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Li Y, Lin H, Hong H, Li D, Gong L, Zhao J, Wang Z, Wu Z. Multivalent Rhamnose-Modified EGFR-Targeting Nanobody Gains Enhanced Innate Fc Effector Immunity and Overcomes Cetuximab Resistance via Recruitment of Endogenous Antibodies. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307613. [PMID: 38286668 PMCID: PMC10987161 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Cetuximab resistance is a significant challenge in cancer treatment, requiring the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, a series of multivalent rhamnose (Rha)-modified nanobody conjugates are synthesized and their antitumor activities and their potential to overcome cetuximab resistance are investigated. Structure-activity relationship studies reveal that the multivalent conjugate D5, bearing sixteen Rha haptens, elicits the most potent innate fragment crystallizable (Fc) effector immunity in vitro and exhibits an excellent in vivo pharmacokinetics by recruiting endogenous antibodies. Notably, it is found that the optimal conjugate D5 represents a novel entity capable of reversing cetuximab-resistance induced by serine protease (PRSS). Moreover, in a xenograft mouse model, conjugate D5 exhibits significantly improved antitumor efficacy compared to unmodified nanobodies and cetuximab. The findings suggest that Rha-Nanobody (Nb) conjugates hold promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cetuximab-resistant tumors by enhancing the innate Fc effector immunity and enhancing the recruitment of endogenous antibodies to promote cancer cell clearance by innate immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Han Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Haofei Hong
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Dan Li
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Liang Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Jie Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Zheng Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Zhimeng Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
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2
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Zahavi DJ, Erbe R, Zhang YW, Guo T, Malchiodi ZX, Maynard R, Lekan A, Gallagher R, Wulfkuhle J, Petricoin E, Jablonski SA, Fertig EJ, Weiner LM. Antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity selection pressure induces diverse mechanisms of resistance. Cancer Biol Ther 2023; 24:2269637. [PMID: 37878417 PMCID: PMC10601508 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2269637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted monoclonal antibody therapy has emerged as a powerful therapeutic strategy for cancer. However, only a minority of patients have durable responses and the development of resistance remains a major clinical obstacle. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) represents a crucial therapeutic mechanism of action; however, few studies have explored ADCC resistance. Using multiple in vitro models of ADCC selection pressure, we have uncovered both shared and distinct resistance mechanisms. Persistent ADCC selection pressure yielded ADCC-resistant cells that are characterized by a loss of NK cell conjugation and this shared resistance phenotype is associated with cell-line dependent modulation of cell surface proteins that contribute to immune synapse formation and NK cell function. We employed single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomic screens to interrogate molecular mechanisms of resistance. We demonstrate that ADCC resistance involves upregulation of interferon/STAT1 and DNA damage response signaling as well as activation of the immunoproteasome. Here, we identify pathways that modulate ADCC sensitivity and report strategies to enhance ADCC-mediated elimination of cancer cells. ADCC resistance could not be reversed with combinatorial treatment approaches. Hence, our findings indicate that tumor cells utilize multiple strategies to inhibit NK cell mediated-ADCC. Future research and development of NK cell-based immunotherapies must incorporate plans to address or potentially prevent the induction of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Zahavi
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| | - Rossin Erbe
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Yong-Wei Zhang
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| | - Theresa Guo
- Department of Oncology, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, USA
| | - Zoe X. Malchiodi
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| | - Rachael Maynard
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| | - Alexander Lekan
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| | - Rosa Gallagher
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Fairfax, USA
| | - Julia Wulfkuhle
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Fairfax, USA
| | - Emanuel Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Fairfax, USA
| | - Sandra A. Jablonski
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| | - Elana J. Fertig
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Louis M. Weiner
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
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3
