1
|
Qiang Z, Wan J, Chen X, Wang H. Mechanisms and therapeutic targets of ErbB family receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma: a narrative review. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:3156-3178. [PMID: 38988928 PMCID: PMC11231811 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-24-837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous and aggressive tumor. In recent years, the incidence of HCC has been increasing worldwide. Despite notable advancements in treatment methodologies, the prognosis of HCC patients remains unsatisfactory. ErbB family proteins play important roles in the occurrence, progression, and metastasis of HCC, and their abnormal expression is often closely associated with poor patient prognosis. This article sought to investigate the current status and research progress of ErbB family protein targeted therapy in HCC in recent years to provide a reference for basic research and clinical treatment. Methods We performed a comprehensive, narrative review of the latest literature to define the current progress of ErbB family receptors in HCC in both the pre-clinical and clinical arenas. Key Content and Findings The ErbB family belongs to the tyrosine kinase (TK) receptor family that comprises four members. These members are closely associated with proliferation, cell cycle regulation, and migration during HCC development through multiple signaling pathways. ErbB-targeted therapy has shown tremendous potential and prospects in the treatment of HCC. Conclusions Through in-depth research and the application of ErbB-targeted therapy, broader avenues will be opened for the treatment of HCC and other tumors, leading to more personalized and precise treatment approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeyuan Qiang
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Wan
- West China Centre of Excellence for Pancreatitis, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangzheng Chen
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haichuan Wang
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang SL, Wang HL. Ancillary tests for hepatobiliary neoplasms: what we know and what we need to know. Hum Pathol 2023; 141:183-200. [PMID: 36775105 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Ancillary tests are commonly used in the surgical pathology setting for diagnosing challenging neoplastic diseases of the liver and biliary tract, while histology and clinical correlation remain to be critically important. With continuous discoveries, more and more useful ancillary tests have become available, which can help distinguish between malignant and benign hepatocellular neoplasms, malignant and benign biliary tract entities, and intrahepatic and metastatic carcinomas. This review will focus on existing and emerging biomarkers (such as glutamine synthetase, organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3, insulin-like growth factor-II mRNA binding protein-3, S100P, SMAD4, enhancer of zeste homolog 2, albumin, hepatocyte nuclear factor-1β, etc.) that can be used for the diagnosis, classification and prognostication of hepatobiliary neoplasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine and Ronald Reagan Medical Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Hanlin L Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine and Ronald Reagan Medical Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yu C, Zhang X, Wang M, Xu G, Zhao S, Feng Y, Pan C, Yang W, Zhou J, Shang L, Ma Y. Afatinib combined with anti-PD1 enhances immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma via ERBB2/STAT3/PD-L1 signaling. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1198118. [PMID: 37324014 PMCID: PMC10266343 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1198118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Afatinib is mainly used to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer, but its therapeutic effect on hepatocellular carcinoma is still unclear. Methods Over 800 drugs were screened by CCK8 technology and afatinib was found to have a significant inhibitory effect on liver cancer cells. The expression of PDL1 in tumor cells treated with drugs were detected by qRT-PCR and Weston Blot experiments. The effects of afatinib on the growth, migration and invasion of HCC cells were evaluated using wound healing, Transwell, and cell cloning assays. The in vivo effects of afatinib in combination with anti-PD1 were evaluated in C57/BL6J mice with subcutaneous tumorigenesis. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore the specific mechanism of afatinib's inhibition of ERBB2 in improving the expression level of PD-L1, which was subsequently verified through experiments. Results Afatinib was found to have a significant inhibitory effect on liver cancer cells, as confirmed by in vitro experiments, which demonstrated that it could significantly suppress the growth, invasion and migration of HCC cells. qRT PCR and Weston Blot experiments also showed that Afatinib can enhance the expression of PD-L1 in tumor cells. In addition, in vitro experiments confirmed that afatinib can significantly enhance the immunotherapeutic effect of hepatocellular carcinoma. Afatinib's ability to increase PD-L1 expression is mediated by STAT3 activation following its action on HCC cells. Conclusion Afatinib enhances PD-L1 expression in tumor cells through the STAT3/PD-L1 pathway. The combination of afatinib and anti-PD1 treatment significantly increases the immunotherapeutic effect of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jin Zhou
- *Correspondence: Yong Ma, ; Longcheng Shang, ; Jin Zhou,
| | | | - Yong Ma
- *Correspondence: Yong Ma, ; Longcheng Shang, ; Jin Zhou,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rou WS, Eun HS, Choung S, Jeon HJ, Joo JS, Kang SH, Lee ES, Kim SH, Kwon IS, Ku BJ, Lee BS. Prognostic Value of Erythroblastic Leukemia Viral Oncogene Homolog 2 and Neuregulin 4 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092634. [PMID: 37174100 PMCID: PMC10177431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the roles of erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2 (ERBB2), neuregulin 4 (NRG4), and mitogen-inducible gene 6 (MIG6) in epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other malignancies have been previously investigated, the prognostic value of their serum levels in HCC remains undetermined. In the present study, correlations between serum levels and tumor characteristics, overall survival, and tumor recurrence were analyzed. Furthermore, the prognostic potential of the serum levels of these biomarkers was evaluated relative to that of alpha-fetoprotein. Both ERBB2 and NRG4 correlated with the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, ERBB2 correlated with the tumor-maximal diameter, and NRG4 correlated with a tumor number. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that ERBB2 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.719; p = 0.007) was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Furthermore, ERBB2 (HR, 2.338; p = 0.002) and NRG4 (HR, 431.763; p = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for tumor recurrence. The products of ERBB2 and NRG4 had a better area under the curve than alpha-fetoprotein for predicting 6-month, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year mortality. Therefore, these factors could be used to evaluate prognosis and monitor treatment response in patients with HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Woo Sun Rou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong 30099, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk Soo Eun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Sorim Choung
