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Watanabe S, Suzuki T, Kondo Y, Naoe A, Uga N, Yasui T, Hara F, Tsuchiya T. Evaluation of Ki-67 as prognostic factor for pediatric neuroblastoma and the possibility of molecular-targeted drugs with VEGF and PDGFR. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2023; 75:561-566. [PMID: 30605998 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.18.05444-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric malignant solid tumor characterized as refractory cancer with poor prognosis. The Mitosis-Karyorrhexis Index (MKI) is a prognostic factor but is prone to observer bias. The usefulness of MKI with Ki-67, as a marker of malignancy, was investigated. The efficacy of molecular-targeted therapeutic agents with fewer side effects in tumors has been studied. Molecular-targeted therapy targets include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), involved in tumor angiogenesis; c-Kit, receptor of Kit/stem cells involved in tumor growth, vasculature, and lymphangiogenesis; platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR); and B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF), involved in the RAS protein-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Therefore, expression profiles of these factors and growth inhibitory effects of molecular-targeted drugs against NB were investigated. METHODS Ten frozen NB tissue samples collected from January 1993 to December 2017 were evaluated immunohistochemically for Ki-67 and VEGF. c-Kit, PDGFR, and BRAF expression levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays; relationships between these factors and clinicopathological parameters of NB were analyzed. RESULTS Eight patients with NB showed no amplification of MYCN (MYCN proto-oncogene, bHLH transcription factor). There were two cases of ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB). More NB cells were positive for Ki-67 than for GNB cells. VEGF expression was observed in all NB specimens and was stronger in stage IIB and higher. No BRAF or c-Kit activity was observed; PDGFR activity was greater in NB than in GNB (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Thus, Ki-67 may help evaluate NB malignancy. As the first therapy for NB prevents amplification of MYCN, agents targeting PDGFR as well as VGFG can inhibit NB cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Watanabe
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan -
| | - Tatsuya Suzuki
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kondo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Atsuki Naoe
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Naoko Uga
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Yasui
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Fujio Hara
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Tomonori Tsuchiya
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
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Rahavi SM, Aletaha M, Farrokhi A, Lorentzian A, Lange PF, Maxwell CA, Lim CJ, Reid GSD. Adaptation of the Th-MYCN Mouse Model of Neuroblastoma for Evaluation of Disseminated Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12071. [PMID: 37569447 PMCID: PMC10419036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512071] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
High-risk neuroblastoma remains a profound clinical challenge that requires eradication of neuroblastoma cells from a variety of organ sites, including bone marrow, liver, and CNS, to achieve a cure. While preclinical modeling is a powerful tool for the development of novel cancer therapies, the lack of widely available models of metastatic neuroblastoma represents a significant barrier to the development of effective treatment strategies. To address this need, we report a novel luciferase-expressing derivative of the widely used Th-MYCN mouse. While our model recapitulates the non-metastatic neuroblastoma development seen in the parental transgenic strain, transplantation of primary tumor cells from disease-bearing mice enables longitudinal monitoring of neuroblastoma growth at distinct sites in immune-deficient or immune-competent recipients. The transplanted tumors retain GD2 expression through many rounds of serial transplantation and are sensitive to GD2-targeted immune therapy. With more diverse tissue localization than is seen with human cell line-derived xenografts, this novel model for high-risk neuroblastoma could contribute to the optimization of immune-based treatments for this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed M. Rahavi
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Maryam Aletaha
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Ali Farrokhi
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, 950 W28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Amanda Lorentzian
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Philipp F. Lange
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, 950 W28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Christopher A. Maxwell
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, 950 W28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Chinten James Lim
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, 950 W28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Gregor S. D. Reid
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, 950 W28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
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3
