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De Gaetano V, Pallozzi M, Cerrito L, Santopaolo F, Stella L, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR. Management of Portal Hypertension in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma on Systemic Treatment: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1388. [PMID: 38611066 PMCID: PMC11011056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The management of CSPH in patients undergoing systemic treatment for HCC has emerged as a critical concern due to the absence of reliable diagnostic criteria and uncertainties surrounding therapeutic approaches. This review aims to underscore the primary pathophysiological aspects linking HCC and PH, while also addressing the current and emerging clinical strategies for the management of portal hypertension. A review of studies from January 2003 to June 2023 was conducted using the PubMed database and employing MeSH terms, such as "hepatocellular carcinoma", "immune checkpoint inhibitors", "systemic therapy", "portal hypertension", "variceal bleeding" and "tyrosine kinase inhibitors". Despite promising results of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in animal models for PH and fibrosis, only Sorafenib has demonstrated similar effects in human studies, whereas Lenvatinib appears to promote PH development. The impact of Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab on PH remains uncertain, with an increasing risk of bleeding related to Bevacizumab in patients with prior variceal hemorrhage. Given the absence of specific guidelines, endoscopic surveillance during treatment is advisable, and primary and secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding should adhere to the Baveno VII recommendations. Furthermore, in patients with advanced HCC, refinement of diagnostic criteria for CSPH and guidelines for its surveillance are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria De Gaetano
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Maria Pallozzi
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Leonardo Stella
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
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Allaire M, Thabut D. Reply: Portal hypertension and variceal bleeding in patients with liver cancer: Evidence gaps for prevention and management. Hepatology 2024; 79:E3. [PMID: 36896969 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Manon Allaire
- APHP Sorbonne University, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Hepatogastroenterology unit, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR 1138, Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Thabut
- APHP Sorbonne University, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Hepatogastroenterology unit, Paris, France
- INSERM, Centre de recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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Allaire M, Thabut D. Portal hypertension and variceal bleeding in patients with liver cancer: Evidence gaps for prevention and management. Hepatology 2024; 79:213-223. [PMID: 36631021 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Portal hypertension (PHT) and HCC are 2 major complications of cirrhosis that often coexist in the same patient and impact the prognosis, especially in patients with acute variceal bleeding. In this review, we aim to discuss the best strategy for PHT screening and primary prophylaxis, as well as the management of acute variceal bleeding, to improve the management of PHT in HCC patients. RESULTS Recent therapeutic advances observed in the management of HCC, notably through the advent of immunotherapy, have led to a clear improvement in the survival of patients. The prevention of complications related to underlying cirrhosis, such as PHT and acute variceal bleeding, is now part of the management of HCC patients. The Baveno VII conference recently redefined screening and prophylaxis in patients with cirrhosis. However, data regarding the applicability of these criteria in patients with HCC have been sparse. From our point of view, the Baveno criteria are not appropriate to exclude high-risk esophageal varices (EV) in HCC patients, and endoscopy should be performed except in HCC patients with a liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥25 kPa, who should benefit from nonselective beta-blockers (NSSBs) without performing endoscopy. We are also in favor of using NSBBs as primary prophylaxis in patients with EV regardless of the size and with gastric varices since these patients display clinically significant PHT. CONCLUSIONS Appropriate evaluation and treatment of PHT remain major issues in improving the outcomes of HCC patients. Many questions remain unanswered, opening the field to many areas of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Allaire
- AP-HP Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Paris, France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Team Proliferation Stress and Liver Physiopathology, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Thabut
- AP-HP Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France
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He X, Zhao Z, Jiang X, Sun Y. Non-selective beta-blockers and the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis: a meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1216059. [PMID: 37538177 PMCID: PMC10394622 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1216059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a serious complication of cirrhosis. Currently, non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs) are commonly used to treat portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis. The latest research shows that NSBBs can induce apoptosis and S-phase arrest in liver cancer cells and inhibit the development of hepatic vascular endothelial cells, which may be effective in preventing HCC in cirrhosis patients. Aim: To determine the relationship between different NSBBs and HCC incidence in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: We searched the Cochrane database, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science. Cohort studies, case‒control studies, and randomized controlled trials were included if they involved cirrhosis patients who were divided into an