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Zaryouh H, De Pauw I, Baysal H, Melis J, Van den Bossche V, Hermans C, Lau HW, Lambrechts H, Merlin C, Corbet C, Peeters M, Vermorken JB, De Waele J, Lardon F, Wouters A. Establishment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma mouse models for cetuximab resistance and sensitivity. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:709-728. [PMID: 38239393 PMCID: PMC10792481 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Aim: Acquired resistance to the targeted agent cetuximab poses a significant challenge in finding effective anti-cancer treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). To accurately study novel combination treatments, suitable preclinical mouse models for cetuximab resistance are key yet currently limited. This study aimed to optimize an acquired cetuximab-resistant mouse model, with preservation of the innate immunity, ensuring intact antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) functionality. Methods: Cetuximab-sensitive and acquired-resistant HNSCC cell lines, generated in vitro, were subcutaneously engrafted in Rag2 knock-out (KO), BALB/c Nude and CB17 Scid mice with/without Matrigel or Geltrex. Once tumor growth was established, mice were intraperitoneally injected twice a week with cetuximab for a maximum of 3 weeks. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the tumor and its microenvironment. Results: Despite several adjustments in cell number, cell lines and the addition of Matrigel, Rag2 KO and BALB/C Nude mice proved to be unsuitable for xenografting our HNSCC cell lines. Durable tumor growth of resistant SC263-R cells could be induced in CB17 Scid mice. However, these cells had lost their resistance phenotype in vivo. Immunohistochemistry revealed a high infiltration of macrophages in cetuximab-treated SC263-R tumors. FaDu-S and FaDu-R cells successfully engrafted into CB17 Scid mice and maintained their sensitivity/resistance to cetuximab. Conclusion: We have established in vivo HNSCC mouse models with intact ADCC functionality for cetuximab resistance and sensitivity using the FaDu-R and FaDu-S cell lines, respectively. These models serve as valuable tools for investigating cetuximab resistance mechanisms and exploring novel drug combination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Zaryouh
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Ines De Pauw
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Hasan Baysal
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Jöran Melis
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Valentin Van den Bossche
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels B-1200, Belgium
- Institut Roi Albert II, Department of Medical Oncology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels B-1200, Belgium
| | - Christophe Hermans
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Ho Wa Lau
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Hilde Lambrechts
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Céline Merlin
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Cyril Corbet
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels B-1200, Belgium
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem 2650, Belgium
| | - Jan Baptist Vermorken
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem 2650, Belgium
| | - Jorrit De Waele
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- The authors contributed equally
| | - An Wouters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- The authors contributed equally
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Brandt A, Thiele B, Schultheiß C, Daetwyler E, Binder M. Circulating Tumor DNA in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2051. [PMID: 37046721 PMCID: PMC10093741 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072051] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors shed cell-free DNA (cfDNA) into the plasma. "Liquid biopsies" are a diagnostic test to analyze cfDNA in order to detect minimal residual cancer, profile the genomic tumor landscape, and monitor cancers non-invasively over time. This technique may be useful in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) due to genetic tumor heterogeneity and limitations in imaging sensitivity. However, there are technical challenges that need to be overcome for the widespread use of liquid biopsy in the clinical management of these patients. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of HNSCC genetics and the role of cfDNA genomic analyses as an emerging precision diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brandt
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Thiele
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schultheiß
- Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Straße 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Eveline Daetwyler
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mascha Binder
- Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Straße 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
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5
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Palumbo C, Benvenuto M, Focaccetti C, Albonici L, Cifaldi L, Rufini A, Nardozi D, Angiolini V, Bei A, Masuelli L, Bei R. Recent findings on the impact of ErbB receptors status on prognosis and therapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1066021. [PMID: 36817764 PMCID: PMC9932042 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1066021] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer type, has often an aggressive course and is poorly responsive to current therapeutic approaches, so that 5-year survival rates for patients diagnosed with advanced disease is lower than 50%. The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) has emerged as an established oncogene in HNSCC. Indeed, although HNSCCs are a heterogeneous group of cancers which differ for histological, molecular and clinical features, EGFR is overexpressed or mutated in a percentage of cases up to about 90%. Moreover, aberrant expression of the other members of the ErbB receptor family, ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4, has also been reported in variable proportions of HNSCCs. Therefore, an increased expression/activity of one or multiple ErbB receptors is found in the vast majority of patients with HNSCC. While aberrant ErbB signaling has long been known to play a critical role in tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion, metastatization and resistance to therapy, more recent evidence has revealed its impact on other features of cancer cells' biology, such as the ability to evade antitumor immunity. In this paper we will review recent findings on how ErbB receptors expression and activity, including that associated with non-canonical signaling mechanisms, impacts on prognosis and therapy of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Palumbo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy,Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Albonici
