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Lizcova L, Prihodova E, Pavlistova L, Svobodova K, Mejstrikova E, Hrusak O, Luknarova P, Janotova I, Sramkova L, Stary J, Zemanova Z. Cytogenomic characterization of pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia reveals TCR rearrangements as predictive factors for exceptional prognosis. Mol Cytogenet 2024; 17:14. [PMID: 38783324 PMCID: PMC11118568 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-024-00682-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) represents a rare and clinically and genetically heterogeneous disease that constitutes 10-15% of newly diagnosed pediatric ALL cases. Despite improved outcomes of these children, the survival rate after relapse is extremely poor. Moreover, the survivors must also endure the acute and long-term effects of intensive therapy. Although recent studies have identified a number of recurrent genomic aberrations in pediatric T-ALL, none of the changes is known to have prognostic significance. The aim of our study was to analyze the cytogenomic changes and their various combinations in bone marrow cells of children with T-ALL and to correlate our findings with the clinical features of the subjects and their treatment responses. RESULTS We performed a retrospective and prospective comprehensive cytogenomic analysis of consecutive cohort of 66 children (46 boys and 20 girls) with T-ALL treated according to BFM-based protocols and centrally investigated cytogenetics and immunophenotypes. Using combinations of cytogenomic methods (conventional cytogenetics, FISH, mFISH/mBAND, arrayCGH/SNP and MLPA), we identified chromosomal aberrations in vast majority of patients (91%). The most frequent findings involved the deletion of CDKN2A/CDKN2B genes (71%), T-cell receptor (TCR) loci translocations (27%), and TLX3 gene rearrangements (23%). All chromosomal changes occurred in various combinations and were rarely found as a single abnormality. Children with aberrations of TCR loci had a significantly better event free (p = 0.0034) and overall survival (p = 0.0074), all these patients are living in the first complete remission. None of the abnormalities was an independent predictor of an increased risk of relapse. CONCLUSIONS We identified a subgroup of patients with TCR aberrations (both TRA/TRD and TRB), who had an excellent prognosis in our cohort with 5-year EFS and OS of 100%, regardless of the presence of other abnormality or the translocation partner. Our data suggest that escalation of treatment intensity, which may be considered in subsets of T-ALL is not needed for nonHR (non-high risk) patients with TCR aberrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libuse Lizcova
- Center of Oncocytogenomics, Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, General University Hospital in Prague and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Eva Prihodova
- Center of Oncocytogenomics, Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, General University Hospital in Prague and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Pavlistova
- Center of Oncocytogenomics, Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, General University Hospital in Prague and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karla Svobodova
- Center of Oncocytogenomics, Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, General University Hospital in Prague and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ester Mejstrikova
- CLIP - Childhood Leukaemia Investigation Prague, Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Hrusak
- CLIP - Childhood Leukaemia Investigation Prague, Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Luknarova
- CLIP - Childhood Leukaemia Investigation Prague, Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Iveta Janotova
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Sramkova
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Stary
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Zemanova
- Center of Oncocytogenomics, Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, General University Hospital in Prague and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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Rashid M, Alasiri A, Al Balwi MA, Alkhaldi A, Alsuhaibani A, Alsultan A, Alharbi T, Alomair L, Almuzzaini B. Identification of CSF3R Mutations in B-Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Using Comprehensive Cancer Panel and Next-Generation Sequencing. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12091326. [PMID: 34573308 PMCID: PMC8470887 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
B-lineage acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) is characterized by different genetic aberrations at a chromosomal and gene level which are very crucial for diagnosis, prognosis and risk assessment of the disease. However, there is still controversial arguments in regard to disease outcomes in specific genetic abnormalities, e.g., 9p-deletion. Moreover, in absence of cytogenetic abnormalities it is difficult to predict B-ALL progression. Here, we use the advantage of Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to study the mutation landscape of 12 patients with B-ALL using Comprehensive Cancer Panel (CCP) which covers the most common mutated cancer genes. Our results describe new mutations in CSF3R gene including S661N, S557G, and Q170X which might be associated with disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamoon Rashid
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Department of Bionformatics, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (M.R.); (L.A.)
| | - Abdulrahman Alasiri
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Medical Genomics Research Department, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (M.A.A.B.)
| | - Mohammad A. Al Balwi
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Medical Genomics Research Department, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (M.A.A.B.)
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdul Aziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Aziza Alkhaldi
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdul Aziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Ahmed Alsuhaibani
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdul Aziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Abdulrahman Alsultan
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (T.A.)
| | - Talal Alharbi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (T.A.)
| | - Lamya Alomair
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Department of Bionformatics, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (M.R.); (L.A.)
| | - Bader Almuzzaini
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Medical Genomics Research Department, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (M.A.A.B.)
