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Martínez-Pérez J, Torrado C, Domínguez-Cejudo MA, Valladares-Ayerbes M. Targeted Treatment against Cancer Stem Cells in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6220. [PMID: 38892410 PMCID: PMC11172446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116220] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The cancer stem cell (SC) theory proposes that a population of SCs serves as the driving force behind fundamental tumor processes, including metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to therapy. The standard of care for patients with stage III and high-risk stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) includes surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Fluoropyrimidines and their combination with oxaliplatin increased the cure rates, being able to eradicate the occult metastatic SC in a fraction of patients. The treatment for unresectable metastatic CRC is based on chemotherapy, antibodies to VEGF and EGFR, and tyrosine-kinase inhibitors. Immunotherapy is used in MSI-H tumors. Currently used drugs target dividing cells and, while often effective at debulking tumor mass, these agents have largely failed to cure metastatic disease. SCs are generated either due to genetic and epigenetic alterations in stem/progenitor cells or to the dedifferentiation of somatic cells where diverse signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, Notch, TGF-β/SMAD, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, DNA damage response, and Hippo-YAP play a key role. Anti-neoplastic treatments could be improved by elimination of SCs, becoming an attractive target for the design of novel agents. Here, we present a review of clinical trials assessing the efficacy of targeted treatment focusing on these pathways in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Martínez-Pérez
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio (HUVR), Avenida de Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013 Seville, Spain;
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio (HUVR), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida de Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013 Seville, Spain;
| | - Carlos Torrado
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - María A. Domínguez-Cejudo
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio (HUVR), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida de Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013 Seville, Spain;
| | - Manuel Valladares-Ayerbes
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio (HUVR), Avenida de Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013 Seville, Spain;
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio (HUVR), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida de Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013 Seville, Spain;
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2
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Wang M, Chen S, He X, Yuan Y, Wei X. Targeting inflammation as cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:13. [PMID: 38520006 PMCID: PMC10960486 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01528-7] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation has accompanied human beings since the emergence of wounds and infections. In the past decades, numerous efforts have been undertaken to explore the potential role of inflammation in cancer, from tumor development, invasion, and metastasis to the resistance of tumors to treatment. Inflammation-targeted agents not only demonstrate the potential to suppress cancer development, but also to improve the efficacy of other therapeutic modalities. In this review, we describe the highly dynamic and complex inflammatory tumor microenvironment, with discussion on key inflammation mediators in cancer including inflammatory cells, inflammatory cytokines, and their downstream intracellular pathways. In addition, we especially address the role of inflammation in cancer development and highlight the action mechanisms of inflammation-targeted therapies in antitumor response. Finally, we summarize the results from both preclinical and clinical studies up to date to illustrate the translation potential of inflammation-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manni Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei He
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Reza R, Morshed N, Samdani MN, Reza MS. Pharmacophore mapping approach to find anti-cancer phytochemicals with metformin-like activities against transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta receptor I kinase: An in silico study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288208. [PMID: 37943796 PMCID: PMC10635513 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The most frequently prescribed first-line treatment for type II diabetes mellitus is metformin. Recent reports asserted that this diabetes medication can also shield users from cancer. Metformin induces cell cycle arrest in cancer cells. However, the exact mechanism by which this occurs in the cancer system is yet to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the impact of metformin on cell cycle arrest in cancer cells utilizing transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta pathway. TGF-ß pathway has significant effect on cell progression and growth. In order to gain an insight on the underlying molecular mechanism of metformin's effect on TGF beta receptor 1 kinase, molecular docking was performed. Metformin was predicted to interact with transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta receptor I kinase based on molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, pharmacophore was generated for metformin-TGF-ßR1 complex to hunt for novel compounds having similar pharmacophore as metformin with enhanced anti-cancer potentials. Virtual screening with 29,000 natural compounds from NPASS database was conducted separately for the generated pharmacophores in Ligandscout® software. Pharmacophore mapping showed 60 lead compounds for metformin-TGF-ßR1 complex. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation for 100 ns and ADMET analysis were performed on these compounds. Compounds with CID 72473, 10316977 and 45140078 showed promising binding affinities and formed stable complexes during dynamics simulation with aforementioned protein and thus have potentiality to be developed into anti-cancer medicaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumman Reza
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Niaz Morshed
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md. Selim Reza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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4
