1
|
Salati M, Caputo F, Bocconi A, Cerri S, Baldessari C, Piacentini F, Dominici M, Gelsomino F. Successes and failures of angiogenesis blockade in gastric and gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:993573. [PMID: 36212393 PMCID: PMC9540203 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.993573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric and gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEA) remains a considerable major public health problem worldwide, being the fifth most common cancer with a fatality-to-case ratio that stands still at 70%. Angiogenesis, which is a well-established cancer hallmark, exerts a fundamental role in cancer initiation and progression and its targeting has been actively pursued as a promising therapeutic strategy in GEA. A wealth of clinical trials has been conducted, investigating anti-angiogenic agents including VEGF-directed monoclonal antibodies, small molecules tyrosine kinase inhibitors and VEGF-Trap agents both in the resectable and advanced setting, reporting controversial results. While phase III randomized trials testing the anti-VEGFR-2 antibody Ramucirumab and the selective VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor Apatinib demonstrated a significant survival benefit in later lines, the shift of angiogenesis inhibitors in the perioperative and first-line setting failed to improve patients' outcome in GEAs. The molecular landscape of disease, together with novel combinatorial strategies and biomarker-selected approaches are under investigation as key elements to the success of angiogenesis blockade in GEA. In this article, we critically review the existing literature on the biological rationale and clinical development of antiangiogenic agents in GEA, discussing major achievements, limitations and future developments, aiming at fully realizing the potential of this therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Salati
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
- PhD Program Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Caputo
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bocconi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Sara Cerri
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Cinzia Baldessari
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Federico Piacentini
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Gelsomino
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Braun A, Anders HJ, Gudermann T, Mammadova-Bach E. Platelet-Cancer Interplay: Molecular Mechanisms and New Therapeutic Avenues. Front Oncol 2021; 11:665534. [PMID: 34322381 PMCID: PMC8311658 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.665534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although platelets are critically involved in thrombosis and hemostasis, experimental and clinical evidence indicate that platelets promote tumor progression and metastasis through a wide range of physical and functional interactions between platelets and cancer cells. Thrombotic and thromboembolic events are frequent complications in patients with solid tumors. Hence, cancer modulates platelet function by directly inducing platelet-tumor aggregates and triggering platelet granule release and altering platelet turnover. Also, platelets enhance tumor cell dissemination by activating endothelial cell function and recruiting immune cells to primary and metastatic tumor sites. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the complex interactions between platelets and tumor cells and the host microenvironment. We also critically discuss the potential of anti-platelet agents for cancer prevention and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Attila Braun
- Walther-Straub-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther-Straub-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Elmina Mammadova-Bach
- Walther-Straub-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mutgan AC, Jandl K, Kwapiszewska G. Endothelial Basement Membrane Components and Their Products, Matrikines: Active Drivers of Pulmonary Hypertension? Cells 2020; 9:cells9092029. [PMID: 32899187 PMCID: PMC7563239 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a vascular disease that is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) due to progressive vascular remodeling. Extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in pulmonary arteries (PA) is one of the key features of vascular remodeling. Emerging evidence indicates that the basement membrane (BM), a specialized cluster of ECM proteins underlying the endothelium, may be actively involved in the progression of vascular remodeling. The BM and its steady turnover are pivotal for maintaining appropriate vascular functions. However, the pathologically elevated turnover of BM components leads to an increased release of biologically active short fragments, which are called matrikines. Both BM components and their matrikines can interfere with pivotal biological processes, such as survival, proliferation, adhesion, and migration and thus may actively contribute to endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the emerging role of the BM and its matrikines on the vascular endothelium and further discuss its implications on lung vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Ceren Mutgan
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Katharina Jandl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, 8010 Graz, Austria;
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Grazyna Kwapiszewska
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, 8010 Graz, Austria;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
The Extracellular Matrix: An Accomplice in Gastric Cancer Development and Progression. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020394. [PMID: 32046329 PMCID: PMC7072625 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic and highly organized tissue structure, providing support and maintaining normal epithelial architecture. In the last decade, increasing evidence has emerged demonstrating that alterations in ECM composition and assembly strongly affect cellular function and behavior. Even though the detailed mechanisms underlying cell-ECM crosstalk are yet to unravel, it is well established that ECM deregulation accompanies the development of many pathological conditions, such as gastric cancer. Notably, gastric cancer remains a worldwide concern, representing the third most frequent cause of cancer-associated deaths. Despite increased surveillance protocols, patients are usually diagnosed at advanced disease stages, urging the identification of novel diagnostic biomarkers and efficient therapeutic strategies. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview regarding expression patterns of ECM components and cognate receptors described in normal gastric epithelium, pre-malignant lesions, and gastric carcinomas. Important insights are also discussed for the use of ECM-associated molecules as predictive biomarkers of the disease or as potential targets in gastric cancer.
