1
|
Yang D, Dang S, Wang Z, Xie M, Li X, Ding X. Vessel co-option: a unique vascular-immune niche in liver cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1386772. [PMID: 38737903 PMCID: PMC11082301 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1386772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor vasculature is pivotal in regulating tumor perfusion, immune cell infiltration, metastasis, and invasion. The vascular status of the tumor is intricately linked to its immune landscape and response to immunotherapy. Vessel co-option means that tumor tissue adeptly exploits pre-existing blood vessels in the para-carcinoma region to foster its growth rather than inducing angiogenesis. It emerges as a significant mechanism contributing to anti-angiogenic therapy resistance. Different from angiogenic tumors, vessel co-option presents a distinctive vascular-immune niche characterized by varying states and distribution of immune cells, including T-cells, tumor-associated macrophages, neutrophils, and hepatic stellate cells. This unique composition contributes to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that is crucial in modulating the response to cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we systematically reviewed the evidence and molecular mechanisms of vessel co-option in liver cancer, while also exploring its implications for anti-angiogenic drug resistance and the immune microenvironment, to provide new ideas and clues for screening patients with liver cancer who are effective in immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiangming Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Harkos C, Stylianopoulos T. Investigating the synergistic effects of immunotherapy and normalization treatment in modulating tumor microenvironment and enhancing treatment efficacy. J Theor Biol 2024; 583:111768. [PMID: 38401748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2024.111768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
We developed a comprehensive mathematical model of cancer immunotherapy that takes into account: i) Immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) and the interactions between cancer cells and the immune system, ii) characteristics of the tumor microenvironment, such as the tumor hydraulic conductivity, interstitial fluid pressure, and vascular permeability, iii) spatial and temporal variations of the modeled components within the tumor and the surrounding host tissue, iv) the transport of modeled components through the vasculature and between the tumor-host tissue with convection and diffusion, and v) modeling of the tumor draining lymph nodes were the antigen presentation and the development of cytotoxic immune cells take place. Our model successfully reproduced experimental data from various murine tumor types and predicted immune system profiling, which is challenging to achieve experimentally. It showed that combination of ICB therapy and normalization treatments, that aim to improve tumor perfusion, decreases interstitial fluid pressure and increases the concentration of both innate and adaptive immune cells at the tumor center rather than the periphery. Furthermore, using the model, we investigated the impact of modeled components on treatment outcomes. The analysis found that the number of functional vessels inside the tumor region and the ICB dose administered have the largest impact on treatment outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos Harkos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Spinelli C, Adnani L, Meehan B, Montermini L, Huang S, Kim M, Nishimura T, Croul SE, Nakano I, Riazalhosseini Y, Rak J. Mesenchymal glioma stem cells trigger vasectasia-distinct neovascularization process stimulated by extracellular vesicles carrying EGFR. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2865. [PMID: 38570528 PMCID: PMC10991552 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46597-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting neovascularization in glioblastoma (GBM) is hampered by poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms and unclear linkages to tumour molecular landscapes. Here we report that different molecular subtypes of human glioma stem cells (GSC) trigger distinct endothelial responses involving either angiogenic or circumferential vascular growth (vasectasia). The latter process is selectively triggered by mesenchymal (but not proneural) GSCs and is mediated by a subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs) able to transfer EGFR/EGFRvIII transcript to endothelial cells. Inhibition of the expression and phosphorylation of EGFR in endothelial cells, either pharmacologically (Dacomitinib) or genetically (gene editing), abolishes their EV responses in vitro and disrupts vasectasia in vivo. Therapeutic inhibition of EGFR markedly extends anticancer effects of VEGF blockade in mice, coupled with abrogation of vasectasia and prolonged survival. Thus, vasectasia driven by intercellular transfer of oncogenic EGFR may represent a new therapeutic target in a subset of GBMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Spinelli
- McGill University, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lata Adnani
- McGill University, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brian Meehan
- McGill University, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Montermini
- McGill University, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sidong Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Minjun Kim
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tamiko Nishimura
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sidney E Croul
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Ichiro Nakano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hokuto Social Medical Corporation, Hokuto Hospital, Kisen-7-5 Inadacho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-0833, Japan
| | | | - Janusz Rak
- McGill University, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li J, Long Q, Ding H, Wang Y, Luo D, Li Z, Zhang W. Progress in the Treatment of Central Nervous System Diseases Based on Nanosized Traditional Chinese Medicine. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308677. [PMID: 38419366 PMCID: PMC11040388 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely used in clinical practice to treat diseases related to central nervous system (CNS) damage. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) constitutes a significant impediment to the effective delivery of TCM, thus substantially diminishing its efficacy. Advances in nanotechnology and its applications in TCM (also known as nano-TCM) can deliver active ingredients or components of TCM across the BBB to the targeted brain region. This review provides an overview of the physiological and pathological mechanisms of the BBB and systematically classifies the common TCM used to treat CNS diseases and types of nanocarriers that effectively deliver TCM to the brain. Additionally, drug delivery strategies for nano-TCMs that utilize in vivo physiological properties or in vitro devices to bypass or cross the BBB are discussed. This review further focuses on the application of nano-TCMs in the treatment of various CNS diseases. Finally, this article anticipates a design strategy for nano-TCMs with higher delivery efficiency and probes their application potential in treating a wider range of CNS diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio‐Cerebral Diseases, School of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineHunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaHunan410208China
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and NanosystemsChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101400China
| | - Qingyin Long
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio‐Cerebral Diseases, School of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineHunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaHunan410208China
| | - Huang Ding
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio‐Cerebral Diseases, School of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineHunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaHunan410208China
| | - Yang Wang
- Institute of Integrative MedicineDepartment of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineXiangya HospitalCentral South University ChangshaChangsha410008China
| | - Dan Luo
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and NanosystemsChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101400China
| | - Zhou Li
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and NanosystemsChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101400China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio‐Cerebral Diseases, School of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineHunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaHunan410208China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Onciul R, Brehar FM, Toader C, Covache-Busuioc RA, Glavan LA, Bratu BG, Costin HP, Dumitrascu DI, Serban M, Ciurea AV. Deciphering Glioblastoma: Fundamental and Novel Insights into the Biology and Therapeutic Strategies of Gliomas. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:2402-2443. [PMID: 38534769 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gliomas constitute a diverse and complex array of tumors within the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by a wide range of prognostic outcomes and responses to therapeutic interventions. This literature review endeavors to conduct a thorough investigation of gliomas, with a particular emphasis on glioblastoma (GBM), beginning with their classification and epidemiological characteristics, evaluating their relative importance within the CNS tumor spectrum. We examine the immunological context of gliomas, unveiling the intricate immune environment and its ramifications for disease progression and therapeutic strategies. Moreover, we accentuate critical developments in understanding tumor behavior, focusing on recent research breakthroughs in treatment responses and the elucidation of cellular signaling pathways. Analyzing the most novel transcriptomic studies, we investigate the variations in gene expression patterns in glioma cells, assessing the prognostic and therapeutic implications of these genetic alterations. Furthermore, the role of epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis of gliomas is underscored, suggesting that such changes are fundamental to tumor evolution and possible therapeutic advancements. In the end, this comparative oncological analysis situates GBM within the wider context of neoplasms, delineating both distinct and shared characteristics with other types of tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Razvan Onciul
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Neurosurgery Department, Emergency University Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Felix-Mircea Brehar
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corneliu Toader
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Vascular Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurology and Neurovascular Diseases, 077160 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Luca-Andrei Glavan
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan-Gabriel Bratu
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Horia Petre Costin
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - David-Ioan Dumitrascu
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Matei Serban
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Vlad Ciurea
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Neurosurgery Department, Sanador Clinical Hospital, 010991 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Clevenger AJ, McFarlin MK, Gorley JPM, Solberg SC, Madyastha AK, Raghavan SA. Advances in cancer mechanobiology: Metastasis, mechanics, and materials. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:011502. [PMID: 38449522 PMCID: PMC10917464 DOI: 10.1063/5.0186042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Within the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor cells are exposed to numerous mechanical forces, both internally and externally, which contribute to the metastatic cascade. From the initial growth of the tumor to traveling through the vasculature and to the eventual colonization of distant organs, tumor cells are continuously interacting with their surroundings through physical contact and mechanical force application. The mechanical forces found in the TME can be simplified into three main categories: (i) shear stress, (ii) tension and strain, and (iii) solid stress and compression. Each force type can independently impact tumor growth and progression. Here, we review recent bioengineering strategies, which have been employed to establish the connection between mechanical forces and tumor progression. While many cancers are explored in this review, we place great emphasis on cancers that are understudied in their response to mechanical forces, such as ovarian and colorectal cancers. We discuss the major steps of metastatic transformation and present novel, recent advances in model systems used to study how mechanical forces impact the study of the metastatic cascade. We end by summarizing systems that incorporate multiple forces to expand the complexity of our understanding of how tumor cells sense and respond to mechanical forces in their environment. Future studies would also benefit from the inclusion of time or the aspect of mechanical memory to further enhance this field. While the knowledge of mechanical forces and tumor metastasis grows, developing novel materials and in vitro systems are essential to providing new insight into predicting, treating, and preventing cancer progression and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maygan K. McFarlin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - John Paul M. Gorley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Spencer C. Solberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Anirudh K. Madyastha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Carrera-Aguado I, Marcos-Zazo L, Carrancio-Salán P, Guerra-Paes E, Sánchez-Juanes F, Muñoz-Félix JM. The Inhibition of Vessel Co-Option as an Emerging Strategy for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:921. [PMID: 38255995 PMCID: PMC10815934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Vessel co-option (VCO) is a non-angiogenic mechanism of vascularization that has been associated to anti-angiogenic therapy. In VCO, cancer cells hijack the pre-existing blood vessels and use them to obtain oxygen and nutrients and invade adjacent tissue. Multiple primary tumors and metastases undergo VCO in highly vascularized tissues such as the lungs, liver or brain. VCO has been associated with a worse prognosis. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that undergo VCO are poorly understood. Recent studies have demonstrated that co-opted vessels show a quiescent phenotype in contrast to angiogenic tumor blood vessels. On the other hand, it is believed that during VCO, cancer cells are adhered to basement membrane from pre-existing blood vessels by using integrins, show enhanced motility and a mesenchymal phenotype. Other components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) such as extracellular matrix, immune cells or extracellular vesicles play important roles in vessel co-option maintenance. There are no strategies to inhibit VCO, and thus, to eliminate resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy. This review summarizes all the molecular mechanisms involved in vessel co-option analyzing the possible therapeutic strategies to inhibit this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iván Carrera-Aguado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Laura Marcos-Zazo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Patricia Carrancio-Salán