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Stricker E, Peckham-Gregory EC, Scheurer ME. HERVs and Cancer-A Comprehensive Review of the Relationship of Human Endogenous Retroviruses and Human Cancers. Biomedicines 2023; 11:936. [PMID: 36979914 PMCID: PMC10046157 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability and genetic mutations can lead to exhibition of several cancer hallmarks in affected cells such as sustained proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppression, activated invasion, deregulation of cellular energetics, and avoidance of immune destruction. Similar biological changes have been observed to be a result of pathogenic viruses and, in some cases, have been linked to virus-induced cancers. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), once external pathogens, now occupy more than 8% of the human genome, representing the merge of genomic and external factors. In this review, we outline all reported effects of HERVs on cancer development and discuss the HERV targets most suitable for cancer treatments as well as ongoing clinical trials for HERV-targeting drugs. We reviewed all currently available reports of the effects of HERVs on human cancers including solid tumors, lymphomas, and leukemias. Our review highlights the central roles of HERV genes, such as gag, env, pol, np9, and rec in immune regulation, checkpoint blockade, cell differentiation, cell fusion, proliferation, metastasis, and cell transformation. In addition, we summarize the involvement of HERV long terminal repeat (LTR) regions in transcriptional regulation, creation of fusion proteins, expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and promotion of genome instability through recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Stricker
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
| | | | - Michael E. Scheurer
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
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4
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Yeung V, Gabriel M, Padhye BD. Late effects and treatment related morbidity associated with treatment of neuroblastoma patients in a tertiary paediatric centre. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 6:e1738. [PMID: 36268859 PMCID: PMC10026287 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1738] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survival of neuroblastoma patients has improved over recent decades, but chronic health issues and treatment related late effects cause significant morbidity in survivors. AIMS We aimed to describe late effects and long-term toxicity in neuroblastoma patients treated at a tertiary, paediatric institution in Australia. METHODS & RESULTS Patients with neuroblastoma treated primarily at The Children's hospital at Westmead were eligible for inclusion. Retrospective analysis of 65 (45 with high-risk and 20 with non-high-risk disease) neuroblastoma patients were performed via medical record review. Approximately 60% of patients were >5 years from diagnosis and termed the "full effects cohort" who had a range of medical and psychosocial late effects analysed through descriptive means. The remaining 26 patients who had not yet reached 5 years post treatment had audiometry analysis only. Of the 65 patients, 72% were alive at last follow-up. The median length of follow-up was 7 years from diagnosis amongst survivors. Therapy was according to contemporary protocols for neuroblastoma and ranged from standard cytotoxic therapies to intensive multimodal regimens and/or experimental therapy depending on risk group/relapse status. Of the 39 full effects cohort, 85% suffered from at least one late effect. Late effects were common in the endocrine, dental and audiometry domains with 38%, 49% and 72% of patients affected in these areas, respectively. Neuro-cognitive domains were also notably affected with 46% of patients suffering a deficit. Two thirds of survivors were disease free at last follow-up. CONCLUSION Survivors of high-risk neuroblastoma suffer from a range of chronic illnesses, which lead to morbidity and affect quality of life of survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Yeung
- ProCan®, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa Gabriel
- Cancer Centre for Children, The Children's Hospital Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Bhavna D Padhye
- Cancer Centre for Children, The Children's Hospital Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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Lankin K, LaFond CM, Yost A. Nurses' Experiences Caring for Children With Neuroblastoma Receiving 131I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine Therapy: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2023; 40:82-90. [PMID: 36691381 DOI: 10.1177/27527530221140070] [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
Background: Neuroblastoma, the most common extra-cranial solid tumor found in children, carries a high mortality rate due to challenges with metastatic disease at diagnoses and relapse. 131I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (I-MIBG) therapy provides targeted radiotherapy to treat neuroblastoma, but requires children to be isolated for radiation exposure, with limited access to the healthcare team while hospitalized. There is minimal research outlining the nurses' perspectives on caring for this patient population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the nurses' experiences caring for children receiving 131I-MIBG therapy, focusing on nursing care, challenges, radiation exposure, and preparation. Methods: Ten nurses were recruited using purposeful sampling for this qualitative descriptive study. Semi-structured interview guides and conventional qualitative content analysis guided the data collection and analysis. Results: Nurses overwhelmingly felt isolated from their patients and a decreased sense of connection with the child. Although nurses felt prepared, they had more anxiety with the first patient experience and identified that parent engagement was essential. Overall, nurses shared they had support from written materials outlining the protocols, and members of the multidisciplinary team. More concern for radiation exposure was expressed by nurses of childbearing age and with handling bodily fluids. Discussion: Findings suggest that nurses would benefit from simulation experiences to help prepare for radiation exposure safety, strategies to engage the family in the child's care, and interacting with a child in single-room isolation. Because programs differ around the US, additional research exploring nurses' experiences is warranted to evaluate the best successes in providing 131I-MIBG therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Lankin