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdul Aziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence:
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van Dijk AD, Hoff FW, Qiu YH, Chandra J, Jabbour E, de Bont ESJM, Horton TM, Kornblau SM. Loss of H3K27 methylation identifies poor outcomes in adult-onset acute leukemia. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:21. [PMID: 33509276 PMCID: PMC7841917 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute leukemia is an epigenetically heterogeneous disease. The intensity of treatment is currently guided by cytogenetic and molecular genetic risk classifications; however these incompletely predict outcomes, requiring additional information for more accurate outcome predictions. We aimed to identify potential prognostic implications of epigenetic modification of histone proteins, with a focus on H3K4 and H3K27 methylation marks in relation to mutations in chromatin, splicing and transcriptional regulators in adult-onset acute lymphoblastic and myeloid leukemia. Results Histone 3 lysine 4 di- and trimethylation (H3K4me2, H3K4me3) and lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) mark expression was evaluated in 241 acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 114 B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and 14T-cell ALL (T-ALL) patient samples at time of diagnosis using reverse phase protein array. Expression levels of the marks were significantly lower in AML than in B and T-ALL in both bone marrow and peripheral blood, as well as compared to normal CD34+ cells. In AML, greater loss of H3K27me3 was associated with increased proliferative potential and shorter overall survival in the whole patient population, as well as in subsets with DNA methylation mutations. To study the prognostic impact of H3K27me3 in the context of cytogenetic aberrations and mutations, multivariate analysis was performed and identified lower H3K27me3 level as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor in all, as well as in TP53 mutated patients. AML with decreased H3K27me3 demonstrated an upregulated anti-apoptotic phenotype. In ALL, the relative quantity of histone methylation expression correlated with response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor in patients who carried the Philadelphia cytogenetic aberration and prior smoking behavior. Conclusion This study shows that proteomic profiling of epigenetic modifications has clinical implications in acute leukemia and supports the idea that epigenetic patterns contribute to a more accurate picture of the leukemic state that complements cytogenetic and molecular genetic subgrouping. A combination of these variables may offer more accurate outcome prediction and we suggest that histone methylation mark measurement at time of diagnosis might be a suitable method to improve patient outcome prediction and subsequent treatment intensity stratification in selected subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D van Dijk
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - F W Hoff
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Y H Qiu
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - J Chandra
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - E Jabbour
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - E S J M de Bont
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - T M Horton
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - S M Kornblau
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Liu X, Zou Y, Ruan M, Chang L, Chen X, Wang S, Yang W, Zhang L, Guo Y, Chen Y, Zhang Y, He H, Gan Y, Wang K, Zhu X. Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients Exhibit Distinctive Alterations in the Gut Microbiota. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:558799. [PMID: 33178621 PMCID: PMC7596659 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.558799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that gut microbiota can affect human immune system in many ways. Our aim was to investigate quantitative differences in fecal bacterial compositions of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients compared to those of healthy children, so as to identify individual bacterial species that are related to the etiology of ALL. We recruited 81 subjects, including 58 patients with ALL and 23 healthy controls. Fecal samples were collected and examined by 16S rRNA quantitative arrays and bioinformatics analysis. Both Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) and Non-metric Multidimensional scaling (NMDS) demonstrated that the microbial composition of ALL patients deviated from the tight cluster of healthy controls. Multiple bacterial species exhibited significant changes (e.g., Roseburia faecis, Edwardsiella tarda, and Fusobacterium naviforme) in the ALL samples. Some of the differentially abundant taxa were correlated with the level of interleukin-10. The ALL cases could be efficiently distinguished from healthy controls by the random forest model based on differential species (area under ROC curve = 0.843). Taken together, the composition of gut microbiota differed from healthy controls to pediatric ALL patients. Our study identified a series of ALL-related species in the gut microbiota, providing a new direction for future studies aiming to understand the host-gut microbiota interplay in ALL pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Division of Pediatric Blood Diseases Center, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Yao Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Division of Pediatric Blood Diseases Center, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Division of Pediatric Blood Diseases Center, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Lixian Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Division of Pediatric Blood Diseases Center, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaojuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Division of Pediatric Blood Diseases Center, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuchun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Division of Pediatric Blood Diseases Center, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Division of Pediatric Blood Diseases Center, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Division of Pediatric Blood Diseases Center, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Ye Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Division of Pediatric Blood Diseases Center, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Yumei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Division of Pediatric Blood Diseases Center, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingchi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Division of Pediatric Blood Diseases Center, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongrui He
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yu Gan
- Lin He's Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation at The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kejian Wang
- Lin He's Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation at The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Division of Pediatric Blood Diseases Center, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
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Berry NK, Scott RJ, Sutton R, Law T, Trahair TN, Dalla-Pozza L, Ritchie P, Barbaric D, Enjeti AK. Enrichment of atypical hyperdiploidy and IKZF1 deletions detected by SNP-microarray in high-risk Australian AIEOP-BFM B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cohort. Cancer Genet 2020; 242:8-14. [PMID: 32058318 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2020.01.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy with the majority of patients being classified as B-cell lineage (B-ALL). The sub-classification of B-ALL is based on genomic architecture. Recent studies have demonstrated the capability of SNP-microarrays to detect genomic changes in B-ALL which cannot be observed by conventional cytogenetic methods. In current clinical trials, B-ALL patients at high risk of relapse are mainly identified by adverse cancer genomics and/or poor response to early therapy. To test the hypothesis that inclusion of SNP-microarrays in frontline diagnostics could more efficiently and accurately identify adverse genomic factors than conventional techniques, we evaluated the Australian high-risk B-ALL cohort enrolled on AIEOP-BFM ALL 2009 study (n = 33). SNP-microarray analysis identified additional aberrations in 97% of patients (32/33) compared to conventional techniques. This changed the genomic risk category of 24% (8/33) of patients. Additionally, 27% (9/33) of patients exhibited a 'hyperdiploid' genome, which is generally associated with a good genomic risk and favourable outcomes. An enrichment of IKZF1 deletions was observed with one third of the cohort affected. Our findings suggest the current classification system could be improved and highlights the need to use more sensitive techniques such as SNP-microarray for cytogenomic risk stratification in B-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine K Berry
- Department of Haematology, Calvary Mater Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Molecular Medicine, NSW Health Pathology-Hunter, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Rodney J Scott
