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Soldati C, Lopez‐Fabuel I, Wanderlingh LG, Garcia‐Macia M, Monfregola J, Esposito A, Napolitano G, Guevara‐Ferrer M, Scotto Rosato A, Krogsaeter EK, Paquet D, Grimm CM, Montefusco S, Braulke T, Storch S, Mole SE, De Matteis MA, Ballabio A, Sampaio JL, McKay T, Johannes L, Bolaños JP, Medina DL. Repurposing of tamoxifen ameliorates CLN3 and CLN7 disease phenotype. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e13742. [PMID: 34411438 PMCID: PMC8495452 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202013742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Batten diseases (BDs) are a group of lysosomal storage disorders characterized by seizure, visual loss, and cognitive and motor deterioration. We discovered increased levels of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in cellular and murine models of CLN3 and CLN7 diseases and used fluorescent-conjugated bacterial toxins to label Gb3 to develop a cell-based high content imaging (HCI) screening assay for the repurposing of FDA-approved compounds able to reduce this accumulation within BD cells. We found that tamoxifen reduced the lysosomal accumulation of Gb3 in CLN3 and CLN7 cell models, including neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) from CLN7 patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Here, tamoxifen exerts its action through a mechanism that involves activation of the transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master gene of lysosomal function and autophagy. In vivo administration of tamoxifen to the CLN7Δex2 mouse model reduced the accumulation of Gb3 and SCMAS, decreased neuroinflammation, and improved motor coordination. These data strongly suggest that tamoxifen may be a suitable drug to treat some types of Batten disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Soldati
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), PozzuoliNaplesItaly
| | - Irene Lopez‐Fabuel
- Institute of Functional Biology and GenomicsCSICUniversity of SalamancaSalamancaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of SalamancaUniversity Hospital of SalamancaCSICUniversity of SalamancaSalamancaSpain
| | - Luca G Wanderlingh
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), PozzuoliNaplesItaly
| | - Marina Garcia‐Macia
- Institute of Functional Biology and GenomicsCSICUniversity of SalamancaSalamancaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of SalamancaUniversity Hospital of SalamancaCSICUniversity of SalamancaSalamancaSpain
| | - Jlenia Monfregola
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), PozzuoliNaplesItaly
| | | | - Gennaro Napolitano
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), PozzuoliNaplesItaly
- Medical Genetics UnitDepartment of Medical and Translational ScienceFederico II UniversityNaplesItaly
| | | | - Anna Scotto Rosato
- Faculty of MedicineWalther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and ToxicologyLudwig‐Maximilians UniversityMunichGermany
| | - Einar K Krogsaeter
- Faculty of MedicineWalther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and ToxicologyLudwig‐Maximilians UniversityMunichGermany
| | - Dominik Paquet
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD)University HospitalLMU MunichMunichGermany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy)MunichGermany
| | - Christian M Grimm
- Faculty of MedicineWalther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and ToxicologyLudwig‐Maximilians UniversityMunichGermany
| | - Sandro Montefusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), PozzuoliNaplesItaly
| | - Thomas Braulke
- Department Osteology & BiomechanicsUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Stephan Storch
- University Children's Research@Kinder‐UKEUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Sara E Mole
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Maria A De Matteis
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), PozzuoliNaplesItaly
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical BiotechnologyUniversity of Napoli Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Andrea Ballabio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), PozzuoliNaplesItaly
- Medical Genetics UnitDepartment of Medical and Translational ScienceFederico II UniversityNaplesItaly
- Baylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research InstituteTexas Children's HospitalHoustonTXUSA
| | - Julio L Sampaio
- Cellular and Chemical Biology DepartmentInstitut Curie, U1143 INSERM, UMR3666 CNRSPSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Tristan McKay
- School of Healthcare ScienceManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
| | - Ludger Johannes
- Cellular and Chemical Biology DepartmentInstitut Curie, U1143 INSERM, UMR3666 CNRSPSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Juan P Bolaños
- Institute of Functional Biology and GenomicsCSICUniversity of SalamancaSalamancaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of SalamancaUniversity Hospital of SalamancaCSICUniversity of SalamancaSalamancaSpain
| | - Diego L Medina
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), PozzuoliNaplesItaly
- Medical Genetics UnitDepartment of Medical and Translational ScienceFederico II UniversityNaplesItaly