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Guerra-Paes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Fernando Sánchez-Juanes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - José M. Muñoz-Félix
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rahban M, Joushi S, Bashiri H, Saso L, Sheibani V. Characterization of prevalent tyrosine kinase inhibitors and their challenges in glioblastoma treatment. Front Chem 2024; 11:1325214. [PMID: 38264122 PMCID: PMC10804459 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1325214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive malignant primary tumor in the central nervous system. Despite extensive efforts in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and neurosurgery, there remains an inadequate level of improvement in treatment outcomes. The development of large-scale genomic and proteomic analysis suggests that GBMs are characterized by transcriptional heterogeneity, which is responsible for therapy resistance. Hence, knowledge about the genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity of GBM is crucial for developing effective treatments for this aggressive form of brain cancer. Tyrosine kinases (TKs) can act as signal transducers, regulate important cellular processes like differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and metabolism. Therefore, TK inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed to specifically target these kinases. TKIs are categorized into allosteric and non-allosteric inhibitors. Irreversible inhibitors form covalent bonds, which can lead to longer-lasting effects. However, this can also increase the risk of off-target effects and toxicity. The development of TKIs as therapeutics through computer-aided drug design (CADD) and bioinformatic techniques enhance the potential to improve patients' survival rates. Therefore, the continued exploration of TKIs as drug targets is expected to lead to even more effective and specific therapeutics in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdie Rahban
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sara Joushi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamideh Bashiri
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang H, Lin H, Sun X. Multiscale modeling of drug resistance in glioblastoma with gene mutations and angiogenesis. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:5285-5295. [PMID: 37941656 PMCID: PMC10628546 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is a prominent impediment to the efficacy of targeted therapies across various cancer types, including glioblastoma (GBM). However, comprehending the intricate intracellular and extracellular mechanisms underlying drug resistance remains elusive. Empirical investigations have elucidated that genetic aberrations, such as gene mutations, along with microenvironmental adaptation, notably angiogenesis, act as pivotal drivers of tumor progression and drug resistance. Nonetheless, mathematical models frequently compartmentalize these factors in isolation. In this study, we present a multiscale agent-based model of GBM, encompassing cellular dynamics, intricate signaling pathways, gene mutations, angiogenesis, and therapeutic interventions. This integrative framework facilitates an exploration of the interplay between genetic mutations and the vascular microenvironment in shaping the dynamic evolution of tumors during treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Our simulations unveil that mutations influencing the migration and proliferation of tumor cells expedite the emergence of phenotype heterogeneity, thereby exacerbating tumor invasion under both treated and untreated conditions. Moreover, angiogenesis proximate to the tumor fosters a protumoral milieu, augmenting mutation-induced drug resistance by increasing the survival rate of tumor cells. Collectively, our findings underscore the dual roles of intrinsic genetic mutations and extrinsic microenvironmental adaptations in steering tumor growth and drug resistance. Finally, we substantiate our model predictions concerning the impact of gene mutations and angiogenesis on the responsiveness of targeted therapies by integrating single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, bulk RNA-seq, and clinical data from GBM patients. The multidimensional approach enhances our understanding of the complexities governing drug resistance in glioma and offers insights into potential therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Yang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- School of Mathematics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Haofeng Lin
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- School of Mathematics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Sun
- School of Mathematics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Takarada K, Kinoshita J, Inoue YH. Ectopic expression of matrix metalloproteinases and filopodia extension via JNK activation are involved in the invasion of blood tumor cells in Drosophila mxc mutant. Genes Cells 2023; 28:709-726. [PMID: 37615261 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.13060] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Drosophila mxcmbn1 mutant exhibits severe hyperplasia in larval hematopoietic tissue called the lymph glands (LGs). However, the malignant nature of these cells remains unknown. We aimed to identify if mxcmbn1 LG cells behave as malignant tumor cells and uncover the mechanism(s) underlying the malignancy of the mutant hemocytes. When mutant LG cells were allografted into normal adult abdomens, they continued to proliferate; however, normal LG cells did not proliferate. Mutant circulating hemocytes also attached to the larval central nervous system (CNS), where the basement membrane was disrupted. The mutant hemocytes displayed higher expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1 and MMP2 and higher activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway than normal hemocytes. Depletion of MMPs or JNK mRNAs in LGs resulted in reduced numbers of hemocytes attached to the CNS, suggesting that the invasive phenotype involved elevated expression of MMPs via hyperactivation of the JNK pathway. Moreover, hemocytes with elongated filopodia and extra lamellipodia were frequently observed in the mutant hemolymph, which also depended on JNK signaling. Thus, the MMP upregulation and overextension of actin-based cell protrusions were also involved in hemocyte invasion in mxcmbn1 larvae. These findings contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying mammalian leukemic invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Takarada
- Research Center of Biomedical Research, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Juri Kinoshita
- Research Center of Biomedical Research, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro H Inoue
- Research Center of Biomedical Research, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
An YF, Pu N, Jia JB, Wang WQ, Liu L. Therapeutic advances targeting tumor angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer: Current dilemmas and future directions. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188958. [PMID: 37495194 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, which is generally resistant to various treatments. Tumor angiogenesis is deemed to be a pivotal rate-determining step for tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, anti-angiogenetic therapy is a rational strategy to treat various cancers. However, numerous clinical trials on anti-angiogenetic therapies for PC are overwhelmingly disappointing. The unique characteristics of tumor blood vessels in PC, which are desperately lacking and highly compressed by the dense desmoplastic stroma, are reconsidered to explore some optimized strategies. In this review, we mainly focus on its specific characteristics of tumor blood vessels, discuss the current dilemmas of anti-angiogenic therapy in PC and their underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we point out the future directions, including remodeling the abnormal vasculature or even reshaping the whole tumor microenvironment in which they are embedded to improve tumor microcirculation, and then create therapeutic vulnerabilities to the current available therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fei An
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Basic Medicine, Chang Zhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000,China; Department of Basic Medicine and Institute of Liver Diseases, Shan Xi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Ning Pu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jin-Bin Jia
- Department of Basic Medicine and Institute of Liver Diseases, Shan Xi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, China.
| | - Wen-Quan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nikmaneshi MR, Jain RK, Munn LL. Computational simulations of tumor growth and treatment response: Benefits of high-frequency, low-dose drug regimens and concurrent vascular normalization. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011131. [PMID: 37289729 PMCID: PMC10249820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Implementation of effective cancer treatment strategies requires consideration of how the spatiotemporal heterogeneities within the tumor microenvironment (TME) influence tumor progression and treatment response. Here, we developed a multi-scale three-dimensional mathematical model of the TME to simulate tumor growth and angiogenesis and then employed the model to evaluate an array of single and combination therapy approaches. Treatments included maximum tolerated dose or metronomic (i.e., frequent low doses) scheduling of anti-cancer drugs combined with anti-angiogenic therapy. The results show that metronomic therapy normalizes the tumor vasculature to improve drug delivery, modulates cancer metabolism, decreases interstitial fluid pressure and decreases cancer cell invasion. Further, we find that combining an anti-cancer drug with anti-angiogenic treatment enhances tumor killing and reduces drug accumulation in normal tissues. We also show that combined anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer drugs can decrease cancer invasiveness and normalize the cancer metabolic microenvironment leading to reduced hypoxia and hypoglycemia. Our model simulations suggest that vessel normalization combined with metronomic cytotoxic therapy has beneficial effects by enhancing tumor killing and limiting normal tissue toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad R. Nikmaneshi
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rakesh K. Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lance L. Munn
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mechanistic model for booster doses effectiveness in healthy, cancer, and immunosuppressed patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2211132120. [PMID: 36623200 PMCID: PMC9934028 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2211132120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are effective at limiting disease severity, but effectiveness is lower among patients with cancer or immunosuppression. Effectiveness wanes with time and varies by vaccine type. Moreover, previously prescribed vaccines were based on the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein that emerging variants may evade. Here, we describe a mechanistic mathematical model for vaccination-induced immunity. We validate it with available clinical data and use it to simulate the effectiveness of vaccines against viral variants with lower antigenicity, increased virulence, or enhanced cell binding for various vaccine platforms. The analysis includes the omicron variant as well as hypothetical future variants with even greater immune evasion of vaccine-induced antibodies and addresses the potential benefits of the new bivalent vaccines. We further account for concurrent cancer or underlying immunosuppression. The model confirms enhanced immunogenicity following booster vaccination in immunosuppressed patients but predicts ongoing booster requirements for these individuals to maintain protection. We further studied the impact of variants on immunosuppressed individuals as a function of the interval between multiple booster doses. Our model suggests possible strategies for future vaccinations and suggests tailored strategies for high-risk groups.
