Cytokine and Chemokine Receptor Patterns of Human Malignant Melanoma Cell Lines

Cytokine and chemokine receptors can promote tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis development by inducing different intracellular signaling pathways. The aim of this study was to determine the cytokine and chemokine receptor gene expression patterns in human melanoma cell lines. We found a large set of cytokine and chemokine receptor genes that were significantly differentially expressed between melanoma cell lines that originated from different subtypes of primary melanomas as well as cell lines that originated from melanoma metastases. The relative expressions of two receptor genes (CCR2 and TNFRSF11B) were positively correlated with the invasive potential of the cell lines, whereas a negative correlation was observed for the TNFRSF14 gene expression. We also found a small set of receptor genes that exhibited a significantly decreased expression in association with a BRAFV600E mutation. Based on our results, we assume that the analyzed cytokine and chemokine receptor collection may provide potential to distinguish the different subtypes of melanomas, helping us to understand the biological behavior of BRAFV600E-mutated melanoma cells.

Induction of T helper 17 cell response by interleukin-7 in patients with primary cutaneous melanoma

Interleukin (IL)-7 plays a vital role in proliferation and activation of T cells, however, its signaling through CD127 is impaired in T cells in cancers and chronic infections. The mechanisms underlying T helper 17 (Th17) cell responses by IL-7 in melanoma remain not fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of IL-7 signaling on Th17 responses in patients with primary cutaneous melanoma. Healthy and primary cutaneous melanoma donors were selected for this study of Th17 cell function. IL-17+CD4+ Th17 cells and CD127 expression on Th17 cells were determined by flow cytometry. Cytokine level was measured by ELISA. Peripheral and tissue-infiltrating CD4+ T cells were isolated using magnetic beads, and then stimulated with IL-7 and/or signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 inhibitor. Activated signaling molecules were analyzed by flow cytometry. Peripheral and tumor-infiltrating Th17 cells percentage was decreased, while peripheral IL-7 level was also reduced in melanoma patients. There was no significant difference of CD127 expression on Th17 cells between melanoma patients and controls. Antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 was downregulated, whereas proapoptotic protein-activated caspase-3 was upregulated in peripheral and tissue-infiltrating Th17 cells in melanoma patients. Higher concentration of IL-7 (10 ng/mL), but not lower IL-7 concentration (1 ng/mL), promoted Bcl-2 expression and decreased caspase-3 expression in Th17 cells in melanoma patients. Inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 resulted in the downregulation of Bcl-2 while upregulation of caspase-3 in Th17 cells. The present data suggested that reduced IL-7 responsiveness might be insufficient for Th17 activation in patients with primary cutaneous melanoma.

Endophytic actinobacteria of Hymenachne amplexicaulis from the Brazilian Pantanal wetland produce compounds with antibacterial and antitumor activities

The increase in the number of deaths from infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria and cancer diseases highlights the need for new molecules with biological activity. Actinobacteria represent a potential source of new compounds, as these microorganisms have already produced a great diversity of clinically employed antibiotics. Endophytes from unexplored biomes, such as the Pantanal (the largest wetland in the world), can be a source of new molecules. Hymenachne amplexicaulis is among the unexplored native plants of the Pantanal in terms of its endophytic community. This plant is considered a weed in other countries due to its ability to adapt and compete with native plants, and there is evidence to suggest that the endophytic community of H. amplexicaulis plays an important role in this competitiveness. To explore its therapeutic potential, the present study isolated, identified (using partial sequence of the 16S rDNA) and bioprospected H. amplexicaulis endophytic actinobacteria. Ten isolates belonging to the genera Streptomyces, Microbispora, Leifsonia, and Verrucosispora were obtained from root fragments. The susceptibility profile of the isolates to the different classes of antibiotics was evaluated, with 80 % of the isolates showing resistance to the antibiotics Nalidixic Acid, Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol, Oxacillin, and Rifampicin. To assess antibacterial and antitumor activities, methanolic extracts were obtained by fermentation in SG culture medium at 36 °C at 180 rpm for 10 days. The extract produced from the S. albidoflavus CMRP4854 isolate was the only one to show activity against the Gram-negative bacterium Acinetobacter baumanii. Due to the great clinical importance of this pathogen and the difficulty in obtaining active compounds against it, the CMRP4854 isolate should be further investigated for the identification of active compounds and mode of action. We also emphasize the results obtained by the extract of the isolates Streptomyces albidoflavus CMRP4852 and Verrucosispora sp. CMRP4860 that presented antibacterial effect against Methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (MIC: 1.5 μg/mL and 13 μg/mL, respectively) and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) (MIC: 40 μg/mL for both extracts). Extracts (200 μg/mL) of these two endophytes also showed selective cytotoxicity action against murine B16-F10 melanoma cells. However, the CMRP4852 extract also affected the density of normal cells. Due to these results, the crude extract of isolate CMRP4860 Verrucosispora sp., which was the only one that presented cytotoxicity and reduced cell density only in tumor cells, was selected for subsequent analysis involving scale-up fermentation of the CMRP4860 resulting in 9 fractions that were tested against both bacteria and tumor cells, with particular fractions showing promise and meriting further investigation. Taken together, the results of this study not only show for the first time that the endophytic community of H. amplexicaulis actinobacteria can produce secondary metabolites that potentially possess important antibacterial and cytotoxic properties, but also reinforce the pressing need to conserve biomes such as the Brazilian Pantanal.