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Bergqvist C, Servy A, Valeyrie-Allanore L, Ferkal S, Combemale P, Wolkenstein P. Neurofibromatosis 1 French national guidelines based on an extensive literature review since 1966. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:37. [PMID: 32014052 PMCID: PMC6998847 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-1310-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a relatively common genetic disease, with a prevalence ranging between 1/3000 and 1/6000 people worldwide. The disease affects multiple systems with cutaneous, neurologic, and orthopedic as major manifestations which lead to significant morbidity or mortality. Indeed, NF1 patients are at an increased risk of malignancy and have a life expectancy about 10-15 years shorter than the general population. The mainstay of management of NF1 is a patient-centered longitudinal care with age-specific monitoring of clinical manifestations, aiming at the early recognition and symptomatic treatment of complications as they occur. Protocole national de diagnostic et de soins (PNDS) are mandatory French clinical practice guidelines for rare diseases required by the French national plan for rare diseases. Their purpose is to provide health care professionals with guidance regarding the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients affected with a rare disease; and thus, harmonizing their management nationwide. PNDS are usually developed through a critical literature review and a multidisciplinary expert consensus. The purpose of this article is to present the French guidelines on NF1, making them even more available to the international medical community. We further dwelled on the emerging new evidence that might have therapeutic potential or a strong impact on NF1 management in the coming feature. Given the complexity of the disease, the management of children and adults with NF1 entails the full complement healthcare providers and communication among the various specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Bergqvist
- Faculty of medicine, Université Paris-Est Creteil (UPEC), F-94010 Créteil Cedex, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpital Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Service de Dermatologie, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Amandine Servy
- Assistance Publique-Hôpital Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Service de Dermatologie, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Laurence Valeyrie-Allanore
- INSERM, Centre d’Investigation Clinique 006, Referral Center of Neurofibromatosis, Assistance Publique-Hôpital Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Henri-Mondor, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Salah Ferkal
- INSERM, Centre d’Investigation Clinique 006, Referral Center of Neurofibromatosis, Assistance Publique-Hôpital Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Henri-Mondor, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Patrick Combemale
- Rhône-Alpes Auvergne Competence Center for the treatment of Neurofibromatosis type 1, Léon Bérard Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69008 Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Wolkenstein
- Faculty of medicine, Université Paris-Est Creteil (UPEC), F-94010 Créteil Cedex, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpital Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Service de Dermatologie, F-94010 Créteil, France
- INSERM, Centre d’Investigation Clinique 006, Referral Center of Neurofibromatosis, Assistance Publique-Hôpital Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Henri-Mondor, F-94010 Créteil, France
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Nagy S, Hafner P, Schmidt S, Rubino-Nacht D, Schädelin S, Bieri O, Fischer D. Tamoxifen in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (TAMDMD): study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 3 trial. Trials 2019; 20:637. [PMID: 31752977 PMCID: PMC6869203 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3740-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited neuromuscular disorder of childhood with a devastating disease course. Several targeted gene therapies and molecular approaches have been or are currently being tested in clinical trials; however, a causative therapy is still not available and best supportive care is limited to oral glucocorticoids with numerous long-term side effects. Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor regulator, and shows antioxidant actions and regulatory roles in the calcium homeostasis besides its antitumor activity. In a mouse model of DMD, oral tamoxifen significantly improved muscle strength and reduced muscle fatigue. This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial aims to demonstrate safety and efficacy of tamoxifen over placebo in pediatric patients with DMD. After completion of the double-blind phase, an open-label extension of the study will be offered to all participants. Methods/design At least 71 ambulant and up to 20 nonambulant patients with DMD are planned to be enrolled at multiple European sites. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either tamoxifen 20 mg or placebo daily over 48 weeks. In the open-label extension phase, all patients will be offered tamoxifen for a further 48 weeks. The primary endpoint of the double-blind phase is defined as the change of the D1 domain of the motor function measure in ambulant patients or a change of the D2 domain in nonambulant patients under tamoxifen compared to placebo. Secondary outcome measures include change in timed function tests, quantitative muscle testing, and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of thigh muscles. Laboratory analyses including biomarkers of tamoxifen metabolism and muscle dystrophy will also be assessed. Discussion The aim of the study is to investigate whether tamoxifen can reduce disease progression in ambulant and nonambulant patients with DMD over 48 weeks. Motor function measures comprise the primary endpoint, whereas further clinical and radiological assessments and laboratory biomarkers are performed to provide more data on safety and efficacy. An adjacent open-label extension phase is planned to test if earlier initiation of the treatment with tamoxifen (verum arm of double-blind phase) compared to a delayed start can reduce disease progression more efficiently. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03354039. Registered on 27 November 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nagy
