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Pagliaro L, Chen SJ, Herranz D, Mecucci C, Harrison CJ, Mullighan CG, Zhang M, Chen Z, Boissel N, Winter SS, Roti G. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:41. [PMID: 38871740 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00525-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a haematological malignancy characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of immature lymphoid cells. Over past decades, significant progress has been made in understanding the biology of ALL, resulting in remarkable improvements in its diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. Since the advent of chemotherapy, ALL has been the platform to test for innovative approaches applicable to cancer in general. For example, the advent of omics medicine has led to a deeper understanding of the molecular and genetic features that underpin ALL. Innovations in genomic profiling techniques have identified specific genetic alterations and mutations that drive ALL, inspiring new therapies. Targeted agents, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapies, have shown promising results in subgroups of patients while minimizing adverse effects. Furthermore, the development of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy represents a breakthrough in ALL treatment, resulting in remarkable responses and potential long-term remissions. Advances are not limited to treatment modalities alone. Measurable residual disease monitoring and ex vivo drug response profiling screening have provided earlier detection of disease relapse and identification of exceptional responders, enabling clinicians to adjust treatment strategies for individual patients. Decades of supportive and prophylactic care have improved the management of treatment-related complications, enhancing the quality of life for patients with ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pagliaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics (THEC), University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Hematology and BMT Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sai-Juan Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Daniel Herranz
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Cristina Mecucci
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Christine J Harrison
- Leukaemia Research Cytogenetics Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Charles G Mullighan
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ming Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nicolas Boissel
- Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Stuart S Winter
- Children's Minnesota Cancer and Blood Disorders Program, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Giovanni Roti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
- Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics (THEC), University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
- Hematology and BMT Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy.
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2
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Gianni F, Belver L, Ferrando A. The Genetics and Mechanisms of T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:a035246. [PMID: 31570389 PMCID: PMC7050584 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy derived from early T-cell progenitors. The recognition of clinical, genetic, transcriptional, and biological heterogeneity in this disease has already translated into new prognostic biomarkers, improved leukemia animal models, and emerging targeted therapies. This work reviews our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gianni
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Laura Belver
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Adolfo Ferrando
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
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3
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Seki M, Kimura S, Isobe T, Yoshida K, Ueno H, Nakajima-Takagi Y, Wang C, Lin L, Kon A, Suzuki H, Shiozawa Y, Kataoka K, Fujii Y, Shiraishi Y, Chiba K, Tanaka H, Shimamura T, Masuda K, Kawamoto H, Ohki K, Kato M, Arakawa Y, Koh K, Hanada R, Moritake H, Akiyama M, Kobayashi R, Deguchi T, Hashii Y, Imamura T, Sato A, Kiyokawa N, Oka A, Hayashi Y, Takagi M, Manabe A, Ohara A, Horibe K, Sanada M, Iwama A, Mano H, Miyano S, Ogawa S, Takita J. Recurrent SPI1 (PU.1) fusions in high-risk pediatric T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Nat Genet 2017; 49:1274-1281. [PMID: 28671687 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The outcome of treatment-refractory and/or relapsed pediatric T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is extremely poor, and the genetic basis for this is not well understood. Here we report comprehensive profiling of 121 cases of pediatric T-ALL using transcriptome and/or targeted capture sequencing, through which we identified new recurrent gene fusions involving SPI1 (STMN1-SPI1 and TCF7-SPI1). Cases positive for fusions involving SPI1 (encoding PU.1), accounting for 3.9% (7/181) of the examined pediatric T-ALL cases, showed a double-negative (DN; CD4-CD8-) or CD8+ single-positive (SP) phenotype and had uniformly poor overall survival. These cases represent a subset of pediatric T-ALL distinguishable from the known T-ALL subsets in terms of expression of genes involved in T cell precommitment, establishment of T cell identity, and post-β-selection maturation and with respect to mutational profile. PU.1 fusion proteins retained transcriptional activity and, when constitutively expressed in mouse stem/progenitor cells, induced cell proliferation and resulted in a maturation block. Our findings highlight a unique role of SPI1 fusions in high-risk pediatric T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Seki
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kimura
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tomoya Isobe
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Yoshida
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroo Ueno