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Hsu C, Chang YF, Yen CJ, Xu YW, Dong M, Tong YZ. Combination of GT90001 and nivolumab in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter, single-arm, phase 1b/2 study. BMC Med 2023; 21:395. [PMID: 37858184 PMCID: PMC10588186 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03098-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GT90001 (also known as PF-03446962) is an anti-ALK-1 monoclonal antibody and has shown activity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This phase 1b/2 study was designed to determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of GT90001 plus nivolumab, and assess the safety and anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced HCC. METHODS Patients with advanced HCC were recruited from 3 centers. Eligible patients in the dose de-escalation stage received the GT90001 on day 1 of a 14-day cycle in a rolling-six design with a fixed dose of nivolumab (3.0 mg/kg). Patients in dose-expansion stage received the RP2D of GT90001 plus nivolumab. Primary endpoint was safety. Key secondary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) as per RECIST 1.1. RESULTS Between July 9, 2019, and August 8, 2022, 20 patients were treated (6 in phase 1b; 14 in phase 2) and evaluable for analysis. In phase 1b, no dose-limiting toxicities were observed, and GT90001 7.0 mg/kg was confirmed as the RP2D. Common grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) were platelet count decreased (15%). No deaths due to AEs were reported. Confirmed ORR and disease control rate were 30% (95% CI, 14.6%-51.9%) and 40% (95% CI, 21.9%-61.3%), respectively. Median duration of response was not calculated (95% CI, 7.39 months to not calculated). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.81 months (95% CI, 1.71-9.33), with 6-month and 12-month PFS rates of 35% and 25%, respectively. One patient with multiple intra- and extra-hepatic metastases was diagnosed with pseudo-progression upon GT90001 plus nivolumab exposure. CONCLUSIONS GT90001 plus nivolumab has a manageable safety profile and promising anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced HCC. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03893695.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiun Hsu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, No. 57, Ln. 155, Sec. 3, Keelung Road., Da'an Dist., Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Fang Chang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yen
- Department of Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wei Xu
- Suzhou Kintor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - Min Dong
- Suzhou Kintor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - You-Zhi Tong
- Suzhou Kintor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suzhou, China
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5
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Choi HY, Chang JE. Targeted Therapy for Cancers: From Ongoing Clinical Trials to FDA-Approved Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13618. [PMID: 37686423 PMCID: PMC10487969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of targeted therapies has revolutionized cancer treatment, offering improved efficacy with reduced side effects compared with traditional chemotherapy. This review highlights the current landscape of targeted therapy in lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer, focusing on key molecular targets. Moreover, it aligns with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs and drug candidates. In lung cancer, mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements have emerged as significant targets. FDA-approved drugs like osimertinib and crizotinib specifically inhibit these aberrant pathways, providing remarkable benefits in patients with EGFR-mutated or ALK-positive lung cancer. Colorectal cancer treatment has been shaped by targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and EGFR. Bevacizumab and cetuximab are prominent FDA-approved agents that hinder VEGF and EGFR signaling, significantly enhancing outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. In prostate cancer, androgen receptor (AR) targeting is pivotal. Drugs like enzalutamide, apalutamide, and darolutamide effectively inhibit AR signaling, demonstrating efficacy in castration-resistant prostate cancer. This review further highlights promising targets like mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), ROS1, BRAF, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymeras (PARP) in specific cancer subsets, along with ongoing clinical trials that continue to shape the future of targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ji-Eun Chang
- College of Pharmacy, Dongduk Women’s University, Seoul 02748, Republic of Korea
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6
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Barcellos-Hoff MH, Gulley JL. Molecular Pathways and Mechanisms of TGFβ in Cancer Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2025-2033. [PMID: 36598437 PMCID: PMC10238558 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3750] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Even though the number of agents that inhibit TGFβ being tested in patients with cancer has grown substantially, clinical benefit from TGFβ inhibition has not yet been achieved. The myriad mechanisms in which TGFβ is protumorigenic may be a key obstacle to its effective deployment; cancer cells frequently employ TGFβ-regulated programs that engender plasticity, enable a permissive tumor microenvironment, and profoundly suppress immune recognition, which is the target of most current early-phase trials of TGFβ inhibitors. Here we discuss the implications of a less well-recognized aspect of TGFβ biology regulating DNA repair that mediates responses to radiation and chemotherapy. In cancers that are TGFβ signaling competent, TGFβ promotes effective DNA repair and suppresses error-prone repair, thus conferring resistance to genotoxic therapies and limiting tumor control. Cancers in which TGFβ signaling is intrinsically compromised are more responsive to standard genotoxic therapy. Recognition that TGFβ is a key moderator of both DNA repair and immunosuppression might be used to synergize combinations of genotoxic therapy and immunotherapy to benefit patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Helen Barcellos-Hoff
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - James L. Gulley
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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7
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Ali S, Rehman MU, Yatoo AM, Arafah A, Khan A, Rashid S, Majid S, Ali A, Ali MN. TGF-β signaling pathway: Therapeutic targeting and potential for anti-cancer immunity. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 947:175678. [PMID: 36990262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is a pleiotropic secretory cytokine exhibiting both cancer-inhibitory and promoting properties. It transmits its signals via Suppressor of Mother against Decapentaplegic (SMAD) and non-SMAD pathways and regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. In non-cancer and early-stage cancer cells, TGFβ signaling suppresses cancer progression via inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, or anti-proliferation, and promoting cell differentiation. On the other hand, TGFβ may also act as an oncogene in advanced stages of tumors, wherein it develops immune-suppressive tumor microenvironments and induces the proliferation of cancer cells, invasion, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Higher TGFβ expression leads to the instigation and development of cancer. Therefore, suppressing TGFβ signals may present a potential treatment option for inhibiting tumorigenesis and metastasis. Different inhibitory molecules, including ligand traps, anti-sense oligo-nucleotides, small molecule receptor-kinase inhibitors, small molecule inhibitors, and vaccines, have been developed and clinically trialed for blocking the TGFβ signaling pathway. These molecules are not pro-oncogenic response-specific but block all signaling effects induced by TGFβ. Nonetheless, targeting the activation of TGFβ signaling with maximized specificity and minimized toxicity can enhance the efficacy of therapeutic approaches against this signaling pathway. The molecules that are used to target TGFβ are non-cytotoxic to cancer cells but designed to curtail the over-activation of invasion and metastasis driving TGFβ signaling in stromal and cancer cells. Here, we discussed the critical role of TGFβ in tumorigenesis, and metastasis, as well as the outcome and the promising achievement of TGFβ inhibitory molecules in the treatment of cancer.