Collapse
|
14
|
Chen Q, Xiong J, Ma Y, Wei J, Liu C, Zhao Y. Systemic treatments for breast cancer brain metastasis. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1086821. [PMID: 36686840 PMCID: PMC9853531 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1086821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in females and BC brain metastasis (BCBM) is considered as the second most frequent brain metastasis. Although the advanced treatment has significantly prolonged the survival in BC patients, the prognosis of BCBM is still poor. The management of BCBM remains challenging. Systemic treatments are important to maintain control of central nervous system disease and improve patients' survival. BCBM medical treatment is a rapidly advancing area of research. With the emergence of new targeted drugs, more options are provided for the treatment of BM. This review features currently available BCBM treatment strategies and outlines novel drugs and ongoing clinical trials that may be available in the future. These treatment strategies are discovered to be more efficacious and potent, and present a paradigm shift in the management of BCBMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Cuiwei Liu
- *Correspondence: Cuiwei Liu, ; Yanxia Zhao,
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Buccarelli M, Castellani G, Ricci-Vitiani L. Glioblastoma-Specific Strategies of Vascularization: Implications in Anti-Angiogenic Therapy Resistance. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101625. [PMID: 36294763 PMCID: PMC9604754 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis has long been implicated as a crucial process in GBM growth and progression. GBM can adopt several strategies to build up its abundant and aberrant vasculature. Targeting GBM angiogenesis has gained more and more attention in anti-cancer therapy, and many strategies have been developed to interfere with this hallmark. However, recent findings reveal that the effects of anti-angiogenic treatments are temporally limited and that tumors become refractory to therapy and more aggressive. In this review, we summarize the GBM-associated neovascularization processes and their implication in drug resistance mechanisms underlying the transient efficacy of current anti-angiogenic therapies. Moreover, we describe potential strategies and perspectives to overcome the mechanisms adopted by GBM to develop resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy as new potential therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariachiara Buccarelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Castellani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cuypers A, Truong ACK, Becker LM, Saavedra-García P, Carmeliet P. Tumor vessel co-option: The past & the future. Front Oncol 2022; 12:965277. [PMID: 36119528 PMCID: PMC9472251 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.965277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor vessel co-option (VCO) is a non-angiogenic vascularization mechanism that is a possible cause of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy (AAT). Multiple tumors are hypothesized to primarily rely on growth factor signaling-induced sprouting angiogenesis, which is often inhibited during AAT. During VCO however, tumors invade healthy tissues by hijacking pre-existing blood vessels of the host organ to secure their blood and nutrient supply. Although VCO has been described in the context of AAT resistance, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process and the profile and characteristics of co-opted vascular cell types (endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes) remain poorly understood, resulting in the lack of therapeutic strategies to inhibit VCO (and to overcome AAT resistance). In the past few years, novel next-generation technologies (such as single-cell RNA sequencing) have emerged and revolutionized the way of analyzing and understanding cancer biology. While most studies utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing with focus on cancer vascularization have centered around ECs during sprouting angiogenesis, we propose that this and other novel technologies can be used in future investigations to shed light on tumor EC biology during VCO. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms driving VCO known to date and introduce the models used to study this phenomenon to date. We highlight VCO studies that recently emerged using sequencing approaches and propose how these and other novel state-of-the-art methods can be used in the future to further explore ECs and other cell types in the VCO process and to identify potential vulnerabilities in tumors relying on VCO. A better understanding of VCO by using novel approaches could provide new answers to the many open questions, and thus pave the way to develop new strategies to control and target tumor vascularization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Cuypers
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) and Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anh-Co Khanh Truong
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) and Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lisa M. Becker
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) and Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paula Saavedra-García
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) and Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Peter Carmeliet,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kiani Shahvandi M, Soltani M, Moradi Kashkooli F, Saboury B, Rahmim A. Spatiotemporal multi-scale modeling of radiopharmaceutical distributions in vascularized solid tumors. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14582. [PMID: 36028541 PMCID: PMC9418261 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18723-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We present comprehensive mathematical modeling of radiopharmaceutical spatiotemporal distributions within vascularized solid tumors. The novelty of the presented model is at mathematical level. From the mathematical viewpoint, we provide a general modeling framework for the process of radiopharmaceutical distribution in the tumor microenvironment to enable an analysis of the effect of various tumor-related parameters on the distribution of different radiopharmaceuticals. We argue that partial differential equations (PDEs), beyond conventional methods, including ODE-based kinetic compartment modeling, can be used to evaluate radiopharmaceutical distribution in both time and space. In addition, we consider the spatially-variable dynamic structure of tumor microvascular networks to simulate blood flow distribution. To examine the robustness of the model, the effects of microvessel density (MVD) and tumor size, as two important factors in tumor prognosis, on the radiopharmaceutical distribution within the tumor are investigated over time (in the present work, we focus on the radiopharmaceutical [18F]FDG, yet the framework is broadly applicable to radiopharmaceuticals). Results demonstrate that the maximum total uptake of [18F]FDG at all time frames occurs in the tumor area due to the high capillary permeability and lack of a functional lymphatic system. As the MVD of networks increases, the mean total uptake in the tumor is also enhanced, where the rate of diffusion from vessel to tissue has the highest contribution and the rate of convection transport has the lowest contribution. The results of this study can be used to better investigate various phenomena and bridge a gap among cancer biology, mathematical oncology, medical physics, and radiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - M Soltani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada. .,Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (CBB), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada. .,Advanced Bioengineering Initiative Center, Multidisciplinary International Complex, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Babak Saboury
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Arman Rahmim
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Departments of Radiology and Physics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Current Opportunities for Targeting Dysregulated Neurodevelopmental Signaling Pathways in Glioblastoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162530. [PMID: 36010607 PMCID: PMC9406959 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and highly lethal type of brain tumor, with poor survival despite advances in understanding its complexity. After current standard therapeutic treatment, including tumor resection, radiotherapy and concomitant chemotherapy with temozolomide, the median overall survival of patients with this type of tumor is less than 15 months. Thus, there is an urgent need for new insights into GBM molecular characteristics and progress in targeted therapy in order to improve clinical outcomes. The literature data revealed that a number of different signaling pathways are dysregulated in GBM. In this review, we intended to summarize and discuss current literature data and therapeutic modalities focused on targeting dysregulated signaling pathways in GBM. A better understanding of opportunities for targeting signaling pathways that influences malignant behavior of GBM cells might open the way for the development of novel GBM-targeted therapies.
Collapse
|
19
|
Sharifi M, Cho WC, Ansariesfahani A, Tarharoudi R, Malekisarvar H, Sari S, Bloukh SH, Edis Z, Amin M, Gleghorn JP, Hagen TLMT, Falahati M. An Updated Review on EPR-Based Solid Tumor Targeting Nanocarriers for Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122868. [PMID: 35740534 PMCID: PMC9220781 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary One of the important efforts in the treatment of cancers is to achieve targeted drug delivery by nanocarriers to be more effective and reduce adverse effects. However, due to the adverse responses of nanocarriers in clinical trials due to the very weak EPR effects, doubts have been raised in this regard. In this study, an attempt has been made to take a critical look at EPR approaches to enable the convergence of previous papers and the EPR critics to reach an appropriate therapeutic path. Although the effectiveness of EPR is highly variable due to the complex microenvironment of the tumor, there is high hope for cancer treatment by describing new strategies to overcome the challenges of EPR effect. Furthermore, in this paper an attempt was made to provide a reliable path for future to develop cancer therapeutics based on EPR effect. Abstract The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in cancer treatment is one of the key mechanisms that enables drug accumulation at the tumor site. However, despite a plethora of virus/inorganic/organic-based nanocarriers designed to rely on the EPR effect to effectively target tumors, most have failed in the clinic. It seems that the non-compliance of research activities with clinical trials, goals unrelated to the EPR effect, and lack of awareness of the impact of solid tumor structure and interactions on the performance of drug nanocarriers have intensified this dissatisfaction. As such, the asymmetric growth and structural complexity of solid tumors, physicochemical properties of drug nanocarriers, EPR analytical combination tools, and EPR description goals should be considered to improve EPR-based cancer therapeutics. This review provides valuable insights into the limitations of the EPR effect in therapeutic efficacy and reports crucial perspectives on how the EPR effect can be modulated to improve the therapeutic effects of nanomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Majid Sharifi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud 3614773947, Iran;
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud 3614773947, Iran
| | - William C. Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Asal Ansariesfahani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1916893813, Iran; (A.A.); (R.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Rahil Tarharoudi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1916893813, Iran; (A.A.); (R.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Hedyeh Malekisarvar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1916893813, Iran; (A.A.); (R.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Soyar Sari
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1916893813, Iran; (A.A.); (R.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Samir Haj Bloukh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates;
- Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Zehra Edis
- Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamadreza Amin
- Laboratory Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine Innovation Center Erasmus, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.A.); (M.F.)
| | - Jason P. Gleghorn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA
- Correspondence: (J.P.G.); (T.L.M.t.H.)
| | - Timo L. M. ten Hagen
- Laboratory Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine Innovation Center Erasmus, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.A.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: (J.P.G.); (T.L.M.t.H.)