experimental group using NSBBs and a control group with any intervention. Based on heterogeneity, we calculated odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using random-effect models. We also conducted subgroup analysis to explore the source of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias detection were performed. Results: A total of 47 studies included 38 reporting HCC incidence, 26 reporting HCC-related mortality, and 39 reporting overall mortality. The HCC incidence between the experimental group and the control group was OR = 0.87 (0.69 and 1.10), p = 0.000, and I2 = 81.8%. There was no significant association between propranolol (OR = 0.94 and 95%CI 0.62-1.44) or timolol (OR = 1.32 and 95%CI 0.44-3.95) and HCC incidence, while the risk of HCC decreased by 26% and 38% with nadolol (OR = 0.74 and 95%CI 0.64-0.86) and carvedilol (OR = 0.62 and 95%CI 0.52-0.74), respectively. Conclusion: Different types of NSBB have different effects on the incidence of patients with cirrhosis of the liver, where nadolol and carvedilol can reduce the risk. Also, the effect of NSBBs may vary in ethnicity. Propranolol can reduce HCC incidence in Europe and America. Systematic Review Registration: identifier https://CRD42023434175, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Clinical Department I, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zimo Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- First Clinical Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xi Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Thabut D, Kudo M. Treatment of portal hypertension in patients with HCC in the era of Baveno VII. J Hepatol 2023; 78:658-662. [PMID: 36460163 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PHT) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often coexist, and their association impairs the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. The interplay between these two conditions is of major therapeutic significance, both from the perspective of offering adequate treatment for HCC and for preventing or managing the complications of PHT. Recommendations on the management of PHT were heavily revised at the last Baveno VII conference, redefining screening and extending the indications for prophylaxis. PHT can preclude locoregional therapies, and TIPS placement can be discussed in patients with HCC. New systemic therapies for HCC can influence the level of PHT and favour bleeding. Complications of PHT should be prevented and treated adequately in all patients, especially those presenting with advanced HCC. Specific aspects of the management of both conditions will be discussed in the present expert opinion, which considers very recent data in the HCC field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Thabut
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Unité de Soins Intensifs d'hépatologie, Paris, France; Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, INSERM UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Maladies Métaboliques, Biliaires et Fibro-inflammatoire du Foie, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France.
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama Osaka, Japan
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Wu YL, van Hyfte G, Özbek U, Reincke M, Gampa A, Mohamed YI, Nishida N, Wietharn B, Amara S, Lee PC, Scheiner B, Balcar L, Pinter M, Vogel A, Weinmann A, Saeed A, Pillai A, Rimassa L, Naqash AR, Muzaffar M, Huang YH, Kaseb AO, Kudo M, Pinato DJ, Ang C. Outcomes of beta blocker use in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1128569. [PMID: 36865801 PMCID: PMC9971987 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1128569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In patients with cirrhosis, portal hypertension increases intestinal permeability, dysbiosis, and bacterial translocation, promoting an inflammatory state that can lead to the progression of liver disease and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to investigate whether beta blockers (BBs), which can mediate portal hypertension, conferred survival benefits in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational study of 578 patients with unresectable HCC treated with ICI from 2017 to 2019 at 13 institutions across three continents. BB use was defined as exposure to BBs at any time during ICI therapy. The primary objective was to assess the association of BB exposure with overall survival (OS). Secondary objectives were to evaluate the association of BB use with progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) according to RECIST 1.1 criteria. Results In our study cohort, 203 (35%) patients used BBs at any point during ICI therapy. Of these, 51% were taking a nonselective BB. BB use was not significantly correlated with OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.12, 95% CI 0.9-1.39, P = 0.298), PFS (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.83-1.26, P = 0.844) or ORR (odds ratio [OR] 0.84, 95% CI 0.54-1.31, P = 0.451) in univariate or multivariate analyses. BB use was also not associated with incidence of adverse events (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.96-1.97, P = 0.079). Specifically, nonselective BB use was not correlated with OS (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.66-1.33, P = 0.721), PFS (HR 0.92, 0.66-1.29, P = 0.629), ORR (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.58-2.49, P = 0.623), or rate of adverse events (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.46-1.47, P = 0.510). Conclusion In this real-world population of patients with unresectable HCC treated with immunotherapy, BB use was not associated with OS, PFS or ORR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Linda Wu
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Grace van Hyfte
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Umut Özbek
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marlene Reincke
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anuhya Gampa
- Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yehia I. Mohamed
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Naoshi Nishida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Brooke Wietharn
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kansas University Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Suneetha Amara