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Molecular Medicine, NSW Health Pathology-Hunter, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rosemary Sutton
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, Randwick, Australia
| | - Tamara Law
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia
| | - Toby N Trahair
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, Randwick, Australia; Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick Australia
| | - Luce Dalla-Pozza
- Cancer Centre for Children, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Australia
| | - Petra Ritchie
- Women's and Children's Hospital, SA Pathology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Draga Barbaric
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, Randwick, Australia; Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick Australia
| | - Anoop K Enjeti
- Department of Haematology, Calvary Mater Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, University Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Haematology, NSW Health Pathology-Hunter, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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van der Zwet JCG, Cordo' V, Canté-Barrett K, Meijerink JPP. Multi-omic approaches to improve outcome for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. Adv Biol Regul 2019; 74:100647. [PMID: 31523030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2019.100647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, tremendous progress in curative treatment has been made for T-ALL patients using high-intensive, risk-adapted multi-agent chemotherapy. Further treatment intensification to improve the cure rate is not feasible as it will increase the number of toxic deaths. Hence, about 20% of pediatric patients relapse and often die due to acquired therapy resistance. Personalized medicine is of utmost importance to further increase cure rates and is achieved by targeting specific initiation, maintenance or resistance mechanisms of the disease. Genomic sequencing has revealed mutations that characterize genetic subtypes of many cancers including T-ALL. However, leukemia may have various activated pathways that are not accompanied by the presence of mutations. Therefore, screening for mutations alone is not sufficient to identify all molecular targets and leukemic dependencies for therapeutic inhibition. We review the extent of the driving type A and the secondary type B genomic mutations in pediatric T-ALL that may be targeted by specific inhibitors. Additionally, we review the need for additional screening methods on the transcriptional and protein levels. An integrated 'multi-omic' screening will identify potential targets and biomarkers to establish significant progress in future individualized treatment of T-ALL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentina Cordo'
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Berry NK, Scott RJ, Rowlings P, Enjeti AK. Clinical use of SNP-microarrays for the detection of genome-wide changes in haematological malignancies. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2019; 142:58-67. [PMID: 31377433 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays are commonly used for the clinical investigation of constitutional genomic disorders; however, their adoption for investigating somatic changes is being recognised. With increasing importance being placed on defining the cancer genome, a shift in technology is imperative at a clinical level. Microarray platforms have the potential to become frontline testing, replacing or complementing standard investigations such as FISH or karyotype. This 'molecular karyotype approach' exemplified by SNP-microarrays has distinct advantages in the investigation of several haematological malignancies. A growing body of literature, including guidelines, has shown support for the use of SNP-microarrays in the clinical laboratory to aid in a more accurate definition of the cancer genome. Understanding the benefits of this technology along with discussing the barriers to its implementation is necessary for the development and incorporation of SNP-microarrays in a clinical laboratory for the investigation of haematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine K Berry
- Department of Haematology, Calvary Mater Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Molecular Medicine, NSW Health Pathology, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Rodney J Scott
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Molecular Medicine, NSW Health Pathology, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip Rowlings
- Department of Haematology, Calvary Mater Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, University Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anoop K Enjeti
- Department of Haematology, Calvary Mater Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, University Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Kerketta LS, Ghosh K, Nadkarni A, Madkaikar M, Vundinti BR. Centrosome Aberration Frequency and Disease Association in B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 31:215-220. [PMID: 28358703 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent developments in genome-wide genetic analysis in B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) have provided insight into disease pathogenesis and prognosis. B-ALL cases usually carry a primary genetic event, often a chromosome translocation, and a constellation of secondary genetic alterations that are acquired and selected dynamically in a nonlinear fashion. As far as we are aware of, for the first time, we studied centrosome aberration in patients with B-ALL to understand the progression of the disease. A cytogenetic study was carried out by GTG-banded karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization. DNA index study was carried out with flow cytometry. Indirect immunostaining of centrosomes was performed on mononuclear cells using primary and corresponding secondary antibodies for centrosome-specific protein γ-tubulin. Three primary and corresponding secondary antibodies to three different centrosome-specific proteins, namely α-tubulin, γ-tubulin and pericentrin, were used for indirect immunostaining. The study was carried out on 50 patients with B-ALL. Centrosomal abnormalities were detected in 36 (72%) patients and the remainder (28%) had normal centrosome structure and numbers. Out of these 36 patients with abnormal centrosome, structural abnormalities were detected in 12 (33.3%) and numerical abnormalities in six (16.6%). Both structural and numerical aberrations were detected in 18 (50%) patients. When correlated with the cytogenetic and DNA index findings, 26/27 (96.2%) patients had centrosome defects concomitant with both abnormal karyotype and aneuploidy. Out of 50 patients with B-ALL, 17 (34%) had normal karyotype detected by both karyotype and DNA index, among these, seven (41.17%) patients had centrosome aberration. The morphological and structural abnormalities of the centrosome present in B-ALL cells have a role in disease development and can be considered as prognostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily S Kerketta
- National Institute of Immunohematology, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Kanjaksha Ghosh
- National Institute of Immunohematology, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Anita Nadkarni
- National Institute of Immunohematology, Parel, Mumbai, India
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MEK and PI3K-AKT inhibitors synergistically block activated IL7 receptor signaling in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia 2016; 30:1832-43. [PMID: 27174491 PMCID: PMC5240021 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2016.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We identified mutations in the IL7Ra gene or in genes encoding the downstream signaling molecules JAK1, JAK3, STAT5B, N-RAS, K-RAS, NF1, AKT and PTEN in 49% of patients with pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Strikingly, these mutations (except RAS/NF1) were mutually exclusive, suggesting that they each cause the aberrant activation of a common downstream target. Expressing these mutant signaling molecules—but not their wild-type counterparts—rendered Ba/F3 cells independent of IL3 by activating the RAS-MEK-ERK and PI3K-AKT pathways. Interestingly, cells expressing either IL7Ra or JAK mutants are sensitive to JAK inhibitors, but respond less robustly to inhibitors of the downstream RAS-MEK-ERK and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathways, indicating that inhibiting only one downstream pathway is not sufficient. Here, we show that inhibiting both the MEK and PI3K-AKT pathways synergistically prevents the proliferation of BaF3 cells expressing mutant IL7Ra, JAK and RAS. Furthermore, combined inhibition of MEK and PI3K/AKT was cytotoxic to samples obtained from 6 out of 11 primary T-ALL patients, including 1 patient who had no mutations in the IL7R signaling pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that the potent cytotoxic effects of inhibiting both MEK and PI3K/AKT should be investigated further as a therapeutic option using leukemia xenograft models.
