo Models of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: The Future of Biomarker and Therapeutic Research. Front Oncol 2022; 12:837233. [PMID: 35402223 PMCID: PMC8990887 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.837233] [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: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a heterogenous disease associated with variations in presentation, pathology and prognosis. Advanced EOC is typified by frequent relapse and a historical 5-year survival of less than 30% despite improvements in surgical and systemic treatment. The advent of next generation sequencing has led to notable advances in the field of personalised medicine for many cancer types. Success in achieving cure in advanced EOC has however been limited, although significant prolongation of survival has been demonstrated. Development of novel research platforms is therefore necessary to address the rapidly advancing field of early diagnostics and therapeutics, whilst also acknowledging the significant tumour heterogeneity associated with EOC. Within available tumour models, patient-derived organoids (PDO) and explant tumour slices have demonstrated particular promise as novel ex vivo systems to model different cancer types including ovarian cancer. PDOs are organ specific 3D tumour cultures that can accurately represent the histology and genomics of their native tumour, as well as offer the possibility as models for pharmaceutical drug testing platforms, offering timing advantages and potential use as prospective personalised models to guide clinical decision-making. Such applications could maximise the benefit of drug treatments to patients on an individual level whilst minimising use of less effective, yet toxic, therapies. PDOs are likely to play a greater role in both academic research and drug development in the future and have the potential to revolutionise future patient treatment and clinical trial pathways. Similarly, ex vivo tumour slices or explants have also shown recent renewed promise in their ability to provide a fast, specific, platform for drug testing that accurately represents in vivo tumour response. Tumour explants retain tissue architecture, and thus incorporate the majority of tumour microenvironment making them an attractive method to re-capitulate in vivo conditions, again with significant timing and personalisation of treatment advantages for patients. This review will discuss the current treatment landscape and research models for EOC, their development and new advances towards the discovery of novel biomarkers or combinational therapeutic strategies to increase treatment options for women with ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Clark
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Fotopoulou
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Cunnea
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Krell
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Chen H, Wu Z, Gong Z, Xia Y, Li J, Du L, Zhang Y, Gao X, Fan Z, Hu H, Qian Q, Ding Z, Guo S. Acoustic Bioprinting of Patient-Derived Organoids for Predicting Cancer Therapy Responses. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102784. [PMID: 35358375 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cancer models, which are biologically representative of patient tumors, can predict the treatment responses and help determine the most appropriate cancer treatment for individual patients. Here, a point-of-care testing system called acoustically bioprinted patient-derived microtissues (PDMs) that can model cancer invasion and predict treatment response in individual patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), is reported. The PDMs are composed of patient-derived colorectal tumors and healthy organoids which can be precisely arranged by acoustic bioprinting approach for recapulating primary tissue's architecture. Particularly, these tumor organoids can be efficiently generated and can apprehend histological, genomic, and phenotypical characteristics of primary tumors. Consequently, these PDMs allow physiologically relevant in vitro drug (5-fluorouracil) screens, thus predicting the paired patient's responses to chemotherapy. A correlation between organoid invasion speed and normalized spreading speed of the paired patients is further established. It provides a quantitative indicator to help doctors make better decisions on ultimate anus-preserving operation for extremely low CRC patients. Thus, by combing acoustic bioprinting and organoid cultures, this method may open an avenue to establish complex 3D tissue models for precision and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro‐ and Nano‐structures of Ministry of Education School of Physics and Technology Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Zhuhao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro‐ and Nano‐structures of Ministry of Education School of Physics and Technology Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Zhiyi Gong
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro‐ and Nano‐structures of Ministry of Education School of Physics and Technology Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Yu Xia
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro‐ and Nano‐structures of Ministry of Education School of Physics and Technology Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro‐ and Nano‐structures of Ministry of Education School of Physics and Technology Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Liang Du
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro‐ and Nano‐structures of Ministry of Education School of Physics and Technology Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Yuanzheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro‐ and Nano‐structures of Ministry of Education School of Physics and Technology Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Xiangyang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro‐ and Nano‐structures of Ministry of Education School of Physics and Technology Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Zhou Fan
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery Hubei Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Hang Hu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery Hubei Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Qun Qian
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery Hubei Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Zhao Ding
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery Hubei Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Shishang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro‐ and Nano‐structures of Ministry of Education School of Physics and Technology Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