Collapse
|
5
|
Catani MV, Savini I, Tullio V, Gasperi V. The "Janus Face" of Platelets in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030788. [PMID: 31991775 PMCID: PMC7037171 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides their vital role in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are also recognized to be involved in cancer, where they play an unexpected central role: They actively influence cancer cell behavior, but, on the other hand, platelet physiology and phenotype are impacted by tumor cells. The existence of this platelet-cancer loop is supported by a large number of experimental and human studies reporting an association between alterations in platelet number and functions and cancer, often in a way dependent on patient, cancer type and treatment. Herein, we shall report on an update on platelet-cancer relationships, with a particular emphasis on how platelets might exert either a protective or a deleterious action in all steps of cancer progression. To this end, we will describe the impact of (i) platelet count, (ii) bioactive molecules secreted upon platelet activation, and (iii) microvesicle-derived miRNAs on cancer behavior. Potential explanations of conflicting results are also reported: Both intrinsic (heterogeneity in platelet-derived bioactive molecules with either inhibitory or stimulatory properties; features of cancer cell types, such as aggressiveness and/or tumour stage) and extrinsic (heterogeneous characteristics of cancer patients, study design and sample preparation) factors, together with other confounding elements, contribute to “the Janus face” of platelets in cancer. Given the difficulty to establish the univocal role of platelets in a tumor, a better understanding of their exact contribution is warranted, in order to identify an efficient therapeutic strategy for cancer management, as well as for better prevention, screening and risk assessment protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Valeria Catani
- Correspondence: (M.V.C.); (V.G.); Tel.: +39-06-72596465 (M.V.C.); +39-06-72596465 (V.G.)
| | | | | | - Valeria Gasperi
- Correspondence: (M.V.C.); (V.G.); Tel.: +39-06-72596465 (M.V.C.); +39-06-72596465 (V.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wallwitz J, Aigner P, Gadermaier E, Bauer E, Casanova E, Bauer A, Stoiber D. Validation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantification of endostatin levels in mice as a biomarker of developing glomerulonephritis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220935. [PMID: 31404120 PMCID: PMC6690585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endostatin, the C-terminal fragment of type XVIII collagen, was shown to be one of the most potent endothelial cell-specific inhibitors of angiogenesis. As altered circulating endostatin concentration is associated with impaired kidney function, new tools for measuring endostatin in rodents may be helpful to further investigate and understand its role within kidney disease progression. A novel and commercially available ELISA for the quantification of mouse and rat endostatin was developed and validated according to international quality guidelines including the parameters specificity, robustness, accuracy, dilution linearity, precision, limit of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantification (LLOQ). Endostatin and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration were measured in mice with a glomerulonephritis phenotype. The validation revealed that within the range of 0.5–32 nmol/L the immunoassay is robust and highly specific for the measurement of rodent endostatin with high sensitivity (LOD 0.24 nmol/L, LLOQ 0.5 nmol/L) and good reproducibility (intra- and inter-assay CV <10%). Also accuracy and dilution linearity were within the range of acceptance. BCL2 transgenic and ETV6/RUNX1;BCL2 double transgenic mice develop a glomerulonephritis phenotype over time, which was displayed by staining of kidney sections. Even before full manifestation of disease serum endostatin concentration rises significantly, whereas BUN levels just slightly increase. This newly developed and commercially available ELISA provides a reliable and accurate tool for the quantification of mouse and rat endostatin and may give new perspectives in the investigation of the role of endostatin as an important and early biomarker for reduced kidney function. Measurement of endostatin concentration is recommended to be used as a superior biomarker for chronic kidney disease compared to BUN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Petra Aigner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Eva Bauer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emilio Casanova
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Dagmar Stoiber
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Division Pharmacology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mardani M, Andishe Tadbir A, Ranjbar MA, Khademi B, Fattahi MJ, Rahbar A. Serum Endostatin Levels in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY 2018; 30:125-130. [PMID: 29876326 PMCID: PMC5985613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endostatin is a C-terminal proteolytic fragment of collagen XVIII and, as with angiostatin and thrombospondin, is known as an antiangiogenic agent. The aim of this study was to assess the level of serum endostatin in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and its association with the clinicopathological characteristics of the tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, we investigated the circulating levels of endostatin in the blood serum of 45 patients with oral SCC and 45 healthy controls. RESULTS The mean level of serum endostatin in patients was significantly lower (68.8±85 ng/ml) than in healthy controls (175.6±73 ng/ml) (P<0.001). Serum endostatin levels were significantly lower in patients with lymph node metastasis compared with patients without lymph node metastasis (P<0.001). In addition, serum endostatin level was associated with higher histological grade (P<0.001). There were no apparent correlations between serum endostatin concentration and clinicopathological features such as age, gender, and tumor stage (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Findings of the present study suggest the prognostic and anti-metastatic role of endostatin, and this may be used as a tool for monitoring tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Mardani
- Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Azadeh Andishe Tadbir
- Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Ali Ranjbar
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Correspondence Author: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Tel: 07136270325, E-mail:
| | - Bijan Khademi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Khalili Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Javad Fattahi
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Rahbar
- Undergraduate Student, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Macedo F, Ladeira K, Longatto-Filho A, Martins SF. Gastric Cancer and Angiogenesis: Is VEGF a Useful Biomarker to Assess Progression and Remission? J Gastric Cancer 2017; 17:1-10. [PMID: 28337358 PMCID: PMC5362829 DOI: 10.5230/jgc.2017.17.e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) has high mortality owing to its aggressive nature. Tumor angiogenesis plays an essential role in the growth, invasion, and metastatic spread of GC. The aim of this work was to review the angiogenic biomarkers related to the behavior of GC, documented in the literature. A search of the PubMed database was conducted with the MeSH terms: “Stomach neoplasms/blood [MeSH] or stomach neoplasms/blood supply [MeSH] and angiogenic proteins/blood [Major]”. A total of 30 articles were initially collected, and 4 were subsequently excluded. Among the 26 articles collected, 16 examined the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), 4 studied endostatin, 3 investigated angiopoietin (Ang)-2, 2 studied the Ang-like protein 2 (ANGTPL2), and 1 each examined interleukin (IL)-12, IL-8, and hypoxia inducible factor. Regarding VEGF, 6 articles concluded that the protein was related to lymph node metastasis or distant metastases. Five articles concluded that VEGF levels were elevated in the presence of GC and decreased following tumor regression, suggesting that VEGF levels could be a predictor of recurrence. Four articles concluded that high VEGF levels were correlated with poor prognosis and lower survival rates. Ang-2 and ANGTPL2 were elevated in GC and associated with more aggressive disease. Endostatin was associated with intestinal GC. VEGF is the most extensively studied angiogenic factor. It is associated with the presence of neoplastic disease and lymph node metastasis. It appears to be a good biomarker for disease progression and remission, but not for diagnosis. The data regarding other biomarkers are inconclusive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Macedo
- Portuguese Oncology Institute Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Kátia Ladeira
- Portuguese Oncology Institute Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.; Life and Health Science Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Braga, Portugal
| | - Adhemar Longatto-Filho
- Life and Health Science Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Braga, Portugal.; Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil.; Laboratory of Medical Investigation 14, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra F Martins
- Life and Health Science Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Braga, Portugal.; Surgery Department, Coloproctology Unit, Braga Hospital, Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Poluzzi C, Iozzo RV, Schaefer L. Endostatin and endorepellin: A common route of action for similar angiostatic cancer avengers. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 97:156-73. [PMID: 26518982 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Traditional cancer therapy typically targets the tumor proper. However, newly-formed vasculature exerts a major role in cancer development and progression. Autophagy, as a biological mechanism for clearing damaged proteins and oxidative stress products released in the tumor milieu, could help in tumor resolution by rescuing cells undergoing modifications or inducing autophagic-cell death of tumor blood vessels. Cleaved fragments of extracellular matrix proteoglycans are emerging as key players in the modulation of angiogenesis and endothelial cell autophagy. An essential characteristic of cancer progression is the remodeling of the basement membrane and the release of processed forms of its constituents. Endostatin, generated from collagen XVIII, and endorepellin, the C-terminal segment of the large proteoglycan perlecan, possess a dual activity as modifiers of both angiogenesis and endothelial cell autophagy. Manipulation of these endogenously-processed forms, located in the basement membrane within tumors, could represent new therapeutic approaches for cancer eradication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Poluzzi
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Renato V Iozzo
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, and the Cancer Cell Biology and Signaling Program, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Liliana Schaefer
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|