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Ouzounoglou E, Dionysiou D, Stamatakos GS. Differentiation resistance through altered retinoblastoma protein function in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: in silico modeling of the deregulations in the G1/S restriction point pathway. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2016; 10:23. [PMID: 26932523 PMCID: PMC4774111 DOI: 10.1186/s12918-016-0264-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As in many cancer types, the G1/S restriction point (RP) is deregulated in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Hyper-phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (hyper-pRb) is found in high levels in ALL cells. Nevertheless, the ALL lymphocyte proliferation rate for the average patient is surprisingly low compared to its normal counterpart of the same maturation level. Additionally, as stated in literature, ALL cells possibly reside at or beyond the RP which is located in the late-G1 phase. This state may favor their differentiation resistant phenotype. A major phenomenon contributing to this fact is thought to be the observed limited redundancy in the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRb) by the various Cyclin Dependent Kinases (Cdks). The latter may result in partial loss of pRb functions despite hyper-phosphorylation. RESULTS To test this hypothesis, an in silico model aiming at simulating the biochemical regulation of the RP in ALL is introduced. By exploiting experimental findings derived from leukemic cells and following a semi-quantitative calibration procedure, the model has been shown to satisfactorily reproduce such a behavior for the RP pathway. At the same time, the calibrated model has been proved to be in agreement with the observed variation in the ALL cell cycle duration. CONCLUSIONS The proposed model aims to contribute to a better understanding of the complex phenomena governing the leukemic cell cycle. At the same time it constitutes a significant first step in the creation of a personalized proliferation rate predictor that can be used in the context of multiscale cancer modeling. Such an approach is expected to play an important role in the refinement and the advancement of mechanistic modeling of ALL in the context of the emergent and promising scientific domains of In Silico Oncology and more generally In Silico Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftherios Ouzounoglou
- In Silico Oncology and In Silico Medicine Group, Laboratory of Microwaves and Fiber Optics, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou, Zografou, 15780, Athens, Greece.
| | - Dimitra Dionysiou
- In Silico Oncology and In Silico Medicine Group, Laboratory of Microwaves and Fiber Optics, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou, Zografou, 15780, Athens, Greece.
| | - Georgios S Stamatakos
- In Silico Oncology and In Silico Medicine Group, Laboratory of Microwaves and Fiber Optics, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou, Zografou, 15780, Athens, Greece.
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Andriastuti M, Gatot D, Wirawan R, Setiabudy R, Mansyur M, Ugrasena IDG. Steroid response as prognostic factor and its correlation with molecular assessment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. MEDICAL JOURNAL OF INDONESIA 2015. [DOI: 10.13181/mji.v24i4.1177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Survival rate of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Indonesia remains low. Risk stratification accuracy is important to improve survival. In developed countries, risk stratification is determined based on gene fusion that is known related to steroid resistency. Steroid response at day-8 correlates with prognosis. The assessment can be applied in centers that cannot perform molecular assessment. This study aims to evaluate whether steroid response correlated to molecular assessment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at Child Health Department, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (January 2013-March 2014), a total of 73 patients were enrolled. Steroid was given for 7 days. Peripheral blast count at day 8 was evaluated, good response if blast count <1000 /µL and poor if ≥1000 /µL. Fusion gene detection was also performed. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.Results: Fusion gene was detected in 45 patients. In 1–10 years age group, 26/32 (81%) subjects had good response, while 75% in <1 year age group and 7/9 (78%) in ≥10 years age group had poor response. 5/7 (71%) subjetcs had leukocyte count >100,000 /µL and 7/8 (88%) with T-cell showed poor response. Age, leukocyte count, and T-cell were statistically correlated with steroid response (p<0.05). E2A-PBX1 fusion gene was the most common 19/45 (42%), followed by TEL-AML1 17/45 (38%), BCR-ABL 5/45 (17%), and MLL-AF4 1/45 (3%). Four of five subjects (80%) with BCR-ABL and one subject with MLL-AF4 had poor steroid response. On the other hand, 12/19 (63%) with E2A-PBX1 and 13/17 (77%) with TEL-AML1 had good response. There was no correlation between steroid response and molecular assessment.Conclusion: Steroid response correlates with age, leukocyte count, and T-cell but not with molecular assessment.