| | - Mojtaba Falahati
- Laboratory Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine Innovation Center Erasmus, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.A.); (M.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kaur J, Gulati M, Kapoor B, Jha NK, Gupta PK, Gupta G, Chellappan DK, Devkota HP, Prasher P, Ansari MS, Aba Alkhayl FF, Arshad MF, Morris A, Choonara YE, Adams J, Dua K, Singh SK. Advances in designing of polymeric micelles for biomedical application in brain related diseases. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 361:109960. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
21
|
Physical Forces in Glioblastoma Migration: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23074055. [PMID: 35409420 PMCID: PMC9000211 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23074055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The invasive capabilities of glioblastoma (GBM) define the cancer’s aggressiveness, treatment resistance, and overall mortality. The tumor microenvironment influences the molecular behavior of cells, both epigenetically and genetically. Current forces being studied include properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), such as stiffness and “sensing” capabilities. There is currently limited data on the physical forces in GBM—both relating to how they influence their environment and how their environment influences them. This review outlines the advances that have been made in the field. It is our hope that further investigation of the physical forces involved in GBM will highlight new therapeutic options and increase patient survival. A search of the PubMed database was conducted through to 23 March 2022 with the following search terms: (glioblastoma) AND (physical forces OR pressure OR shear forces OR compression OR tension OR torsion) AND (migration OR invasion). Our review yielded 11 external/applied/mechanical forces and 2 tumor microenvironment (TME) forces that affect the ability of GBM to locally migrate and invade. Both external forces and forces within the tumor microenvironment have been implicated in GBM migration, invasion, and treatment resistance. We endorse further research in this area to target the physical forces affecting the migration and invasion of GBM.
Collapse
|
22
|
Inverting angiogenesis with interstitial flow and chemokine matrix-binding affinity. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4237. [PMID: 35273299 PMCID: PMC8913640 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08186-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular signaling pathways that orchestrate angiogenesis have been widely studied, but the role of biophysical cues has received less attention. Interstitial flow is unavoidable in vivo, and has been shown to dramatically change the neovascular patterns, but the mechanisms by which flow regulates angiogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we study the complex interactions between interstitial flow and the affinity for matrix binding of different chemokine isoforms. Using a computational model, we find that changing the matrix affinity of the chemokine isoform can invert the effect of interstitial flow on angiogenesis—from preferential growth in the direction of the flow when the chemokine is initially matrix-bound to preferential flow against the flow when it is unbound. Although fluid forces signal endothelial cells directly, our data suggests a mechanism for the inversion based on biotransport arguments only, and offers a potential explanation for experimental results in which interstitial flow produced preferential vessel growth with and against the flow. Our results point to a particularly intricate effect of interstitial flow on angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment, where the vessel network geometry and the interstitial flow patterns are complex.
Collapse
|
23
|
Sasahira T, Kurihara-Shimomura M, Shimojjukoku Y, Shima K, Kirita T. Searching for New Molecular Targets for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma with a View to Clinical Implementation of Precision Medicine. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12030413. [PMID: 35330413 PMCID: PMC8954939 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is the eighth most common malignancy globally and is characterized by local invasiveness and high nodal metastatic potential. The OSCC incidence is also increasing, and the number of deaths is also rising steadily in Japan. The development of molecular markers to eradicate OSCC is an urgent issue for humankind. The increase in OSCC despite the declining smoking rate may be due to several viral infections through various sexual activities and the involvement of previously unfocused carcinogens, and genetic alterations in individual patients are considered to be more complicated. Given this situation, it is difficult to combat OSCC with conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy using cell-killing anticancer drugs alone, and the development of precision medicine, which aims to provide tailor-made medicine based on the genetic background of each patient, is gaining attention. In this review article, the current status of the comprehensive search for driver genes and biomarkers in OSCC will be briefly described, and some of the candidates for novel markers of OSCC that were found will be outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Sasahira
- Department of Molecular Oral Pathology and Oncology, Field of Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; (Y.S.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Miyako Kurihara-Shimomura
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (M.K.-S.); (T.K.)
| | - Yudai Shimojjukoku
- Department of Molecular Oral Pathology and Oncology, Field of Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; (Y.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Kaori Shima
- Department of Molecular Oral Pathology and Oncology, Field of Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; (Y.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Tadaaki Kirita
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (M.K.-S.); (T.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Allen BD, Limoli CL. Breaking barriers: Neurodegenerative repercussions of radiotherapy induced damage on the blood-brain and blood-tumor barrier. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 178:189-201. [PMID: 34875340 PMCID: PMC8925982 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to radiation during the treatment of CNS tumors leads to detrimental damage of the blood brain barrier (BBB) in normal tissue. Effects are characterized by leakage of the vasculature which exposes the brain to a host of neurotoxic agents potentially leading to white matter necrosis, parenchymal calcification, and an increased chance of stroke. Vasculature of the blood tumor barrier (BTB) is irregular leading to poorly perfused and hypoxic tissue throughout the tumor that becomes resistant to radiation. While current clinical applications of cranial radiotherapy use dose fractionation to reduce normal tissue damage, these treatments still cause significant alterations to the cells that make up the neurovascular unit of the BBB and BTB. Damage to the vasculature manifests as reduction in tight junction proteins, alterations to membrane transporters, impaired cell signaling, apoptosis, and cellular senescence. While radiotherapy treatments are detrimental to normal tissue, adapting combined strategies with radiation targeted to damage the BTB could aid in drug delivery. Understanding differences between the BBB and the BTB may provide valuable insight allowing clinicians to improve treatment outcomes. Leveraging this information should allow advances in the development of therapeutic modalities that will protect the normal tissue while simultaneously improving CNS tumor treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barrett D Allen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Subudhi S, Voutouri C, Hardin CC, Nikmaneshi MR, Patel AB, Verma A, Khandekar MJ, Dutta S, Stylianopoulos T, Jain RK, Munn LL. Strategies to minimize heterogeneity and optimize clinical trials in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Insights from mathematical modelling. EBioMedicine 2022; 75:103809. [PMID: 35033853 PMCID: PMC8757652 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mathematical modelling may aid in understanding the complex interactions between injury and immune response in critical illness. Methods We utilize a system biology model of COVID-19 to analyze the effect of altering baseline patient characteristics on the outcome of immunomodulatory therapies. We create example parameter sets meant to mimic diverse patient types. For each patient type, we define the optimal treatment, identify biologic programs responsible for clinical responses, and predict biomarkers of those programs. Findings Model states representing older and hyperinflamed patients respond better to immunomodulation than those representing obese and diabetic patients. The disparate clinical responses are driven by distinct biologic programs. Optimal treatment initiation time is determined by neutrophil recruitment, systemic cytokine expression, systemic microthrombosis and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in older patients, and by RAS, systemic microthrombosis and trans IL6 signalling for hyperinflamed patients. For older and hyperinflamed patients, IL6 modulating therapy is predicted to be optimal when initiated very early (<4th day of infection) and broad immunosuppression therapy (corticosteroids) is predicted to be optimally initiated later in the disease (7th – 9th day of infection). We show that markers of biologic programs identified by the model correspond to clinically identified markers of disease severity. Interpretation We demonstrate that modelling of COVID-19 pathobiology can suggest biomarkers that predict optimal response to a given immunomodulatory treatment. Mathematical modelling thus constitutes a novel adjunct to predictive enrichment and may aid in the reduction of heterogeneity in critical care trials. Funding C.V. received a Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions Individual Fellowship (MSCA-IF-GF-2020-101028945). R.K.J.'s research is supported by R01-CA208205, and U01-CA 224348, R35-CA197743 and grants from the National Foundation for Cancer Research, Jane's Trust Foundation, Advanced Medical Research Foundation and Harvard Ludwig Cancer Center. No funder had a role in production or approval of this manuscript.
Collapse
|
26
|
Preclinical models of glioblastoma: limitations of current models and the promise of new developments. Expert Rev Mol Med 2021; 23:e20. [PMID: 34852856 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2021.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumour, yet little progress has been made towards providing better treatment options for patients diagnosed with this devastating condition over the last few decades. The complex nature of the disease, heterogeneity, highly invasive potential of GBM tumours and until recently, reduced investment in research funding compared with other cancer types, are contributing factors to few advancements in disease management. Survival rates remain low with less than 5% of patients surviving 5 years. Another important contributing factor is the use of preclinical models that fail to fully recapitulate GBM pathophysiology, preventing efficient translation from the lab into successful therapies in the clinic. This review critically evaluates current preclinical GBM models, highlighting advantages and disadvantages of using such models, and outlines several emerging techniques in GBM modelling using animal-free approaches. These novel approaches to a highly complex disease such as GBM show evidence of a more truthful recapitulation of GBM pathobiology with high reproducibility. The resulting advancements in this field will offer new biological insights into GBM and its aetiology with potential to contribute towards the development of much needed improved treatments for GBM in future.