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Jae Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong 30099, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seok Joo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong 30099, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Hyung Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Eaum Seok Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - In Sun Kwon
- Clinical Trial Center, Statistics Office, Biomedical Research Institute, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Bon Jeong Ku
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Seok Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Magalhães D, Dos Santos J, Frutuoso A, Mesquita A. Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Expression by Immunohistochemistry and Its Clinical Significance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single-Center Analysis. Cureus 2023; 15:e34724. [PMID: 36909127 PMCID: PMC9997104 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a member of the tyrosine kinase receptor family. It has been identified as an oncogene and is associated with poor outcomes in multiple tumor types. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), there are contradictory data regarding the HER2 expression and its role in tumor development and progression. Some studies have identified HER2 expression as an early event during tumorigenesis, which decreases with progression and metastasis. Additional data provided evidence that treatment with anti-HER2 therapy resulted in local response and reduction in the metastasis rate in HCC mice models. METHODS Patients with histological diagnoses of HCC between 2010 and 2020 were included. HER2 staining was performed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and scoring was done in accordance with the gastric cancer guidelines as 0, 1+, 2+, and 3+. Clinicopathological features were accessed by medical records. This study aims to evaluate HER2 expression by IHC in HCC and to correlate this expression with some clinicopathological features such as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging, number of hepatic lesions, alpha-fetoprotein level, underlying liver disease, presence of liver cirrhosis, Child-Pugh score, and tumor recurrence. RESULTS A total of 57 specimens from 54 patients were included. Of the patients, 85% were men, and the median age at diagnosis was 71 years (interquartile range: 59-75 years). Regarding stage, 61% were at stage 0-A of BCLC. Of the patients, 57% had a solitary HCC nodule. Concerning treatment, surgery was performed in 50% of the patients. HER2 expression was identified in seven patients: five in the membrane and two in the cytoplasm. Concerning the membrane staining, HER2 expression was scored as 1+/2+ in 7.4% (n = 4 patients). Of the patients with HER2 expression, four had a BCLC stage of 0-A and a single HCC nodule; alpha-fetoprotein was <400 ng/mL in all cases. There was no correlation to clinicopathological features. In one patient with HER2 2+ expression at diagnosis, this expression was not identified at tumor progression. Median disease-free survival in HER2 with IHC scores 1+/2+ and cytoplasmatic was 38 months versus 22 months in HER2 with a score of 0 (p = 0.604). CONCLUSIONS HER2 expression is a rare event in HCC. It was not possible to identify any relation to clinicopathological features. However, when we relate our data to previous trials, HER2 appears to be an early event in the course of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alexandra Mesquita
- Oncology, Hospital Pedro Hispano, Matosinhos, PRT.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, PRT
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Friemel J, Torres I, Brauneis E, Thörner T, Schäffer AA, Gertz EM, Grob T, Seidl K, Weber A, Ried T, Heselmeyer-Haddad K. Single-cell resolved ploidy and chromosomal aberrations in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-(NASH) induced hepatocellular carcinoma and its precursor lesions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22622. [PMID: 36587184 PMCID: PMC9805444 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27173-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its precursor, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are an unmet health issue due to widespread obesity. We assessed copy number changes of genes associated with hepatocarcinogenesis and oxidative pathways at a single-cell level. Eleven patients with NASH-HCC and 11 patients with NAFLD were included. Eight probes were analyzed using multiplex interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (miFISH), single-cell imaging and phylogenetic tree modelling: Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), C-Myc (MYC), hepatocyte growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (MET), tumor protein 53 (TP53), cyclin D1 (CCND1), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), the fragile histidine triad gene (FHIT) and FRA16D oxidoreductase (WWOX). Each NASH-HCC tumor had up to 14 distinct clonal signal patterns indicating multiclonality, which correlated with high tumor grade. Changes frequently observed were TP53 losses, 45%; MYC gains, 36%; WWOX losses, 36%; and HER2 gains, 18%. Whole-genome duplications were frequent (82%) with aberrant tetraploid cells evolving from diploid ancestors. Non-tumorous NAFLD/NASH biopsies did not harbor clonal copy number changes. Fine mapping of NASH-HCC using single-cell multiplex FISH shows that branched tumor evolution involves genome duplication and that multiclonality increases with tumor grade. The loss of oxidoreductase WWOX and HER2 gains could be potentially associated with NASH-induced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Friemel
- grid.417768.b0000 0004 0483 9129Genetics Branch, CCR, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA ,grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Department of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Irianna Torres