- Division of Developmental- and Neuropaediatrics, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 33, Postfach, 4031, Basel, Switzerland. .,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Patricia Hafner
- Division of Developmental- and Neuropaediatrics, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 33, Postfach, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simone Schmidt
- Division of Developmental- and Neuropaediatrics, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 33, Postfach, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Rubino-Nacht
- Division of Developmental- and Neuropaediatrics, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 33, Postfach, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Schädelin
- Clinical Trial Unit, University of Basel, Schanzenstrasse 55, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Bieri
- Department of Radiology, Division of Radiological Physics, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Fischer
- Division of Developmental- and Neuropaediatrics, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 33, Postfach, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
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Gayi E, Neff LA, Massana Muñoz X, Ismail HM, Sierra M, Mercier T, Décosterd LA, Laporte J, Cowling BS, Dorchies OM, Scapozza L. Tamoxifen prolongs survival and alleviates symptoms in mice with fatal X-linked myotubular myopathy. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4848. [PMID: 30451843 PMCID: PMC6243013 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07058-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM, also known as XLCNM) is a severe congenital muscular disorder due to mutations in the myotubularin gene, MTM1. It is characterized by generalized hypotonia, leading to neonatal death of most patients. No specific treatment exists. Here, we show that tamoxifen, a well-known drug used against breast cancer, rescues the phenotype of Mtm1-deficient mice. Tamoxifen increases lifespan several-fold while improving overall motor function and preventing disease progression including lower limb paralysis. Tamoxifen corrects functional, histological and molecular hallmarks of XLMTM, with improved force output, myonuclei positioning, myofibrillar structure, triad number, and excitation-contraction coupling. Tamoxifen normalizes the expression level of the XLMTM disease modifiers DNM2 and PI3KC2B, likely contributing to the phenotypic rescue. Our findings demonstrate that tamoxifen is a promising candidate for clinical evaluation in XLMTM patients.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Class II Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics
- Class II Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Dynamin II/genetics
- Dynamin II/metabolism
- Electric Stimulation
- Excitation Contraction Coupling/drug effects
- Female
- Gene Expression/drug effects
- Genes, Lethal
- Humans
- Longevity/drug effects
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Motor Activity/drug effects
- Muscle, Skeletal/drug effects
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Myofibrils/drug effects
- Myofibrils/metabolism
- Myofibrils/ultrastructure
- Myopathies, Structural, Congenital/drug therapy
- Myopathies, Structural, Congenital/genetics
- Myopathies, Structural, Congenital/metabolism
- Myopathies, Structural, Congenital/pathology
- Protective Agents/pharmacology
- Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Non-Receptor/deficiency
- Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Non-Receptor/genetics
- Tamoxifen/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Elinam Gayi
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Lausanne, University of Geneva, CMU 5-6, Rue Michel-Servet 1, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| | - Laurence A Neff
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Lausanne, University of Geneva, CMU 5-6, Rue Michel-Servet 1, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| | - Xènia Massana Muñoz
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7104, Illkirch, 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1258, Illkirch, 67404, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, 67404, France
| | - Hesham M Ismail
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Lausanne, University of Geneva, CMU 5-6, Rue Michel-Servet 1, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| | - Marta Sierra
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Lausanne, University of Geneva, CMU 5-6, Rue Michel-Servet 1, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Mercier
- Division and Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Service of Biomedicine, Department of Laboratories, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland
| | - Laurent A Décosterd
- Division and Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Service of Biomedicine, Department of Laboratories, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyn Laporte
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7104, Illkirch, 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1258, Illkirch, 67404, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, 67404, France
| | - Belinda S Cowling
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7104, Illkirch, 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1258, Illkirch, 67404, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, 67404, France
| | - Olivier M Dorchies
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Lausanne, University of Geneva, CMU 5-6, Rue Michel-Servet 1, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland.
| | - Leonardo Scapozza
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Lausanne, University of Geneva, CMU 5-6, Rue Michel-Servet 1, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland.