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Wojtuszkiewicz A, Peters GJ, van Woerden NL, Dubbelman B, Escherich G, Schmiegelow K, Sonneveld E, Pieters R, van de Ven PM, Jansen G, Assaraf YG, Kaspers GJL, Cloos J. Methotrexate resistance in relation to treatment outcome in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Hematol Oncol 2015; 8:61. [PMID: 26022503 PMCID: PMC4455979 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-015-0158-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methotrexate (MTX) eradicates leukemic cells by disrupting de novo nucleotide biosynthesis and DNA replication, resulting in cell death. Since its introduction in 1947, MTX-containing chemotherapeutic regimens have proven instrumental in achieving curative effects in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, drug resistance phenomena pose major obstacles to efficacious ALL chemotherapy. Moreover, clinically relevant molecular mechanisms underlying chemoresistance remain largely obscure. Several alterations in MTX metabolism, leading to impaired accumulation of this cytotoxic agent in tumor cells, have been classified as determinants of MTX resistance. However, the relation between MTX resistance and long-term clinical outcome of ALL has not been shown previously. Methods We have collected clinical data for 235 childhood ALL patients, for whom samples taken at the time of diagnosis were also broadly characterized with respect to MTX resistance. This included measurement of concentrations of MTX polyglutamates in leukemic cells, mRNA expression of enzymes involved in MTX metabolism (FPGS, FPGH, RFC, DHFR, and TS), MTX sensitivity as determined by the TS inhibition assay, and FPGS activity. Results Herein we demonstrate that higher accumulation of long-chain polyglutamates of MTX is strongly associated with better overall (10-year OS: 90.6 vs 64.1 %, P = 0.008) and event-free survival (10-year EFS: 81.2 vs 57.6 %, P = 0.029) of ALL patients. In addition, we assessed both the association of several MTX resistance-related parameters determined in vitro with treatment outcome as well as clinical characteristics of pediatric ALL patients treated with MTX-containing combination chemotherapy. High MTX sensitivity was associated with DNA hyperdiploid ALL (P < 0.001), which was linked with increased MTX accumulation (P = 0.03) and elevated reduced folate carrier (RFC) expression (P = 0.049) in this subset of ALL patients. TEL-AML1 fusion was associated with increased MTX resistance (P = 0.023). Moreover, a low accumulation of MTX polyglutamates was observed in MLL-rearranged and TEL-AML1 rearranged ALL (P < 0.05). Conclusions These findings emphasize the central role of MTX in ALL treatment thereby expanding our understanding of the molecular basis of clinical differences in treatment response between ALL individuals. In particular, the identification of patients that are potentially resistant to MTX at diagnosis may allow for tailoring novel treatment strategies to individual leukemia patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-015-0158-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wojtuszkiewicz
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VUmc Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Room CCA 4.28, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole L van Woerden
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VUmc Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Room CCA 4.28, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Boas Dubbelman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VUmc Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Room CCA 4.28, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriele Escherich
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kjeld Schmiegelow
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Edwin Sonneveld
- Dutch Childhood Oncology Group (DCOG), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Pieters
- Dutch Childhood Oncology Group (DCOG), The Hague, The Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M van de Ven
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Jansen
- Department of Rheumatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VUmc Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Room CCA 4.28, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Cloos
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VUmc Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Room CCA 4.28, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this article, new insights into the clinical and biological features of paediatric T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and their impact on treatment outcome have been described. RECENT FINDINGS T-lineage ALL has considerable phenotypic and biological heterogeneity. Compared with B-lineage ALL, the prognostic significance of the presenting white cell count is weaker and the rate of decline in minimal residual disease is slower in patients with T-lineage ALL. Contemporary, response stratified, treatment protocols incorporating dexamethasone have been associated with significant improvements in outcomes and demonstrated that cranial radiotherapy is not essential for preventing central nervous system relapse. Relapse risk remains higher than for B-lineage ALL and outcome after relapse is poor. Early T-precursor phenotype and genetic abnormalities such as activating ABL1 fusions, NOTCH1/FBXW7, and cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase II gene mutations identify patient groups who may benefit from alternative treatment. New agents such as nelarabine, bortezomib, and clofarabine may be effective in preventing unsalvageable relapses identified by slow response to first-line therapy. SUMMARY Around 85% of children and young people with T-lineage ALL are cured by current therapy. Further improvements in outcome can be expected from genetic profile and response-targeted therapeutics.
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Recent advances in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and adolescents: an expert panel discussion. Curr Opin Oncol 2014; 25 Suppl 3:S1-13; quiz S14-6. [PMID: 24305505 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common form of childhood leukemia, representing 75% to 80% of cases of acute leukemia among children. Dramatic improvements in the cure rates and survival outcomes for children with ALL have been seen over the past several decades; currently the 5-year survival rate for childhood ALL is more than 80%. These improvements have come about because of advances in the understanding of the molecular genetics and pathogenesis of the disease, incorporation of risk-adapted therapy, and the advent of new targeted agents. RECENT FINDINGS Scientific advances have provided new insights into leukemogenesis, drug resistance, and host pharmacogenomics, identified novel subtypes of leukemia, and suggested potential targets for therapy. At the same time novel monoclonal antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, chemotherapeutics, and cell-based treatment strategies have been developed and investigated. SUMMARY In this article, experts will discuss some of the current challenges and future directions in the treatment of pediatric ALL. The authors will offer expert guidance to practicing oncologists on how to best incorporate newer treatment approaches into the care of children and adolescents with ALL. The most important ongoing clinical trials in the area will also be reviewed.