- grid.417768.b0000 0004 0483 9129Genetics Branch, CCR, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Elizabeth Brauneis
- grid.417768.b0000 0004 0483 9129Genetics Branch, CCR, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Tim Thörner
- grid.417768.b0000 0004 0483 9129Genetics Branch, CCR, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Alejandro A. Schäffer
- grid.417768.b0000 0004 0483 9129Cancer Data Science Laboratory, CCR, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA ,grid.280285.50000 0004 0507 7840Computational Biology Branch, National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - E. Michael Gertz
- grid.417768.b0000 0004 0483 9129Cancer Data Science Laboratory, CCR, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA ,grid.280285.50000 0004 0507 7840Computational Biology Branch, National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Tobias Grob
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Department of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kati Seidl
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Achim Weber
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Ried
- grid.417768.b0000 0004 0483 9129Genetics Branch, CCR, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Kerstin Heselmeyer-Haddad
- grid.417768.b0000 0004 0483 9129Genetics Branch, CCR, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Khan SA, Lee TKW. Investigations of nitazoxanide molecular targets and pathways for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:968148. [PMID: 35959427 PMCID: PMC9358010 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.968148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitazoxanide has been investigated for colorectal cancer and breast cancer. However, its molecular targets and pathways have not yet been explored for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Utilizing a network pharmacology approach, nitazoxanide’s potential targets and molecular pathways for HCC treatment were investigated. HCC targets were extracted from the GeneCards database. Potential targets of nitazoxanide were predicted using Swiss Target Prediction and Super Pred. Intersecting targets were analyzed with VENNY online tool. Using Cytoscape, a protein-protein interaction (PPI), cluster, and core targets-pathways networks were constructed. Using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), gene ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. The nitazoxanide was molecularly docked with anti-HCC core targets by employing Auto Dock Vina. A total of 168 potential targets of nitazoxanide, 13,415 HCC-related targets, and 153 intersecting targets were identified. The top eight anti-HCC core targets were identified: SRC, EGFR, CASP3, MMP9, mTOR, HIF1A, ERBB2, and PPARG. GO enrichment analysis showed that nitazoxanide might have anti-HCC effects by affecting gene targets involved in multiple biological processes (BP) (protein phosphorylation, transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase (RTKs) signaling pathway, positive regulation of MAP kinase activity, etc.). KEGG pathways and core targets-pathways network analysis indicated that pathways in cancer and proteoglycans in cancer are two key pathways that significantly contribute to the anti-HCC effects of nitazoxanide. Results of molecular docking demonstrated the potential for active interaction between the top eight anti-HCC core targets and nitazoxanide. Our research offers a theoretical basis for the notion that nitazoxanide may have distinct therapeutic effects in HCC, and the identified pharmacological targets and pathways might function as biomarkers for HCC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shakeel Ahmad Khan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Shakeel Ahmad Khan, ; Terence Kin Wah Lee,
| | - Terence Kin Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Shakeel Ahmad Khan, ; Terence Kin Wah Lee,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Döring P, Calvisi DF, Dombrowski F. Nuclear ErbB2 expression in hepatocytes in liver disease. Virchows Arch 2020; 478:309-318. [PMID: 32591879 PMCID: PMC7969555 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-020-02871-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
ErbB2 is a prominent representative of the epidermal growth factor receptors that mainly attract attention as oncogenic drivers and therapeutic targets in cancer. Besides transmembrane signaling, ErbB2 may also translocate into the nucleus and mediate distinct nuclear signaling effects including DNA repair and cell cycle arrest. Unexpectedly, we found nuclear ErbB2 expression in human hepatocytes in various liver diseases so we aimed to investigate the characteristics of liver disease leading to nuclear ErbB2 translocation. The immunohistochemical pattern of ErbB2 staining was analyzed in 1125 liver biopsy samples from patients with hepatic dysfunction. Further signaling and metabolic markers were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in selected liver biopsy samples. We found a cytoplasmic and nuclear ErbB2 expression in hepatocytes from different disease conditions with the strongest expression detected in alcoholic steatohepatitis. Nuclear ErbB2 positivity significantly correlated with histologic parameters of hepatocellular damage including inflammatory activity in steatohepatitis, hepatocellular ballooning, and cholestasis. ErbB2 overexpressing hepatocytes revealed an increase of phospho-STAT3, a downstream effector of nuclear ErbB2 signaling. Notably, we observed in nuclear ErbB2-positive hepatocytes a downregulation of estrogen receptor expression. In alcoholic steatohepatitis and other toxic liver diseases, hepatocytes revealed a nuclear ErbB2 expression implying a so far unknown mechanism in hepatocytes upon cellular stress that might lead to resistance to cell death. Nuclear ErbB2-positive hepatocytes showed downregulation of estrogen receptor expression and increased levels of pSTAT3, which are signs of functionality of nuclear ErbB2 signaling. Furthermore, analysis of hepatocellular ErbB2 expression could serve as helpful tool for diagnosis of liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Döring
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Straße 23e, 17475, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Frank Dombrowski