Non-Cytotoxic Sulfated Heterorhamnan from Gayralia brasiliensis Green Seaweed Reduces Driver Features of Melanoma Metastatic Progression

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer with high mortality owing to its fast progression and metastatic capacity. The treatments available nowadays are only palliative in advanced stages of the disease. Thus, alternative therapies for cancer treatment are in demand, and molecules from natural sources, such as polysaccharides, could represent new possible therapeutic approaches. Polysaccharides of freshwater and marine algae with biological activities, such as antitumor properties, are greatly reported in the scientific literature. In the present study, a sulfated heterorhamnan obtained from the green seaweed Gayralia brasiliensis (Gb1 fraction) was chemically characterized and its biological activities in the B16-F10 murine melanoma cell line were evaluated. The Gb1 polysaccharidic fraction tested concentrations presented low or absence of cytotoxicity to B16-F10 cells and neither cell proliferation nor cell cycle were altered. Interestingly, Gb1 treatment decreased B16-F10 cells migration and invasion capabilities and CD44 labeling, showing to be a promising compound for further in vitro and in vivo antitumor studies.

Primary cutaneous melanoma: correlation between clinical and histologic aspects in a retrospective Italian study

BACKGROUND

In Italy, the incidence of new cases of melanoma is roughly 10,000 cases per year, with an average rate of mortality of 5-6 per 100,000 population per year respectively. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the epidemiological incidence of primitive melanoma, including the incidence of multiple melanomas occurring in the same patient. Furthermore, we studied all histological different types of melanoma focusing on the presence of an association nevus-melanoma.

METHODS

A clinical epidemiologic retrospective study from January 2010 to March 2015 was recorded. For each lesion, mitotic rate, Breslow's index, ulceration, presence of regression, vascular and perineural invasion, lymphocytic infiltrate, microsatellitosis and presence of pre-existencing nevus were also studied.

RESULTS

Five hundred eighty primitive cutaneous melanomas (CMs) were removed from 525 patients with an incidence of 18-20 new melanomas/100,000 habitants/year. Eighty percent of these were at stage T0-1. Among other melanomas, SSM was the predominant subtype (85% of cases). Only 18 cases had lymph node metastases and 13 (2%) lymph node and/or distant metastases (stage IV) at time of diagnosis. Mitotic figures were present in 25% of cases (143 cases out of 580) without significant gender differences.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of new melanomas founded is close to the CM's incidence in US population in 2016 with a high percentage of superficial melanomas highlighting the importance of prevention campaigns. The presence of melanoma on a preexisting nevus in only 16% of cases allow to conclude that this association is overestimated in literature. On the contrary the high incidence of a second melanoma in the 7% of cases in a relatively short period of survey leads to the conclusion that this data is underestimated.