- Hubei Yangtze Memory Laboratories Wuhan 430205 China
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23
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Santos SC, Custódio CA, Mano JF. Human Protein-Based Porous Scaffolds as Platforms for Xeno-Free 3D Cell Culture. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102383. [PMID: 35182104 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix and protein-based biomaterials emerge as attractive sources to produce scaffolds due to their great properties regarding biocompatibility and bioactivity. In addition, there are concerns regarding the use of animal-derived supplements in cell culture not only due to the risk of transmission of xenogeneic contaminants and antigens but also due to ethical issues associated with collection methods. Herein, a novel human protein-derived porous scaffold produced from platelet lysates (PL) as platform for xeno-free 3D cell culture has been proposed. Human PL are chemically modified with methacryloyl groups (PLMA) to make them photocrosslinkable and used as precursor material to produce PLMA-based sponges. The herein reported human-based sponges have highly tunable morphology and mechanical properties, with an internal porous structure and Young's modulus dependent on the concentration of the polymer. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) are cultured on top of PLMA sponges to validate their use for 3D cell culture in xeno-free conditions. After 14 days hASCs remained viable, and results show that cells are able to proliferate during time even in the absence of animal-derived supplementation. This study reveals for the first time that such scaffolds can be promising platforms for culture of human cells avoiding the use of any animal-derived supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C. Santos
- Department of Chemistry CICECO University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
| | - Catarina A. Custódio
- Department of Chemistry CICECO University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
| | - João F. Mano
- Department of Chemistry CICECO University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
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24
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Templeton AR, Jeffery PL, Thomas PB, Perera MPJ, Ng G, Calabrese AR, Nicholls C, Mackenzie NJ, Wood J, Bray LJ, Vela I, Thompson EW, Williams ED. Patient-Derived Explants as a Precision Medicine Patient-Proximal Testing Platform Informing Cancer Management. Front Oncol 2022; 11:767697. [PMID: 34988013 PMCID: PMC8721047 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.767697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine approaches that inform clinical management of individuals with cancer are progressively advancing. Patient-derived explants (PDEs) provide a patient-proximal ex vivo platform that can be used to assess sensitivity to standard of care (SOC) therapies and novel agents. PDEs have several advantages as a patient-proximal model compared to current preclinical models, as they maintain the phenotype and microenvironment of the individual tumor. However, the longevity of PDEs is not compatible with the timeframe required to incorporate candidate therapeutic options identified by whole exome sequencing (WES) of the patient’s tumor. This review investigates how PDE longevity varies across tumor streams and how this is influenced by tissue preparation. Improving longevity of PDEs will enable individualized therapeutics testing, and thus contribute to improving outcomes for people with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby R Templeton
- School of Biomedical Sciences at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Penny L Jeffery
- School of Biomedical Sciences at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Patrick B Thomas
- School of Biomedical Sciences at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mahasha P J Perera
- School of Biomedical Sciences at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gary Ng
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alivia R Calabrese
- School of Biomedical Sciences at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Clarissa Nicholls
- School of Biomedical Sciences at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nathan J Mackenzie
- School of Biomedical Sciences at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jack Wood
- School of Biomedical Sciences at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Laura J Bray
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ian Vela
- School of Biomedical Sciences at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- School of Biomedical Sciences at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth D Williams
- School of Biomedical Sciences at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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25
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Gris-Cárdenas I, Rábano M, Vivanco MDM. Patient-Derived Explant Cultures of Normal and Tumor Human Breast Tissue. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2471:301-307. [PMID: 35175605 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2193-6_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Tissue culture has evolved considerably over the last few years, including cell culture in three dimensions, organoids, cocultures of different cell types and the use of diverse types of matrices in an attempt to mimic conditions that more closely resemble those found in the original tissue or organ. In this chapter, we describe how patient-derived breast tissue can be cultured on sponges for several days, maintaining their original architecture and with the capacity to respond to treatments. This protocol facilitates the study of the tissue responses without the need for extensive tissue manipulation, cell digestion or use of a biomaterial as scaffold, while maintaining the stroma and extracellular matrix organization. This method has the potential to improve preclinical testing by contributing to provide more accurate data reflecting cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, tumor microenvironment, drug effects or stem cell function in normal- and pathophysiology of the breast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Gris-Cárdenas
- Cancer Heterogeneity Laboratory, Centre for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Miriam Rábano
- Cancer Heterogeneity Laboratory, Centre for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Maria D M Vivanco
- Cancer Heterogeneity Laboratory, Centre for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain.