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Straße 23e, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shi JH, Guo WZ, Jin Y, Zhang HP, Pang C, Li J, Line PD, Zhang SJ. Recognition of HER2 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma and its significance in postoperative tumor recurrence. Cancer Med 2019; 8:1269-1278. [PMID: 30714677 PMCID: PMC6434216 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ERBB2 oncogene hypothesis is challenged in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with the conflicting evidences of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression. HER2 could be a new target as a treatment option for HCC as well as tumor recurrence after surgery. HER2 in HCC biology needs further explorations. Methods Clinical and mRNA data of HCC patients were obtained from TCGA HCC cohort, GSE89377 and GSE115018. Western Blotting and immunohistochemistry were employed to test expression of HER2, E‐cadherin, and Vimentin. In HepG2, JM1, HER2‐transfected McA cells, and TGF‐β cocultured JM1 cells, HCC biology, including cell survival, proliferation, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes were evaluated. Results ERBB2 mRNA amplification was found in HCC datasets, and its expression was downregulated in high grade HCC with a worse overall survival. HER2 overexpression was identified in H4IIE, HepG2, JM1 cells, and 82% (14/17) HCC samples, and tumor stage was correlated with expression of HER2, E‐cadherin, and Vimentin (P < 0.05). Trastuzumab with the high concentrations suppressed proliferation of HER2‐positive hepatoma cells (P < 0.05); in the coculture model to induce EMT of JM1 cells, HER2 expression increased with downregulated E‐cadherin and upregulated Vimentin. Trastuzumab intravenous injection inhibited in vivo tumor size and metastases (P < 0.05). Signal analysis revealed that HER2 functioned through upregulation of β‐catenin and inhibition of SMAD3. Conclusion HER2 expression pattern is linked with tumor stage and overall survival; the transforming function of HER2 is found more relevant through β‐catenin and SMAD3. HER2‐targeted treatment is recommended to suppress the HER2‐mediated tumor growth during postoperative liver regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hua Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Transplantation Medicine, Institute of Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Wen-Zhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yang Jin
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hua-Peng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chun Pang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pål-Dag Line
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Institute of Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shui-Jun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen Z, Jiang Z, Zhang W, He B. Silencing the expression of copine-III enhances the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to the molecular targeted agent sorafenib. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:3057-3067. [PMID: 30214300 PMCID: PMC6124461 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s167781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The application of the oral targeted therapeutic agent sorafenib provides new hope for patients suffering from advanced stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the prognosis of such patients remains poor due to the rapid development of the multidrug resistance process in cancer pathogenesis. The present work evaluated whether copine-III, a novel cancer regulator encoded by the CPNE3 gene, would be a potential indicator of sorafenib resistance in HCC treatment. Materials and methods The endogenous expression of copine-III in clinical specimens was examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Copine-III siRNA was transfected into HCC cells to downregulate copine-III expression. The effect of copine-III on sorafenib’s antitumor activation was identified by in vitro and in vivo experiments (MTT, Transwell, and flow cytometry as well as a nude mice model). Results High levels of copine-III in clinical specimens are related to poor prognosis of advanced HCC patients on sorafenib treatment. Infection of Ad-siCPNE3 significantly decreased the endogenous expression of copine-III and enhanced the susceptibility of MHCC97-H cells to sorafenib: the IC50 value decreased from 1.15±0.11 to 0.25±0.05 μmol/L. Moreover, silencing copine-III enhanced the effect of sorafenib on apoptosis, in vitro invasion/migration, and subcutaneous or intrahepatic growth of MHCC97-H cells in nude mice. Conclusion Copine-III is a novel potential indicator of prognosis for patients who received sorafenib for advanced HCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chen
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University/Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, People's Republic of China,
| | - Zhengkui Jiang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University/Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, People's Republic of China,
| | - Wenzhou Zhang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University/Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, People's Republic of China,
| | - Baoxia He
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University/Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, People's Republic of China,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Döring P, Pilo GM, Calvisi DF, Dombrowski F. [Nuclear Her2 expression in hepatocytes in liver disease]. DER PATHOLOGE 2017; 38:211-217. [PMID: 29018945 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-017-0351-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Her2 is a well-known member of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) superfamily, a group of transmembrane receptors that mediate effects of proliferation and survival and thus play an important role in tumorigenesis. EGFRs can translocate to the nucleus and may mediate DNA repair and cell cycle arrest. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to characterize hepatocellular Her2 expression in different liver diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Her2 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 674 liver biopsies. RESULTS Hepatocytes often revealed a nuclear and cytoplasmic Her2 expression in different liver diseases with the strongest association to alcoholic steatohepatitis. The histologic parameters of hepatocellular ballooning and the presence of Mallory-Denk bodies strongly correlated with Her2 positivity. Interestingly, in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) nuclear Her2 expression was frequently observed. Furthermore, Her2 positive hepatocytes showed a loss of estrogen receptor expression and increased expression of p21, a cell cycle regulator, and pSTAT3, a downstream effector of nuclear Her2. CONCLUSIONS Nuclear Her2 expression in hepatocytes with further metabolic and cell cycle alterations may imply a so far unknown mechanism of a stress response. So far, the effects on disease course and a possible role of nuclear Her2 in progression to HCC are unclear and the subject of future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Döring
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475, Greifswald, Deutschland.