- The 14404University of Chicago Medicine, Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cynthia M LaFond
- 2974Ascension Health, St. Louis, MO, USA.,The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alyssa Yost
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology & Stem Cell Transplantation, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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6
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Cortes M, Carceller F, Rubio-San-Simón A, Vaidya SJ, Bautista F, Moreno L. Access to early-phase clinical trials for children with relapsed and refractory neuroblastoma: A multicentre international study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29551. [PMID: 35029330 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29551] [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: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial tumour in children, and prognosis for refractory and relapsed disease is still poor. Early-phase clinical trials play a pivotal role in the development of novel drugs. Ensuring adequate recruitment is crucial. The primary aim was to determine the rate of participation trials for children with refractory/relapsed neuroblastoma in two of the largest drug development European institutions. METHODS Data from patients diagnosed with refractory/relapsed neuroblastoma between January 2012 and December 2018 at the two institutions were collected and analysed. RESULTS Overall, 48 patients were included. A total of 31 (65%) refractory/relapsed cases were enrolled in early-phase trials. The main reasons for not participating in clinical trials included not fulfilling eligibility criteria prior to consent (12/17, 70%) and screening failure (2/17, 12%). Median time on trial was 4.3 months (range 0.6-13.4). Most common cause for trial discontinuation was disease progression (67.7%). Median overall survival was longer in refractory (28 months, 95% CI: 20.9-40.2) than in relapsed patients (14 months, 95% CI: 8.1-20.1) (p = .034). CONCLUSIONS Although two thirds of children with refractory/relapsed neuroblastoma were enrolled in early-phase trials, recruitment rates can still be improved. The main cause for not participating on trials was not fulfilling eligibility criteria prior to consent, mainly due to performance status and short life expectancy. This study highlights the hurdles to access to innovative therapies for children with relapsed/refractory neuroblastomas, and identifies key areas of development to improve recruitment to early-phase trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cortes
- Paediatric Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Clinical Trials Unit, Paediatic Oncology, Haematology & Stem Cell Transplant, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Carceller
- Children and Young People's Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alba Rubio-San-Simón
- Clinical Trials Unit, Paediatic Oncology, Haematology & Stem Cell Transplant, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sucheta J Vaidya
- Children and Young People's Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Francisco Bautista
- Clinical Trials Unit, Paediatic Oncology, Haematology & Stem Cell Transplant, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucas Moreno
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.,Division of Paediatric Haematology & Oncology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, and Translational Research in Childhood and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Institute de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
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7
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Liu J, Si Y, Zhou Z, Yang X, Li C, Qian L, Feng LJ, Zhang M, Zhang SX, Liu J, Kan Y, Gong J, Yang J. The prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT intra-tumoural metabolic heterogeneity in pretreatment neuroblastoma patients. Cancer Imaging 2022; 22:32. [PMID: 35791003 PMCID: PMC9254530 DOI: 10.1186/s40644-022-00472-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common tumour in children younger than 5 years old and notable for highly heterogeneous. Our aim was to quantify the intra-tumoural metabolic heterogeneity of primary tumour lesions by using 18F-FDG PET/CT and evaluate the prognostic value of intra-tumoural metabolic heterogeneity in NB patients. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 38 pretreatment NB patients in our study. 18F-FDG PET/CT images were reviewed and analyzed using 3D slicer software. The semi-quantitative metabolic parameters of primary tumour were measured, including the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumour volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). The areas under the curve of cumulative SUV-volume histogram index (AUC-CSH index) was used to quantify intra-tumoural metabolic heterogeneity. The median follow-up was 21.3 months (range 3.6 - 33.4 months). The outcome endpoint was event-free survival (EFS), including progression-free survival and overall survival. Survival analysis was performed using Cox regression models and Kaplan Meier survival plots. Results In all 38 newly diagnosed NB patients, 2 patients died, and 17 patients experienced a relapse. The AUC-CSHtotal (r=0.630, P<0.001) showed moderate correlation with the AUC-CSH40%. In univariate analysis, chromosome 11q deletion (P=0.033), Children's Oncology Group (COG) risk grouping (P=0.009), bone marrow involvement (BMI, P=0.015), and AUC-CSHtotal (P=0.007) were associated with EFS. The AUC-CSHtotal (P=0.036) and BMI (P=0.045) remained significant in multivariate analysis. The Kaplan Meier survival analyses demonstrated that patients with higher intra-tumoural metabolic heterogeneity and BMI had worse outcomes (log-rank P=0.002). Conclusion The intra-tumoural metabolic heterogeneity of primary lesions in NB was an independent prognostic factor for EFS. The combined predictive effect of intra-tumoural metabolic heterogeneity and BMI provided prognostic survival information in NB patients.