Collapse
|
27
|
Jeong H, Kim SR, Kang Y, Kim H, Kim SY, Cho SH, Kim KN. Real-Time Longitudinal Evaluation of Tumor Blood Vessels Using a Compact Preclinical Fluorescence Imaging System. BIOSENSORS 2021; 11:bios11120471. [PMID: 34940228 PMCID: PMC8699707 DOI: 10.3390/bios11120471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis is enhanced in all types of tumors to supply oxygen and nutrients for their growth and metastasis. With the development of anti-angiogenic drugs, the importance of technology that closely monitors tumor angiogenesis has also been emerging. However, to date, the technology for observing blood vessels requires specialized skills with expensive equipment, thereby limiting its applicability only to the laboratory setting. Here, we used a preclinical optical imaging system for small animals and, for the first time, observed, in real time, the entire process of blood vessel development in tumor-bearing mice injected with indocyanine green. Time-lapse sequential imaging revealed blood vessel volume and blood flow dynamics on a microscopic scale. Upon analyzing fluorescence dynamics at each stage of tumor progression, vessel volume and blood flow were found to increase as the tumor developed. Conversely, these vascular parameters decreased when the mice were treated with angiogenesis inhibitors, which suggests that the effects of drugs targeting angiogenesis can be rapidly and easily screened. The results of this study may help evaluate the efficacy of angiogenesis-targeting drugs by facilitating the observation of tumor blood vessels easily in a laboratory unit without large and complex equipment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hoibin Jeong
- Chuncheon Center, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.J.); (S.-R.K.); (S.-Y.K.); (S.-H.C.)
| | - Song-Rae Kim
- Chuncheon Center, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.J.); (S.-R.K.); (S.-Y.K.); (S.-H.C.)
| | - Yujung Kang
- Vieworks, Anyang 14055, Korea; (Y.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Huisu Kim
- Vieworks, Anyang 14055, Korea; (Y.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Seo-Young Kim
- Chuncheon Center, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.J.); (S.-R.K.); (S.-Y.K.); (S.-H.C.)
- Division of Practical Application, Honam National Institute of Biological Resources, Mokpo 58762, Korea
| | - Su-Hyeon Cho
- Chuncheon Center, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.J.); (S.-R.K.); (S.-Y.K.); (S.-H.C.)
| | - Kil-Nam Kim
- Chuncheon Center, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.J.); (S.-R.K.); (S.-Y.K.); (S.-H.C.)
- Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Rimal R, Desai P, Marquez AB, Sieg K, Marquardt Y, Singh S. 3-D vascularized breast cancer model to study the role of osteoblast in formation of a pre-metastatic niche. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21966. [PMID: 34754042 PMCID: PMC8578551 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01513-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer cells (BCCs) preferentially metastasize to bone. It is known that BCCs remotely primes the distant bone site prior to metastasis. However, the reciprocal influence of bone cells on the primary tumor is relatively overlooked. Here, to study the bone-tumor paracrine influence, a tri-cellular 3-D vascularized breast cancer tissue (VBCTs) model is engineered which comprised MDA-MB231, a triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBC), fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. This is indirectly co-cultured with osteoblasts (OBs), thereby constituting a complex quad-cellular tumor progression model. VBCTs alone and in conjunction with OBs led to abnormal vasculature and reduced vessel density but enhanced VEGF production. A total of 1476 significantly upregulated and 775 downregulated genes are identified in the VBCTs exposed to OBs. HSP90N, CYCS, RPS27A, and EGFR are recognized as upregulated hub-genes. Kaplan Meier plot shows HSP90N to have a significant outcome in TNBC patient survivability. Furthermore, compared to cancer tissues without vessels, gene analysis recognized 1278 significantly upregulated and 566 downregulated genes in VBCTs. DKK1, CXCL13, C3 protein and BMP4 are identified to be downregulated hub genes in VBCTs. Together, a multi-cellular breast cancer model and culture protocols are established to study pre-metastatic events in the presence of OBs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Rimal
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forkenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Prachi Desai
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forkenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andrea Bonnin Marquez
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forkenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Karina Sieg
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forkenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yvonne Marquardt
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Smriti Singh
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forkenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
The emerging roles of circular RNAs in vessel co-option and vasculogenic mimicry: clinical insights for anti-angiogenic therapy in cancers. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 41:173-191. [PMID: 34664157 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10000-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Unexpected resistance to anti-angiogenic treatment prompted the investigation of non-angiogenic tumor processes. Vessel co-option (VC) and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) are recognized as primary non-angiogenic mechanisms. In VC, cancer cells utilize pre-existing blood vessels for support, whereas in VM, cancer cells channel and provide blood flow to rapidly growing tumors. Both processes have been implicated in the development of tumor and resistance to anti-angiogenic drugs in many tumor types. The morphology, but rare molecular alterations have been investigated in VC and VM. There is a pressing need to better understand the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Here, we review the emerging circular RNA (circRNA)-mediated regulation of non-angiogenic processes, VC and VM.
Collapse
|
30
|
Computational modeling of thermal combination therapies by magneto-ultrasonic heating to enhance drug delivery to solid tumors. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19539. [PMID: 34599207 PMCID: PMC8486865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98554-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
For the first time, inspired by magnetic resonance imaging-guidance high intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) technology, i.e., medication therapy and thermal ablation in one session, in a preclinical setting based on a developed mathematical model, the performance of doxorubicin (Dox) and its encapsulation have been investigated in this study. Five different treatment methods, that combine medication therapy with mild hyperthermia by MRI contrast (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$\gamma -{Fe}_{2}{O}_{3}$$\end{document}γ-Fe2O3) and thermal ablation via HIFU, are investigated in detail. A comparison between classical chemotherapy and thermochemistry shows that temperature can improve the therapeutic outcome by stimulating biological properties. On the other hand, the intravascular release of ThermoDox increases the concentration of free drug by 2.6 times compared to classical chemotherapy. The transport of drug in interstitium relies mainly on the diffusion mechanism to be able to penetrate deeper and reach the cancer cells in the inner regions of the tumor. Due to the low drug penetration into the tumor center, thermal ablation has been used for necrosis of the central areas before thermochemotherapy and ThermoDox therapy. Perfusion of the region around the necrotic zone is found to be damaged, while cells in the region are alive and not affected by medication therapy; so, there is a risk of tumor recurrence. Therefore, it is recommended that ablation be performed after the medication therapy. Our model describes a comprehensive assessment of MR-HIFU technology, taking into account many effective details, which can be a reliable guide towards the optimal use of drug delivery systems.
Collapse
|
31
|
Han B, Wang T, Xue Z, Wen T, Lu L, Meng J, Liu J, Wu S, Yu J, Xu H. Elemene Nanoemulsion Inhibits Metastasis of Breast Cancer by ROS Scavenging. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:6035-6048. [PMID: 34511904 PMCID: PMC8418379 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s327094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Elemene (C15H24) is a sesquiterpene compound extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma herbs. In the past decades, the anti-tumor activity of elemene has been observed in vitro and in some clinical practices. However, pharmacological mechanisms of elemene are not demonstrated adequately, which may lead to improper clinical applications. This study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor effect of elemene nanoemulsion in the mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and reveal the underlying mechanisms. Methods The ESR measurement and quantum mechanics simulation were used to characterize the antioxidant ability of elemene nanoemulsion. The murine breast cancer cell line 4T1 cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the left fourth mammary fat pad of BalB/c mice to establish a TNBC mice model. The H&E staining, immunohistochemical staining, DHE staining and Western blot were employed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the elemene nanoemulsion on the TNBC mice. Results It was shown that the elemene nanoemulsion prolonged the survival of the triple-negative breast cancer-bearing mice and inhibited the metastasis to lung and liver while did not induce significant cytotoxicity to the tumor cells. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the elemene nanoemulsion effectively scavenged the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro and in vivo, which decreased the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and consequently reduced angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment as well as decreased the level of NLRP3 inflammasomes and IL-1β production. In addition, the elemene nanoemulsion downregulated the level of IL-1β in the RAW264.7 cells in exposure with LPS. Conclusion In conclusion, due to the ROS scavenging ability, elemene nanoemulsion effectively inhibited the metastasis of the breast cancer cells to lung and liver and consequently prolonged the survival of TNBC mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhigang Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Wen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Meng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Sizhu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianchun Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Liu X, Chen JY, Chien Y, Yang YP, Chen MT, Lin LT. Overview of the molecular mechanisms of migration and invasion in glioblastoma multiforme. J Chin Med Assoc 2021; 84:669-677. [PMID: 34029218 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most devastating cancers, with an approximate median survival of only 16 months. Although some new insights into the fantastic heterogeneity of this kind of brain tumor have been revealed in recent studies, all subclasses of GBM still demonstrate highly aggressive invasion properties to the surrounding parenchyma. This behavior has become the main obstruction to current curative therapies as invasive GBM cells migrate away from these foci after surgical therapies. Therefore, this review aimed to provide a relatively comprehensive study of GBM invasion mechanisms, which contains an intricate network of interactions and signaling pathways with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Among these related molecules, TGF-β, the ECM, Akt, and microRNAs are most significant in terms of cellular procedures related to GBM motility and invasion. Moreover, we also review data indicating that Musashi-1 (MSI1), a neural RNA-binding protein (RBP), regulates GBM motility and invasion, maintains stem cell populations in GBM, and promotes drug-resistant GBM phenotypes by stimulating necessary oncogenic signaling pathways through binding and regulating mRNA stability. Importantly, these necessary oncogenic signaling pathways have a close connection with TGF-β, ECM, and Akt. Thus, it appears promising to find MSI-specific inhibitors or RNA interference-based treatments to prevent the actions of these molecules despite using RBPs, which are known as hard therapeutic targets. In summary, this review aims to provide a better understanding of these signaling pathways to help in developing novel therapeutic approaches with better outcomes in preclinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xian Liu
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ju-Yu Chen
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yueh Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Ping Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Teh Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Education & Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Liang-Ting Lin
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nikmaneshi MR, Firoozabadi B, Mozafari A. Chemo-mechanistic multi-scale model of a three-dimensional tumor microenvironment to quantify the chemotherapy response of cancer. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:3871-3887. [PMID: 34133020 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Exploring efficient chemotherapy would benefit from a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its role in tumor progression. As in vivo experimental methods are unable to isolate or control individual factors of the TME, and in vitro models often cannot include all the contributing factors, some questions are best addressed with mathematical models of systems biology. In this study, we establish a multi-scale mathematical model of the TME to simulate three-dimensional tumor growth and angiogenesis and then implement the model for an array of chemotherapy approaches to elucidate the effect of TME conditions and drug scheduling on controlling tumor progression. The hyperglycemic condition as the most common disorder for cancer patients is considered to evaluate its impact on cancer response to chemotherapy. We show that combining antiangiogenic and anticancer drugs improves the outcome of treatment and can decrease accumulation of the drug in normal tissue and enhance drug delivery to the tumor. Our results demonstrate that although both concurrent and neoadjuvant combination therapies can increase intratumoral drug exposure and therapeutic accuracy, neoadjuvant therapy surpasses this, especially against hyperglycemia. Our model provides mechanistic explanations for clinical observations of tumor progression and response to treatment and establishes a computational framework for exploring better treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bahar Firoozabadi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aliasghar Mozafari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Alternative Vascularization Mechanisms in Tumor Resistance to Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081912. [PMID: 33921099 PMCID: PMC8071410 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumors rely on blood vessels to grow and metastasize. Malignant tumors can employ different strategies to create a functional vascular network. Tumor cells can use normal processes of vessel formation but can also employ cancer-specific mechanisms, by co-opting normal vessels present in tissues or by turning themselves into vascular cells. These different types of tumor vessels have specific molecular and functional characteristics that profoundly affect tumor behavior and response to therapies, including drugs targeting the tumor vasculature (antiangiogenic therapies). In this review, we discuss how vessels formed by different mechanisms affect the intrinsic sensitivity of tumors to therapy and, on the other hand, how therapies can affect tumor vessel formation, leading to resistance to drugs, cancer recurrence, and treatment failure. Potential strategies to avoid vessel-mediated resistance to antineoplastic therapies will be discussed. Abstract Blood vessels in tumors are formed through a variety of different mechanisms, each generating vessels with peculiar structural, molecular, and functional properties. This heterogeneity has a major impact on tumor response or resistance to antineoplastic therapies and is now emerging as a promising target for strategies to prevent drug resistance and improve the distribution and efficacy of antineoplastic treatments. This review presents evidence of how different mechanisms of tumor vessel formation (vasculogenesis, glomeruloid proliferation, intussusceptive angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry, and vessel co-option) affect tumor responses to antiangiogenic and antineoplastic therapies, but also how therapies can promote alternative mechanisms of vessel formation, contributing to tumor recurrence, malignant progression, and acquired drug resistance. We discuss the possibility of tailoring treatment strategies to overcome vasculature-mediated drug resistance or to improve drug distribution and efficacy.