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy,Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rufini
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy,Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Nardozi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Angiolini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Bei
- Medical School, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy,*Correspondence: Roberto Bei,
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Gene polymorphisms and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2022; 27:1045-1057. [PMID: 36632296 PMCID: PMC9826662 DOI: 10.5603/rpor.a2022.0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are associated with variable prognosis even with similar clinical characteristics and treatments. Gene polymorphisms have been suggested as prognostic factors for HNSCC which can justified this variable prognosis. So, the aim was to review literatures on gene polymorphisms and prognosis of HNSCCs. Materials and methods A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Web of science, SCOPUS, Google Scholar and Cochrane library databases to find all related articles published up to December 2021 in the field of gene polymorphisms and HNSCC prognosis. Results Of 1029 initial searched articles, 71 articles were selected for inclusion in this systematic review. About 93 genes and 204 polymorphisms have been discussed in these articles. Among the most studied polymorphisms, the XRCC1 Arg399Gln and Arg194Trp polymorphisms were not associated with survival in most studies; the ERCC1 C19007T polymorphism had no significant association in any of the studies. Different gene polymorphisms of glutathione s-transferase family, including GSTM1 deletion, GSTT1 deletion and GSTP1 A313G, were not associated with survival in included studies. There are conflicting results regarding the association between polymorphisms such as ERCC2 A35931C, Asp312Asn, ERCC5 rs1047768 and rs17655 with HNSCC prognosis. Less studied polymorphisms, such as hOGG1 rs1052133 or the VEGF rs699947, were generally not associated with HNSCC prognosis. Conclusion Reviewed articles reported varied and contradictory results regarding the association of gene polymorphisms and HNSCC prognosis, which necessitates further studies along with meta-analysis on the results of such studies.
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Zhuang X, Wang Z, Fan J, Bai X, Xu Y, Chou JJ, Hou T, Chen S, Pan L. Structure-guided and phage-assisted evolution of a therapeutic anti-EGFR antibody to reverse acquired resistance. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4431. [PMID: 35907884 PMCID: PMC9338999 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32159-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired resistance to cetuximab in colorectal cancers is partially mediated by the acquisition of mutations located in the cetuximab epitope in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ectodomain and hinders the clinical application of cetuximab. We develop a structure-guided and phage-assisted evolution approach for cetuximab evolution to reverse EGFRS492R- or EGFRG465R-driven resistance without altering the binding epitope or undermining antibody efficacy. Two evolved cetuximab variants, Ctx-VY and Ctx-Y104D, exhibit a restored binding ability with EGFRS492R, which harbors the most common resistance substitution, S492R. Ctx-W52D exhibits restored binding with EGFR harboring another common cetuximab resistance substitution, G465R (EGFRG465R). All the evolved cetuximab variants effectively inhibit EGFR activation and downstream signaling and induce the internalization and degradation of EGFRS492R and EGFRG465R as well as EGFRWT. The evolved cetuximab variants (Ctx-VY, Ctx-Y104D and Ctx-W52D) with one or two amino acid substitutions in the complementarity-determining region inherit the optimized physical and chemical properties of cetuximab to a great extent, thus ensuring their druggability. Our data collectively show that structure-guided and phage-assisted evolution is an efficient and general approach for reversing receptor mutation-mediated resistance to therapeutic antibody drugs. Acquired resistance to cetuximab can be mediated by generation of mutations in the EGFR ectodomain. Here the authors report a structure-guided and phage-assisted evolution approach for cetuximab evolution to reverse resistance without altering the binding epitope or undermining antibody efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Zhuang
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiansheng Fan
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xuefei Bai
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yingchun Xu
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - James J Chou
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shuqing Chen
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China. .,Department of Precision Medicine on Tumor Therapeutics, ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, 311200, China.