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8
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Papadakis V, Kelaidi C, Zisaki K, Antoniadi K, Pitsoulakis G, Polychronopoulou S. Dinutuximab beta-related severe neurotoxicity: Resolution with the use of plasmapheresis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29465. [PMID: 34913569 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vassilios Papadakis
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Charikleia Kelaidi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Zisaki
- Department of Blood Banking, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Kondylia Antoniadi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Pitsoulakis
- Department of Tomography Imaging, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Sophia Polychronopoulou
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Huo Z, Bilang R, Supuran CT, von der Weid N, Bruder E, Holland-Cunz S, Martin I, Muraro MG, Gros SJ. Perfusion-Based Bioreactor Culture and Isothermal Microcalorimetry for Preclinical Drug Testing with the Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor SLC-0111 in Patient-Derived Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063128. [PMID: 35328549 PMCID: PMC8955558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a rare disease. Rare are also the possibilities to test new therapeutic options for neuroblastoma in clinical trials. Despite the constant need to improve therapy and outcomes for patients with advanced neuroblastoma, clinical trials currently only allow for testing few substances in even fewer patients. This increases the need to improve and advance preclinical models for neuroblastoma to preselect favorable candidates for novel therapeutics. Here we propose the use of a new patient-derived 3D slice-culture perfusion-based 3D model in combination with rapid treatment evaluation using isothermal microcalorimetry exemplified with treatment with the novel carbonic anhydrase IX and XII (CAIX/CAXII) inhibitor SLC-0111. Patient samples showed a CAIX expression of 18% and a CAXII expression of 30%. Corresponding with their respective CAIX expression patterns, the viability of SH-EP cells was significantly reduced upon treatment with SLC-0111, while LAN1 cells were not affected. The inhibitory effect on SH-SY5Y cells was dependent on the induction of CAIX expression under hypoxia. These findings corresponded to thermogenesis of the cells. Patient-derived organotypic slice cultures were treated with SLC-0111, which was highly effective despite heterogeneity of CAIX/CAXII expression. Thermogenesis, in congruence with the findings of the histological observations, was significantly reduced in SLC-0111-treated samples. In order to extend the evaluation time, we established a perfusion-based approach for neuroblastoma tissue in a 3D perfusion-based bioreactor system. Using this system, excellent tissue quality with intact tumor cells and stromal structure in neuroblastoma tumors can be maintained for 7 days. The system was successfully used for consecutive drug response monitoring with isothermal microcalorimetry. The described approach for drug testing, relying on an advanced 3D culture system combined with a rapid and highly sensitive metabolic assessment, can facilitate development of personalized treatment strategies for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihe Huo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (Z.H.); (R.B.); (S.H.-C.)
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Remo Bilang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (Z.H.); (R.B.); (S.H.-C.)
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- Department Neurofarba, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy;
| | - Nicolas von der Weid
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Bruder
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Stefan Holland-Cunz
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (Z.H.); (R.B.); (S.H.-C.)
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Ivan Martin
- Tissue Engineering, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (I.M.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Manuele G. Muraro
- Tissue Engineering, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (I.M.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Stephanie J. Gros
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (Z.H.); (R.B.); (S.H.-C.)
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
- Correspondence:
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10
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Nunes-Xavier CE, Zaldumbide L, Mosteiro L, López-Almaraz R, García de Andoin N, Aguirre P, Emaldi M, Torices L, López JI, Pulido R. Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases in Neuroblastoma: Emerging Roles as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:811297. [PMID: 34957126 PMCID: PMC8692838 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.811297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer intimately related with early development and differentiation of neuroendocrine cells, and constitutes one of the pediatric cancers with higher incidence and mortality. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are key regulators of cell growth and differentiation by their direct effect on tyrosine dephosphorylation of specific protein substrates, exerting major functions in the modulation of intracellular signaling during neuron development in response to external cues driving cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. We review here the current knowledge on the role of PTPs in neuroblastoma cell growth, survival, and differentiation. The potential of PTPs as biomarkers and molecular targets for inhibition in neuroblastoma therapies is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E. Nunes-Xavier
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Caroline E. Nunes-Xavier, ; Rafael Pulido,
| | - Laura Zaldumbide
- Department of Pathology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Lorena Mosteiro
- Department of Pathology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | | | - Pablo Aguirre
- Department of Pathology, Donostia University Hospital, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Maite Emaldi
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Leire Torices
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - José I. López
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Rafael Pulido
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- *Correspondence: Caroline E. Nunes-Xavier, ; Rafael Pulido,
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11