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8
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Ehata S, Miyazono K. Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling in Cancer; Some Topics in the Recent 10 Years. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:883523. [PMID: 35693928 PMCID: PMC9174896 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.883523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family, are multifunctional cytokines. BMPs have a broad range of functions, and abnormalities in BMP signaling pathways are involved in cancer progression. BMPs activate the proliferation of certain cancer cells. Malignant phenotypes of cancer cells, such as increased motility, invasiveness, and stemness, are enhanced by BMPs. Simultaneously, BMPs act on various cellular components and regulate angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment. Thus, BMPs function as pro-tumorigenic factors in various types of cancer. However, similar to TGF-β, which shows both positive and negative effects on tumorigenesis, BMPs also act as tumor suppressors in other types of cancers. In this article, we review important findings published in the recent decade and summarize the pro-oncogenic functions of BMPs and their underlying mechanisms. The current status of BMP-targeted therapies for cancers is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Ehata
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
- *Correspondence: Shogo Ehata,
| | - Kohei Miyazono
- Department of Applied Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Propper DJ, Balkwill FR. Harnessing cytokines and chemokines for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:237-253. [PMID: 34997230 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-021-00588-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 300] [Impact Index Per Article: 150.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During the past 40 years, cytokines and cytokine receptors have been extensively investigated as either cancer targets or cancer treatments. A strong preclinical rationale supports therapeutic strategies to enhance the growth inhibitory and immunostimulatory effects of interferons and interleukins, including IL-2, IL-7, IL-12 and IL-15, or to inhibit the inflammatory and tumour-promoting actions of cytokines such as TNF, IL-1β and IL-6. This rationale is underscored by the discovery of altered and dysregulated cytokine expression in all human cancers. These findings prompted clinical trials of several cytokines or cytokine antagonists, revealing relevant biological activity but limited therapeutic efficacy. However, most trials involved patients with advanced-stage disease, which might not be the optimal setting for cytokine-based therapy. The advent of more effective immunotherapies and an increased understanding of the tumour microenvironment have presented new approaches to harnessing cytokine networks in the treatment of cancer, which include using cytokine-based therapies to enhance the activity or alleviate the immune-related toxicities of other treatments as well as to target early stage cancers. Many challenges remain, especially concerning delivery methods, context dependencies, and the pleiotropic, redundant and often conflicting actions of many cytokines. Herein, we discuss the lessons learnt from the initial trials of single-agent cytokine-based therapies and subsequent efforts to better exploit such agents for the treatment of solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Propper
- Centre for the Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Frances R Balkwill
- Centre for the Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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10
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Mirlekar B. Tumor promoting roles of IL-10, TGF-β, IL-4, and IL-35: Its implications in cancer immunotherapy. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121211069012. [PMID: 35096390 PMCID: PMC8793114 DOI: 10.1177/20503121211069012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines play a critical role in regulating host immune response toward cancer and determining the overall fate of tumorigenesis. The tumor microenvironment is dominated mainly by immune-suppressive cytokines that control effector antitumor immunity and promote survival and the proliferation of cancer cells, which ultimately leads to enhanced tumor growth. In addition to tumor cells, the heterogeneous immune cells present within the tumor milieu are the significant source of immune-suppressive cytokines. These cytokines are classified into a broad range; however, in most tumor types, the interleukin-10, transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-4, and interleukin-35 are consistently reported as immune-suppressive cytokines that help tumor growth and metastasis. The most emerging concern in cancer treatment is hijacking and restraining the activity of antitumor immune cells in the tumor niche due to a highly immune-suppressive environment. This review summarizes the role and precise functions of interleukin-10, transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-4, and interleukin-35 in modulating tumor immune contexture and its implication in developing effective immune-therapeutic approaches. CONCISE CONCLUSION Recent effort geared toward developing novel immune-therapeutic approaches faces significant challenges due to sustained mutations in tumor cells and a highly immune-suppressive microenvironment present within the tumor milieu. The cytokines play a crucial role in developing an immune-suppressive environment that ultimately dictates the fate of tumorigenesis. This review critically covers the novel aspects of predominant immune-suppressive cytokines such as interleukin-10, transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-4, and interleukin-35 in dictating the fate of tumorigenesis and how targeting these cytokines can help the development of better immune-therapeutic drug regimens for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhalchandra Mirlekar