| | - G M Pilo
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - D F Calvisi
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - F Dombrowski
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475, Greifswald, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ahadi M, Naseh V, Salehipour M. The HER-2 as a Target Gene of Curcumin to Protect Hepatocytes Against the Arsenic-induced Carcinoma in Mice. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 12:158-164. [PMID: 29515638 PMCID: PMC5831072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE The HER-2 gene is an important on co protein overexpressed in many types of cancers. The current study hypothesized that curcumin downregulates HER-2 and inhibits the signal transduction pathway of PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and activation of NFκB, which could be useful to treat overexpressed-HER-2 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS In the current study, 40 male NMRI (Naval Medical Research Institute) mice were divided into 4 groups of 10 as follow: Group1 (control group) only received 5 mL/kg corn oil, group 2 (poisoned group) received 30 mg/L arsenic (As2O3) dissolved in water, group3 (curcumin treated), and group 4 (curcumin and arsenic treated) received 10 to 20mg/5mL/kg for 60 days. Once experimental period was completed, liver samples were collected. The analysis of the gene expression was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. RESULTS Gene expression analysis showed that curcumin had significantly downregulated the activity of HER-2, in poisoned mice. CONCLUSION According to the current study results, it could be concluded that curcumin has the inhibitory potential toward HER-2-overexpressed HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Ahadi
- Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran
| | - Vahid Naseh
- Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran
| | - Masoud Salehipour
- Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jamorabo DS, Lin SH, Jabbour SK. Successes and Failures of Combined Modalities in Upper Gastrointestinal Malignancies: New Directions. Semin Radiat Oncol 2016; 26:307-19. [PMID: 27619252 PMCID: PMC10794083 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Upper gastrointestinal malignancies generally have moderate to poor cure rates, even in the earliest stages, thereby implying that both local and systemic treatments have room for improvement. Therapeutic options are broadening, however, with the development of new immunotherapies and targeted agents, which can have synergistic effects with radiotherapy. Here we discuss the current state of combined modality therapy for upper gastrointestinal malignancies, specifically recent successes and setbacks in trials of radiation therapy with targeted therapies, vaccines, immunotherapies, and chemotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Jamorabo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Steven H Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Salma K Jabbour
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fusco N, Bosari S. HER2 aberrations and heterogeneity in cancers of the digestive system: Implications for pathologists and gastroenterologists. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:7926-7937. [PMID: 27672288 PMCID: PMC5028807 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i35.7926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Management of cancers of the digestive system has progressed rapidly into the molecular era. Despite the significant recent achievements in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients, the number of deaths for these tumors has currently plateaued. Many investigations have assessed the role of HER2 in tumors of the digestive system in both prognostic and therapeutic settings, with heterogeneous results. Novel testing and treatment guidelines are emerging, in particular in gastric and colorectal cancers. However, further advances are needed. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-knowledge of HER2 alterations in the most common tumors of the digestive system and discuss the operational implications of HER2 testing.
Collapse
|
15
|
TOP2A amplification and overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:381602. [PMID: 25695068 PMCID: PMC4324886 DOI: 10.1155/2015/381602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide owing to limited insights into pathogenesis and unsatisfactory efficacy of current therapies. HER2 and TOP2A genes are coamplified in breast and some other cancers. In this study, we investigated gene aberrations of HER2 and TOP2A and protein expressions of HER2, TOP2A, Ki-67, and p53 in tumor and matched nontumor tissues, as well as their associations with clinicopathological features. Gene aberrations were evaluated by FISH and protein expressions by IHC. Neither HER2 overexpression nor HER2 gene amplification was observed in both tumor tissues and matched nontumor tissues. By contrast, TOP2A overexpression was detected in 72.5% of tumor tissues but not detected in matched nontumor tissues. However, TOP2A gene amplification was not observed in both tumor and matched nontumor tissues. TOP2A overexpression was significantly associated with HCC tumor tissues (P < 0.001), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the serum (P = 0.004), and Ki-67 (P = 0.038) but not with age, tumor size, alpha-fetoprotein, TP53, and copy number of TOP2A gene and chromosome 17 centromere. In conclusion, TOP2A overexpression in HCC was not secondary to gene amplification. In addition, neither HER2 amplification nor overexpression could be used as prognostic and predictive marker in HCC.