Relationship between haematological profile and progression or spontaneous regression of melanoma in the Melanoma-bearing Libechov Minipigs

Haematological parameters, plasma iron concentration, and bodyweight were monitored in Melanoma-bearing Libechov Minipigs (MeLiM) from 5 to 18 weeks old. Animals with melanoma progression (P group) and spontaneous regression (SR group) were compared. The P group showed the lowest median values of red blood cell counts (RBC), haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin concentration (HGB), and bodyweight, whereas the control white (tumour-free) pigs (C group) revealed the highest mean values of these parameters. The mean values of pigs with SR fell between the P and C groups. In addition, a stable concentration of plasma iron was found in the C group, while iron deficiency that increases with age was observed in the MeLiM groups. These results indicate that MeLiM are affected by cancer-related microcytic hypochromic anaemia. The lowest values of HGB, RBC, and HCT, together with the highest number of platelets (PLT) in the P group correspond to melanoma progression. Higher values of these parameters and lower PLT in the MeLiM pigs with SR reflected health improvement due to the destruction of melanoma cells during spontaneous regression. Monitoring of these haematological parameters can help distinguish MeLiM piglets with progression and spontaneous regression of melanoma in the early stages of postnatal development. The findings of this study correspond to findings in human patients in which cancer-related anaemia, thrombocytosis, and iron deficiency are often diagnosed.

A preliminary study of photoacoustic/ultrasound dual-mode imaging in melanoma using MAGE-targeted gold nanoparticles

Nanoprobes are small enough to circulate within the vasculature and can reach tumour tissues through the endothelial gap, providing a new strategy for accurate tumour monitoring and imaging-guided antitumour therapy at the molecular level. Both photoacoustic and ultrasonic imaging are noninvasive tools for cancer detection via the application of nanoprobes. In this study, a polymeric multifunctional nanoparticle probe loaded with gold nanorods (Au-NRs) and liquid perfluorocarbon (perfluorinated hexane/PFH) and conjugated to a monoclonal antibody (MAGE-1 antibody) to melanoma-associated antigens (MAGE) targeting melanoma was successfully prepared by the double emulsion and carbodiimide methods as a targeted photoacoustic/ultrasound dual-mode imaging contrast agent (MAGE-Au-PFH-NPs). Cell-targeting experiments in vitro showed large amounts of MAGE-Au-PFH-NPs surrounding B16 melanoma cells in the targeted group. The photoacoustic signal in the targeted group was significantly increased, and the duration was longer than that in the untargeted group in vivo. The photoacoustic signal of the nanoprobes was enhanced with increased Au-NR concentration in the photoacoustic experiment in vitro. The enhanced signal was observed by ultrasound after 808-nm laser irradiation. A cytotoxicity and biocompatibility test showed that MAGE-Au-PFH-NPs exhibited good biological safety. The MAGE-Au-PFH-NPs can be used as a photoacoustic/ultrasound dual-mode contrast agent to lay the foundation for a promising new approach for the noninvasive targeting, monitoring and treatment of tumours.

Advances in Proteomic Techniques for Cytokine Analysis: Focus on Melanoma Research

Melanoma is a skin cancer with permanently increasing incidence and resistance to therapies in advanced stages. Reports of spontaneous regression and tumour infiltration with T-lymphocytes makes melanoma candidate for immunotherapies. Cytokines are key factors regulating immune response and intercellular communication in tumour microenvironment. Cytokines may be used in therapy of melanoma to modulate immune response. Cytokines also possess diagnostic and prognostic potential and cytokine production may reflect effects of immunotherapies. The purpose of this review is to give an overview of recent advances in proteomic techniques for the detection and quantification of cytokines in melanoma research. Approaches covered span from mass spectrometry to immunoassays for single molecule detection (ELISA, western blot), multiplex assays (chemiluminescent, bead-based (Luminex) and planar antibody arrays), ultrasensitive techniques (Singulex, Simoa, immuno-PCR, proximity ligation/extension assay, immunomagnetic reduction assay), to analyses of single cells producing cytokines (ELISpot, flow cytometry, mass cytometry and emerging techniques for single cell secretomics). Although this review is focused mainly on cancer and particularly melanoma, the discussed techniques are in general applicable to broad research field of biology and medicine, including stem cells, development, aging, immunology and intercellular communication.

Pharmacology of mangostins and their derivatives: A comprehensive review

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn.) is a well-known tropical tree indigenous to Southeast Asia. Its fruit's pericarp abounds with a class of isoprenylated xanthones which are referred as mangostins. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that mangostins and their derivatives possess diverse pharmacological activities, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic activities as well as neuroprotective properties in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review article provides a comprehensive review of the pharmacological activities of mangostins and their derivatives to reveal their promising utilities in the treatment of certain important diseases, mainly focusing on the discussions of the underlying molecular targets/pathways, modes of action, and relevant structure-activity relationships (SARs). Meanwhile, the pharmacokinetics (PK) profile and recent toxicological studies of mangostins are also described for further druggability exploration in the future.