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Bergthold G, Bandopadhayay P, Bi WL, Ramkissoon L, Stiles C, Segal RA, Beroukhim R, Ligon KL, Grill J, Kieran MW. Pediatric low-grade gliomas: how modern biology reshapes the clinical field. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2014; 1845:294-307. [PMID: 24589977 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Low-grade gliomas represent the most frequent brain tumors arising during childhood. They are characterized by a broad and heterogeneous group of tumors that are currently classified by the WHO according to their morphological appearance. Here we review the clinical features of these tumors, current therapeutic strategies and the recent discovery of genomic alterations characteristic to these tumors. We further explore how these recent biological findings stand to transform the treatment for these tumors and impact the diagnostic criteria for pediatric low-grade gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pratiti Bandopadhayay
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wenya Linda Bi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lori Ramkissoon
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charles Stiles
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rosalind A Segal
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rameen Beroukhim
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keith L Ligon
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacques Grill
- Departement de Cancerologie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, Gustave Roussy and Unité Mixte de Recherche 8203 du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris-Sud, Villejuif, France
| | - Mark W Kieran
- Center for Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
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Ater JL, Zhou T, Holmes E, Mazewski CM, Booth TN, Freyer DR, Lazarus KH, Packer RJ, Prados M, Sposto R, Vezina G, Wisoff JH, Pollack IF. Randomized study of two chemotherapy regimens for treatment of low-grade glioma in young children: a report from the Children's Oncology Group. J Clin Oncol 2012; 30:2641-7. [PMID: 22665535 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.36.6054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Surgery is curative therapy for pediatric low-grade gliomas (LGGs) in areas of the brain amenable to complete resection. However, LGGs located in areas where complete resection is not possible can threaten both function and life. The purpose of this study was to compare two chemotherapy regimens for LGGs in children younger than age 10 years for whom radiotherapy was felt by the practitioner to pose a high risk of neurodevelopmental injury. PATIENTS AND METHODS Previously untreated children younger than age 10 years with progressive or residual LGGs were eligible. Children were randomly assigned to receive carboplatin and vincristine (CV) or thioguanine, procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (TPCV). Children with neurofibromatosis are reported separately. Results Of 274 randomly assigned patients who met eligibility requirements, 137 received CV and 137 received TPCV. The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates for all eligible patients were 45% ± 3.2% and 86% ± 2.2%, respectively. The 5-year EFS rates were 39% ± 4% for CV and 52% ± 5% for TPCV (stratified log-rank test P = .10; cure model analysis P = .007). On multivariate analysis, factors independently predictive of worse EFS and OS were younger age and tumor size greater than 3 cm(2). Tumor location in the thalamus was also associated with poor OS. CONCLUSION The difference in EFS between the regimens did not reach significance on the basis of the stratified log-rank test. The 5-year EFS was higher for TPCV on the basis of the cure model analysis. Differences in toxicity may influence physician choice of regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joann L Ater
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Stereotactic iodine-125 brachytherapy for treatment of inoperable focal brainstem gliomas of WHO grades I and II: feasibility and long-term outcome. J Neurooncol 2012; 109:273-83. [PMID: 22580799 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-012-0889-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Microsurgical resection is the most frequently suggested treatment option for accessible focal brainstem gliomas (F-BSG) of World Health Organization (WHO) grades I and II. Because of their location in the highly eloquent brain, however, resection is associated with permanent postoperative morbidity, ranging from 12 to 33 %. Only a few reports have suggested stereotactic brachytherapy (SBT) with implantation of iodine-125 seeds as a local treatment alternative. Between 1993 and 2010, 47 patients were treated with SBT (iodine-125 seeds; cumulative surface dose 50-65 Gy) for inoperable F-BSG, WHO grades I and II, in one of the largest reported patient series. We evaluated procedure-related complications, clinical outcome, and progression-free and overall survival (PFS, OS). Median follow-up was 81.6 months. Procedure-related mortality was zero. Within 30 days of seed implantation six patients (12.8 %) had transient neurological deficits. Two patients (4.3 %) deteriorated permanently. Space-occupying cysts occurred in six patients (12.8 %) after a median of 28.5 months, and required surgical intervention. Nine patients (19.1 %) presented with tumor relapse after a median of 56.6 months (range 7.9-118.0 months). For the remaining 38 patients complete response was observed for 23.4 %, partial response for 29.8 %, and stable disease for 27.7 %. Actuarial PFS was 97.7 ± 2.2, 92.8 ± 4.0, 81.2 ± 6.5, and 62.0 ± 10.4 % after 1, 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Corresponding OS was 100 ± 0.0 % (1 and 2 years), 97.4 ± 2.6 % (5 years), and 87.6 ± 7.0 % (10 years). SBT is a comparatively safe, minimally invasive, and highly effective local treatment option for patients with inoperable F-BSG WHO grades I and II; it merits further evaluation in prospective randomized trials.