| | - Liqiang Pan
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China. .,The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China. .,Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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8
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Cserepes M, Nelhűbel GA, Meilinger-Dobra M, Herczeg A, Türk D, Hegedűs Z, Svajda L, Rásó E, Ladányi A, Csikó KG, Kenessey I, Szöőr Á, Vereb G, Remenár É, Tóvári J. EGFR R521K Polymorphism Is Not a Major Determinant of Clinical Cetuximab Resistance in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102407. [PMID: 35626010 PMCID: PMC9140151 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are among the most abundant malignancies worldwide. Patients with recurrent/metastatic disease undergo combination chemotherapy containing cetuximab, the monoclonal antibody used against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Cetuximab augments the effect of chemotherapy; however, a significant number of patients show therapy resistance. The mechanism of resistance is yet to be unveiled, although extracellular alterations of the receptor have been reported, and their role in cetuximab failure has been proposed. Aims: Here, we investigate possible effects of the multi-exon deletion variant (EGFRvIII), and the single nucleotide polymorphism EGFR R521K on cetuximab efficacy. Results: Our results show that in HNSCC patients, the EGFRvIII allele frequency is under 1%; therefore, it cannot lead to common resistance. EGFR R521K, present in 42% of the patients, is investigated in vitro in four HNSCC cell lines (two wild-type and two heterozygous for EGFR R521K). While no direct effect is found to be related to the EGFR status, cells harboring R521K show a reduced sensitivity in ADCC experiments and in vivo xenograft experiments. However, this preclinical difference is not reflected in the progression-free or overall survival of HNSCC patients. Furthermore, NK cell and macrophage presence in tumors is not related to EGFR R521K. Discussion: Our results suggest that EGFR R521K, unlike reported previously, is unable to cause cetuximab resistance in HNSCC patients; therefore, its screening before therapy selection is not justifiable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihály Cserepes
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Ráth György utca 7-9, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.C.); (G.A.N.); (D.T.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (I.K.)
| | - Györgyi A. Nelhűbel
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Ráth György utca 7-9, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.C.); (G.A.N.); (D.T.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Mónika Meilinger-Dobra
- The Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Center, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.M.-D.); (A.H.); (É.R.)
| | - Adrienn Herczeg
- The Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Center, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.M.-D.); (A.H.); (É.R.)
| | - Dóra Türk
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Ráth György utca 7-9, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.C.); (G.A.N.); (D.T.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Zita Hegedűs
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Ráth György utca 7-9, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.C.); (G.A.N.); (D.T.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Laura Svajda
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Ráth György utca 7-9, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.C.); (G.A.N.); (D.T.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Erzsébet Rásó
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, H-1091 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Andrea Ladányi
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (I.K.)
- Department of Surgical and Molecular Pathology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kristóf György Csikó
- Department of Chest and Abdominal Tumors and Clinical Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - István Kenessey
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (I.K.)
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, H-1091 Budapest, Hungary;
- Hungarian Cancer Registry, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Árpád Szöőr
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Á.S.); (G.V.)
| | - György Vereb
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Á.S.); (G.V.)
| | - Éva Remenár
- The Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Center, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.M.-D.); (A.H.); (É.R.)
| | - József Tóvári
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Ráth György utca 7-9, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.C.); (G.A.N.); (D.T.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (I.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-1-224-8778; Fax: +36-1-224-8724
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9
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Secomandi E, Salwa A, Vidoni C, Ferraresi A, Follo C, Isidoro C. High Expression of the Lysosomal Protease Cathepsin D Confers Better Prognosis in Neuroblastoma Patients by Contrasting EGF-Induced Neuroblastoma Cell Growth. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4782. [PMID: 35563171 PMCID: PMC9101173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a malignant extracranial solid tumor arising from the sympathoadrenal lineage of the neural crest and is often associated with N-MYC amplification. Cathepsin D has been associated with chemoresistance in N-MYC-overexpressing neuroblastomas. Increased EGFR expression also has been associated with the aggressive behavior of neuroblastomas. This work aimed to understand the mechanisms linking EGFR stimulation and cathepsin D expression with neuroblastoma progression and prognosis. Gene correlation analysis in pediatric neuroblastoma patients revealed that individuals bearing a high EGFR transcript level have a good prognosis only when CTSD (the gene coding for the lysosomal protease Cathepsin D, CD) is highly expressed. Low CTSD expression was associated with poor clinical outcome. CTSD expression was negatively correlated with CCNB2, CCNA2, CDK1 and CDK6 genes involved in cell cycle division. We investigated the biochemical pathways downstream to EGFR stimulation in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells engineered for overexpressing or silencing of CD expression. Cathepsin D overexpression decreased the proliferative potential of neuroblastoma cells through downregulation of the pro-oncogenic MAPK signaling pathway. EGFR stimulation downregulated cathepsin D expression, thus favoring cell cycle division. Our data suggest that chemotherapeutics that inhibit the EGFR pathway, along with stimulators of cathepsin D synthesis and activity, could benefit neuroblastoma prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “A. Avogadro”, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (E.S.); (A.S.); (C.V.); (A.F.); (C.F.)