Genomic profiling of invasive melanoma cell lines by array comparative genomic hybridization

Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive human cancers. Invasion of cells is the first step in metastasis, resulting in cell migration through tissue compartments. We aimed to evaluate genomic alterations specifically associated with the invasive characteristics of melanoma cells. Matrigel invasion assays were used to determine the invasive properties of cell lines that originated from primary melanomas. Array comparative genomic hybridization analyses were carried out to define the chromosome copy number alterations (CNAs). Several recurrent CNAs were identified by array comparative genomic hybridization that affected melanoma-related genes. Invasive primary cell lines showed high frequencies of CNAs, including the loss of 7q and gain of 12q chromosomal regions targeting PTPN12, ADAM22, FZD1, TFPI2, GNG11, COL1A2, SMURF1, VGF, RELN and GLIPR1 genes. Gain of the GDNF (5p13.1), GPAA1, PLEC and SHARPIN (8q24.3) genes was significantly more frequent in invasive cell lines compared with the noninvasive ones. Importantly, copy number gains of these genes were also found in cell lines that originated from metastases, suggesting their role in melanoma metastasis formation. The present study describes genomic differences between invasive and noninvasive melanoma cell lines that may contribute toward the aggressive phenotype of human melanoma cells.

CD114: A New Member of the Neural Crest-Derived Cancer Stem Cell Marker Family

The neural crest is a population of cells in the vertebrate embryo that gives rise to a wide range of tissues and cell types, including components of the peripheral nervous system and the craniofacial skeleton as well as melanocytes and the adrenal medulla. Aberrations in neural crest development can lead to numerous diseases, including cancers such as melanoma and neuroblastoma. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in these neural crest-derived tumors, and these CSCs demonstrate resistance to treatment and are likely key contributors to disease relapse. Patients with neural crest-derived tumors often have poor outcomes due to frequent relapses, likely due to the continued presence of residual treatment-resistant CSCs, and therapies directed against these CSCs are likely to improve patient outcomes. CSCs share many of the same genetic and biologic features of primordial neural crest cells, and therefore a better understanding of neural crest development will likely lead to the development of effective therapies directed against these CSCs. Signaling through STAT3 has been shown to be required for neural crest development, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF)-mediated activation of STAT3 has been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of neural crest-derived tumors. Expression of the cell surface marker CD114 (the receptor for GCSF) has been identified as a potential marker for CSCs in neural crest-derived tumors, suggesting that CD114 expression and function may contribute to disease relapse and poor patient outcomes. Here we review the processes of neural crest development and tumorigenesis and we discuss the previously identified markers for CSC subpopulations identified in neural crest tumors and their role in neural crest tumor biology. We also discuss the potential for CD114 and downstream intracellular signaling pathways as potential targets for CSC-directed therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 221-231, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Trends in Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy for Cancer Treatment From 1973 to 2011

PURPOSE

Cancer care is becoming increasingly complicated, in particular with the integration of radiation and surgery. Institutions may need to increase coordination between multidisciplinary clinical teams to optimize patient care. This study examines historical trends in adjuvant and neoadjuvant radiation therapy (ANRT) before or after cancer-directed surgery to identify disease sites that may benefit from coordinated care.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried to identify patients with bladder cancer; breast cancer; cervical cancer; colorectal cancer; kidney cancer; cancer of the lung, bronchus, and pleura; lymphoma; melanoma; cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx; ovarian cancer; pancreatic cancer; prostate cancer; thyroid cancer; and uterine cancer from 1973 to 2011. Number and percentage of patients who received ANRT were calculated from 1973 to 2011.

RESULTS

Adjuvant and neoadjuvant radiation therapy usage increased from 14% in 1973 to 19% in 2011. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant radiation therapy use for breast, oral cavity/pharynx, and thyroid cancers increased from 24%, 16%, and 9% in 1973 to 53%, 32%, and 46% in 2011, respectively. Changes in ANRT were seen in gynecologic and genitourinary cancers, with increased use of ANRT in cervical cancer and declines in uterine, ovarian, bladder, prostate, and kidney cancers. There were minimal changes in ANRT usage for patients within other diagnosis groups.