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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11
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Roudi R, D'Angelo A, Sirico M, Sobhani N. Immunotherapeutic treatments in hepatocellular carcinoma; achievements, challenges and future prospects. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108322. [PMID: 34735916 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and fatal malignancies with an alarming trend all around the world. Common therapeutic approaches in the early stage of disease are surgical resection, ablation, and liver transplantation. Due to the insidious identity of HCC, the majority of the patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, where tumor spreading, or distant metastasis unfortunately have already occurred. Immunotherapeutic options have elicited a promising approach in some malignancies with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving the first checkpoint inhibitor anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) ipilimumab for the treatment of melanoma ten years ago. In the past decade, many clinical trials have been investigating anti-CTLA-4 as well as anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) therapies in various solid tumors, including HCC. In this mini-review we will discuss the latest clinical data from clinical trials for immune-checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Roudi
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Alberto D'Angelo
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2-7AX, UK
| | - Marianna Sirico
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Navid Sobhani
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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12
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Huang SL, Wang YM, Wang QY, Feng GG, Wu FQ, Yang LM, Zhang XH, Xin HW. Mechanisms and Clinical Trials of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunotherapy. Front Genet 2021; 12:691391. [PMID: 34306031 PMCID: PMC8296838 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.691391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common and lethal tumors worldwide, is usually not diagnosed until the disease is advanced, which results in ineffective intervention and unfavorable prognosis. Small molecule targeted drugs of HCC, such as sorafenib, provided only about 2.8 months of survival benefit, partially due to cancer stem cell resistance. There is an urgent need for the development of new treatment strategies for HCC. Tumor immunotherapies, including immune check point inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) and bispecific antibodies (BsAb), have shown significant potential. It is known that the expression level of glypican-3 (GPC3) was significantly increased in HCC compared with normal liver tissues. A bispecific antibody (GPC3-S-Fabs) was reported to recruit NK cells to target GPC3 positive cancer cells. Besides, bispecific T-cell Engagers (BiTE), including GPC3/CD3, an aptamer TLS11a/CD3 and EpCAM/CD3, were recently reported to efficiently eliminate HCC cells. It is known that immune checkpoint proteins programmed death-1 (PD-1) binding by programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) activates immune checkpoints of T cells. Anti-PD-1 antibody was reported to suppress HCC progression. Furthermore, GPC3-based HCC immunotherapy has been shown to be a curative approach to prolong the survival time of patients with HCC in clinically trials. Besides, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor may inhibit the migration, invasion and angiogenesis of HCC. Here we review the cutting-edge progresses on mechanisms and clinical trials of HCC immunotherapy, which may have significant implication in our understanding of HCC and its immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Li Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Doctoral Scientific Research Center, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yu-Ming Wang
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China.,School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Guang-Gui Feng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Fu-Qing Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Liu-Ming Yang
- Doctoral Scientific Research Center, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xi-He Zhang
- Doctoral Scientific Research Center, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Hong-Wu Xin
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
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13
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New insights into BMP9 signaling in liver diseases. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3591-3600. [PMID: 34019202 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04182-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) is a recently discovered cytokine mainly secreted by the liver and is a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown that BMP9 is associated with liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and BMP9 signaling may play dual roles in liver diseases. In this review, we mainly summarized and discussed the roles and potential mechanisms of BMP9 signaling in NAFLD, liver fibrosis and HCC. Specifically, this article will provide a better understanding of BMP9 signaling and new clues for the treatment of liver diseases.