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Pei-Chang Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz Balcar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arndt Weinmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anwaar Saeed
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kansas University Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele (Milan), Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano (Milan), Italy
| | - Abdul Rafeh Naqash
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mahvish Muzaffar
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ahmed O. Kaseb
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - David J. Pinato
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Celina Ang
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Allaire M, Manfredi S, Lerosey L, Ganne-Carrié N, Thabut D. Screening and management of portal hypertension in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A French practice survey. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2023; 47:102059. [PMID: 36455860 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2022.102059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Portal hypertension (PHT) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are two major complications of cirrhosis that are closely linked and impact patients prognosis, particularly acute variceal bleeding (AVB). Therefore, PHT screening and AVB prophylaxis are major issues to improve the outcome of the patients, but practices may vary among physicians. METHODS We submitted hepatologists, gastroenterologists and digestive oncologists to a questionnaire of 70 items about PHT screening and management to evaluate their practice. RESULTS 95 out of 847 physicians responded to the questionnaire (hepatologists 63.2%, Oncologists/gastroenterologists 36.8%). In patients with advanced HCC, PHT was assessed by endoscopy in 80.0% of cases. HCC progression motivated a new for 12.6% of respondents while no intent to control was declared for 49.5% of them. AVB primary prophylaxis for large size esophageal varices (EV) was impacted by the presence of red marks at endoscopy. In the absence of a red mark, prophylaxis with non-selective betablockers (NSSB) was proposed in 70.5% of cases for patients undergoing TKI and 63.2% undergoing Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab, whereas the combination of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) and NSBB was preferred in 41.1% of patients undergoing TKI versus 53.7% undergoing Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab in case of a red mark. The initiation of a systemic treatment was lower in patients with an history of AVB <6 months, which was even more significant for Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab combination (51.6%) compared to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (72.6%) (p<0.001). Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab was initiated in 43% of participants in case of AVB <6 months versus 95% if >6 months (p<0.001). In case of AVB on Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab, 43.2% continued the treatment after regression of EV, 24.2% continued Atezolizumab alone and 14.7% permanently stopped the treatment. CONCLUSION Strategies for screening and management of PHT in advanced HCC remain very heterogeneous among physicians, suggesting the need to improve PHT knowledge and dedicated studies for advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Allaire
- AP-HP Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Paris, France.
| | | | - Léa Lerosey
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Nathalie Ganne-Carrié
- AP-HP Sorbonne Paris Nord, Hôpitaux Universitaire Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Service d'Hépatologie, Bobigny, France; INSERM UMR 1138, Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Thabut
- AP-HP Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), F-75012, Paris, France
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Ayala G. Neuroepithelial Interactions in Cancer. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 18:493-514. [PMID: 36323005 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-031521-023248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Nerves not only regulate the homeostasis and energetic metabolism of normal epithelial cells but also are critical for cancer, as cancer recapitulates the biology of neural regulation of epithelial tissues. Cancer cells rarely develop in denervated organs, and denervation affects tumorigenesis, in vivo and in humans. Axonogenesis occurs to supply the new malignant epithelial growth with nerves. Neurogenesis happens later, first in ganglia around organs or the spinal column and subsequently through recruitment of neuroblasts from the central nervous system. The hallmark of this stage is regulation of homeostasis and energetic metabolism. Perineural invasion is the most efficient interaction between cancer cells and nerves. The hallmark of this stage is increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis. Finally, carcinoma cells transdifferentiate into a neuronal profile in search of neural independence. The latter is the last stage in neuroepithelial interactions. Treatments for cancer must address the biology of neural regulation of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Ayala
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern School of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