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yaeko Nakajima-Takagi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Changshan Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Pediatrics and Developmental Biology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayana Kon
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Suzuki
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yusuke Shiozawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kataoka
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoichi Fujii
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuichi Shiraishi
- Laboratory of DNA Information Analysis, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Chiba
- Laboratory of DNA Information Analysis, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tanaka
- Laboratory of DNA Information Analysis, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Teppei Shimamura
- Division of Systems Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kyoko Masuda
- Laboratory of Immunology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kawamoto
- Laboratory of Immunology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ohki
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Research, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motohiro Kato
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Research, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Arakawa
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Katsuyoshi Koh
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Ryoji Hanada
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Moritake
- Division of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Masaharu Akiyama
- Department of Pediatrics, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoji Kobayashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takao Deguchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Hashii
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Imamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sato
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Miyagi Children's Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Kiyokawa
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Research, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Oka
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Masatoshi Takagi
- Department of Pediatrics and Developmental Biology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Manabe
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Ohara
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keizo Horibe
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masashi Sanada
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsushi Iwama
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Mano
- Department of Cellular Signaling, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Miyano
- Laboratory of DNA Information Analysis, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seishi Ogawa
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junko Takita
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive haematological malignancy derived from early T cell progenitors. In recent years genomic and transcriptomic studies have uncovered major oncogenic and tumour suppressor pathways involved in T-ALL transformation and identified distinct biological groups associated with prognosis. An increased understanding of T-ALL biology has already translated into new prognostic biomarkers and improved animal models of leukaemia and has opened opportunities for the development of targeted therapies for the treatment of this disease. In this Review we examine our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of T-ALL and recent developments in the translation of these results to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Belver
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Adolfo Ferrando
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
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5
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Vicente C, Schwab C, Broux M, Geerdens E, Degryse S, Demeyer S, Lahortiga I, Elliott A, Chilton L, La Starza R, Mecucci C, Vandenberghe P, Goulden N, Vora A, Moorman AV, Soulier J, Harrison CJ, Clappier E, Cools J. Targeted sequencing identifies associations between IL7R-JAK mutations and epigenetic modulators in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Haematologica 2015. [PMID: 26206799 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2015.130179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia is caused by the accumulation of multiple oncogenic lesions, including chromosomal rearrangements and mutations. To determine the frequency and co-occurrence of mutations in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, we performed targeted re-sequencing of 115 genes across 155 diagnostic samples (44 adult and 111 childhood cases). NOTCH1 and CDKN2A/B were mutated/deleted in more than half of the cases, while an additional 37 genes were mutated/deleted in 4% to 20% of cases. We found that IL7R-JAK pathway genes were mutated in 27.7% of cases, with JAK3 mutations being the most frequent event in this group. Copy number variations were also detected, including deletions of CREBBP or CTCF and duplication of MYB. FLT3 mutations were rare, but a novel extracellular mutation in FLT3 was detected and confirmed to be transforming. Furthermore, we identified complex patterns of pairwise associations, including a significant association between mutations in IL7R-JAK genes and epigenetic regulators (WT1, PRC2, PHF6). Our analyses showed that IL7R-JAK genetic lesions did not confer adverse prognosis in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases enrolled in the UK ALL2003 trial. Overall, these results identify interconnections between the T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia genome and disease biology, and suggest a potential clinical application for JAK inhibitors in a significant proportion of patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Vicente
- Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Belgium Center for the Biology of Disease, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Claire Schwab