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Zafar A, Wang W, Liu G, Wang X, Xian W, McKeon F, Foster J, Zhou J, Zhang R. Molecular targeting therapies for neuroblastoma: Progress and challenges. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:961-1021. [PMID: 33155698 PMCID: PMC7906923 DOI: 10.1002/med.21750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to identify novel therapies for childhood cancers. Neuroblastoma is the most common pediatric solid tumor, and accounts for ~15% of childhood cancer‐related mortality. Neuroblastomas exhibit genetic, morphological and clinical heterogeneity, which limits the efficacy of existing treatment modalities. Gaining detailed knowledge of the molecular signatures and genetic variations involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma is necessary to develop safer and more effective treatments for this devastating disease. Recent studies with advanced high‐throughput “omics” techniques have revealed numerous genetic/genomic alterations and dysfunctional pathways that drive the onset, growth, progression, and resistance of neuroblastoma to therapy. A variety of molecular signatures are being evaluated to better understand the disease, with many of them being used as targets to develop new treatments for neuroblastoma patients. In this review, we have summarized the contemporary understanding of the molecular pathways and genetic aberrations, such as those in MYCN, BIRC5, PHOX2B, and LIN28B, involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma, and provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular targeted therapies under preclinical and clinical investigations, particularly those targeting ALK signaling, MDM2, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS‐MAPK pathways, as well as epigenetic regulators. We also give insights on the use of combination therapies involving novel agents that target various pathways. Further, we discuss the future directions that would help identify novel targets and therapeutics and improve the currently available therapies, enhancing the treatment outcomes and survival of patients with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Zafar
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Drug Discovery Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Xinjie Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wa Xian
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Frank McKeon
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Foster
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Section of Hematology-Oncology Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ruiwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Drug Discovery Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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12
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Targeting Vesicular LGALS3BP by an Antibody-Drug Conjugate as Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102989. [PMID: 33076448 PMCID: PMC7650653 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Antibody Drug Conjugates are an emerging class of biopharmaceuticals that have seen an impressive increase of attention in the field of cancer therapy. Here, we describe the therapeutic activity of 1959-sss/DM3, a non-internalizing ADC targeting LGALS3BP, a secreted, extracellular vesicles-associated protein expressed by the majority of human cancers, including neuroblastoma. We show that 1959-sss/DM3 treatment can cure mice with established neuroblastoma tumours in pseudometastatic, orthotopic and Patient Derived Xenograft models. Abstract Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial solid tumor in infants and children, which accounts for approximately 15% of all cancer-related deaths in the pediatric population. New therapeutic modalities are urgently needed. Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC)s-based therapy has been proposed as potential strategy to treat this pediatric malignancy. LGALS3BP is a highly glycosylated protein involved in tumor growth and progression. Studies have shown that LGALS3BP is enriched in extracellular vesicles (EV)s derived by most neuroblastoma cells, where it plays a critical role in preparing a favorable tumor microenvironment (TME) through direct cross talk between cancer and stroma cells. Here, we describe the development of a non-internalizing LGALS3BP ADC, named 1959-sss/DM3, which selectively targets LGALS3BP expressing neuroblastoma. 1959-sss/DM3 mediated potent therapeutic activity in different types of neuroblastoma models. Notably, we found that treatments were well tolerated at efficacious doses that were fully curative. These results offer preclinical proof-of-concept for an ADC targeting exosomal LGALS3BP approach for neuroblastomas.
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13
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The liposomal delivery of hydrophobic oxidovanadium complexes imparts highly effective cytotoxicity and differentiating capacity in neuroblastoma tumour cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16660. [PMID: 33028860 PMCID: PMC7542164 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73539-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidovanadium complexes with organic ligands are well known to have cytotoxic or differentiating capabilities against a range of cancer cell types. Their limited use in clinical testing though has resulted largely from uncertainties about the long-term toxicities of such complexes, due in part to the speciation to vanadate ions in the circulation. We hypothesised that more highly stable complexes, delivered using liposomes, may provide improved opportunities for oxidovanadium applications against cancer. In this study we sourced specifically hydrophobic forms of oxidovanadium complexes with the explicit aim of demonstrating liposomal encapsulation, bioavailability in cultured neuroblastoma cells, and effective cytotoxic or differentiating activity. Our data show that four ethanol-solubilised complexes with amine bisphenol, aminoalcohol bisphenol or salan ligands are equally or more effective than a previously used complex bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(V) in neuroblastoma cell lines. Moreover, we show that one of these complexes can be stably incorporated into cationic liposomes where it retains very good bioavailability, apparently low speciation and enhanced efficacy compared to ethanol delivery. This study provides the first proof-of-concept that stable, hydrophobic oxidovanadium complexes retain excellent cellular activity when delivered effectively to cancer cells with nanotechnology. This offers the improved prospect of applying oxidovanadium-based drugs in vivo with increased stability and reduced off-target toxicity.