Collapse
|
16
|
The interrelationship between HER2 and CASP3/8 with apoptosis in different cancer cell lines. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:8031-6. [PMID: 25189649 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3700-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
HER2/ErbB2, a known proto-oncogene (also known as HER2, neu), is among the most practiced molecules in the cancer area. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is over expressed in approximately 20-30 % of breast cancer tumors and also in a lot of other human cancer types. It is known to be related to the aggressiveness of the disease, increased mortality and higher relapse ratio. The unusual HER2 overexpression is associated with more severe disease characteristics in several cancers. In recent past, there have been remarkable advances in understanding the role of the HER2 gene in cancers. Caspases are well renowned proteases that act as essential initiators and executioners of the apoptotic process. The primary function of HER2 is suppressing apoptosis to enhance cell survival and eventually giving rise to uncontrolled proliferation and tumor growth. The objective of this work was to study the expression levels of HER2 and apoptosis related factors CASP-3 and CASP-8 in several breast and other cancer cell lines and finally to find a meaningful correlation between all these. We summed up by obtaining an increase in expression of HER2 in all cancer cell lines as compared to that of CASP-3 and CASP-8. In summary we conclude that HER2 promotes cell survival by inhibiting apoptosis i.e. by downregulating CASP-3 and CASP-8. This is a novel study comprising the expression study of HER2 and different caspases in different cancer cell lines simultaneously. It is thus expected that this study will aid in better establishment of correlation between HER2 and caspases in different malignancies.
Collapse
|
17
|
HER2/neu: an increasingly important therapeutic target. Part 2: Distribution of HER2/neu overexpression and gene amplification by organ, tumor site and histology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.4155/cli.14.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
18
|
Yan M, Parker BA, Schwab R, Kurzrock R. HER2 aberrations in cancer: implications for therapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2014; 40:770-80. [PMID: 24656976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although anti-HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) therapy is currently approved for breast, gastric, and gastroesophageal cancers overexpressing the HER2 protein or amplified for the HER2 gene, HER2 aberrations (gene amplification, gene mutations, and protein overexpression) are reported in other diverse malignancies. Indeed, about 1-37% of tumors of the following types harbor HER2 aberrations: bladder, cervix, colon, endometrium, germ cell, glioblastoma, head and neck, liver, lung, ovarian, pancreas, and salivary duct. Four HER2-targeted therapies have been approved for HER2-positive breast cancer: two antibodies (trastuzumab and pertuzumab), an antibody-drug conjugate (ado-trastuzumab emtansine), and a small molecule kinase inhibitor (lapatinib). In addition, afatinib, a small molecule kinase inhibitor that causes irreversible inhibition of EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) and HER2, was recently approved for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. A large number of novel HER2-targeted agents are also in clinical trials. Herein we discuss the state of the art in understanding and targeting HER2 across anatomic tumor types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Yan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Moores Cancer Center, United States.
| | - Barbara A Parker
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Moores Cancer Center, United States
| | - Richard Schwab
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Moores Cancer Center, United States
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Moores Cancer Center, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hepatitis B virus X upregulates HuR protein level to stabilize HER2 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:827415. [PMID: 24719890 PMCID: PMC3955687 DOI: 10.1155/2014/827415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus- (HBV-) associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. However, the underlying mechanism of HCC tumorigenesis is very complicated and HBV-encoded X protein (HBx) has been reported to play the most important role in this process. Activation of downstream signal pathways of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family is known to mediate HBx-dependent HCC tumor progression. Interestingly, HER2 (also known as ErbB2/Neu/EGFR2) is frequently overexpressed in HBx-expressing HCC patients and is associated with their poor prognosis. However, it remains unclear whether and how HBx regulates HER2 expression. In this study, our data showed that HBx expression increased HER2 protein level via enhancing its mRNA stability. The induction of RNA-binding protein HuR expression by HBx mediated the HER2 mRNA stabilization. Finally, the upregulated HER2 expression promoted the migration ability of HBx-expressing HCC cells. These findings deciphered the molecular mechanism of HBx-mediated HER2 upregulation in HBV-associated HCC.