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26
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Tinajero-Díaz E, Salado-Leza D, Gonzalez C, Martínez Velázquez M, López Z, Bravo-Madrigal J, Knauth P, Flores-Hernández FY, Herrera-Rodríguez SE, Navarro RE, Cabrera-Wrooman A, Krötzsch E, Carvajal ZYG, Hernández-Gutiérrez R. Green Metallic Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy: Evaluation Models and Cancer Applications. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1719. [PMID: 34684012 PMCID: PMC8537602 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal-based nanoparticles are widely used to deliver bioactive molecules and drugs to improve cancer therapy. Several research works have highlighted the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles by green chemistry, using biological entities to minimize the use of solvents and control their physicochemical and biological properties. Recent advances in evaluating the anticancer effect of green biogenic Au and Ag nanoparticles are mainly focused on the use of conventional 2D cell culture and in vivo murine models that allow determination of the half-maximal inhibitory concentration, a critical parameter to move forward clinical trials. However, the interaction between nanoparticles and the tumor microenvironment is not yet fully understood. Therefore, it is necessary to develop more human-like evaluation models or to improve the existing ones for a better understanding of the molecular bases of cancer. This review provides recent advances in biosynthesized Au and Ag nanoparticles for seven of the most common and relevant cancers and their biological assessment. In addition, it provides a general idea of the in silico, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models used for the anticancer evaluation of green biogenic metal-based nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Tinajero-Díaz
- Departament d’Enginyeria Química, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, ETSEIB, Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
- Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de La Normal, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico; (M.M.V.); (J.B.-M.); (F.Y.F.-H.); (S.E.H.-R.)
| | - Daniela Salado-Leza
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava, Zona Universitaria, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico; (D.S.-L.); (C.G.)
- Cátedras CONACyT, México City 03940, Mexico
| | - Carmen Gonzalez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava, Zona Universitaria, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico; (D.S.-L.); (C.G.)
| | - Moisés Martínez Velázquez
- Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de La Normal, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico; (M.M.V.); (J.B.-M.); (F.Y.F.-H.); (S.E.H.-R.)
| | - Zaira López
- Centro Universitario de la Ciénega, Cell Biology Laboratory, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Universidad 1115, Ocotlán 47810, Mexico; (Z.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Jorge Bravo-Madrigal
- Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de La Normal, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico; (M.M.V.); (J.B.-M.); (F.Y.F.-H.); (S.E.H.-R.)
| | - Peter Knauth
- Centro Universitario de la Ciénega, Cell Biology Laboratory, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Universidad 1115, Ocotlán 47810, Mexico; (Z.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Flor Y. Flores-Hernández
- Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de La Normal, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico; (M.M.V.); (J.B.-M.); (F.Y.F.-H.); (S.E.H.-R.)
| | - Sara Elisa Herrera-Rodríguez
- Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de La Normal, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico; (M.M.V.); (J.B.-M.); (F.Y.F.-H.); (S.E.H.-R.)
| | - Rosa E. Navarro
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, México City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Alejandro Cabrera-Wrooman
- Centro Nacional de Investigación y Atención de Quemados, Laboratory of Connective Tissue, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación “Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra”, México City 14389, Mexico; (A.C.-W.); (E.K.)
| | - Edgar Krötzsch
- Centro Nacional de Investigación y Atención de Quemados, Laboratory of Connective Tissue, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación “Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra”, México City 14389, Mexico; (A.C.-W.); (E.K.)
| | - Zaira Y. García Carvajal
- Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de La Normal, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico; (M.M.V.); (J.B.-M.); (F.Y.F.-H.); (S.E.H.-R.)
| | - Rodolfo Hernández-Gutiérrez
- Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de La Normal, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico; (M.M.V.); (J.B.-M.); (F.Y.F.-H.); (S.E.H.-R.)