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14
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Andolfo I, Lasorsa VA, Manna F, Rosato BE, Formicola D, Iolascon A, Capasso M. Kinome multigenic panel identified novel druggable EPHB4-V871I somatic variant in high-risk neuroblastoma. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:6459-6471. [PMID: 32336043 PMCID: PMC7294133 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial neoplasm in children. The overall outcome for high‐risk NB patients is still unacceptable, therefore, it is critical to deeply understand molecular mechanisms associated with NB, which in turn can be utilized for developing drugs towards the treatment of NB. Protein kinases (TKs) play an essential role in the regulation of cell survival and proliferation. Different kinases, such as anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), Aurora kinase, RET receptor tyrosine kinase, are potential therapeutic targets in various cancers, including NB. We analysed a cohort of 45 high‐risk NB patients and 9 NB cell lines by a targeted—(t)NGS custom gene panel (genes codifying for the kinase domains of 90 TKs). We identified somatic variants in four TK genes (ALK, EPHB4, LMTK3 and EPHB6) in NB patients and we functionally characterized an interesting somatic variant, V871I, in EPHB4 gene. EPHB4 plays a crucial role in cardiovascular development and regulates vascularization in cancer‐promoting angiogenesis, tumour growth and metastasis. Several EPHB4 mutations have previously been identified in solid and haematological tumour specimens but EPHB4 mutations were not described until now in NB. Interestingly, a re‐analysis of public CGH‐array showed that the EPHB4 gain is associated with advanced diseases in NB. We further demonstrated that higher EPHB4 expression is correlated to stage 4 of NB and with poor overall survival. Additionally, we also revealed that the EPHB4‐V871I accounts for increased proliferation, migration and invasion properties in two NB cell lines by acting on VEGF, c‐RAF and CDK4 target genes and by increasing the phosphorylation of ERK1‐2 pathway. The use of two EPHB4 inhibitors, JI‐101 and NVP‐BHG712, was able to rescue the phenotype driven by the variant. Our study suggested that EPHB4 is a promising therapeutic target in high‐risk NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Immacolata Andolfo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE, Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Vito A Lasorsa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE, Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Manna
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE, Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara E Rosato
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE, Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Achille Iolascon
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE, Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Capasso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE, Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy.,IRCCS SDN, Naples, Italy
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15
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Applebaum MA, Barr EK, Karpus J, West-Szymanski DC, Oliva M, Sokol EA, Zhang S, Zhang Z, Zhang W, Chlenski A, Salwen HR, Wilkinson E, Dobratic M, Grossman RL, Godley LA, Stranger BE, He C, Cohn SL. 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Profiles in Circulating Cell-Free DNA Associate with Disease Burden in Children with Neuroblastoma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:1309-1317. [PMID: 31852832 PMCID: PMC7073281 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) is an epigenetic marker of open chromatin and active gene expression. We profiled 5-hmC with Nano-hmC-Seal technology using 10 ng of plasma-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in blood samples from patients with neuroblastoma to determine its utility as a biomarker. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN For the Discovery cohort, 100 5-hmC profiles were generated from 34 well children and 32 patients (27 high-risk, 2 intermediate-risk, and 3 low-risk) at various time points during the course of their disease. An independent Validation cohort encompassed 5-hmC cfDNA profiles (n = 29) generated from 21 patients (20 high-risk and 1 intermediate-risk). Metastatic burden was classified as high, moderate, low, or none per Curie metaiodobenzylguanidine scores and percentage of tumor cells in bone marrow. Genes with differential 5-hmC levels between samples according to metastatic burden were identified using DESeq2. RESULTS Hierarchical clustering using 5-hmC levels of 347 genes identified from the Discovery cohort defined four clusters of samples that were confirmed in the Validation cohort and corresponded to high, high-moderate, moderate, and low/no metastatic burden. Samples from patients with increased metastatic burden had increased 5-hmC deposition on genes in neuronal stem cell maintenance and epigenetic regulatory pathways. Further, 5-hmC cfDNA profiles generated with 1,242 neuronal pathway genes were associated with subsequent relapse in the cluster of patients with predominantly low or no metastatic burden (sensitivity 65%, specificity 75.6%). CONCLUSIONS cfDNA 5-hmC profiles in children with neuroblastoma correlate with metastatic burden and warrants development as a biomarker of treatment response and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Applebaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Erin K Barr
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Jason Karpus
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Meritxell Oliva
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Elizabeth A Sokol
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Zhou Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Helen R Salwen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Emma Wilkinson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Marija Dobratic
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robert L Grossman
- Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, Center for Translational Data Science, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lucy A Godley
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland
| | - Susan L Cohn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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16
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Nolan JC, Frawley T, Tighe J, Soh H, Curtin C, Piskareva O. Preclinical models for neuroblastoma: Advances and challenges. Cancer Lett 2020; 474:53-62. [PMID: 31962141 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a paediatric cancer of the sympathetic nervous system and the most common solid tumour of infancy, contributing to 15% of paediatric oncology deaths. Current therapies are not effective in the long-term treatment of almost 80% of patients with this clinically aggressive disease. The primary challenge in the identification and validation of new agents for paediatric drug development is the accurate representation of tumour biology and diversity. In addition to this limitation, the low incidence of neuroblastoma makes the recruitment of eligible patients for early phase clinical trials highly challenging and highlights the need for robust preclinical testing to ensure that the best treatments are selected. The research field requires new preclinical models, technologies, and concepts to tackle these problems. Tissue engineering offers attractive tools to assist in the development of three-dimensional (3D) cell models using various biomaterials and manufacturing approaches that recreate the geometry, mechanics, heterogeneity, metabolic gradients, and cell communication of the native tumour microenvironment. In this review, we discuss current experimental models and assess their abilities to reflect the structural organisation and physiological conditions of the human body, in addition to current and new techniques to recapitulate the tumour niche using tissue-engineered platforms. Finally, we will discuss the possible use of novel 3D in vitro culture systems to address open questions in neuroblastoma biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Nolan
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - T Frawley
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - J Tighe
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - H Soh
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Curtin
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland
| | - O Piskareva
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland.