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Masuzawa A, Kiyotani C, Osumi T, Shioda Y, Iijima K, Tomita O, Nakabayashi K, Oboki K, Yasuda K, Sakamoto H, Ichikawa H, Hata K, Yoshida T, Matsumoto K, Kiyokawa N, Mori T. Poor responses to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in a child with precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia with SNX2-ABL1 chimeric transcript. Eur J Haematol 2013; 92:263-7. [PMID: 24215620 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In addition to BCR, various rare fusion partners for the ABL1 gene have been reported in leukemia. We have identified the fusion gene SNX2-ABL1 in a pediatric case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which has only once previously been reported in an adult patient. Cytogenetic analysis detected this fusion gene arising from a t(5;9)(q22;q34) translocation. ALL cells carrying a SNX2-ABL1 fusion exhibited a BCR-ABL1+ ALL-like gene expression profile. The patient poorly responded to dasatinib but partially responded to imatinib. Treatment using tyrosine kinase inhibitors requires further investigation to optimize the genotype-based treatment stratification for patients with SNX2-ABL1 fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Masuzawa
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Japan
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16
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Strand E. Bumps on the Neck and Groin of a 2-Year-Old Male. Lab Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1309/lmi17nqd1sbtnhyt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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17
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Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy in childhood, accounting for almost 30% of pediatric cancers. Despite the high rate of cure, ALL is one of the leading causes of death in children with tumor. For this reason, there is a keen interest in identifying genetic and biological features that influence the pathogenesis of ALL and the risk of treatment failure. The application of standard diagnostic technologies such as a conventional karyotype and polymerase chain reaction methodologies, together with gene expression profiling and genome-wide analyses, allows us to genetically characterize almost 100% of children with ALL. This review provides basic information about well-established genetic alterations associated with specific clinical subtypes and new molecular lesions with potential prognostic impact. New insights are reported on the natural history of ALL. Genetic aberrations in childhood ALL are considered both markers of disease and potential targets of treatment. Here, each biological subtype under the genetic point of view has been dissected, including genes involved in the development of lymphocytes and considerations on ALL in infancy. It is also crucial to discuss the issue of relapse. Finally, as future treatment will be individualized on the basis of biological features, the pediatric hemato-oncologists need to be ready and prepared to tailor the "right treatment" to the "right children" with ALL.
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Schotte D, De Menezes RX, Akbari Moqadam F, Khankahdani LM, Lange-Turenhout E, Chen C, Pieters R, Den Boer ML. MicroRNA characterize genetic diversity and drug resistance in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Haematologica 2011; 96:703-11. [PMID: 21242186 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2010.026138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNA regulate the activity of protein-coding genes including those involved in hematopoietic cancers. The aim of the current study was to explore which microRNA are unique for seven different subtypes of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. DESIGN AND METHODS Expression levels of 397 microRNA (including novel microRNA) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in 81 cases of pediatric leukemia and 17 normal hematopoietic control cases. RESULTS All major subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, i.e. T-cell, MLL-rearranged, TEL-AML1-positive, E2A-PBX1-positive and hyperdiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia, with the exception of BCR-ABL-positive and 'B-other' acute lymphoblastic leukemias (defined as precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia not carrying the foregoing cytogenetic aberrations), were found to have unique microRNA-signatures that differed from each other and from those of healthy hematopoietic cells. Strikingly, the microRNA signature of TEL-AML1-positive and hyperdiploid cases partly overlapped, which may suggest a common underlying biology. Moreover, aberrant down-regulation of let-7b (~70-fold) in MLL-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia was linked to up-regulation of oncoprotein c-Myc (P(FDR)<0.0001). Resistance to vincristine and daunorubicin was characterized by an approximately 20-fold up-regulation of miR-125b, miR-99a and miR-100 (P(FDR)≤0.002). No discriminative microRNA were found for prednisolone response and only one microRNA was linked to resistance to L-asparaginase. A combined expression profile based on 14 microRNA that were individually associated with prognosis, was highly predictive of clinical outcome in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (5-year disease-free survival of 89.4%±7% versus 60.8±12%, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Genetic subtypes and drug-resistant leukemic cells display characteristic microRNA signatures in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Functional studies of discriminative and prognostically important microRNA may provide new insights into the biology of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Schotte
- Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Dept. of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, room Sp2456 P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Pui CH, Carroll WL, Meshinchi S, Arceci RJ. Biology, risk stratification, and therapy of pediatric acute leukemias: an update. J Clin Oncol 2011; 29:551-65. [PMID: 21220611 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2010.30.7405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 592] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We review recent advances in the biologic understanding and treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), identify therapeutically challenging subgroups, and suggest future directions of research. METHODS A review of English literature on childhood acute leukemias from the past 5 years was performed. RESULTS Contemporary treatments have resulted in 5-year event-free survival rates of approximately 80% for childhood ALL and almost 60% for pediatric AML. The advent of high-resolution genome-wide analyses has provided new insights into leukemogenesis and identified many novel subtypes of leukemia. Virtually all ALL and the vast majority of AML cases can be classified according to specific genetic abnormalities. Cooperative mutations involved in cell differentiation, cell cycle regulation, tumor suppression, drug responsiveness, and apoptosis have also been identified in many cases. The development of new formulations of existing drugs, molecularly targeted therapy, and immunotherapies promises to further advance the cure rates and improve quality of life of patients. CONCLUSION The application of new high-throughput sequencing techniques to define the complete DNA sequence of leukemia and host normal cells and the development of new agents targeted to leukemogenic pathways promise to further improve outcome in the coming decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Hon Pui
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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NOTCH1 and/or FBXW7 mutations predict for initial good prednisone response but not for improved outcome in pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients treated on DCOG or COALL protocols. Leukemia 2010; 24:2014-22. [PMID: 20861909 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2010.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the NOTCH1 pathway by inactivating and activating mutations in NOTCH1 or FBXW7 is a frequent phenomenon in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). We retrospectively investigated the relevance of NOTCH1/FBXW7 mutations for pediatric T-ALL patients enrolled on Dutch Childhood Oncology Group (DCOG) ALL7/8 or ALL9 or the German Co-Operative Study Group for Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia study (COALL-97) protocols. NOTCH1-activating mutations were identified in 63% of patients. NOTCH1 mutations affected the heterodimerization, the juxtamembrane and/or the PEST domains, but not the RBP-J-κ-associated module, the ankyrin repeats or the transactivation domain. Reverse-phase protein microarray data confirmed that NOTCH1 and FBXW7 mutations resulted in increased intracellular NOTCH1 levels in primary T-ALL biopsies. Based on microarray expression analysis, NOTCH1/FBXW7 mutations were associated with activation of NOTCH1 direct target genes including HES1, DTX1, NOTCH3, PTCRA but not cMYC. NOTCH1/FBXW7 mutations were associated with TLX3 rearrangements, but were less frequently identified in TAL1- or LMO2-rearranged cases. NOTCH1-activating mutations were less frequently associated with mature T-cell developmental stage. Mutations were associated with a good initial in vivo prednisone response, but were not associated with a superior outcome in the DCOG and COALL cohorts. Comparing our data with other studies, we conclude that the prognostic significance for NOTCH1/FBXW7 mutations is not consistent and may depend on the treatment protocol given.