- Leukaemia Research Cytogenetics Group, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Michaël Broux
- Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Belgium Center for the Biology of Disease, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Geerdens
- Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Belgium Center for the Biology of Disease, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Degryse
- Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Belgium Center for the Biology of Disease, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Demeyer
- Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Belgium Center for the Biology of Disease, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Idoya Lahortiga
- Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Belgium Center for the Biology of Disease, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alannah Elliott
- Leukaemia Research Cytogenetics Group, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Lucy Chilton
- Leukaemia Research Cytogenetics Group, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Roberta La Starza
- Hematology Unit, University of Perugia, Polo Unico S.M. Misericordia, Italy
| | - Cristina Mecucci
- Hematology Unit, University of Perugia, Polo Unico S.M. Misericordia, Italy
| | | | - Nicholas Goulden
- Department of Haematology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ajay Vora
- Department of Haematology, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anthony V Moorman
- Leukaemia Research Cytogenetics Group, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Jean Soulier
- U944 INSERM and Hematology Laboratory, St-Louis Hospital, APHP, Hematology University Institute, University Paris-Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Christine J Harrison
- Leukaemia Research Cytogenetics Group, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Emmanuelle Clappier
- U944 INSERM and Hematology Laboratory, St-Louis Hospital, APHP, Hematology University Institute, University Paris-Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Jan Cools
- Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Belgium Center for the Biology of Disease, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
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6
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Tosello V, Ferrando AA. The NOTCH signaling pathway: role in the pathogenesis of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and implication for therapy. Ther Adv Hematol 2013; 4:199-210. [PMID: 23730497 DOI: 10.1177/2040620712471368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-ALL) is characterized by aberrant activation of NOTCH1 in over 60% of T-ALL cases. The high prevalence of activating NOTCH1 mutations highlights the critical role of NOTCH signaling in the pathogenesis of this disease and has prompted the development of therapeutic approaches targeting the NOTCH signaling pathway. Small molecule gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs) can effectively inhibit oncogenic NOTCH1 and are in clinical testing for the treatment of T-ALL. Treatment with GSIs and glucocorticoids are strongly synergistic and may overcome the gastrointestinal toxicity associated with systemic inhibition of the NOTCH pathway. In addition, emerging new anti-NOTCH1 therapies include selective inhibition of NOTCH1 with anti-NOTCH1 antibodies and stapled peptides targeting the NOTCH transcriptional complex in the nucleus.
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7
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Driessen EMC, van Roon EHJ, Spijkers-Hagelstein JAP, Schneider P, de Lorenzo P, Valsecchi MG, Pieters R, Stam RW. Frequencies and prognostic impact of RAS mutations in MLL-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia in infants. Haematologica 2013; 98:937-44. [PMID: 23403319 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2012.067983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in infants represents an aggressive malignancy associated with a high incidence (approx. 80%) of translocations involving the Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) gene. Attempts to mimic Mixed Lineage Leukemia fusion driven leukemogenesis in mice raised the question whether these fusion proteins require secondary hits. RAS mutations are suggested as candidates. Earlier results on the incidence of RAS mutations in Mixed Lineage Leukemia-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia are inconclusive. Therefore, we studied frequencies and relation with clinical parameters of RAS mutations in a large cohort of infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. Using conventional sequencing analysis, we screened neuroblastoma RAS viral (v-ras) oncogene homolog gene (NRAS), v-Ki-ras Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog gene (KRAS), and v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 gene (BRAF) for mutations in a large cohort (n=109) of infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients and studied the mutations in relation to several clinical parameters, and in relation to Homeobox gene A9 expression and the presence of ALL1 fused gene 4-Mixed Lineage Leukemia (AF4-MLL). Mutations were detected in approximately 14% of all cases, with a higher frequency of approximately 24% in t(4;11)-positive patients (P=0.04). Furthermore, we identified RAS mutations as an independent predictor (P=0.019) for poor outcome in Mixed Lineage Leukemia-rearranged infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia, with a hazard ratio of 3.194 (95% confidence interval (CI):1.211-8.429). Also, RAS-mutated infants have higher white blood cell counts at diagnosis (P=0.013), and are more resistant to glucocorticoids in vitro (P<0.05). Finally, we demonstrate that RAS mutations, and not the lack of Homeobox gene A9 expression nor the expression of AF4-MLL are associated with poor outcome in t(4;11)-rearranged infants. We conclude that the presence of RAS mutations in Mixed Lineage Leukemia-rearranged infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia is an independent predictor for a poor outcome. Therefore, future risk-stratification based on abnormal RAS-pathway activation and RAS-pathway inhibition could be beneficial in RAS-mutated infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M C Driessen
- Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Van Vlierberghe P, Ferrando A. The molecular basis of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Clin Invest 2012; 122:3398-406. [PMID: 23023710 DOI: 10.1172/jci61269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 363] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALLs) arise from the malignant transformation of hematopoietic progenitors primed toward T cell development, as result of a multistep oncogenic process involving constitutive activation of NOTCH signaling and genetic alterations in transcription factors, signaling oncogenes, and tumor suppressors. Notably, these genetic alterations define distinct molecular groups of T-ALL with specific gene expression signatures and clinicobiological features. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the molecular genetics of T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Department of Pathology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
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9
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El-Mallawany NK, Frazer JK, Van Vlierberghe P, Ferrando AA, Perkins S, Lim M, Chu Y, Cairo MS. Pediatric T- and NK-cell lymphomas: new biologic insights and treatment strategies. Blood Cancer J 2012; 2:e65. [PMID: 22829967 PMCID: PMC3346681 DOI: 10.1038/bcj.2012.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
T- and natural killer (NK)-cell lymphomas are challenging childhood neoplasms. These cancers have varying presentations, vast molecular heterogeneity, and several are quite unusual in the West, creating diagnostic challenges. Over 20 distinct T- and NK-cell neoplasms are recognized by the 2008 World Health Organization classification, demonstrating the diversity and potential complexity of these cases. In pediatric populations, selection of optimal therapy poses an additional quandary, as most of these malignancies have not been studied in large randomized clinical trials. Despite their rarity, exciting molecular discoveries are yielding insights into these clinicopathologic entities, improving the accuracy of our diagnoses of these cancers, and expanding our ability to effectively treat them, including the use of new targeted therapies. Here, we summarize this fascinating group of lymphomas, with particular attention to the three most common subtypes: T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and peripheral T-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified. We highlight recent findings regarding their molecular etiologies, new biologic markers, and cutting-edge therapeutic strategies applied to this intriguing class of neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- N K El-Mallawany
- Department of Pediatrics, New York-Presbyterian, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - J K Frazer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - P Van Vlierberghe
- Institute of Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - A A Ferrando
- Institute of Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, New York-Presbyterian, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, New York-Presbyterian, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - S Perkins
- Department of Hematopathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - M Lim
- Department of Hematopathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Y Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - M S Cairo
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology, Microbiology, Immunology, Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
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10
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Paganin M, Ferrando A. Molecular pathogenesis and targeted therapies for NOTCH1-induced T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blood Rev 2010; 25:83-90. [PMID: 20965628 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2010.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematologic tumor resulting from the malignant transformation of immature T-cell progenitors. Originally associated with a dismal prognosis, the outcome of T-ALL patients has improved remarkably over the last two decades as a result of the introduction of intensified chemotherapy protocols. However, these treatments are associated with significant acute and long-term toxicities, and the treatment of patients presenting with primary resistant disease or those relapsing after a transient response remains challenging. T-ALL is a genetically heterogeneous disease in which numerous chromosomal and genetic alterations cooperate to promote the aberrant proliferation and survival of leukemic lymphoblasts. However, the identification of activating mutations in the NOTCH1 gene in over 50% of T-ALL cases has come to define aberrant NOTCH signaling as a central player in this disease. Therefore, the NOTCH pathway represents an important potential therapeutic target. In this review, we will update our current understanding of the molecular basis of T-ALL, with a particular focus on the role of the NOTCH1 oncogene and the development of anti-NOTCH1 targeted therapies for the treatment of this disease.
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11