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14
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Chen J, Ding ZY, Li S, Liu S, Xiao C, Li Z, Zhang BX, Chen XP, Yang X. Targeting transforming growth factor-β signaling for enhanced cancer chemotherapy. Theranostics 2021; 11:1345-1363. [PMID: 33391538 PMCID: PMC7738904 DOI: 10.7150/thno.51383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past decades, drugs targeting transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling have received tremendous attention for late-stage cancer treatment since TGFβ signaling has been recognized as a prime driver for tumor progression and metastasis. Nonetheless, in healthy and pre-malignant tissues, TGFβ functions as a potent tumor suppressor. Furthermore, TGFβ signaling plays a key role in normal development and homeostasis by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis, and immune evasion, and by suppressing tumor-associated inflammation. Therefore, targeting TGFβ signaling for cancer therapy is challenging. Recently, we and others showed that blocking TGFβ signaling increased chemotherapy efficacy, particularly for nanomedicines. In this review, we briefly introduce the TGFβ signaling pathway, and the multifaceted functions of TGFβ signaling in cancer, including regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the behavior of cancer cells. We also summarize TGFβ targeting agents. Then, we highlight TGFβ inhibition strategies to restore the extracellular matrix (ECM), regulate the tumor vasculature, reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and impair the stemness of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) to enhance cancer chemotherapy efficacy. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities in targeting TGFβ signaling for cancer therapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitang Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Ze-yang Ding
- Hepatic Surgery Center, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Si Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Sha Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Hepatic Surgery Center, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Xiao
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Zifu Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medical, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Bi-xiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-ping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangliang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medical, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- GBA Research Innovation Institute for Nanotechnology, Guangdong, 510530, China
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15
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Campani C, Rimassa L, Personeni N, Marra F. Angiogenesis inhibitors for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: in search for the right partner. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1532. [PMID: 33313277 PMCID: PMC7729316 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Campani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Personeni
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Marra
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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16
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Xiao Y, Yu D. Tumor microenvironment as a therapeutic target in cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 221:107753. [PMID: 33259885 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 598] [Impact Index Per Article: 149.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment denotes the non-cancerous cells and components presented in the tumor, including molecules produced and released by them. The constant interactions between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment play decisive roles in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and response to therapies. The tumor microenvironment as a therapeutic target in cancer has attracted great research and clinical interest. Here we summarize the current progress in targeting the tumor microenvironment in both drug development and clinical trials; highlight challenges in targeting the tumor microenvironment to achieve therapeutic efficacy; explore new technologies and approaches to better decipher the tumor microenvironment; and discuss strategies to intervene in the pro-tumor microenvironment and maximize therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dihua Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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17
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Qin S, Jiang J, Lu Y, Nice EC, Huang C, Zhang J, He W. Emerging role of tumor cell plasticity in modifying therapeutic response. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:228. [PMID: 33028808 PMCID: PMC7541492 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00313-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to cancer therapy is a major barrier to cancer management. Conventional views have proposed that acquisition of resistance may result from genetic mutations. However, accumulating evidence implicates a key role of non-mutational resistance mechanisms underlying drug tolerance, the latter of which is the focus that will be discussed here. Such non-mutational processes are largely driven by tumor cell plasticity, which renders tumor cells insusceptible to the drug-targeted pathway, thereby facilitating the tumor cell survival and growth. The concept of tumor cell plasticity highlights the significance of re-activation of developmental programs that are closely correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, acquisition properties of cancer stem cells, and trans-differentiation potential during drug exposure. From observations in various cancers, this concept provides an opportunity for investigating the nature of anticancer drug resistance. Over the years, our understanding of the emerging role of phenotype switching in modifying therapeutic response has considerably increased. This expanded knowledge of tumor cell plasticity contributes to developing novel therapeutic strategies or combination therapy regimens using available anticancer drugs, which are likely to improve patient outcomes in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Lu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Road, 611137, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Weifeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Ciardiello D, Elez E, Tabernero J, Seoane J. Clinical development of therapies targeting TGFβ: current knowledge and future perspectives. Ann Oncol 2020; 31:1336-1349. [PMID: 32710930 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a key role in both physiologic and pathologic conditions, including cancer. Importantly, TGFβ can exhibit both tumor-suppressive and oncogenic functions. In normal epithelial cells TGFβ acts as an antiproliferative and differentiating factor, whereas in advanced tumors TGFβ can act as an oncogenic factor by creating an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment, and inducing cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, tumor progression, and metastatic spread. A wealth of preclinical findings have demonstrated that targeting TGFβ is a promising means of exerting antitumor activity. Based on this rationale, several classes of TGFβ inhibitors have been developed and tested in clinical trials, namely, monoclonal, neutralizing, and bifunctional antibodies; antisense oligonucleotides; TGFβ-related vaccines; and receptor kinase inhibitors. It is now >15 years since the first clinical trial testing an anti-TGFβ agent was engaged. Despite the promising preclinical studies, translation of the basic understanding of the TGFβ oncogenic response into the clinical setting has been slow and challenging. Here, we review the conclusions and status of all the completed and ongoing clinical trials that test compounds that inhibit the TGFβ pathway, and discuss the challenges that have arisen during their clinical development. With none of the TGFβ inhibitors evaluated in clinical trials approved for cancer therapy, clinical development for TGFβ blockade therapy is primarily oriented toward TGFβ inhibitor combinations. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are considered candidates, albeit with efficacy anticipated to be restricted to specific populations. In this context, we describe current efforts in the search for biomarkers for selecting the appropriate cancer patients who are likely to benefit from anti-TGFβ therapies. The knowledge accumulated during the last 15 years of clinical research in the context of the TGFβ pathway is crucial to design better, innovative, and more successful trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ciardiello
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicina di Precisione, Università degli studi della Campania, Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - E Elez
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Tabernero
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Seoane
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
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19
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Bone marrow niche crosses paths with BMPs: a road to protection and persistence in CML. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 47:1307-1325. [PMID: 31551354 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a paradigm of precision medicine, being one of the first cancers to be treated with targeted therapy. This has revolutionised CML therapy and patient outcome, with high survival rates. However, this now means an ever-increasing number of patients are living with the disease on life-long tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy, with most patients anticipated to have near normal life expectancy. Unfortunately, in a significant number of patients, TKIs are not curative. This low-level disease persistence suggests that despite a molecularly targeted therapeutic approach, there are BCR-ABL1-independent mechanisms exploited to sustain the survival of a small cell population of leukaemic stem cells (LSCs). In CML, LSCs display many features akin to haemopoietic stem cells, namely quiescence, self-renewal and the ability to produce mature progeny, this all occurs through intrinsic and extrinsic signals within the specialised microenvironment of the bone marrow (BM) niche. One important avenue of investigation in CML is how the disease highjacks the BM, thereby remodelling this microenvironment to create a niche, which enables LSC persistence and resistance to TKI treatment. In this review, we explore how changes in growth factor levels, in particular, the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, impact on cell behaviour, extracellular matrix deposition and bone remodelling in CML. We also discuss the challenges in targeting LSCs and the potential of dual targeting using combination therapies against BMP receptors and BCR-ABL1.
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20
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Clarke JM, Blobe GC, Strickler JH, Uronis HE, Zafar SY, Morse M, Dropkin E, Howard L, O'Neill M, Rushing CN, Niedzwiecki D, Watson H, Bolch E, Arrowood C, Liu Y, Nixon AB, Hurwitz HI. A phase Ib study of the combination regorafenib with PF-03446962 in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (REGAL-1 trial). Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2019; 84:909-917. [PMID: 31444620 PMCID: PMC6769092 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-019-03916-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase II dose (RPTD), as well as the safety and tolerability of PF-03446962, a monoclonal antibody targeting activin receptor like kinase 1 (ALK-1), in combination with regorafenib in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer. METHODS The first stage of this study was a standard "3 + 3" open-label dose-escalation scheme. Cohorts of 3-6 subjects were started with 120 mg of regorafenib given PO daily for 3 weeks of a 4 week cycle, plus 4.5 mg/kg of PF-03446962 given IV every 2 weeks. Doses of both drugs were adjusted according to dose-limiting toxicities (DLT). Plasma was collected for multiplexed ELISA analysis of factors related to tumor growth and angiogenesis. RESULTS Seventeen subjects were enrolled, of whom 11 were deemed evaluable. Seven subjects were enrolled at dose level 1, and four were enrolled at level - 1. Overall, three DLTs were observed during the dose-escalation phase: two in level 1 and one in level - 1. A planned dose-expansion cohort was not started due to early termination of the clinical trial. Common adverse events were infusion-related reaction, fatigue, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, abdominal pain, dehydration, nausea, back pain, anorexia, and diarrhea. One subject achieved stable disease for 5.5 months, but discontinued treatment due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS The regimen of regorafenib and PF-03446962 was associated with unacceptable toxicity and did not demonstrate notable clinical activity in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Melson Clarke
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Gerard C Blobe
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - John H Strickler
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Hope Elizabeth Uronis
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - S Yousuf Zafar
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Michael Morse
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Evan Dropkin
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Leigh Howard
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Margot O'Neill
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Christel N Rushing
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Donna Niedzwiecki
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Hollie Watson
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Emily Bolch
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Christy Arrowood
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Yingmiao Liu
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Andrew B Nixon
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 20 Medicine Circle, Morris Building, Rm 25178, DUMC Box 3198, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
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21