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Ruge MI, Simon T, Suchorska B, Lehrke R, Hamisch C, Koerber F, Maarouf M, Treuer H, Berthold F, Sturm V, Voges J. Stereotactic brachytherapy with iodine-125 seeds for the treatment of inoperable low-grade gliomas in children: long-term outcome. J Clin Oncol 2011; 29:4151-9. [PMID: 21969508 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.37.3381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Resection is generally considered the gold standard for treatment of low-grade (WHO grades I and II) gliomas (LGGs) in childhood. However, approximately 30% to 50% of these tumors are inoperable because of their localization in highly eloquent brain areas. A few reports have suggested stereotactic brachytherapy (SBT) with implantation of iodine-125 ((125)I) seeds as a safe and effective local treatment alternative. This single-center study provides a summary of the long-term outcome after SBT in one of the largest reported patient series. PATIENTS AND METHODS All pediatric patients treated with SBT ((125)I seeds; cumulative therapeutic dose 50-65 Gy within 9 months) by our group for LGG with follow-up of more than 6 months were included. Clinical and radiologic outcome, time to progression, and overall survival were evaluated. Prognostic factors (age, sex, Karnofsky performance score, tumor volume, and histology) for survival and disease progression were investigated. RESULTS In all, 147 of 160 pediatric patients treated with SBT (from 1982 through 2009) were analyzed in detail. Procedure-related mortality was zero, and the 30-day morbidity was transient and low (5.4%). Survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 93%, and 82%, respectively, with no significant difference between WHO grades I and II tumors (median follow-up, 67.1 ± 57.7 months). Twenty-one (14.8%) of 147 patients presented with tumor relapse. The remaining 126 patients revealed complete response in 24.6%, partial response in 31.0%, and stable disease in 29.6%. Neurologic status improved (57.8%) or remained stable (23.0%). None of the evaluated factors had significant impact on the study's end points except tumor volume more than 15 mL, which caused significantly higher rates of tumor recurrence (P < .05). CONCLUSION We demonstrate that SBT represents a safe, minimally invasive, and highly effective local treatment option for pediatric patients with inoperable LGG WHO grades I and II.
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Yoffe R, Khakoo Y, Dunkel IJ, Souweidane M, Lis E, Sklar C. Recurrent ependymoma treated with high-dose tamoxifen in a peripubertal female: Impact on tumor and the pituitary-ovarian axis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007; 49:758-60. [PMID: 16261561 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.20647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Due to high rates of recurrence, the prognosis of childhood ependymoma remains guarded. Anecdotal evidence suggests that tamoxifen may have a role in the treatment of these tumors. We present a case of a child with recurrent ependymoma treated with tamoxifen who showed tumor regression on two separate occasions. However, treatment with tamoxifen resulted in the development of large ovarian cysts associated with supraphysiological plasma concentrations of estradiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rona Yoffe
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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12
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Abstract
PURPOSE To describe cases of optic pathway glioma (OPG) warranting treatment in children. METHODS This is a retrospective review of pediatric patients treated for OPG. The clinical data and imaging studies were obtained from the medical records and radiology files of patients seen at the Pediatric Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic at the University of Illinois, Chicago and the private office of the author (LMK). RESULTS A total of seven cases with an age range of 3-48 months at presentation were reviewed. Three of the patients were also ultimately diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1. Presenting symptoms included proptosis, decreased vision, gaze deficit, and nystagmus. Four patients underwent biopsies that confirmed OPG. Six of the patients were treated with intravenous chemotherapy, with three patients requiring a second chemotherapy cycle. One patient was successfully treated with an en-bloc optic nerve excision. Two patients underwent unilateral enucleation owing to globe complications. CONCLUSION Although benign tumours, OPG can behave very aggressively in young children. Both chemotherapy and en-bloc excision can be employed for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Kaufman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Section of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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13
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Abstract
Strategies for the treatment of childhood cancer have changed considerably during the last 50 years and have led to dramatic improvements in long-term survival. Despite these accomplishments, CNS tumors remain the leading cause of death in pediatric oncology. Astrocytic tumors form the most common histologic group among childhood brain tumors. They are a heterogeneous group that from a practical therapeutic point of view can be subdivided into low-grade astrocytomas (LGA), optic pathway gliomas (OPG), high-grade astrocytomas (HGA), and brainstem gliomas (BSG). This article focuses on the practical application of treatments that lead to long-term survival, improved quality of life, and reduced long-term complications. Improvement in therapy has led to better outcomes for patients with LGA and OPG. Careful follow-up without any treatment is indicated for a small percentage of patients diagnosed with LGA with an indolent course including children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Surgery is the main recommended treatment for children with resectable LGA. Radiation therapy is generally recommended for children with progressive LGA, or after failure of chemotherapy, accomplishing tumor control at 10 years in over 60% of patients. Cytotoxic chemotherapy is usually reserved for children who have had treatment failure with surgery and radiation therapy. It is also offered for children who are too young to be treated with radiation or to defer or avoid radiotherapy. Carboplatin and vincristine achieve 5% complete and 28% partial responses but the use of vincristine is criticized due to poor penetration of the CNS. A regimen of tioguanine, procarbazine, mitolactol, lomustine, and vincristine is frequently administered as an alternative to carboplatin and vincristine in LGA. The introduction of temozolomide has allowed better responses, including a 24% complete response rate compared with 0-5% complete response rates with the previous regimens. OPG are usually histologically LGA, and are treated with similar chemotherapy regimens. OPG is the most common type of brain tumor associated with NF1. Tumor growth in some of these patients is slow with no treatment recommended for an extended period of time. The prognosis for children with the remaining types of astrocytomas remains poor. Surgical resection is typically the first step in the treatment of HGA followed in older children by radiation therapy. The data regarding chemotherapy are mixed. Combination chemotherapy before or after radiation, including cisplatin, carmustine, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine or carboplatin, ifosfamide, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide has provided disappointing results. Clinical trials with temozolomide and agents directed against single targets have not shown substantially better results, but it is hoped that currently conducted studies will provide better outcomes. Diffuse intrinsic BSG are among the most difficult-to-treat brain tumors. Surgical treatment is not recommended for diffuse intrinsic BSG and standard radiation therapy is typically given in children aged >3 years. None of the numerous chemotherapy regimens, including temozolomide, has provided a significant response rate or an improvement in survival. It is expected that newer agents affecting multiple targets such as AEE-788 and antineoplastons, and combinations of single-targeted agents with chemotherapy will provide better results. Careful evaluation of histology, location of the tumor, patient age, and consideration of treatment-related morbidity play an important part in selecting between clinical observation, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or investigational agents. The goals of treatment for astrocytic tumors should extend well beyond objective responses and increased survival. Improvement of quality of life is an equally important objective of treatment. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy result in serious late toxicities.