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Usher SG, Radford AD, Villiers EJ, Blackwood L. RAS, FLT3, and C-KIT mutations in immunophenotyped canine leukemias. Exp Hematol 2008; 37:65-77. [PMID: 18977066 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2008.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2008] [Revised: 09/08/2008] [Accepted: 09/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of FLT3, C-KIT, and RAS mutations in canine leukemia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid blood samples were recruited from dogs with suspected leukemia, categorized by quantitative and cytological evaluation and immunophenotyping. Flow cytometry was carried out using antibodies against CD3; CD3e; CD4; CD5; CD8; CD11a, b, c, and d; CD14; CD21; CD34; CD45 and 45RA; CD79a; CD90 (THY-1); major histocompatibility complex II; myeloperoxidase; MAC387; and neutrophil-specific antibody. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and analyzed for mutations in N, H, and K-RAS, FLT3, and C-KIT genes by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. RESULTS Fifty-seven (77.0%) of 74 samples submitted from dogs with suspected leukemia had cytologically and immunophenotypically confirmed leukemia. There were 36 (63.2%) acute leukemias, 16 (28.1%) chronic, 3 (5.3%) prolymphocytic, 1 natural killer cell, and 1 chronic leukemia undergoing blast transformation. N-RAS mis-sense mutations were identified in 14 (25%) dogs with acute myeloid (AML) or lymphoid (ALL) leukemia, and also in one dog in the leukemic phase of lymphoma. Mutations in K-RAS were found in two dogs with AML. There were no H-RAS mutations. FLT3 internal tandem duplications were identified in three dogs with ALL, and a mis-sense mutation was found in one dog with ALL. C-KIT mutations were identified in three dogs with AML. Sixty-one percent of dogs with acute leukemia harbored mutations in N/K-RAS, FLT3, or C-KIT. CONCLUSION RAS, FLT3, and C-KIT mutations, analogous to those found in human leukemia, occur commonly in acute canine leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne G Usher
- Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, The Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, UK
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Yamamoto T, Isomura M, Xu Y, Liang J, Yagasaki H, Kamachi Y, Kudo K, Kiyoi H, Naoe T, Kojma S. PTPN11, RAS and FLT3 mutations in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leuk Res 2006; 30:1085-9. [PMID: 16533526 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2006.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2005] [Revised: 01/31/2006] [Accepted: 02/02/2006] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PTPN11, the gene which encodes protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2, plays an important role in regulating intracellular signaling. Germline mutations in PTPN11 were first observed in Noonan syndrome, while somatic mutations were identified in hematological myeloid malignancies. Recently, PTPN11 mutations have been reported in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of mutations in PTPN11, RAS and FLT3 in samples from 95 Japanese children with ALL. We observed exon 3 and 8 missense mutations of PTPN11 in 6 children with B precursor ALL. One patient with Down syndrome and ALL had PTPN11 mutation. We also identified RAS mutations in ten patients and FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3/ITD) in one patient. None of the patients had simultaneous mutations in PTPN11 and RAS, while one patient had both PTPN11 and FLT3 mutations. These data suggest that PTPN11 mutation may play an important role for leukemogenesis in a proportion of children with ALL, particularly B precursor ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Yamamoto
- Departments of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
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Demunter A, Stas M, Degreef H, De Wolf-Peeters C, van den Oord JJ. Analysis of N- and K-ras mutations in the distinctive tumor progression phases of melanoma. J Invest Dermatol 2001; 117:1483-9. [PMID: 11886512 DOI: 10.1046/j.0022-202x.2001.01601.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the ras genes are key events in the process of carcinogenesis; in particular, point mutations in codon 61 of exon 2 of the N-ras gene occur frequently in cutaneous melanoma. To investigate whether these mutations occur in early or late tumor progression phases, we searched for point mutations in the N- and K-ras genes in 69 primary cutaneous melanoma, 35 metastases, and seven nevocellular nevi in association with cutaneous melanoma. Lesions were microdissected in order to procure pure tumor samples from the distinctive growth phases of the cutaneous melanoma; the very sensitive denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis technique was used to visualize the mutations, and was followed by sequencing. Point mutations in the N-ras gene but not in the K-ras gene were detected on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Twenty-three primary (33%) and nine metastatic (26%) melanomas showed bandshifts for N-ras. In the majority of cases, mutations occurring in early growth phases (i.e., the "intraepidermal" radial growth phase), were preserved in later growth phases (i.e., the invasive radial growth phase, vertical growth phase, and metastatic phase), which proves the clonal relationship between the successive growth phases. In three cases, however, the mutations differed between the distinctive growth phases within the same cutaneous melanoma, due to the occurrence of an additional mutation (especially in codon 61) in a later tumor progression phase. Our approach also permitted us to analyze the mutational status of nevi, associated with cutaneous melanoma. Six out of seven associated nevi carried the same sequence (mutated or wild-type) as the primary cutaneous melanoma, whereas in one case the sequence for N-ras differed between the primary melanoma and the associated nevus. In conclusion, this approach allowed us to demonstrate the clonal relationship between subsequent growth phases of melanoma and associated nevi; our results suggest that N-ras exon 1 mutations preferentially occur during early stages of tumor progression and hence may be involved in melanoma initiation, whereas those in N-ras exon 2 are found preferentially during later stages and hence are more probably involved in metastatic spread of cutaneous melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Demunter