DISCUSSION

Overall usage of ANRT is increasing over time, with increased need for coordinated care in breast and head and neck cancers. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant radiation therapy in genitourinary and gynecologic cancers is undergoing significant change.

Toward in vivo biopsy of melanoma based on photoacoustic and ultrasound dual imaging with an integrated detector

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer with high lethal rate. Tumor thickness and tumor-associated vasculature are two key parameters for staging melanoma. Previous techniques for diagnosing melanoma have insurmountable restrictions, such as invasive, low specificity, or inaccurate depth measurement. Here we develop an integrated photoacoustic (PA) and ultrasound (US) imaging system dedicated to overcome these limitations. An integrated detector with sound-light coaxial/confocal design and flexible coupling mode is employed for the combined PA/US imaging strategy. PA imaging results enable a clear characterization of tumor angiogenesis with high resolution and high contrast. Furthermore, accurate thickness measurements of melanoma in different stages can be resolved with the simultaneously obtained PA/US image. Phantom experiments and in vivo animal experimental results demonstrate the integrated PA/US system could provide potential for noninvasive biopsy of melanoma.

Platycodin D inhibits B16F10 melanoma metastasis via antiangiogenic activity

Platycodin D inhibits B16F10 melanoma metastasisviaantiangiogenic activity.

Estrogen Receptor β in Melanoma: From Molecular Insights to Potential Clinical Utility

Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive tumor; its incidence has been reported to increase fast in the past decades. Melanoma is a heterogeneous tumor, with most patients harboring mutations in the BRAF or NRAS oncogenes, leading to the overactivation of the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways. The current therapeutic approaches are based on therapies targeting mutated BRAF and the downstream pathway, and on monoclonal antibodies against the immune checkpoint blockade. However, treatment resistance and side effects are common events of these therapeutic strategies. Increasing evidence supports that melanoma is a hormone-related cancer. Melanoma incidence is higher in males than in females, and females have a significant survival advantage over men. Estrogens exert their effects through estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) that affect cancer growth in an opposite way: ERα is associated with a proliferative action and ERβ with an anticancer effect. ERβ is the predominant ER in melanoma, and its expression decreases in melanoma progression, supporting its role as a tumor suppressor. Thus, ERβ is now considered as an effective molecular target for melanoma treatment. 17β-estradiol was reported to inhibit melanoma cells proliferation; however, clinical trials did not provide the expected survival benefits. In vitro studies demonstrate that ERβ ligands inhibit the proliferation of melanoma cells harboring the NRAS (but not the BRAF) mutation, suggesting that ERβ activation might impair melanoma development through the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway. These data suggest that ERβ agonists might be considered as an effective treatment strategy, in combination with MAPK inhibitors, for NRAS mutant melanomas. In an era of personalized medicine, pretreatment evaluation of the expression of ER isoforms together with the concurrent oncogenic mutations should be considered before selecting the most appropriate therapeutic intervention. Natural compounds that specifically bind to ERβ have been identified. These phytoestrogens decrease the proliferation of melanoma cells. Importantly, these effects are unrelated to the oncogenic mutations of melanomas, suggesting that, in addition to their ERβ activating function, these compounds might impair melanoma development through additional mechanisms. A better identification of the role of ERβ in melanoma development will help increase the therapeutic options for this aggressive pathology.

Stimulated Raman photoacoustic spectroscopy for chemical-contrast imaging of a sample deeply buried in scattering media

The development of a wavelength-variable stimulated Raman scattering photoacoustic spectrometer and its application to a sample buried in highly scattering media are presented.

Anti-TNF agents in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and malignant melanoma--challenges in management

PURPOSE

The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases of the gut that occur in genetically predisposed individuals exposed to environmental triggers. Several immunosuppressive agents have been successfully used for induction and maintenance treatment in inflammatory bowel disease. These include steroids, thiopurines, methotrexate, anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) alpha agents, anti-alpha 4 integrins, and anti-IL-12/23 agent to name a few. There are also limited data on novel approaches including thalidomide and stem cell transplant. In spite of the significant successes associated with these agents, numerous malignancies have been associated with their use. Lymphomas including hepatosplenic T cell lymphomas, non-melanoma skin cancers and, more recently, melanoma have been described, specifically with anti-TNF.