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Meijerink JP. Genetic rearrangements in relation to immunophenotype and outcome in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2010; 23:307-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2010.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Schotte D, Lange-Turenhout EAM, Stumpel DJPM, Stam RW, Buijs-Gladdines JGCAM, Meijerink JPP, Pieters R, Den Boer ML. Expression of miR-196b is not exclusively MLL-driven but is especially linked to activation of HOXA genes in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Haematologica 2010; 95:1675-82. [PMID: 20494936 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2010.023481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deregulation of microRNA may contribute to hematopoietic malignancies. MicroRNA-196b (miR-196b) is highly expressed in MLL-rearranged leukemia and has been shown to be activated by MLL and MLL-fusion genes. DESIGN AND METHODS In order to determine whether high expression of miR-196b is restricted to MLL-rearranged leukemia, we used quantitative stem-loop reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to measure the expression of this microRNA in 72 selected cases of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia i.e. MLL-rearranged and non-MLL-rearranged precursor B-cell and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias. We also determined the expression of HOXA-genes flanking miR-196 by microarray and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, we used CpG island-arrays to explore the DNA methylation status of miR-196b and HOXA. RESULTS We demonstrated that high expression of miR-196b is not unique to MLL-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia but also occurs in patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients carrying CALM-AF10, SET-NUP214 and inversion of chromosome 7. Like MLL-rearrangements, these abnormalities have been functionally linked with up-regulation of HOXA. In correspondence, miR-196b expression in these patients correlated strongly with the levels of HOXA family genes (Spearman's correlation coefficient ≥ 0.7; P≤0.005). Since miR-196b is encoded on the HOXA cluster, these data suggest co-activation of miR-196b and HOXA genes in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Up-regulation of miR-196b coincides with reduced DNA methylation at CpG islands in the promoter regions of miR-196b and the entire HOXA cluster in MLL-rearranged cases compared to in cases of non-MLL precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and normal bone marrow (P<0.05), suggesting an epigenetic origin for miR-196b over-expression. Although patients with MLL-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia are highly resistant to prednisolone and L-asparaginase, this resistance was not attributed to miR-196b expression. CONCLUSIONS High expression of miR-196b is not exclusively MLL-driven but can also be found in other types of leukemia with aberrant activation of HOXA genes. Since miR-196b has been shown by others to exert oncogenic activity in bone marrow progenitor cells, the findings of the present study imply a potential role for miR-196b in the underlying biology of all HOXA-activated leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Schotte
- Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Dept. of Pediatric, Oncology and Hematology, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Meeker ND, Yang JJ, Schiffman JD. Pharmacogenomics of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2010; 11:1621-32. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2010.484019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Juszczynski P, Rodig SJ, Ouyang J, O'Donnell E, Takeyama K, Mlynarski W, Mycko K, Szczepanski T, Gaworczyk A, Krivtsov A, Faber J, Sinha AU, Rabinovich GA, Armstrong SA, Kutok JL, Shipp MA. MLL-rearranged B lymphoblastic leukemias selectively express the immunoregulatory carbohydrate-binding protein galectin-1. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 16:2122-30. [PMID: 20332322 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-2765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with mixed lineage leukemia (MLL)-rearranged B-lymphoblastic leukemias (B-ALL) have an unfavorable prognosis and require intensified treatment. Multiple MLL fusion partners have been identified, complicating the diagnostic evaluation of MLL rearrangements. We analyzed molecular markers of MLL rearrangement for use in rapid diagnostic assays and found the immunomodulatory protein, Galectin-1 (Gal-1), to be selectively expressed in MLL-rearranged B-ALL. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Transcriptional profiling of ALL subtypes revealed selective overexpression of Gal-1 in MLL-rearranged ALLs. For this reason, we analyzed Gal-1 protein expression in MLL-germline and MLL-rearranged adult and infant pediatric B-ALLs and cell lines by immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and intracellular flow cytometry of viable tumor cell suspensions. Because deregulated gene expression in MLL-rearranged leukemias may be related to the altered histone methyltransferase activity of the MLL fusion protein complex, we also analyzed histone H3 lysine 79 (H3K79) dimethylation in the LGALS1 promoter region using chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS Gal-1 transcripts were significantly more abundant in MLL-rearranged B-ALLs. All 32 primary MLL-rearranged B-ALLs exhibited abundant Gal-1 immunostaining, regardless of the translocation partner, whereas only 2 of 81 germline-MLL B-ALLs expressed Gal-1. In addition, Gal-1 was selectively detected in newly diagnosed MLL-rearranged B-ALLs by intracellular flow cytometry. The LGALS1 promoter H3K79 was significantly hypermethylated in MLL-rearranged B-ALLs compared with MLL-germline B-ALLs and normal pre-B cells. CONCLUSION In B-ALL, Gal-1 is a highly sensitive and specific biomarker of MLL rearrangement that is likely induced by a MLL-dependent epigenetic modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemyslaw Juszczynski