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Oura K, Morishita A, Tani J, Masaki T. Antitumor Effects and Mechanisms of Metabolic Syndrome Medications on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:1279-1298. [PMID: 36545268 PMCID: PMC9760577 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s392051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most common histological type. With the decrease in the number of newly infected patients and the spread of antiviral therapy, hepatitis virus-negative chronic liver diseases including steatohepatitis are increasingly accounting for a large proportion of HCC, and an important clinical characteristic is the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome including hypertension, type 2 diabetes (T2D), dyslipidemia, and obesity. Since patients with steatohepatitis are less likely to undergo surveillance for early detection of HCC, they may be diagnosed at an advanced stage and have worse prognosis. Therefore, treatment strategies for patients with HCC caused by steatohepatitis, especially in advanced stages, become increasingly important. Further, hypertension, T2D, and dyslipidemia may occur as side effects during systemic treatment, and there will be increasing opportunities to prescribe metabolic syndrome medications, not only for originally comorbid diseases, but also for adverse events during HCC treatment. Interestingly, epidemiological studies have shown that patients taking some metabolic syndrome medications are less likely to develop various types of cancers, including HCC. Basic studies have also shown that these drugs have direct antitumor effects on HCC. In particular, angiotensin II receptor blockers (a drug group for treating hypertension), biguanides (a drug group for treating T2D), and statins (a drug group for treating dyslipidemia) have shown to elucidate antitumor effects against HCC. In this review, we focus on the antitumor effects of metabolic syndrome medications on HCC and their mechanisms based on recent literature. New therapeutic agents are also increasingly being reported. Analysis of the antitumor effects of metabolic syndrome medications on HCC and their mechanisms will be doubly beneficial for HCC patients with metabolic syndrome, and the use of these medications may be a potential strategy against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Oura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan,Correspondence: Kyoko Oura, Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kida, Kagawa, Japan, Tel +81-87-891-2156, Fax +81-87-891-2158, Email
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Joji Tani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
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Ferroptosis-Related Genes with Regard to CTLA-4 and Immune Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biochem Genet 2022; 61:687-703. [PMID: 36094606 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-022-10279-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Comprehensive analysis of ferroptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) and its relation to the tumor immune microenvironment are needed. Data included HCC in The Cancer Genome Atlas and International Cancer Genome Consortium. And two datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were used as the validation set. Based on the expression of ferroptosis-related genes, HCC patients were divided into two subtypes. Cluster 1 showed lower tumor grade, lower CTLA-4, and a more favorable prognosis than Cluster 2. Patients with higher SLC7A11 (50%) had a poorer prognosis in HCC. SLC7A11 is characterized by more NK CD56bright cells, less DC, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and cytokine receptor interaction. Ferroptosis-related genes especially SLC7A11 might be a valuable prognostic factor in HCC.
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Obesity and cancer-extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, and adrenergic signaling as unusual suspects linking the two diseases. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:517-547. [PMID: 36074318 PMCID: PMC9470659 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10058-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is an established risk factor for several human cancers. Given the association between excess body weight and cancer, the increasing rates of obesity worldwide are worrisome. A variety of obesity-related factors has been implicated in cancer initiation, progression, and response to therapy. These factors include circulating nutritional factors, hormones, and cytokines, causing hyperinsulinemia, inflammation, and adipose tissue dysfunction. The impact of these conditions on cancer development and progression has been the focus of extensive literature. In this review, we concentrate on processes that can link obesity and cancer, and which provide a novel perspective: extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, and adrenergic signaling. We describe molecular mechanisms involved in these processes, which represent putative targets for intervention. Liver, pancreas, and breast cancers were chosen as exemplary disease models. In view of the expanding epidemic of obesity, a better understanding of the tumorigenic process in obese individuals might lead to more effective treatments and preventive measures.
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12
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Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers and hepatocellular carcinoma survival: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Med 2022:10.1007/s10238-022-00842-z. [PMID: 35737170 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00842-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preclinical data have revealed that beta-adrenergic stimulation can affect the growth and progression of different types of malignancies. Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers have been associated with improved survival in patients with many types of cancer. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between beta-blocker use and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis. METHODS In this meta-analysis, a full search was conducted using PubMed, the Cochrane library and Embase to identify all relevant studies published up to May 2021. Available hazard ratios (HRs) were extracted for overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Four studies involving 7252 patients with HCC met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systemic review. Three studies that reported OS data of 5148 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The random-effects model showed that beta-blocker use was associated with significantly improved OS in HCC (HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.54-0.88, P = 0.0031), without significant heterogeneity (I2 = 41%; Q = 6.42, P = 0.18). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis suggested that beta-blocker use can be associated with prolonged OS of patients with HCC.