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17
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Waldron MA, Halpern SL, Sikorskyj T, Mazzola CA. Stage IV Neuroblastoma with Metastatic Spread to the Mandible in a Young Child: Case Report and Review of the Literature. World Neurosurg 2019; 129:349-353. [PMID: 31203066 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants and young children with neuroblastoma (NB) may present with metastases. The primary tumor most commonly originates in the abdomen and metastasizes to lymph nodes, liver, and bone marrow. Infants and young children presenting with multiple skull metastases are rare. METHODS We present a rare case of a 20-month-old child who presented with metastatic neuroblastoma and multiple skull lesions. The child responded well to induction chemotherapy followed by myeloablative busulfan/melphalan consolidation. RESULTS The child had substantial tumor reduction after chemotherapy was started. There was a significant decrease in tumor sizes and uptake, as seen in the metaiodobenzylguanidine study. The 6-month follow-up examination showed complete remission, and the remission continues. CONCLUSIONS Infants and young children with neuroblastoma rarely present with metastatic lesions to the skull. Even large lesions involving the skull base may be successfully treated with chemotherapy. The use of myeloablative busulfan/melphalan consolidation after induction chemotherapy can decrease the overall metastatic tumor burden. Craniofacial specialists should be aware of treatment options for these young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison A Waldron
- Atlantic Health Systems-Goryeb Children's Hospital, Morristown, New Jersey, USA.
| | - Steven L Halpern
- Atlantic Health Systems-Goryeb Children's Hospital, Morristown, New Jersey, USA
| | - Tatiana Sikorskyj
- Atlantic Health Systems-Goryeb Children's Hospital, Morristown, New Jersey, USA
| | - Catherine A Mazzola
- Atlantic Health Systems-Goryeb Children's Hospital, Morristown, New Jersey, USA
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18
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Chlenski A, Park C, Dobratic M, Salwen HR, Budke B, Park JH, Miller R, Applebaum MA, Wilkinson E, Nakamura Y, Connell PP, Cohn SL. Maternal Embryonic Leucine Zipper Kinase (MELK), a Potential Therapeutic Target for Neuroblastoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:507-516. [PMID: 30674566 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) activates pathways that mediate aggressive tumor growth and therapy resistance in many types of adult cancers. Pharmacologic and genomic inhibition of MELK impairs tumor growth and increases sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy. On the basis of these promising preclinical studies, early-phase adult clinical trials testing the MELK inhibitor OTS167 are ongoing. To investigate whether MELK is also a therapeutic target in neuroblastoma, we analyzed MELK expression in primary tumors and cell lines, and examined the effects of OTS167 on neuroblastoma growth. In primary tumors, high levels of MELK were associated with advanced stage disease and inferior survival. Higher levels of MELK were also detected in tumorigenic versus nontumorigenic neuroblastoma cell lines, and cells with higher levels of MELK expression were more sensitive to OTS167 than low-MELK expressing cells. OTS167 suppressed the growth of neuroblastoma xenografts, and in a preclinical model of minimal residual disease, survival was prolonged with MELK inhibition. OTS167 treatment downregulated MELK and its target enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a component of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that is known to modulate the DNA damage response. We also show that OTS167 reduced the formation of collapsed replication forks induced by camptothecin or radiation. Taken together, our results indicate that MELK indirectly mediates efficient processing of replication-associated DNA lesions in neuroblastoma, and that OTS167 sensitizes cells to DNA-damaging agents by abrogating this process. Further studies evaluating the activity of combination treatment regimens with OTS167 in neuroblastoma are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chanyoung Park
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Marija Dobratic
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Helen R Salwen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Brian Budke
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jae-Hyun Park
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ryan Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mark A Applebaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Emma Wilkinson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yusuke Nakamura
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Philip P Connell
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Susan L Cohn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
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19
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Rodríguez-Nogales C, Noguera R, Couvreur P, Blanco-Prieto MJ. Therapeutic Opportunities in Neuroblastoma Using Nanotechnology. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 370:625-635. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.255067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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20
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Genetic Predisposition to Neuroblastoma. CHILDREN-BASEL 2018; 5:children5090119. [PMID: 30200332 PMCID: PMC6162470 DOI: 10.3390/children5090119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumor in children under the age of one. It displays remarkable phenotypic heterogeneity, resulting in differences in outcomes that correlate with clinical and biologic features at diagnosis. While neuroblastoma accounts for approximately 5% of all cancer diagnoses in pediatrics, it disproportionately results in about 9% of all childhood deaths. Research advances over the decades have led to an improved understanding of neuroblastoma biology. However, the initiating events that lead to the development of neuroblastoma remain to be fully elucidated. It has only been recently that advances in genetics and genomics have allowed researchers to unravel the predisposing factors enabling the development of neuroblastoma and fully appreciate the interplay between the genetics of tumor and host. In this review, we outline the current understanding of familial neuroblastoma and highlight germline variations that predispose children to sporadic disease. We also discuss promising future directions in neuroblastoma genomic research and potential clinical applications for these advances.