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women's Hospital,75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Jeha S, Pui CH. Risk-adapted treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2010; 23:973-90, v. [PMID: 19825448 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2009.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Optimal use of antileukemic agents and stringent application of risk-directed therapy in clinical trials have resulted in steady improvement in the outcome of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, with current cure rates exceeding 80% in developed countries. The intensity of treatment varies substantially among subsets of patients, as therapy is designed to reduce acute and long-term toxicity in low-risk groups while improving outcomes in poor risk groups by treatment intensification. Recent advances in genome-wide screening techniques, pharmacogenomic studies, and development of molecular therapeutics are ushering in an era of more refined personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Jeha
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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Litzow MR. Therapy of Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults: new paradigms. Future Oncol 2009; 5:1039-50. [PMID: 19792972 DOI: 10.2217/fon.09.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the outcomes for adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) lag behind the stunningly successful results seen in children, new paradigms and new discoveries bring hope that this disparity will steadily lessen. The adoption of the use of pediatric intensity-type regimens in adolescents and young adults show promise in improving outcomes in this population. Recent donor-versus-no-donor comparisons in the allogeneic transplant setting highlight a potent graft-versus-leukemia effect in ALL, and the application of reduced intensity conditioning transplants may exploit this effect while reducing nonrelapse mortality. New therapeutic targets, such as CD22 in precusor B-cell ALL and mutations in NOTCH1 in T-cell ALL, are being exploited in clinical trials. Finally, use of molecular techniques and flow cytometry to quantitate minimal residual disease will allow further stratifications of patients by risk, identification of new therapeutic targets and will lessen drug toxicity through the use of pharmacogenomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Litzow
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Tammam J, Ware C, Efferson C, O'Neil J, Rao S, Qu X, Gorenstein J, Angagaw M, Kim H, Kenific C, Kunii K, Leach KJ, Nikov G, Zhao J, Dai X, Hardwick J, Scott M, Winter C, Bristow L, Elbi C, Reilly JF, Look T, Draetta G, Van der Ploeg L, Kohl NE, Strack PR, Majumder PK. Down-regulation of the Notch pathway mediated by a gamma-secretase inhibitor induces anti-tumour effects in mouse models of T-cell leukaemia. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 158:1183-95. [PMID: 19775282 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00389.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE gamma-Secretase inhibitors (GSIs) block NOTCH receptor cleavage and pathway activation and have been under clinical evaluation for the treatment of malignancies such as T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL). The ability of GSIs to decrease T-ALL cell viability in vitro is a slow process requiring >8 days, however, such treatment durations are not well tolerated in vivo. Here we study GSI's effect on tumour and normal cellular processes to optimize dosing regimens for anti-tumour efficacy. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Inhibition of the Notch pathway in mouse intestinal epithelium was used to evaluate the effect of GSIs and guide the design of dosing regimens for xenograft models. Serum Abeta(40) and Notch target gene modulation in tumours were used to evaluate the degree and duration of target inhibition. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic correlations with biochemical, immunohistochemical and profiling data were used to demonstrate GSI mechanism of action in xenograft tumours. KEY RESULTS Three days of >70% Notch pathway inhibition was sufficient to provide an anti-tumour effect and was well tolerated. GSI-induced conversion of mouse epithelial cells to a secretory lineage was time- and dose-dependent. Anti-tumour efficacy was associated with cell cycle arrest and apoptosis that was in part due to Notch-dependent regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Intermittent but potent inhibition of Notch signalling is sufficient for anti-tumour efficacy in these T-ALL models. These findings provide support for the use of GSI in Notch-dependent malignancies and that clinical benefits may be derived from transient but potent inhibition of Notch.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tammam
- Department of Oncology/Pharmacology, Merck Research Laboratories, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Evolving paradigms in the therapy of Philadelphia chromosome–negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults. Hematology 2009:362-70. [DOI: 10.1182/asheducation-2009.1.362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractImportant studies challenging previous approaches to the treatment of adults with Philadelphia chromosome–negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have emerged in the past decade. Donor versus no donor comparisons of allogeneic transplant highlight a potent graft-versus-leukemia effect in ALL, and the application of reduced-intensity conditioning transplants may exploit this effect while reducing non-relapse mortality. The adoption of the use of pediatric intensity-type regimens in adolescents and young adults shows promise to improve outcomes in this population. New therapeutic targets such as mutations in NOTCH1 in T-cell ALL and CD22 in pre-B ALL are being exploited in clinical trials. The application of molecular techniques and flow cytometry to quantitate minimal residual disease will allow further stratification of patients by risk. Although the outcomes of adults with ALL lag behind the stunningly successful results seen in children, new paradigms and new discoveries bring hope that this disparity will steadily lessen.
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