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13
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Altshuler E, Aryan M, Kallumkal G, Gao H, Wilson J, Ouni A, De Leo E, Hanayneh W, Pan K. Impact of β-blockers on survival outcomes in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepat Oncol 2022; 9:HEP43. [PMID: 35665305 PMCID: PMC9136628 DOI: 10.2217/hep-2021-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background β-blockers (BBs) have shown promise in improving overall survival (OS) in patients with breast, ovarian, pancreatic and lung cancer. However, few studies have evaluated the impact of BBs on unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The authors compared clinical data and outcomes between unresectable HCC patients based on whether they were prescribed BBs. Results There was significantly decreased disease progression in the BB group compared with the non-BB group (22.8 vs 28.0%; p < 0.05). No difference was seen in OS or progression-free survival between groups. Those specifically on selective BBs had improved OS (hazard ratio: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.61-0.94; p = 0.01) and progression-free survival (hazard ratio: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45-0.96; p = 0.03) compared with non-BB patients. Conclusion Although the authors' study did not demonstrate that BBs improve OS in HCC, it did show decreased disease progression among patients with HCC who were taking BBs compared with those who were not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellery Altshuler
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mahmoud Aryan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Govind Kallumkal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hanzhi Gao
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Jake Wilson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ahmed Ouni
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Edward De Leo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Wissam Hanayneh
- Division of Medical Oncology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kelsey Pan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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14
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Lelou E, Corlu A, Nesseler N, Rauch C, Mallédant Y, Seguin P, Aninat C. The Role of Catecholamines in Pathophysiological Liver Processes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11061021. [PMID: 35326472 PMCID: PMC8947265 DOI: 10.3390/cells11061021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last few years, the number of research publications about the role of catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) in the development of liver diseases such as liver fibrosis, fatty liver diseases, or liver cancers is constantly increasing. However, the mechanisms involved in these effects are not well understood. In this review, we first recapitulate the way the liver is in contact with catecholamines and consider liver implications in their metabolism. A focus on the expression of the adrenergic and dopaminergic receptors by the liver cells is also discussed. Involvement of catecholamines in physiological (glucose metabolism, lipids metabolism, and liver regeneration) and pathophysiological (impact on drug-metabolizing enzymes expression, liver dysfunction during sepsis, fibrosis development, or liver fatty diseases and liver cancers) processes are then discussed. This review highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms through which catecholamines influence liver functions in order to draw benefit from the adrenergic and dopaminergic antagonists currently marketed. Indeed, as these molecules are well-known drugs, their use as therapies or adjuvant treatments in several liver diseases could be facilitated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Lelou
- INSERM, Université Rennes, INRAE, Institut NuMeCan, Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer, F-35000 Rennes, France; (E.L.); (A.C.); (N.N.); (C.R.); (Y.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Anne Corlu
- INSERM, Université Rennes, INRAE, Institut NuMeCan, Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer, F-35000 Rennes, France; (E.L.); (A.C.); (N.N.); (C.R.); (Y.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Nicolas Nesseler
- INSERM, Université Rennes, INRAE, Institut NuMeCan, Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer, F-35000 Rennes, France; (E.L.); (A.C.); (N.N.); (C.R.); (Y.M.); (P.S.)
- CHU Rennes, Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Claudine Rauch
- INSERM, Université Rennes, INRAE, Institut NuMeCan, Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer, F-35000 Rennes, France; (E.L.); (A.C.); (N.N.); (C.R.); (Y.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Yannick Mallédant
- INSERM, Université Rennes, INRAE, Institut NuMeCan, Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer, F-35000 Rennes, France; (E.L.); (A.C.); (N.N.); (C.R.); (Y.M.); (P.S.)
- CHU Rennes, Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Philippe Seguin
- INSERM, Université Rennes, INRAE, Institut NuMeCan, Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer, F-35000 Rennes, France; (E.L.); (A.C.); (N.N.); (C.R.); (Y.M.); (P.S.)