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21
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Epigallocatechin-3-gallate and 6-OH-11-O-Hydroxyphenanthrene Limit BE(2)-C Neuroblastoma Cell Growth and Neurosphere Formation In Vitro. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10091141. [PMID: 30135355 PMCID: PMC6164794 DOI: 10.3390/nu10091141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted an in vitro study combining a rexinoid, 6-OH-11-O-hydroxyphenanthrene (IIF), and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is the main catechin of green tea, on BE(2)-C, a neuroblastoma cell line representative of the high-risk group of patients. Neuroblastoma is the most common malignancy of childhood: high-risk patients, having N-MYC over-expression, undergo aggressive therapy and show high mortality or an increased risk of secondary malignancies. Retinoids are used in neuroblastoma therapy with incomplete success: the association of a second molecule might improve the efficacy. BE(2)-C cells were treated by EGCG and IIF, individually or in combination: cell viability, as evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, was reduced, EGCG+IIF being the most effective treatment. Apoptosis occurred and the EGCG+IIF treatment decreased N-MYC protein expression and molecular markers of invasion (MMP-2, MMP-9 and COX-2). Zymography demonstrated nearly 50% inhibition of MMP activity. When BE(2)-C cells were grown in non-adherent conditions to enrich the tumor-initiating cell population, BE(2)-C-spheres were obtained. After 48 h and 72 h treatment, EGCG+IIF limited BE(2)-C-sphere formation and elicited cell death with a reduction of N-MYC expression. We concluded that the association of EGCG to IIF might be applied without toxic effects to overcome the incomplete success of retinoid treatments in neuroblastoma patients.
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22
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Neurocristopathies: New insights 150 years after the neural crest discovery. Dev Biol 2018; 444 Suppl 1:S110-S143. [PMID: 29802835 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neural crest (NC) is a transient, multipotent and migratory cell population that generates an astonishingly diverse array of cell types during vertebrate development. These cells, which originate from the ectoderm in a region lateral to the neural plate in the neural fold, give rise to neurons, glia, melanocytes, chondrocytes, smooth muscle cells, odontoblasts and neuroendocrine cells, among others. Neurocristopathies (NCP) are a class of pathologies occurring in vertebrates, especially in humans that result from the abnormal specification, migration, differentiation or death of neural crest cells during embryonic development. Various pigment, skin, thyroid and hearing disorders, craniofacial and heart abnormalities, malfunctions of the digestive tract and tumors can also be considered as neurocristopathies. In this review we revisit the current classification and propose a new way to classify NCP based on the embryonic origin of the affected tissues, on recent findings regarding the molecular mechanisms that drive NC formation, and on the increased complexity of current molecular embryology techniques.
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23
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Johnsen JI, Dyberg C, Fransson S, Wickström M. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets in neuroblastoma. Pharmacol Res 2018; 131:164-176. [PMID: 29466695 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranical tumor of childhood and the most deadly tumor of infancy. It is characterized by early age onset and high frequencies of metastatic disease but also the capacity to spontaneously regress. Despite intensive therapy, the survival for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma and those with recurrent or relapsed disease is low. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies for these patient groups. The molecular pathogenesis based on high-throughput omics technologies of neuroblastoma is beginning to be resolved which have given the opportunity to develop personalized therapies for high-risk patients. Here we discuss the potential of developing targeted therapies against aberrantly expressed molecules detected in sub-populations of neuroblastoma patients and how these selected targets can be drugged in order to overcome treatment resistance, improve survival and quality of life for these patients and also the possibilities to transfer preclinical research into clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Inge Johnsen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Cecilia Dyberg
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanne Fransson
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Wickström
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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