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Zessner-Spitzenberg J, Thomas AL, Krett NL, Jung B. TGFβ and activin A in the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer. GENE REPORTS 2019; 17. [PMID: 32154442 DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2019.100501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although overall survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing steadily due to progress in screening, therapeutic options and precise diagnostic tools remain scarce. As the understanding of CRC as a complex and multifactorial condition moves forward, the tumor microenvironment has come into focus as a source of diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets. The role of TGFβ in shifting the epithelial cancer compartment towards invasiveness and a pro-migratory phenotype via stromal signaling has been widely investigated. Accordingly, recent studies have proposed that CRC patients could be stratified into distinct subtypes and have identified one poor prognosis subset of CRC that is characterized by high stromal activity and elevated levels of TGFβ. The TGFβ superfamily member activin A is crucial for the pro-metastatic properties of the TGFβ pathway, yet it has been under-researched in CRC carcinogenesis. In this review, we will elucidate the signaling network and interdependency of both ligands in the context of the tumor microenvironment in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Zessner-Spitzenberg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Wien, Austria
| | - Alexandra L Thomas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Nancy L Krett
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Barbara Jung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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22
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Chen Y, Di C, Zhang X, Wang J, Wang F, Yan JF, Xu C, Zhang J, Zhang Q, Li H, Yang H, Zhang H. Transforming growth factor β signaling pathway: A promising therapeutic target for cancer. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:1903-1914. [PMID: 31332789 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is part of the transforming growth factor β superfamily which is involved in many physiological processes and closely related to the carcinogenesis. Here, we discuss the TGF-β structure, function, and its canonical Smads signaling pathway. Importantly, TGF-β has been proved that it plays both tumor suppressor as well as an activator role in tumor progression. In an early stage, TGF-β inhibits cell proliferation and is involved in cell apoptosis. In an advanced tumor, TGF-β signaling pathway induces tumor invasion and metastasis through promoting angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and immune escape. Furthermore, we are centered on updated research results into the inhibitors as drugs which have been studied in preclinical or clinical trials in tumor carcinogenesis to prevent the TGF-β synthesis and block its signaling pathways such as antibodies, antisense molecules, and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Thus, it is highlighting the crucial role of TGF-β in tumor therapy and may provide opportunities for the new antitumor strategies in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Chen
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cuixia Di
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuetian Zhang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-Fang Yan
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Caipeng Xu
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qianjing Zhang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongying Yang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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23
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Tian M, Shi Y, Liu W, Fan J. Immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: strategies for combinatorial intervention. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2019; 62:1138-1143. [PMID: 31119560 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-018-9446-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer, leading to 74.6 thousand deaths annually. The prognosis of HCC over the last few decades has remained unsatisfactory, and over half of patients with early-stage HCC develop recurrence by the time of follow-up. Immunotherapeutic intervention has emerged as a novel, effective treatment to delay the progression of aggressive tumors and suppress tumor recurrence and metastasis. However, few clinical immunotherapy trials have been conducted in HCC patients, and there is an unmet need for novel therapeutic strategies. The combination of conventional treatments with specific immunotherapeutic approaches may dramatically improve the efficacy of HCC treatment and the clinical outcome of HCC patients. In this review, we briefly summarize immunotherapy strategies and discuss new advances in combined immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of patients with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Tian
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation Center, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yinghong Shi
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation Center, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Weiren Liu
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation Center, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation Center, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Khoshakhlagh M, Soleimani A, Binabaj MM, Avan A, Ferns GA, Khazaei M, Hassanian SM. Therapeutic potential of pharmacological TGF-β signaling pathway inhibitors in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 164:17-22. [PMID: 30905655 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The TGF-β signaling pathway plays an important role in cancer cell proliferation, growth, inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The role of TGF-β signaling in the pathogenesis of breast cancer is complex. TGF-β acts as a tumor suppressor in the early stages of disease, and as a tumor promoter in its later stages. Over-activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway and over-expression of the TGF-β receptors are frequently found in breast tumors. Suppression of TGF-β pathway using biological or pharmacological inhibitors is a potentially novel therapeutic approach for breast cancer treatment. This review summarizes the regulatory role of TGF-β signaling in the pathogenesis of breast cancer for a better understanding and hence a better management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Khoshakhlagh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Atena Soleimani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Moradi Binabaj
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Cho ES, Kang HE, Kim NH, Yook JI. Therapeutic implications of cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Arch Pharm Res 2019; 42:14-24. [PMID: 30649699 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-018-01108-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) comprises an essential biological process involving cancer progression as well as initiation. While the EMT has been regarded as a phenotypic conversion from epithelial to mesenchymal cells, recent evidence indicates that it plays a critical role in stemness, metabolic reprogramming, immune evasion and therapeutic resistance of cancer cells. Interestingly, several transcriptional repressors including Snail (SNAI1), Slug (SNAI2) and the ZEB family constitute key players for EMT in cancer as well as in the developmental process. Note that the dynamic conversion between EMT and epithelial reversion (mesenchymal-epithelial transition, MET) occurs through variable intermediate-hybrid states rather than being a binary process. Given the close connection between oncogenic signaling and EMT repressors, the EMT has emerged as a therapeutic target or goal (in terms of MET reversion) in cancer therapy. Here we review the critical role of EMT in therapeutic resistance and the importance of EMT as a therapeutic target for human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunae Sandra Cho