- CHU Rennes, Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Caroline Aninat
- INSERM, Université Rennes, INRAE, Institut NuMeCan, Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer, F-35000 Rennes, France; (E.L.); (A.C.); (N.N.); (C.R.); (Y.M.); (P.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-2-23-23-48-68
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15
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Wijarnpreecha K, Li F, Xiang Y, Xu X, Zhu C, Maroufy V, Wang Q, Tao W, Dang Y, Pham HA, Zhou Y, Li J, Zhang X, Xu H, Taner CB, Yang L, Tao C. Nonselective beta-blockers are associated with a lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among cirrhotic patients in the United States. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2021; 54:481-492. [PMID: 34224163 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated an association between nonselective beta-blockers (NSBBs) and lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis. However, there has been no population-based study investigating the risk of HCC among cirrhotic patients treated using carvedilol. AIMS To determine the risk of HCC among cirrhotic patients with NSBBs including carvedilol. METHODS This retrospective cohort study utilised the Cerner Health Facts database in the United States from 2000 to 2017. Kaplan-Meier estimate, Cox proportional hazards regression, and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to test the HCC risk among the carvedilol, nadolol, and propranolol groups compared with no beta-blocker group. RESULTS The final cohort comprised 107 428 eligible patients. The 100-month cumulative HCC incidence of NSBBs was significantly lower than the no beta-blocker group (carvedilol (11.24%) vs no beta-blocker (15.69%), nadolol (27.55%) vs no beta-blocker (32.11%), and propranolol (26.17%) vs no beta-blocker (28.84%) (P values < 0.0001). NSBBs were associated with a significantly lower risk of HCC (Hazard ratio: carvedilol 0.61 (95% CI 0.51-0.73), nadolol 0.74 (95% CI 0.63-0.87), propranolol 0.75 (95% CI 0.66-0.84) after PSM in the multivariate cox analysis. In subgroup analysis, NSBBs reduced the risk of HCC in cirrhosis with complications and non-alcoholic cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS NSBBs, including carvedilol, were associated with a significantly decreased risk of HCC in patients with cirrhosis when compared with no beta-blocker regardless of complications status. Future randomised-controlled studies comparing the incidence of HCC among NSBBs should elucidate which NSBB would be the best option to prevent HCC in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fang Li
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Xun Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cong Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vahed Maroufy
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qing Wang
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wei Tao
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yifang Dang
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huy Anh Pham
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yujia Zhou
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jianfu Li
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hua Xu
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - C Burcin Taner
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Cui Tao
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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16
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Balkrishnan R, Desai RP, Narayan A, Camacho FT, Flausino LE, Chammas R. Associations between initiating antihypertensive regimens on stage I-III colorectal cancer outcomes: A Medicare SEER cohort analysis. Cancer Med 2021; 10:5347-5357. [PMID: 34184420 PMCID: PMC8335848 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis is associated with high mortality in the United States and thus warrants the study of novel treatment approaches. Vascular changes are well observed in cancers and evidence indicates that antihypertensive (AH) medications may interfere with both tumor vasculature and in recruiting immune cells to the tumor microenvironment based on preclinical models. Extant literature also shows that AH medications are correlated with improved survival in some forms of cancer. Thus, this study sought to explore the impact of AH therapies on CRC outcomes. Patients and Methods This study was a non‐interventional, retrospective analysis of patients aged 65 years and older with CRC diagnosed from January 1, 2007 to December 31st, 2012 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End‐Results (SEER)‐Medicare database. The association between AH drug utilization on AJCC stage I–III CRC mortality rates in patients who underwent treatment for cancer was examined using Cox proportional hazards models. Results The study cohort consisted of 13,982 patients diagnosed with CRC. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression showed that among these patients, the use of AH drug was associated with decreased cancer‐specific mortality (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.75–0.83). Specifically, ACE inhibitors (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.80–0.87), beta‐blockers (HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.84–0.91), and thiazide diuretics (HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.80–0.87) were found to be associated with decreased mortality. An association was also found between adherence to AH therapy and decreased cancer‐specific mortality (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90–0.98). Conclusion Further research needs to be performed, but AH medications may present a promising, low‐cost pathway to supporting CRC treatment for stage I–III cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Balkrishnan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Raj P Desai
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Aditya Narayan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Fabian T Camacho
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Lucas E Flausino
- Universidade de São Paulo Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roger Chammas
- Center for Translational Research in Onc, Universidade de Sao Paulo Faculdade de Medicina, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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17
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Mravec B, Horvathova L, Hunakova L. Neurobiology of Cancer: the Role of β-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling in Various Tumor Environments. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217958. [PMID: 33114769 PMCID: PMC7662752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and progression of cancer depends on both tumor micro- and macroenvironments. In addition, psychosocial and spiritual “environments” might also affect cancer. It has been found that the nervous system, via neural and humoral pathways, significantly modulates processes related to cancer at the level of the tumor micro- and macroenvironments. The nervous system also mediates the effects of psychosocial and noetic factors on cancer. Importantly, data accumulated in the last two decades have clearly shown that effects of the nervous system on cancer initiation, progression, and the development of metastases are mediated by the sympathoadrenal system mainly via β-adrenergic receptor signaling. Here, we provide a new complex view of the role of β-adrenergic receptor signaling within the tumor micro- and macroenvironments as well as in mediating the effects of the psychosocial and spiritual environments. In addition, we describe potential preventive and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Mravec
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 814 39 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-(2)-59357527; Fax: +421-(2)-59357601
| | - Lubica Horvathova
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 814 39 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Luba Hunakova
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia;
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