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27
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Manoukian P, Bijlsma M, van Laarhoven H. The Cellular Origins of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Their Opposing Contributions to Pancreatic Cancer Growth. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:743907. [PMID: 34646829 PMCID: PMC8502878 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.743907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic tumors are known to harbor an abundant and highly desmoplastic stroma. Among the various cell types that reside within tumor stroma, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained a lot of attention in the cancer field due to their contributions to carcinogenesis and tumor architecture. These cells are not a homogeneous population, but have been shown to have different origins, phenotypes, and contributions. In pancreatic tumors, CAFs generally emerge through the activation and/or recruitment of various cell types, most notably resident fibroblasts, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), and tumor-infiltrating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In recent years, single cell transcriptomic studies allowed the identification of distinct CAF populations in pancreatic tumors. Nonetheless, the exact sources and functions of those different CAF phenotypes remain to be fully understood. Considering the importance of stromal cells in pancreatic cancer, many novel approaches have aimed at targeting the stroma but current stroma-targeting therapies have yielded subpar results, which may be attributed to heterogeneity in the fibroblast population. Thus, fully understanding the roles of different subsets of CAFs within the stroma, and the cellular dynamics at play that contribute to heterogeneity in CAF subsets may be essential for the design of novel therapies and improving clinical outcomes. Fortunately, recent advances in technologies such as microfluidics and bio-printing have made it possible to establish more advanced ex vivo models that will likely prove useful. In this review, we will present the different roles of stromal cells in pancreatic cancer, focusing on CAF origin as a source of heterogeneity, and the role this may play in therapy failure. We will discuss preclinical models that could be of benefit to the field and that may contribute to further clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Manoukian
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maarten Bijlsma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hanneke van Laarhoven
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Weitz JR, Tiriac H, Hurtado de Mendoza T, Wascher A, Lowy AM. Using Organotypic Tissue Slices to Investigate the Microenvironment of Pancreatic Cancer: Pharmacotyping and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194991. [PMID: 34638476 PMCID: PMC8507648 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers and, disappointingly, neither immune- nor stroma-directed therapies are found to improve upon the current standard of care. Among the most challenging aspects of PDAC biology which impede clinical success are the physiological features of the pancreatic cancer microenvironment (TME), including the presence of a highly fibrotic extracellular matrix marked by perineural invasion and an immunosuppressive milieu. Many current strategies for PDAC therapy are focused on altering these features to improve therapeutic efficacy. This review discusses the recent investigations using organotypic tumor slices as a model system to study cellular and extracellular interactions of the pancreatic TME. Future studies utilizing such models may provide new insights into the TME by identifying mechanisms of communication between multiple cell types and investigating novel therapeutic approaches for personalized cancer therapy. Abstract Organotypic tissue slices prepared from patient tumors are a semi-intact ex vivo preparation that recapitulates many aspects of the tumor microenvironment (TME). While connections to the vasculature and nervous system are severed, the integral functional elements of the tumor remain intact for many days during the slice culture. During this window of time, the slice platforms offer a suite of molecular, biomechanical and functional tools to investigate PDAC biology. In this review, we first briefly discuss the development of pancreatic tissue slices as a model system. Next, we touch upon using slices as an orthogonal approach to study the TME as compared to other established 3D models, such as organoids. Distinct from most other models, the pancreatic slices contain autologous immune and other stromal cells. Taking advantage of the existing immune cells within the slices, we will discuss the breakthrough studies which investigate the immune compartment in the pancreas slices. These studies will provide an important framework for future investigations seeking to exploit or reprogram the TME for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Robert Weitz
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (J.R.W.); (H.T.); (T.H.d.M.); (A.W.)
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Herve Tiriac
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (J.R.W.); (H.T.); (T.H.d.M.); (A.W.)
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tatiana Hurtado de Mendoza
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (J.R.W.); (H.T.); (T.H.d.M.); (A.W.)