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14
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Kreher NC, Eugster EA, Shankar RR. The use of tamoxifen to improve height potential in short pubertal boys. Pediatrics 2005; 116:1513-5. [PMID: 16322179 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2005-0577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A retrospective chart review of 7 pubertal boys who were treated with tamoxifen was conducted to determine the effects of this therapy on skeletal maturation and predicted adult height. Tamoxifen significantly decreased the rate of skeletal maturation and increased the predicted adult height without negative effects on sexual maturation. Additional evaluation of this therapy is now required to determine if the increase in predicted adult height results in a clinically significant increase in final adult height.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerissa C Kreher
- Section of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
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15
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Perilongo G. Considerations on the Role of Chemotherapy and Modern Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Childhood Low Grade Glioma. J Neurooncol 2005; 75:301-7. [PMID: 16195800 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-005-6754-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of childhood low grade glioma (LGG), if not amenable to complete resection, quite often is a relevant clinical challenge. LGG in many instances are indeed slow growing tumors, which, if not controlled, can cause severe morbidity and ultimately jeopardize life. Most of the time children bearing an unresectable LGG can be considered affected by a chronic disease, deserving protracted cures. The treatment philosophy, which has dictated the treatment of malignant cancers, has also inspired the therapeutic concepts for managing childhood LGG. However, it is getting more and more evident that different strategies are needed for them. LGG represent a highly heterogeneous group of neoplasm and comprehensive treatment concepts rarely meet the individual patient's needs. After more than 20 years of clinical research it can be stated with confidence that for unresectable, progressive LGG, chemotherapy (CT) represents an effective treatment modality. It delays tumor growth and postpones the use of radiotherapy (RT), thus sparing the deleterious effects of irradiation on a developing brain. However, CT rarely cures LGG and definitively obviates the need of RT or aggressive surgery. Furthermore, little is known on the actual impact of CT on patients' overall health status. Recent progresses in RT delivering techniques, which allow reducing the safety margins, are tempering the concerns related to the use of this treatment modality in children. This manuscript reviews and expands these data, trying to combine them in a coherent picture that it is hoped can help in directing future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Perilongo
- Neuro-oncology Program, Division of Haematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padua, Italy.