Collapse
|
35
|
Haas G, Fan S, Ghadimi M, De Oliveira T, Conradi LC. Different Forms of Tumor Vascularization and Their Clinical Implications Focusing on Vessel Co-option in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:612774. [PMID: 33912554 PMCID: PMC8072376 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.612774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In modern anti-cancer therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) the anti-angiogenic treatment targeting sprouting angiogenesis is firmly established for more than a decade. However, its clinical benefits still remain limited. As liver metastases (LM) represent the most common metastatic site of colorectal cancer and affect approximately one-quarter of the patients diagnosed with this malignancy, its treatment is an essential aspect for patients' prognosis. Especially in the perioperative setting, the application of anti-angiogenic drugs represents a therapeutic option that may be used in case of high-risk or borderline resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) in order to achieve secondary resectability. Regarding CRCLM, one reason for the limitations of anti-angiogenic treatment may be represented by vessel co-option (VCO), which is an alternative mechanism of blood supply that differs fundamentally from the well-known sprouting angiogenesis and occurs in a significant fraction of CRCLM. In this scenario, tumor cells hijack pre-existing mature vessels of the host organ independently from stimulating new vessels formation. This represents an escape mechanism from common anti-angiogenic anti-cancer treatments, as they primarily target the main trigger of sprouting angiogenesis, the vascular endothelial growth factor A. Moreover, the mechanism of blood supply in CRCLM can be deduced from their phenotypic histopathological growth pattern (HGP). For that, a specific guideline has already been implemented. These HGP vary not only regarding their blood supply, but also concerning their tumor microenvironment (TME), as notable differences in immune cell infiltration and desmoplastic reaction surrounding the CRCLM can be observed. The latter actually serves as one of the central criteria for the classification of the HGP. Regarding the clinically relevant effects of the HGP, it is still a topic of research whether the VCO-subgroup of CRCLM results in an impaired treatment response to anti-angiogenic treatment when compared to an angiogenic subgroup. However, it is well-proved, that VCO in CRCLM generally relates to an inferior survival compared to the angiogenic subgroup. Altogether the different types of blood supply result in a relevant influence on the patients' prognosis. This reinforces the need of an extended understanding of the underlying mechanisms of VCO in CRCLM with the aim to generate more comprehensive approaches which can target tumor vessels alternatively or even other components of the TME. This review aims to augment the current state of knowledge on VCO in CRCLM and other tumor entities and its impact on anti-angiogenic anti-cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn Haas
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shuang Fan
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Ghadimi
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tiago De Oliveira
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lena-Christin Conradi
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Shah AA, Kamal MA, Akhtar S. Tumor Angiogenesis and VEGFR-2: Mechanism, Pathways and Current Biological Therapeutic Interventions. Curr Drug Metab 2021; 22:50-59. [PMID: 33076807 DOI: 10.2174/1389200221666201019143252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis, involving the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vessels, caters an important biological phenomenon for the growth and development of bodily structures in the human body. Regulation of angiogenesis in non-pathological conditions takes place through a well-defined balanced angiogenic-switch, which upon exposure to various pathological conditions may get altered. This makes the cells change their normal behavior resulting in uncontrolled division and angiogenesis. METHODS The current review tries to present a brief framework of angiogenesis and tumor progression phenomenon along with the latest therapeutic interventions against VEGFR-2 and its future directions. RESULTS The tumor angiogenic pathways functioning in diverse mechanisms via sprouting angiogenesis, intussusceptive angiogenesis, vascular co-option, vascular mimicry, and glomeruloid angiogenesis are normally activated by varied angiogenic stimulators and their receptors are interrelated to give rise to specialized signaling pathways. Amongst these receptors, VEGFR-2 is found as one of the key, critical mediators in tumor angiogenesis and is seen as a major therapeutic target for combating angiogenesis. Though a number of anti-angiogenic drugs like Ramucirumab, Sunitinib, Axitinib, Sorafenib, etc. showing good survival rates have been developed and approved by FDA against VEGFR-2, but these have also been found to be associated with serious health effects and adverse reactions. CONCLUSION An improved or alternative treatment is needed shortly that has a higher survival rate with the least side effects. Innovative strategies, including personalized medicine, nano-medicine, and cancer immunotherapy have also been outlined as an alternative treatment with a discussion on advancements and improvements required for their implementation methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Altaf A Shah
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow-226026, UP, India
| | - Mohammad A Kamal
- Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
| | - Salman Akhtar
- Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides an overview of recent updates in understanding the mechanisms by which glioblastoma cells interact with their cellular and molecular partners within the microenvironment. RECENT FINDINGS We have now a better knowledge of the cell populations involved in Glioblastoma (GBM) invasion. Recent works discovered the role of new molecular players in GBM invasion, and, most importantly, better models are emerging which better recapitulate GBM invasion. SUMMARY Invasive properties of glioblastoma make complete surgical resection impossible and highly invasive cells are responsible for tumor recurrence. In this review, we focus on recent updates describing how invasive cells progress in the surrounding tissue along brain structures. We also provide an overview of the current knowledge on key cells and molecular players within the microenvironment that contribute to the invasive process. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
Collapse
|
38
|
Frankhauser DE, Jovanovic‐Talisman T, Lai L, Yee LD, Wang LV, Mahabal A, Geradts J, Rockne RC, Tomsic J, Jones V, Sistrunk C, Miranda‐Carboni G, Dietze EC, Erhunmwunsee L, Hyslop T, Seewaldt VL. Spatiotemporal strategies to identify aggressive biology in precancerous breast biopsies. WIREs Mech Dis 2021; 13:e1506. [PMID: 33001587 PMCID: PMC8544796 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Over 90% of breast cancer is cured; yet there remain highly aggressive breast cancers that develop rapidly and are extremely difficult to treat, much less prevent. Breast cancers that rapidly develop between breast image screening are called "interval cancers." The efforts of our team focus on identifying multiscale integrated strategies to identify biologically aggressive precancerous breast lesions. Our goal is to identify spatiotemporal changes that occur prior to development of interval breast cancers. To accomplish this requires integration of new technology. Our team has the ability to perform single cell in situ transcriptional profiling, noncontrast biological imaging, mathematical analysis, and nanoscale evaluation of receptor organization and signaling. These technological innovations allow us to start to identify multidimensional spatial and temporal relationships that drive the transition from biologically aggressive precancer to biologically aggressive interval breast cancer. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Computational Models Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Cancer > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David E. Frankhauser
- Department of Population SciencesCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Lily Lai
- Department of Population SciencesCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCaliforniaUSA
| | - Lisa D. Yee
- Department of Population SciencesCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCaliforniaUSA
| | - Lihong V. Wang
- Department of Medical EngineeringCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadena, CaliforniaUSA
| | - Ashish Mahabal
- Center for Data Driven DiscoveryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadena, CaliforniaUSA
| | - Joseph Geradts
- Department of PathologyDuke UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Russell C. Rockne
- Department of Population SciencesCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jerneja Tomsic
- Department of Population SciencesCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCaliforniaUSA
| | - Veronica Jones
- Department of Population SciencesCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCaliforniaUSA
| | - Christopher Sistrunk
- Department of Population SciencesCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Eric C. Dietze
- Department of Population SciencesCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCaliforniaUSA
| | - Loretta Erhunmwunsee
- Department of Population SciencesCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCaliforniaUSA
| | - Terry Hyslop
- Department of BiostatisticsDuke UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Victoria L. Seewaldt
- Department of Population SciencesCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCaliforniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wirsching HG, Roth P, Weller M. A vasculature-centric approach to developing novel treatment options for glioblastoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:87-100. [PMID: 33482697 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1881062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Glioblastoma is invariably deadly and is characterized by extensive vascularization and macrophage-dominant immunosuppression; nevertheless, anti-angiogenesis has so far failed to prolong overall survival of patients. Regardless of the problems in clinical development, the rationale for the application of anti-angiogenics in glioblastoma remains.Areas covered: Resistance to anti-angiogenics is discussed, including vessel co-option and amplification of hypoxic signaling in response to vessel destruction. The modulation of GSC and tumor-associated macrophages by dysfunctional tumor vessels and by hypoxia are outlined. Pharmacologic approaches to sensitizing glioblastomas to anti-angiogenics and evidence for the cooperation of anti-angiogenics with immunotherapies are summarized. Database search: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov prior to December 12, 2020.Expert opinion: Despite drawbacks in the clinical development of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF)-targeted agents, there is still rationale for the use of anti-angiogenics. The better understanding of vascular co-option and adverse effects of blood vessel destruction guides to improve strategies for vascular targeting. The pivotal role of the vasculature and of angiogenic factors such as VEGF for the induction and maintenance of immunosuppression in glioblastoma supports the use of anti-angiogenics in combination with immunotherapy. Proinflammatory repolarization of perivascular and perinecrotic tumor-associated macrophages is probably paramount for overcoming treatment resistance to virtually any treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Georg Wirsching