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Alexis Wascher
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (J.R.W.); (H.T.); (T.H.d.M.); (A.W.)
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Andrew M. Lowy
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (J.R.W.); (H.T.); (T.H.d.M.); (A.W.)
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-858-822-2124
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Hazra RS, Dutta D, Mamnoon B, Nair G, Knight A, Mallik S, Ganai S, Reindl K, Jiang L, Quadir M. Polymeric Composite Matrix with High Biobased Content as Pharmaceutically Relevant Molecular Encapsulation and Release Platform. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:40229-40248. [PMID: 34423963 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c03805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Drug delivery systems (DDS) that can temporally control the rate and extent of release of therapeutically active molecules find applications in many clinical settings, ranging from infection control to cancer therapy. With an aim to design a locally implantable, controlled-release DDS, we demonstrated the feasibility of using cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-reinforced poly (l-lactic acid) (PLA) composite beads. The performance of the platform was evaluated using doxorubicin (DOX) as a model drug for applications in triple-negative breast cancer. A facile, nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method was adopted to form composite beads. We observed that CNC loading within these beads played a critical role in the mechanical stability, porosity, water uptake, diffusion, release, and pharmacological activity of the drug from the delivery system. When loaded with DOX, composite beads significantly controlled the release of the drug in a pH-dependent pattern. For example, PLA/CNC beads containing 37.5 wt % of CNCs showed a biphasic release of DOX, where 41 and 82% of the loaded drug were released at pH 7.4 and pH 5.5, respectively, over 7 days. Drug release followed Korsmeyer's kinetics, indicating that the release mechanism was mostly diffusion and swelling-controlled. We showed that DOX released from drug-loaded PLA/CNC composite beads locally suppressed the growth and proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer cells, MBA-MB-231, via the apoptotic pathway. The efficacy of the DDS was evaluated in human tissue explants. We envision that such systems will find applications for designing biobased platforms with programmed stability and drug delivery functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Shankar Hazra
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, United States
- Materials and Nanotechnology Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, United States
| | - Debasmita Dutta
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, United States
| | - Babak Mamnoon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, United States
| | - Gauthami Nair
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, United States
| | - Austin Knight
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, United States
| | - Sanku Mallik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, United States
| | - Sabha Ganai
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Sanford Research, Fargo, North Dakota 58122, United States
| | - Katie Reindl
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, United States
| | - Long Jiang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, United States
- Materials and Nanotechnology Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, United States
| | - Mohiuddin Quadir
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, United States
- Materials and Nanotechnology Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, United States
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Sharbeen G, McCarroll JA, Akerman A, Kopecky C, Youkhana J, Kokkinos J, Holst J, Boyer C, Erkan M, Goldstein D, Timpson P, Cox TR, Pereira BA, Chitty JL, Fey SK, Najumudeen AK, Campbell AD, Sansom OJ, Ignacio RMC, Naim S, Liu J, Russia N, Lee J, Chou A, Johns A, Gill AJ, Gonzales-Aloy E, Gebski V, Guan YF, Pajic M, Turner N, Apte MV, Davis TP, Morton JP, Haghighi KS, Kasparian J, McLean BJ, Setargew YF, Phillips PA. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Determine Response to SLC7A11 Inhibition. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3461-3479. [PMID: 33980655 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are major contributors to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression through protumor signaling and the generation of fibrosis, the latter of which creates a physical barrier to drugs. CAF inhibition is thus an ideal component of any therapeutic approach for PDAC. SLC7A11 is a cystine transporter that has been identified as a potential therapeutic target in PDAC cells. However, no prior study has evaluated the role of SLC7A11 in PDAC tumor stroma and its prognostic significance. Here we show that high expression of SLC7A11 in human PDAC tumor stroma, but not tumor cells, is independently prognostic of poorer overall survival. Orthogonal approaches showed that PDAC-derived CAFs are highly dependent on SLC7A11 for cystine uptake and glutathione synthesis and that SLC7A11 inhibition significantly decreases CAF proliferation, reduces their resistance to oxidative stress, and inhibits their ability to remodel collagen and support PDAC cell growth. Importantly, specific ablation of SLC7A11 from the tumor compartment of transgenic mouse PDAC tumors did not affect tumor growth, suggesting the stroma can substantially influence PDAC tumor response to SLC7A11 inhibition. In a mouse orthotopic PDAC model utilizing human PDAC cells and CAFs, stable knockdown of SLC7A11 was required in both cell types to reduce tumor growth, metastatic spread, and intratumoral fibrosis, demonstrating the importance of targeting SLC7A11 in both compartments. Finally, treatment with a nanoparticle gene-silencing drug against SLC7A11, developed by our laboratory, reduced PDAC tumor growth, incidence of metastases, CAF activation, and fibrosis in orthotopic PDAC tumors. Overall, these findings identify an important role of SLC7A11 in PDAC-derived CAFs in supporting tumor growth. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that SLC7A11 in PDAC stromal cells is important for the tumor-promoting activity of CAFs and validates a clinically translatable nanomedicine for therapeutic SLC7A11 inhibition in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Sharbeen
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School and School of Medical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joshua A McCarroll
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anouschka Akerman