METHODS

We reviewed the available published literature on melanoma in IBD, melanoma associated with anti-TNF, and the data on other treatment options in patients with IBD. In addition, we also reviewed the limited data on the gut specific integrin-vedolizumab. This may provide an additional option in the management of the subset of patients with IBD and melanoma.

RESULTS

Options for treatment of IBD should be based on the stage of melanoma, control of IBD, and patient preferences. It should involve shared decision-making and close interdisciplinary follow-up between the IBD physician and the dermatologist, preferably with expertise in the management of melanoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment choices in patients with IBD and melanoma are challenging. There is very limited data providing guidance in this subset of patients. As such, treatment and follow-up should be individualized, extensively discussed with patients and their families as appropriate, and done in conjunction with a close follow-up by gastroenterologist and dermatologist.

Loss of MiR-664 Expression Enhances Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma Proliferation by Upregulating PLP2

Proteolipid protein 2 (PLP2) has been shown to be upregulated in several cancers, including breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, osteosarcoma, and melanoma. PLP2 specifically binds to phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase to activate the protein kinase B pathway to enhance cell proliferation, adhesion, and invasion in melanoma cells. Therefore, we speculated that PLP2 exhibits oncogenic potential. However, the regulatory mechanisms of PLP2 in cancer cells remain unclear.Herein, we found that microRNA (miR)-664 expression was significantly downregulated in cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) cells and tissues compared with normal human melanocytes and benign melanocytic naevi. MiR-664 expression level was significantly correlated with patient survival. Ectopic expression of miR-664 reduced CMM cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth, whereas the inhibition of miR-664 induced these effects. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-664 in CMM cells resulted in modulation of their entry into the G1/S transitional phase, which was caused by downregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor P21 and upregulation of the cell-cycle regulator cyclin D1. Moreover, we demonstrated that miR-664 downregulated PLP2 expression by directly targeting the PLP2 untranslated region.Taken together, our results suggest that miR-664 may play an important role in suppressing proliferation of CMM cells and present a novel mechanism of miR-mediated direct suppression of PLP2 expression in cancer cells.

Pharmacist's role in optimizing therapy of the newer agents for the treatment of metastatic melanoma

Metastatic melanoma is a disease with a historically dismal survival of 6-9 months with treatment. It is considered an incurable disease and resistant to conventional chemotherapy. We have learned much about the role of newer targets in the development of melanoma which has helped us in developing targeted therapy and improving immunotherapy for the treatment of melanoma. These new therapies have a different adverse event profile from conventional chemotherapy. We will define these and their management from the perspective of the oncology pharmacist. We will also discuss the role that the oncology pharmacist can play in optimizing therapy and side effect management in the multidisciplinary team treating patients that have unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

Cytomegalovirus-Based Vaccine Expressing a Modified Tumor Antigen Induces Potent Tumor-Specific CD8(+) T-cell Response and Protects Mice from Melanoma

The presence of tumor-infiltrating CD8(+) T cells is associated with tumor regression and better prognosis. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection elicits a robust and long-lasting CD8(+) T-cell response, which makes CMV a potentially promising vaccine vector against cancer. In the current study, we used recombinant murine CMV (MCMV) strains as prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines in an aggressive B16 lung metastatic melanoma model. Immunization with MCMV-expressing ovalbumin (OVA) induced a potent OVA-specific CD8(+) T-cell response and was effective in protecting mice from OVA-expressing B16 melanoma in an antigen-dependent manner. We engineered MCMV to express a modified B16 melanoma antigen gp100 (MCMV-gp100KGP). Immunization with MCMV-gp100KGP was highly effective in overcoming immune tolerance to self-antigen and induced a strong, long-lasting gp100-specific CD8(+) T-cell response even in the presence of preexisting anti-CMV immunity. Furthermore, both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccinations of mice with MCMV-gp100KGP effectively protected mice from highly aggressive lung B16-F10 melanoma, and the protection was mediated by gp100-specific CD8(+) T cells. We showed that MCMV is a superior vaccine vector compared with a commonly used vesicular stomatitis virus vector. Collectively, our studies demonstrate that CMV is a promising vaccine vector to prevent and treat tumors.