- Department of Neurology University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Roth
- Department of Neurology University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Nguyen HM, Guz-Montgomery K, Lowe DB, Saha D. Pathogenetic Features and Current Management of Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040856. [PMID: 33670551 PMCID: PMC7922739 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common form of primary malignant brain tumor with a devastatingly poor prognosis. The disease does not discriminate, affecting adults and children of both sexes, and has an average overall survival of 12-15 months, despite advances in diagnosis and rigorous treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical resection. In addition, most survivors will eventually experience tumor recurrence that only imparts survival of a few months. GBM is highly heterogenous, invasive, vascularized, and almost always inaccessible for treatment. Based on all these outstanding obstacles, there have been tremendous efforts to develop alternative treatment options that allow for more efficient targeting of the tumor including small molecule drugs and immunotherapies. A number of other strategies in development include therapies based on nanoparticles, light, extracellular vesicles, and micro-RNA, and vessel co-option. Advances in these potential approaches shed a promising outlook on the future of GBM treatment. In this review, we briefly discuss the current understanding of adult GBM's pathogenetic features that promote treatment resistance. We also outline novel and promising targeted agents currently under development for GBM patients during the last few years with their current clinical status.
Collapse
|
41
|
Mpekris F, Panagi M, Voutouri C, Martin JD, Samuel R, Takahashi S, Gotohda N, Suzuki T, Papageorgis P, Demetriou P, Pierides C, Koumas L, Costeas P, Kojima M, Ishii G, Constantinidou A, Kataoka K, Cabral H, Stylianopoulos T. Normalizing the Microenvironment Overcomes Vessel Compression and Resistance to Nano-immunotherapy in Breast Cancer Lung Metastasis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2001917. [PMID: 33552852 PMCID: PMC7856901 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202001917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Nano-immunotherapy regimens have high potential to improve patient outcomes, as already demonstrated in advanced triple negative breast cancer with nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel and the immune checkpoint blocker (ICB) atezolizumab. This regimen, however, does not lead to cures with median survival lasting less than two years. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of resistance to and development of strategies to enhance nano-immunotherapy in breast cancer are urgently needed. Here, in human tissue it is shown that blood vessels in breast cancer lung metastases are compressed leading to hypoxia. This pathophysiology exists in murine spontaneous models of triple negative breast cancer lung metastases, along with low levels of perfusion. Because this pathophysiology is consistent with elevated levels of solid stress, the mechanotherapeutic tranilast, which decompressed lung metastasis vessels, is administered to mice bearing metastases, thereby restoring perfusion and alleviating hypoxia. As a result, the nanomedicine Doxil causes cytotoxic effects into metastases more efficiently, stimulating anti-tumor immunity. Indeed, when combining tranilast with Doxil and ICBs, synergistic effects on efficacy, with all mice cured in one of the two ICB-insensitive tumor models investigated is resulted. These results suggest that strategies to treat breast cancer with nano-immunotherapy should also include a mechanotherapeutic to decompress vessels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Mpekris
- Cancer Biophysics LaboratoryDepartment of Mechanical and Manufacturing EngineeringUniversity of CyprusNicosia1678Cyprus
| | - Myrofora Panagi
- Cancer Biophysics LaboratoryDepartment of Mechanical and Manufacturing EngineeringUniversity of CyprusNicosia1678Cyprus
| | - Chrysovalantis Voutouri
- Cancer Biophysics LaboratoryDepartment of Mechanical and Manufacturing EngineeringUniversity of CyprusNicosia1678Cyprus
| | - John D. Martin
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of TokyoBunkyoTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Rekha Samuel
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (A unit of inStem Bengaluru)Christian Medical College Campus BagayamVellore560065India
| | - Shinichiro Takahashi
- Department of Hepatobiliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryNational Cancer Center Hospital EastKashiwaChiba277‐8577Japan
| | - Naoto Gotohda
- Department of Hepatobiliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryNational Cancer Center Hospital EastKashiwaChiba277‐8577Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Suzuki
- Department of Hepatobiliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryNational Cancer Center Hospital EastKashiwaChiba277‐8577Japan
| | - Panagiotis Papageorgis
- Department of Life SciencesProgram in Biological SciencesEuropean University CyprusNicosia2404Cyprus
| | - Philippos Demetriou
- The Center for the Study of Haematological and other MalignanciesNicosia2032Cyprus
| | - Chryso Pierides
- The Center for the Study of Haematological and other MalignanciesNicosia2032Cyprus
| | - Laura Koumas
- The Center for the Study of Haematological and other MalignanciesNicosia2032Cyprus
- Karaiskakio FoundationNicosia2032Cyprus
| | - Paul Costeas
- The Center for the Study of Haematological and other MalignanciesNicosia2032Cyprus
- Cyprus Cancer Research InstituteNicosia2032Cyprus
| | - Motohiro Kojima
- Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial CenterNational Cancer CenterKashiwaChiba277‐8577Japan
| | - Genichiro Ishii
- Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial CenterNational Cancer CenterKashiwaChiba277‐8577Japan
| | - Anastasia Constantinidou
- Cyprus Cancer Research InstituteNicosia2032Cyprus
- Medical SchoolUniversity of CyprusNicosia1678Cyprus
- Bank of Cyprus Oncology CentreNicosia2012Cyprus
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicineKawasaki Institute of Industrial PromotionKawasakiKanagawa210‐0821Japan
- Institute for Future InitiativesThe University of TokyoBunkyoTokyo113‐0033Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of TokyoBunkyoTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics LaboratoryDepartment of Mechanical and Manufacturing EngineeringUniversity of CyprusNicosia1678Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Pezzella F, Ribatti D. Vascular co-option and vasculogenic mimicry mediate resistance to antiangiogenic strategies. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2020; 5:e1318. [PMID: 33295149 PMCID: PMC9780428 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concept that all the tumors need the formation of new vessels to grow inspired the hypothesis that inhibition of angiogenesis would have led to "cure" cancer. The expectancy that this type of therapy would have avoided the insurgence of resistance was based on the concept that targeting normal vessels, instead of the cancer cells which easily develop new mutations, would have allowed evasion of drug caused selection is, however, more complex as it was made apparent by the discovery of nonangiogenic tumors. At the same time an increasing number of trials with antiangiogenic drugs were coming out as not as successful as expected, mostly because of the appearance of unexpected resistance. RECENT FINDINGS Among the several different mechanisms of resistance to antiangiogenic treatment by now described, we review the evidences that vascular co-option and vasculogenic mimicry by nonangiogenic tumors are effectively two of such mechanisms. We focused on reviewing exclusively the study, both clinical and preclinical, that offer a demonstration that vascular co-option and vasculogenic mimicry are effectively two mechanisms of both intrinsic and acquired resistance. CONCLUSION The discovery that vascular co-opting and vasculogenic mimicry are two ways of escaping antiangiogenic treatment, prompts the need for a better understanding of this phenomenon in order to improve cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pezzella
- Nuffield Division of Laboratory Science, Radcliffe Department of MedicineJohn Radcliffe Hospital, University of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory OrgansUniversity of Bari Medical SchoolBariItaly
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Zeng Y, Fu BM. Resistance Mechanisms of Anti-angiogenic Therapy and Exosomes-Mediated Revascularization in Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:610661. [PMID: 33363174 PMCID: PMC7755714 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.610661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-angiogenic therapies (AATs) have been widely used for cancer treatment. But the beneficial effects of AATs are short, because AAT-induced tumor revascularization facilitates the tumor relapse. In this mini-review, we described different forms of tumor neovascularization and revascularization including sprouting angiogenesis, vessel co-option, intussusceptive angiogenesis, and vasculogenic mimicry, all of which are closely mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietins, matrix metalloproteinases, and exosomes. We also summarized the current findings for the resistance mechanisms of AATs including enhancement in pro-angiogenic cytokines, heterogeneity in tumor-associated endothelial cells (ECs), crosstalk between tumor cells and ECs, masking of extracellular vesicles, matrix stiffness and contributions from fibroblasts, macrophages and adipocytes in the tumor microenvironment. We highlighted the revascularization following AATs, particularly the role of exosome stimulating factors such as hypoxia and miRNA, and that of exosomal cargos such as cytokines, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs from the tumor ECs in angiogenesis and revascularization. Finally, we proposed that renormalization of tumor ECs would be a more efficient cancer therapy than the current AATs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zeng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bingmei M. Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Moradi Kashkooli F, Soltani M, Rezaeian M, Meaney C, Hamedi MH, Kohandel M. Effect of vascular normalization on drug delivery to different stages of tumor progression: In-silico analysis. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.101989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
45
|