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16
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Ramachandran C, Khatib Z, Petkarou A, Fort J, Fonseca HB, Melnick SJ, Escalon E. Tamoxifen modulation of etoposide cytotoxicity involves inhibition of protein kinase C activity and insulin-like growth factor II expression in brain tumor cells. J Neurooncol 2004; 67:19-28. [PMID: 15072444 DOI: 10.1023/b:neon.0000021738.77612.1b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Tamoxifen, a non-steroidal anti-estrogen widely used against breast cancer, is also useful for treatment of other malignancies, due to its sensitizing effect on other chemotherapeutic agents and radiation. We have investigated the advantages of combining tamoxifen with one of the commonly used cancer chemotherapeutic drug, etoposide (VP-16) in brain tumor cell lines. While tamoxifen (10 microM) increased etoposide cytotoxicity 8.3-fold in the human glioma cell line (HTB-14), it increased etoposide cytotoxicity 47.5- and 40-fold in two primary cell lines established from pediatric medulloblastoma patients (MCH-BT-31 and MCH-BT-39), respectively. Similarly, in the pediatric ependymoma cell lines (MCH-BT-30 and MCH-BT-52), tamoxifen enhanced etoposide cytotoxicity 6- and 2.68-fold, respectively. CalcuSyn analysis of cytotoxicity data showed that tamoxifen and etoposide combinations were synergistic with combination index values ranging from 0.243 to 0.369 at IC50 level among different pediatric brain tumor cell lines. Tamoxifen is also cytotoxic at higher concentrations (> 20 microM) in brain tumor cells. To understand the mechanism underlying the tamoxifen modulation of etoposide cytotoxicity, we analyzed expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR), IGF-I, IGF-II and estrogen receptor as well as protein kinase C (PKC) activity. While P-gp, IGF-IR and IGF-I were not affected, enhanced inhibition of PKC, and IGF-II were observed in brain tumor cells treated with tamoxifen and etoposide combination as compared to cells treated with either drug alone. Tamoxifen at 10 microM when combined with etoposide at 0-100 microM concentrations reduced PKC activity 77% compared to only 58% without tamoxifen. IGF-II expression decreased to 48.6% of the untreated control in the combination treatment as compared to 31.2% for etoposide alone and 26.2% for tamoxifen alone treatments. These results suggest that inhibitory effect of tamoxifen on brain tumor cells manifest through different mechanisms involving inhibition of targets such as PKC and IGF-II.
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17
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Lesniak MS, Klem JM, Weingart J, Carson BS. Surgical outcome following resection of contrast-enhanced pediatric brainstem gliomas. Pediatr Neurosurg 2003; 39:314-22. [PMID: 14734866 DOI: 10.1159/000075260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2003] [Accepted: 05/27/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of surgery in the management of gadolinium-enhancing pediatric brainstem lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been a matter of open debate. This clinical series correlates radiological and pathological findings to assess the role of contrast enhancement as an indication for surgery with respect to clinical outcome. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all pediatric patients admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital with a diagnosis of a brainstem tumor between January 1985 and December 2000. RESULTS There were a total of 89 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-seven patients (64.0%) underwent surgical resection while 32 (36%) were treated with radiation and/or chemotherapy. Of the surgical candidates, 57 (100%) had an accompanying MRI scan significant for an enhancing lesion in the midbrain, pons or the medulla. The pathology was consistent with juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma in 30 patients (52.6%) and glioblastoma multiforme in 12 patients (21.1%). The remaining cases consisted of 10 patients (17.5%) with fibrillary astrocytomas, 3 (5.3%) with gangliogliomas, 1 (1.8%) with an oligodendroglioma and 1 (1.8%) with a primitive neuroectodermal tumor. A total of 29 patients had a total surgical resection, 8 a near total resection (>90%), 15 a subtotal resection (50-90%) and 5 a partial resection (<50%). The progression-free survival of all patients was 71.9% at 3 years and 45.6% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS This case series illustrates that contrast-enhanced MRI has positive prognostic value in the management of pediatric brainstem gliomas. In our study, the majority of enhancing tumors were low grade and amenable to surgical intervention. Consequently, we recommend surgical resection and pathological diagnosis of all enhancing brainstem tumors with adjuvant therapy reserved for recurrent or unresectable cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej S Lesniak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Meyer 8-161, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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18
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Kuo DJ, Weiner HL, Wisoff J, Miller DC, Knopp EA, Finlay JL. Temozolomide is active in childhood, progressive, unresectable, low-grade gliomas. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2003; 25:372-8. [PMID: 12759623 DOI: 10.1097/00043426-200305000-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the activity and tolerability of temozolomide in children with progressive low-grade gliomas (LGGs). PATIENTS AND METHODS The authors reviewed the records of 13 children (6 months to 19 years old) with progressive LGGs and magnetic resonance imaging evidence of unresectable tumors who were treated with temozolomide at the authors' institution since 1999. RESULTS Four patients received a 5-day regimen of temozolomide (150 mg/m2 per day) repeated every 28 days, and nine patients received a 42-day regimen (75 mg/m2 per day) repeated every 56 days. Three patients demonstrated partial responses to temozolomide, with a median time to maximal response of 5 months (range 4-12 months), and one had a minor response at 9 months. Four patients developed progression while on temozolomide, with a median time to progression of 7 months (range 1-12 months). Five patients had disease stabilization. Among the five patients with prior chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, temozolomide was associated with disease stabilization in three and tumor response in one. In the three patients with neurofibromatosis type 1, two patients experienced tumor responses and one disease stabilization. Thrombocytopenia, nausea, emesis, and fatigue were the most common toxicities. Four patients discontinued therapy because of the side effects. CONCLUSIONS Temozolomide is active in children with LGGs. It is effective in previously treated patients and in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. The 42-day regimen appears less toxic than the 5-day regimen. Any impact on survival for these patients remains to be demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis J Kuo