Collapse
|
20
|
Desai MD, Saroya BS, Lockhart AC. Investigational therapies targeting the ErbB (EGFR, HER2, HER3, HER4) family in GI cancers. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2013; 22:341-56. [PMID: 23316969 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2013.761972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies account for nearly one-fourth of all cancer-related deaths in the United States and approximately 30% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide. Use of combination cytotoxic therapy offers a modest improvement in survival, but the prognosis and long-term survival of most patients with GI cancer remains poor. In certain GI malignancies, therapies that target members of the HER family of receptors have positively impacted patient care. AREAS COVERED In this review, we discuss the significance of the HER family of receptors in esophagogastric, hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers and explain the rationale supporting the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) to inhibit HER activation and downstream events that contribute to tumor proliferation, migration, and survival. EXPERT OPINION Despite recent advances, the treatment of GI cancers remains challenging. Therapies targeting the HER family of receptors have been extensively studied in these malignancies with inconsistent results. The rationale behind varied tumor responses with these agents remains uncertain. We believe that additional studies are needed to identify biomarkers that could help identify a population of patients who would be more responsive to a given therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Dandona Desai
- Washington University in St. Louis, Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Box 8056, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bassullu N, Turkmen I, Dayangac M, Yagiz Korkmaz P, Yasar R, Akyildiz M, Yaprak O, Tokat Y, Yuzer Y, Bulbul Dogusoy G. The Predictive and Prognostic Significance of c-erb-B2, EGFR, PTEN, mTOR, PI3K, p27, and ERCC1 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2012; 12:e7492. [PMID: 23162604 PMCID: PMC3496900 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.7492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2012] [Revised: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common fatal cancer and an important healthcare problem worldwide. There are many studies describing the prognostic and predictive effects of epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (c-erb-B2) and epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (EGFR), transmembrane tyrosine kinases that influence cell growth and proliferation in many tumors. OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to investigate the expression levels of c-erb-B2, EGFR, PTEN, mTOR, PI3K, p27, and ERCC1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their correlation with other clinicopathologic features. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty HCC cases were stained immunohistochemically with these markers. Correlations between the markers and clinicopathologic characteristics and survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS No membranous c-erb-B2 staining was seen, whereas cytoplasmic positivity was present in 92% of HCC samples, membranous EGFR was observed in 40%, PI3K was found in all samples, and mTOR was seen in 30%, whereas reduced or absent PTEN expression was observed in 56% of samples and loss of p27 was seen in 92% of the cases. c-erb-B2 and mTOR overexpression, as well as reduced expression of p27, all correlated with multiple tumors (P = 0.041, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). P27 loss, and mTOR and EGFR positivity were significantly correlated with AFP (P = 0.047, P = 0.004, and P = 0.008, respectively). Angiolymphatic invasion was more commonly seen in EGFR- and ERCC1-positive cases (P = 0.003 and P = 0.005). EGFR was also correlated with histological grade (P = 0.039). No significant correlations were found among PTEN , PI3K, and the clinicopathological parameters. Disease-free or overall survival rates showed significant differences among therapy modalities, AFP levels, angiolymphatic or lymph node invasions, and ERCC1 and p27 expression levels (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS c-erb-B2, EGFR, mTOR, ERCC1 overexpression levels, and loss of p27 may play roles in hepatocarcinogenesis and may be significant predictors of aggressive tumor behavior. These markers were found to be correlated with certain clinicopathologic features, therapy modalities, and survival rates in the current study. These findings may help in planning new, targeted treatment strategies .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuray Bassullu
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Bilim University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
- Corresponding author: Nuray Bassullu, Department of Pathology, Istanbul Bilim University Medical Faculty, Mehmetcik Street, Cahit Yalcın Sokak No: 1 Mecidiyeköy, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey. Tel.: +90-2122883400/4819, Fax: +90-2122883456, E-mail:
| | - Ilknur Turkmen
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Bilim University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Dayangac
- Department of General Surgery, Florence Nigthingale Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Reyhan Yasar
- Department of Pathology, Florence Nigthingale Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Akyildiz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Istanbul Bilim University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Onur Yaprak
- Department of General Surgery, Florence Nigthingale Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yaman Tokat
- Department of General Surgery, Florence Nigthingale Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yildiray Yuzer
- Department of General Surgery, Florence Nigthingale Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Xu W, Cao L, Chen L, Li J, Zhang XF, Qian HH, Kang XY, Zhang Y, Liao J, Shi LH, Yang YF, Wu MC, Yin ZF. Isolation of circulating tumor cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma using a novel cell separation strategy. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17:3783-93. [PMID: 21527564 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-10-0498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To establish a sensitive and specific isolation and enumeration system for circulating tumor cells (CTC) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN HCC cells were bound by biotinylated asialofetuin, a ligand of asialoglycoprotein receptor, and subsequently magnetically labeled by antibiotin antibody-coated magnetic beads, followed by magnetic separation. Isolated HCC cells were identified by immunofluorescence staining using Hep Par 1 antibody. The system was used to detect CTCs in 5 mL blood. Blood samples spiked with Hep3B cells (ranging from 10 to 810 cells) were used to determine recovery and sensitivity. Prevalence of CTCs was examined in samples from HCC patients, healthy volunteers, and patients with benign liver diseases or non-HCC cancers. CTC samples were also analyzed by FISH. RESULTS The average recovery was 61% or more at each spiking level. No healthy, benign liver disease or non-HCC cancer subjects had CTCs detected. CTCs were identified in 69 of 85 (81%) HCC patients, with an average of 19 ± 24 CTCs per 5 mL. Both the positivity rate and the number of CTCs were significantly correlated with tumor size, portal vein tumor thrombus, differentiation status, and the disease extent as classified by the TNM (tumor-node-metastasis) classification and the Milan criteria. HER-2 gene amplification and TP53 gene deletion were detected in CTCs. CONCLUSION Our system provides a new tool allowing for highly sensitive and specific detection and genetic analysis of CTCs in HCC patients. It is likely clinically useful in diagnosis and monitoring of HCC and may have a role in clinical decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Xu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, and Departments of Comprehensive Treatment and Radio-intervention Therapy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mécanismes de carcinogenèse hépatique : quelles pistes pour la radiosensibilisation ? Cancer Radiother 2011; 15:32-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2010.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
24
|
Bacaksiz A, Sahin FI, Bilezikci B, Yilmaz Z. Determination of HER-2/Neu Status in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 12:211-4. [DOI: 10.1089/gte.2007.0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aysegül Bacaksiz
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Feride Iffet Sahin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Banu Bilezikci
- Department of Pathology, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zerrin Yilmaz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kern MA, Breuhahn K, Schuchmann M, Schirmacher P. [Molecular pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma: new therapeutic approaches and predictive pathology]. DER PATHOLOGE 2008; 28:261-8. [PMID: 17605064 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-007-0890-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and its incidence is increasing. Multimodal strategies directed towards this carcinoma include primary (e.g. immunisation) and secondary (e.g. antiviral therapy) prevention, surgical approaches, novel specific systemic therapies (targeted therapy), and the treatment of comorbidity (cirrhosis). New molecular approaches are currently under development. These tackle several specific targets, with pathology being challenged in many aspects: experimental evaluation, the development of valid tumor-relevant diagnostic tests as well as morphological evaluation in the context of clinical studies, and finally in routine diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Kern
- Pathologisches Institut, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 220/221, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Nakamoto Y, Mizukoshi E, Tsuji H, Sakai Y, Kitahara M, Arai K, Yamashita T, Yokoyama K, Mukaida N, Matsushima K, Matsui O, Kaneko S. Combined therapy of transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization with intratumoral dendritic cell infusion for hepatocellular carcinoma: clinical safety. Clin Exp Immunol 2007; 147:296-305. [PMID: 17223971 PMCID: PMC1810477 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2006.03290.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The curative treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), do not prevent tumour recurrence effectively. Dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapies are believed to contribute to the eradication of the residual and recurrent tumour cells. The current study was designed to assess the safety and bioactivity of DC infusion into tumour tissues following transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization (TAE) for patients with cirrhosis and HCC. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were differentiated into phenotypically confirmed DCs. Ten patients were administered autologous DCs through an arterial catheter during TAE treatment. Shortly thereafter, some HCC nodules were treated additionally to achieve the curative local therapeutic effects. There was no clinical or serological evidence of adverse events, including hepatic failure or autoimmune responses in any patients, in addition to those due to TAE. Following the infusion of (111)Indium-labelled DCs, DCs were detectable inside and around the HCC nodules for up to 17 days, and were associated with lymphocyte and monocyte infiltration. Interestingly, T lymphocyte responses were induced against peptides derived from the tumour antigens, Her-2/neu, MRP3, hTERT and AFP, 4 weeks after the infusion in some patients. The cumulative survival rates were not significantly changed by this strategy. These results demonstrate that transcatheter arterial DC infusion into tumour tissues following TAE treatment is feasible and safe for patients with cirrhosis and HCC. Furthermore, the antigen-non-specific, immature DC infusion may induce immune responses to unprimed tumour antigens, providing a plausible strategy to enhance tumour immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Nakamoto
- Disease Control and Homeostasis, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Breuhahn K, Longerich T, Schirmacher P. Dysregulation of growth factor signaling in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncogene 2006; 25:3787-800. [PMID: 16799620 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1209556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 432] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of pleiotropic growth factors, receptors and their downstream signaling pathway components represent a central protumorigenic principle in human hepatocarcinogenesis. Especially the Insulin-like Growth Factor/IGF-1 receptor (IGF/IGF-1R), Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF/MET), Wingless (Wnt/beta-catenin/FZD), Transforming Growth Factor alpha/Epidermal Growth Factor receptor (TGFalpha/EGFR) and Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFbeta/TbetaR) pathways contribute to proliferation, antiapoptosis and invasive behavior of tumor cells. This review focuses on the relevant alterations in these pathways identified in human human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Resultant functional effects are modulated by multiple cross-talks between the different signaling pathways and additional tumor-relevant factors, such as cyclooxygenase-2 and p53. Several specific strategies are currently under development such as receptor kinase inhibitors, neutralizing antibodies and antagonistic proteins, which may improve the systemic treatment of human HCCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|