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Eun Kang
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Hee Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong In Yook
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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Löffek S. Transforming of the Tumor Microenvironment: Implications for TGF- β Inhibition in the Context of Immune-Checkpoint Therapy. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2018; 2018:9732939. [PMID: 30631358 PMCID: PMC6304495 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9732939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Significant breakthroughs have been achieved in the fields of oncogenic signaling inhibition and particularly immune-checkpoint blockade has triggered substantial enthusiasm during the last decade. Antibody-mediated blockade of negative immune-checkpoint molecules (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4) has been shown to achieve profound responses in several of solid cancers. Unfortunately, these responses only occur in a subset of patients or, after initial therapy response, these tumors eventually relapse. Thus, elucidating the determinants of intrinsic or therapy-induced resistance is the key to improve outcomes and developing new treatment strategies. Several cytokines and growth factors are involved in the tight regulation of either antitumor immunity or immunosuppressive tumor-promoting inflammation within the tumor microenvironment (TME), of which transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is of particular importance. This review will therefore summarize the recent progress that has been made in the understanding of how TGF-β blockade may have the capacity to enhance efficacy of immune-checkpoint therapy which presents a rational strategy to sustain the antitumor inflammatory response to improve response rates in tumor patients. Finally, I will conclude with a comprehensive summary of clinical trials in which TGF-β blockade revealed therapeutic benefit for patients by counteracting tumor relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Löffek
- Skin Cancer Unit of the Dermatology Department, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 45147 Essen, Germany
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Morine KJ, Qiao X, Paruchuri V, Aronovitz MJ, Mackey EE, Buiten L, Levine J, Ughreja K, Nepali P, Blanton RM, Oh SP, Karas RH, Kapur NK. Reduced activin receptor-like kinase 1 activity promotes cardiac fibrosis in heart failure. Cardiovasc Pathol 2017; 31:26-33. [PMID: 28820968 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) mediates signaling via the transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1), a pro-fibrogenic cytokine. No studies have defined a role for ALK1 in heart failure. HYPOTHESIS We tested the hypothesis that reduced ALK1 expression promotes maladaptive cardiac remodeling in heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS In patients with advanced heart failure referred for left ventricular (LV) assist device implantation, LV Alk1 mRNA and protein levels were lower than control LV obtained from patients without heart failure. To investigate the role of ALK1 in heart failure, Alk1 haploinsufficient (Alk1+/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were studied 2 weeks after severe transverse aortic constriction (TAC). LV and lung weights were higher in Alk1+/- mice after TAC. Cardiomyocyte area and LV mRNA levels of brain natriuretic peptide and β-myosin heavy chain were increased similarly in Alk1+/- and WT mice after TAC. Alk-1 mice exhibited reduced Smad 1 phosphorylation and signaling compared to WT mice after TAC. Compared to WT, LV fibrosis and Type 1 collagen mRNA and protein levels were higher in Alk1+/- mice. LV fractional shortening was lower in Alk1+/- mice after TAC. CONCLUSIONS Reduced expression of ALK1 promotes cardiac fibrosis and impaired LV function in a murine model of heart failure. Further studies examining the role of ALK1 and ALK1 inhibitors on cardiac remodeling are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Morine
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Xiaoying Qiao
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Vikram Paruchuri
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Mark J Aronovitz
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Emily E Mackey
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Lyanne Buiten
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Jonathan Levine
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Keshan Ughreja
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Prerna Nepali
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Robert M Blanton
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - S Paul Oh
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Richard H Karas
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Navin K Kapur
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
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Liu Z, Sanders AJ, Liang G, Song E, Jiang WG, Gong C. Hey Factors at the Crossroad of Tumorigenesis and Clinical Therapeutic Modulation of Hey for Anticancer Treatment. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:775-786. [PMID: 28468863 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetic and Gene Regulation, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andrew J Sanders
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Gehao Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetic and Gene Regulation, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Erwei Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetic and Gene Regulation, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen G Jiang
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
| | - Chang Gong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetic and Gene Regulation, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), also called malignant hepatoma, is one of the deadliest cancers due to its complexities, reoccurrence after surgical resection, metastasis and heterogeneity. Incidence and mortality of HCC are increasing in Western countries and are expected to rise as a consequence of the obesity epidemic. Multiple factors trigger the initiation and progression of HCC including chronic alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis B and C infection, metabolic disorders and age. Although Sorafenib is the only FDA approved drug for the treatment of HCC, numerous treatment modalities such as transcatheter arterial chemoembolization/transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), radiotherapy, locoregional therapy and chemotherapy have been tested in the clinics. Polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and micelles carrying small molecules, proteins, peptides and nucleic acids have attracted great attention for the treatment of various cancers including HCC. Herein, we discuss the pathogenesis of HCC in relation to its various recent treatment methodologies using nanodelivery of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), small molecules, miRNAs and peptides. Synopsis of recent clinical trials of mAbs and peptide drugs has been presented with a broad overview of the pathogenesis of the disease and treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinku Dutta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States.
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