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory of Morphology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospitals, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Clementino NC, Yamamoto M, Viana MB, Figueiredo MS, Kerbauy J, Saad ST, Costa FF. Lack of association between N-ras gene mutations and clinical prognosis in Brazilian children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2001; 42:473-9. [PMID: 11699412 DOI: 10.3109/10428190109064604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Point mutations in codons 12, 13 and 61 of the N-ras proto-oncogene have been detected in several human malignancies. We studied 170 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), treated from 1988 to 1994 according to a protocol derived from BFM-83 studies, in order to evaluate the incidence and prognostic significance of mutations in this gene in childhood ALL. DNA was extracted from bone marrow smears at diagnosis and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After screening with SSCP, PCR products were hybridized with allele specific probes and, in some cases, cloned in a pMOS Blue T vector and sequenced. Exon 2 was also studied in 101 children. Our results showed 4% of mutations in codons 12 and 13 and 2% in exon 2. Similar to a previous report, we identified 7% of mutations among children who were studied for both exons. A new mutation in codon 64 of the N-ras gene was detected in one patient. No significant clinical differences between patients with and without mutations were detected (sex, age, leukocyte counts at diagnosis, nutritional status, and risk factor according to the BFM protocol). Children with mutations in codons 12 and 13 showed significantly higher reactivity to PAS staining on blast cells than children with a wild type N-ras gene configuration. Comparison of overall- and recurrence-free survival did not show significant difference between groups with and without mutations. Our results suggest that mutations in the ras gene are infrequent in children with ALL at diagnosis and seem to be of low prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- N C Clementino
- Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP-EPM, Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG, S. Paulo, Brazil
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Nakao M, Janssen JW, Seriu T, Bartram CR. Rapid and reliable detection of N-ras mutations in acute lymphoblastic leukemia by melting curve analysis using LightCycler technology. Leukemia 2000; 14:312-5. [PMID: 10673750 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2401645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We applied a new strategy for the detection of N-ras gene mutations based on LightCycler technology. We designed two sets of amplimers and internal hybridization probes representing N-ras codons 12/13 and codon 61, respectively. Genomic DNAs from 134 childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients (83 common ALL, nine pre-pre-B ALL, 19 pre-B ALL, 23 T-ALL) were amplified, followed by the analysis of the melting temperatures of the PCR products on the LightCycler. PCR products exhibiting an abnormal melting characteristic were directly sequenced. Sequence analyses unravelled nucleotide substitutions at codon 12 in 10 patients, at codon 13 in three, and at codon 61 in one case. The incidence of N-rasmutations (10%) is compatible with previous reports. The LightCycler technology facilitates the rapid analysis of other genes exhibiting hot spot mutations in human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nakao
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Heidelberg, Germany
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Vincent F, de Boer J, Pfohl-Leszkowicz A, Cherrel Y, Galgani F. Two cases ofras mutation associated with liver hyperplasia in dragonets (Callionymus lyra) exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Mol Carcinog 1998. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2744(199802)21:2<121::aid-mc6>3.0.co;2-q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Terada N, Smith TJ, Stork LC, Odom LF, Gelfand EW. N-ras gene mutations in childhood acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia. Leuk Res 1991; 15:935-41. [PMID: 1921453 DOI: 10.1016/0145-2126(91)90170-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In view of the potential role for ras activation in leukemogenesis, we have screened a number of children with acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) for activating point mutations at codons 12, 13 and 61 of the N-ras proto-oncogene using panels of oligonucleotide probes in conjunction with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) gene amplification. In contrast to the frequent occurrence (approximately 30%) of N-ras mutation reported in adult ANLL, 6 of 46 cases (13%) at the time of diagnosis had N-ras mutations involving codons 12 and 13. In these patients we also determine whether presenting clinical symptoms, cellular pathology, karyotype, or eventual outcome distinguished them from the ras-negative group. N-ras activation tended to be associated with a higher white blood cell count at diagnosis (mean of 225,000/microliters vs 91,000/microliters) and fewer remissions obtained after 28 days of therapy (3/6, 50% vs 24/32, 75%). It is possible that activation of N-ras oncogene may be involved in the progression of some cases of childhood ANLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Terada
- Division of Basic Sciences, National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Denver, CO 80206
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Cline MJ, Ahuja H. Oncogenes and Anti-oncogenes in the Evolution of Human Leukemia/Lymphoma. Leuk Lymphoma 1991; 4:153-8. [DOI: 10.3109/10428199109068060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Abstract
Proto-oncogenes are normal genes involved in cellular proliferation and differentiation. Structural alterations in these genes can convert them to oncogenes involved in the initiation or progression of malignancy. About 50 proto-oncogenes have been described and four different activation mechanisms are known. Proto-oncogene alterations specific for human hematologic malignancies are well characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Cline
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90024-1678
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