Automated detection of new or evolving melanocytic lesions using a 3D body model

Detection of new or rapidly evolving melanocytic lesions is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. We propose a fully automated pre-screening system for detecting new lesions or changes in existing ones, on the order of 2 - 3mm, over almost the entire body surface. Our solution is based on a multi-camera 3D stereo system. The system captures 3D textured scans of a subject at different times and then brings these scans into correspondence by aligning them with a learned, parametric, non-rigid 3D body model. This means that captured skin textures are in accurate alignment across scans, facilitating the detection of new or changing lesions. The integration of lesion segmentation with a deformable 3D body model is a key contribution that makes our approach robust to changes in illumination and subject pose.

Handheld photoacoustic microscopy to detect melanoma depth in vivo

We developed handheld photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) to detect melanoma and determine tumor depth in nude mice in vivo. Compared to our previous PAM system for melanoma imaging, a new light delivery mechanism is introduced to improve light penetration. We show that melanomas with 4.1 and 3.7 mm thicknesses can be successfully detected in phantom and in in vivo experiments, respectively. With its deep melanoma imaging ability and handheld design, this system can be tested for clinical melanoma diagnosis, prognosis, and surgical planning for patients at the bedside.

Surviving cutaneous melanoma: a clinical review of follow-up practices, surveillance, and management of recurrence

The number of melanoma survivors in the United States continues to steadily increase 2.6% per year, while death rates have remained stable over time. Although controversy exists regarding optimal surveillance strategies, recommendations for clinical monitoring are based on tumor stage, tumor phenotype, likelihood of recurrence, prognosis, risk factors, psychosocial impact of disease, and patient well-being. Management guidelines for recurrent disease depend on the type of recurrence: local, satellite/in-transit, regional, or distant metastasis. This article is a current review of the literature concerning melanoma survivorship.

Inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasion of B16-F10 melanoma cells by α-mangostin

In this study, we have evaluated the potential antineoplastic effects of α-mangostin (α-M), the most representative xanthone in Garcinia mangostana pericarp, on melanoma cell lines. This xanthone markedly inhibits the proliferation of high-metastatic B16-F10 melanoma cells. Furthermore, by deeply analyzing which steps in the metastatic process are influenced by xanthone it was observed that α-M strongly interferes with homotypic aggregation, adhesion, plasticity and invasion ability of B16-F10 cells, probably by the observed reduction of metalloproteinase-9 activity. The antiproliferative and antimetastatic properties of α-M have been established in human SK-MEL-28 and A375 melanoma cells. In order to identify pathways potentially involved in the antineoplastic properties of α-M, a comparative mass spectrometry proteomic approach was employed. These findings may improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer effects of α-M on melanoma.

Cytotoxic effect of Reseda lutea L.: A case of forgotten remedy

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Reseda lutea L. (Resedaceae) or Wild Mignonette is a widely distributed plant species. Pliny the Elder (AD 23-AD 79), a Roman scholar and naturalist, reported the use of R. lutea for reducing tumors in his Historia naturalis. Accounts of the beneficial effects of R. lutea in tumor treatment could also be found in the works of later authors, such as Étienne François Geoffroy (1672-1731) and Samuel Frederick Gray (1766-1828). However, to date no in vivo or in vitro evidence exists in support of the alleged tumor healing properties of R. lutea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The composition of autolysates obtained from different organs (root, flower and fruit) of R. lutea was investigated by GC and GC-MS analyses and IR, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. These analyses led to the discovery of a new compound isolated in pure form from the flower autolysate. Autolysates and their major constituents were submitted to MTT-dye reduction cytotoxic assay on human A375 (melanoma) and MRC5 (fibroblast) cell lines. Mechanism of the cytotoxic effects was studied by cell cycle analysis and Annexin V assay.

RESULTS

Benzyl isothiocyanate and 2-(α-l-rhamnopyranosyloxy)benzyl isothiocyanate were identified as the major constituents of the root and flower autolysates, respectively (the later represents a new natural product). These compounds showed significant antiproliferative effects against both cell lines, which could also explain the observed high cytotoxic activity of the tested autolysates. Cell cycle analysis revealed apoptosis as the probable mechanism of cell death.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor healing properties attributed to R. lutea in the pre-modern texts were substantiated by the herein obtained results. Two isothiocyanates were found to be the major carriers of the observed activity. Although there was a relatively low differential effect of the plant metabolites on transformed and non-transformed cell lines, one can argue that the noted strong cytotoxicity provides first evidence that could explain the long forgotten use of this particular species.