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University, New York, USA
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19
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Hoffmann TK, Bojar H, Eckel J, van Lierop A, Balz V, Friebe-Hoffmann U, Hauser U, Bier H. Effects of tamoxifen on human squamous cell carcinoma lines of the head and neck. Anticancer Drugs 2002; 13:521-31. [PMID: 12045464 DOI: 10.1097/00001813-200206000-00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Tamoxifen (TAM) is a well-tolerated compound in the treatment of breast cancer and is primarily considered to act by competition with estrogen receptors (ER). Here we investigated the in vitro efficacy and potentially underlying mechanisms of TAM in established cell lines of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN). Using proliferation and apoptosis assays the antitumor activity of TAM in five SCCHN and the breast carcinoma line MCF-7 (positive control) was determined. MCF-7 was more sensitive to low-dose TAM (below 1 microM), whereas SCCHN showed significant growth inhibition at higher TAM concentrations (5-10 microM). Growth curve analysis and apoptosis assays were indicative for a cytostatic effect of low-dose TAM and high-dose TAM led to cell loss by apoptosis in sensitive SCCHN. In order to further characterize the observed antitumor effects we determined the amount of steroid hormone receptors with the dextran-coated charcoal method and immunocytochemistry. In addition, production of transforming growth factor (TGF-)-alpha, -beta1 and -beta2 was measured by ELISA, and protein kinase C (PKC) activity was assessed with a radioligand assay. Except MCF-7, none of the SCCHN lines was positive for ER. TAM caused decreased TGF-alpha and increased TGF-beta levels in MCF-7, but not in SCCHN supernatants. Furthermore, the antiestrogen reduced PKC activity in MCF-7, but not in SCCHN. In the present in vitro system, the observed antitumor activity of high-dose TAM in SCCHN cannot be explained by estrogen antagonism, alterations of TGF-alpha/beta levels or decreased PKC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas K Hoffmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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20
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Abstract
Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of serine-threonine protein kinases that are involved in signal transduction pathways that regulate growth factor response, proliferation, and apoptosis. Its central role in these processes, which are closely involved in tumor initiation, progression, and response to antitumor agents, makes it an attractive therapeutic target in cancer. Despite initial activity seen in melanoma (bryostatin and UCN-01), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (ISIS 3521, bryostatin, and UCN-01), and ovarian carcinoma (ISIS 3521 and bryostatin) in phase I studies, single-agent activity in those phase II studies reported to date has been limited. Preclinical data highlight a role for PKC in modulation of drug resistance and synergy with conventional cytotoxic drugs. A randomized phase III study of ISIS 3521 in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, compared with chemotherapy alone, in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer is underway. This paper reviews the rationale for using PKC inhibitors in cancer therapy, the challenges for clinical trial design, and the recent clinical experience with modulators of PKC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen C Swannie
- CRC Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, Surrey, UK SM2 5NG.
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21
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Chastagner P, Bouffet E, Grill J, Kalifa C. What have we learnt from previous phase II trials to help in the management of childhood brain tumours? Eur J Cancer 2001; 37:1981-93. [PMID: 11597375 DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(01)00251-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Contrary to major advances in cure rates observed for almost all childhood cancers, progress in reducing brain tumour survival rates remains very limited. Although new drug development in oncology is founded on principles outlined in the organised methodology of phase I, II, and III trials, based on rigorous study design using standardised criteria, this approach has been applied very slowly in the field of neuro-oncology. There are multiple explanations for the paucity of well-conducted prospective clinical trials, such as the rarity and the heterogeneity of these tumours, and the reluctance of some investigators to enroll their patients in constraining trials. Data from the past two decades shows that several methodological problems preclude the drawing of any definite conclusions for the majority of drugs assessed. Among them, the necessity of a central neuropathological and neuroradiological review has been highlighted in, at least, two multicentric studies. Changes in histological diagnosis and grade have been reported in a proportion as high as 20%, and changes in response rate in 14% of the cases. This review of phase II trials for brain tumours reveals a wide array of sometimes arbitrary response definitions, that is if response is defined at all, and most series have enrolled small numbers of patients. We report on the different problems encountered in childhood brain tumours in these phase II trials, and their impact on phase III trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Chastagner
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU Nancy, 54500, Vandoeuvre, France.
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22
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Hassall TE, Mitchell AE, Ashley DM. Carboplatin chemotherapy for progressive intramedullary spinal cord low-grade gliomas in children: three case studies and a review of the literature. Neuro Oncol 2001; 3:251-7. [PMID: 11584895 PMCID: PMC1920625 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/3.4.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- T E Hassall
- Department of Haematology/Oncology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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