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School and School of Medical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chantal Kopecky
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School and School of Medical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janet Youkhana
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School and School of Medical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Kokkinos
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School and School of Medical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeff Holst
- School of Medical Science and Prince of Wales Clinical School, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cyrille Boyer
- Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mert Erkan
- Koc University Research Centre for Translational Medicine and Department of Surgery, Koc University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - David Goldstein
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School and School of Medical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Timpson
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative (APGI), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas R Cox
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative (APGI), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brooke A Pereira
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative (APGI), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica L Chitty
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sigrid K Fey
- Cancer Research UK, Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK, Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Rosa Mistica C Ignacio
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School and School of Medical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephanie Naim
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School and School of Medical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jie Liu
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School and School of Medical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nelson Russia
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School and School of Medical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julia Lee
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School and School of Medical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angela Chou
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amber Johns
- Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative (APGI), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony J Gill
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative (APGI), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Estrella Gonzales-Aloy
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School and School of Medical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Val Gebski
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yi Fang Guan
- School of Medical Science and Prince of Wales Clinical School, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marina Pajic
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative (APGI), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nigel Turner
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Minoti V Apte
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical School, University New South Wales and Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Thomas P Davis
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jennifer P Morton
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Koroush S Haghighi
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jorjina Kasparian
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School and School of Medical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin J McLean
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Phoebe A Phillips
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School and School of Medical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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31
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Kokkinos J, Jensen A, Sharbeen G, McCarroll JA, Goldstein D, Haghighi KS, Phillips PA. Does the Microenvironment Hold the Hidden Key for Functional Precision Medicine in Pancreatic Cancer? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102427. [PMID: 34067833 PMCID: PMC8156664 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102427] [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: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers and no significant improvement in patient survival has been seen in the past three decades. Treatment options are limited and selection of chemotherapy in the clinic is usually based on the performance status of a patient rather than the biology of their disease. In recent years, research has attempted to unlock a personalised treatment strategy by identifying actionable molecular targets in tumour cells or using preclinical models to predict the effectiveness of chemotherapy. However, these approaches rely on the biology of PDAC tumour cells only and ignore the importance of the microenvironment and fibrotic stroma. In this review, we highlight the importance of the microenvironment in driving the chemoresistant nature of PDAC and the need for preclinical models to mimic the complex multi-cellular microenvironment of PDAC in the precision medicine pipeline. We discuss the potential for ex vivo whole-tissue culture models to inform precision medicine and their role in developing novel therapeutic strategies that hit both tumour and stromal compartments in PDAC. Thus, we highlight the critical role of the tumour microenvironment that needs to be addressed before a precision medicine program for PDAC can be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Kokkinos
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (J.K.); (G.S.); (D.G.)
- Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Anya Jensen
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - George Sharbeen
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (J.K.); (G.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Joshua A. McCarroll
- Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - David Goldstein
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (J.K.); (G.S.); (D.G.)
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Prince of Wales Hospital, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Koroush S. Haghighi
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Prince of Wales Hospital, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Phoebe A. Phillips
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (J.K.); (G.S.); (D.G.)
- Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- Correspondence:
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