Annese T, Tamma R, De Giorgis M, Ribatti D. microRNAs Biogenesis, Functions and Role in Tumor Angiogenesis. Front Oncol 2020; 10:581007. [PMID: 33330058 PMCID: PMC7729128 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.581007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules, evolutionary conserved. They target more than one mRNAs, thus influencing multiple molecular pathways, but also mRNAs may bind to a variety of miRNAs, either simultaneously or in a context-dependent manner. miRNAs biogenesis, including miRNA transcription, processing by Drosha and Dicer, transportation, RISC biding, and miRNA decay, are finely controlled in space and time. miRNAs are critical regulators in various biological processes, such as differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and development in both health and disease. Their dysregulation is involved in tumor initiation and progression. In tumors, they can act as onco-miRNAs or oncosuppressor-miRNA participating in distinct cellular pathways, and the same miRNA can perform both activities depending on the context. In tumor progression, the angiogenic switch is fundamental. miRNAs derived from tumor cells, endothelial cells, and cells of the surrounding microenvironment regulate tumor angiogenesis, acting as pro-angiomiR or anti-angiomiR. In this review, we described miRNA biogenesis and function, and we update the non-classical aspects of them. The most recent role in the nucleus, as transcriptional gene regulators and the different mechanisms by which they could be dysregulated, in tumor initiation and progression, are treated. In particular, we describe the role of miRNAs in sprouting angiogenesis, vessel co-option, and vasculogenic mimicry. The role of miRNAs in lymphoma angiogenesis is also discussed despite the scarcity of data. The information presented in this review reveals the need to do much more to discover the complete miRNA network regulating angiogenesis, not only using high-throughput computational analysis approaches but also morphological ones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Annese
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Tamma
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Michelina De Giorgis
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hayward KL, Kouthouridis S, Zhang B. Organ-on-a-Chip Systems for Modeling Pathological Tissue Morphogenesis Associated with Fibrosis and Cancer. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 7:2900-2925. [PMID: 34275294 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Tissue building does not occur exclusively during development. Even after a whole body is built from a single cell, tissue building can occur to repair and regenerate tissues of the adult body. This confers resilience and enhanced survival to multicellular organisms. However, this resiliency comes at a cost, as the potential for misdirected tissue building creates vulnerability to organ deformation and dysfunction-the hallmarks of disease. Pathological tissue morphogenesis is associated with fibrosis and cancer, which are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite being the priority of research for decades, scientific understanding of these diseases is limited and existing therapies underdeliver the desired benefits to patient outcomes. This can largely be attributed to the use of two-dimensional cell culture and animal models that insufficiently recapitulate human disease. Through the synergistic union of biological principles and engineering technology, organ-on-a-chip systems represent a powerful new approach to modeling pathological tissue morphogenesis, one with the potential to yield better insights into disease mechanisms and improved therapies that offer better patient outcomes. This Review will discuss organ-on-a-chip systems that model pathological tissue morphogenesis associated with (1) fibrosis in the context of injury-induced tissue repair and aging and (2) cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L Hayward
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Sonya Kouthouridis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Boyang Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada.,School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Gandolfi A, Franciscis SD, d'Onofrio A, Fasano A, Sinisgalli C. Angiogenesis and vessel co-option in a mathematical model of diffusive tumor growth: The role of chemotaxis. J Theor Biol 2020; 512:110526. [PMID: 33130065 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2020.110526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This work considers the propagation of a tumor from the stage of a small avascular sphere in a host tissue and the progressive onset of a tumor neovasculature stimulated by a pro-angiogenic factor secreted by hypoxic cells. The way new vessels are formed involves cell sprouting from pre-existing vessels and following a trail via a chemotactic mechanism (CM). Namely, it is first proposed a detailed general family of models of the CM, based on a statistical mechanics approach. The key hypothesis is that the CM is composed by two components: i) the well-known bias induced by the angiogenic factor gradient; ii) the presence of stochastic changes of the velocity direction, thus giving rise to a diffusive component. Then, some further assumptions and simplifications are applied in order to derive a specific model to be used in the simulations. The tumor progression is favored by its acidic aggression towards the healthy cells. The model includes the evolution of many biological and chemical species. Numerical simulations show the onset of a traveling wave eventually replacing the host tissue with a fully vascularized tumor. The results of simulations agree with experimental measures of the vasculature density in tumors, even in the case of particularly hypoxic tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Gandolfi
- Istituto di Analisi dei Sistemi ed Informatica "A. Ruberti" - CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - S De Franciscis
- Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - A d'Onofrio
- International Prevention Research Institute, Lyon, France; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - A Fasano
- Dipartimento di Matematica "U. Dini", Università di Firenze, Florence, Italy; FIAB SpA, Vicchio (Florence), Italy; Istituto di Analisi dei Sistemi ed Informatica "A. Ruberti" - CNR, Rome, Italy.
| | - C Sinisgalli
- Istituto di Analisi dei Sistemi ed Informatica "A. Ruberti" - CNR, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Soffietti R, Ahluwalia M, Lin N, Rudà R. Management of brain metastases according to molecular subtypes. Nat Rev Neurol 2020; 16:557-574. [PMID: 32873927 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-0391-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of brain metastases has markedly increased in the past 20 years owing to progress in the treatment of malignant solid tumours, earlier diagnosis by MRI and an ageing population. Although local therapies remain the mainstay of treatment for many patients with brain metastases, a growing number of systemic options are now available and/or are under active investigation. HER2-targeted therapies (lapatinib, neratinib, tucatinib and trastuzumab emtansine), alone or in combination, yield a number of intracranial responses in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer brain metastases. New inhibitors are being investigated in brain metastases from ER-positive or triple-negative breast cancer. Several generations of EGFR and ALK inhibitors have shown activity on brain metastases from EGFR and ALK mutant non-small-cell lung cancer. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) hold promise in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer without druggable mutations and in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The survival of patients with brain metastases from melanoma has substantially improved after the advent of BRAF inhibitors and ICIs (ipilimumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab). The combination of targeted agents or ICIs with stereotactic radiosurgery could further improve the response rates and survival but the risk of radiation necrosis should be monitored. Advanced neuroimaging and liquid biopsy will hopefully improve response evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Soffietti
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, Turin, Italy.
| | - Manmeet Ahluwalia
- Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Taussig Center Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Nancy Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Roberta Rudà
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Martin JD, Duda DG, Jain RK. Going Beyond VEGF Pathway Inhibition for Antiangiogenic Cancer Therapy: Is Inhibition of the PP2A/B55α Complex the Answer? Circ Res 2020; 127:724-726. [PMID: 32853096 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.120.317720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John D Martin
- From NanoCarrier Co, Ltd, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan (J.D.M.)
| | - Dan G Duda
- the Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (D.G.D., R.K.J.)
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- the Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (D.G.D., R.K.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Testa U, Pelosi E, Castelli G. Endothelial Progenitors in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1263:85-115. [PMID: 32588325 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-44518-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tumor vascularization refers to the formation of new blood vessels within a tumor and is considered one of the hallmarks of cancer. Tumor vessels supply the tumor with oxygen and nutrients, required to sustain tumor growth and progression, and provide a gateway for tumor metastasis through the blood or lymphatic vasculature. Blood vessels display an angiocrine capacity of supporting the survival and proliferation of tumor cells through the production of growth factors and cytokines. Although tumor vasculature plays an essential role in sustaining tumor growth, it represents at the same time an essential way to deliver drugs and immune cells to the tumor. However, tumor vasculature exhibits many morphological and functional abnormalities, thus resulting in the formation of hypoxic areas within tumors, believed to represent a mechanism to maintain tumor cells in an invasive state.Tumors are vascularized through a variety of modalities, mainly represented by angiogenesis, where VEGF and other members of the VEGF family play a key role. This has represented the basis for the development of anti-VEGF blocking agents and their use in cancer therapy: however, these agents failed to induce significant therapeutic effects.Much less is known about the cellular origin of vessel network in tumors. Various cell types may contribute to tumor vasculature in different tumors or in the same tumor, such as mature endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), or the same tumor cells through a process of transdifferentiation. Early studies have suggested a role for bone marrow-derived EPCs; these cells do not are true EPCs but myeloid progenitors differentiating into monocytic cells, exerting a proangiogenic effect through a paracrine mechanism. More recent studies have shown the existence of tissue-resident endothelial vascular progenitors (EVPs) present at the level of vessel endothelium and their possible involvement as cells of origin of tumor vasculature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|