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10
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Manevich L, Okita Y, Okano Y, Sugasawa T, Kawanishi K, Poullikkas T, Dang Cao LTL, Zheng L, Nakayama M, Matsumoto S, Tabuchi K, Kato M. Glycoprotein NMB promotes tumor formation and malignant progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:3244-3254. [PMID: 35365934 PMCID: PMC9459245 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), although one of the most common head and neck cancers, has a static or slightly decreased survival rate because of difficulties in early diagnosis, lack of effective molecular targeting therapy, and severe dysfunction after radical surgical treatments. Therefore, a novel therapeutic target is crucial to increase treatment efficacy and survival rates in these patients. Glycoprotein NMB (GPNMB), whose role in LSCC remains elusive, is a type 1 transmembrane protein involved in malignant progression of various cancers, and its high expression is thought to be a poor prognostic factor. In this study, we showed that GPNMB expression levels in LSCC samples are significantly higher than those in normal tissues, and GPNMB expression is observed mostly in growth‐arrested cancer cells. Furthermore, knockdown of GPNMB reduces monolayer cellular proliferation, cellular migration, and tumorigenic growth, while GPNMB protein displays an inverse relationship with Ki‐67 levels. Therefore, we conclude that GPNMB may be an attractive target for future LSCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lev Manevich
- Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yukari Okita
- Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Division of Cell Dynamics, Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Okano
- Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takehito Sugasawa
- Laboratory of Sports Medicine, Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kunio Kawanishi
- Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Thanasis Poullikkas
- Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Human Biology, School of integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Linda T L Dang Cao
- Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Ph.D. Program in Humanics, School of Integrative and Global Majors (SIGMA), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Life and Science Center of Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ling Zheng
- Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nakayama
- Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shin Matsumoto
- Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Keiji Tabuchi
- Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Mitsuyasu Kato
- Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Division of Cell Dynamics, Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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11
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EGFR Mutations in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073818. [PMID: 35409179 PMCID: PMC8999014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
EGFR is a prototypical receptor tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed in multiple cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The standard of care for HNSCC remains largely unchanged despite decades of research. While EGFR blockade is an attractive target in HNSCC patients and anti-EGFR strategies including monoclonal antibodies and kinase inhibitors have shown some clinical benefit, efficacy is often due to the eventual development of resistance. In this review, we discuss how the acquisition of mutations in various domains of the EGFR gene not only alter drug binding dynamics giving rise to resistance, but also how mutations can impact radiation response and overall survival in HNSCC patients. A better understanding of the EGFR mutational landscape and its dynamic effects on treatment resistance hold the potential to better stratify patients for targeted therapies in order to maximize therapeutic benefits.
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12
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Clinical utility of PDX cohorts to reveal biomarkers of intrinsic resistance and clonal architecture changes underlying acquired resistance to cetuximab in HNSCC. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:73. [PMID: 35260570 PMCID: PMC8904860 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00908-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cetuximab is a widely used drug for treating head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs); however, it provides restricted clinical benefits, and its response duration is limited by drug resistance. Here, we conducted randomized “Phase II-like clinical trials” of 49 HNSCC PDX models and reveal multiple informative biomarkers for intrinsic resistance to cetuximab (e.g., amplification of ANKH, up-regulation of PARP3). After validating these intrinsic resistance biomarkers in another HNSCC PDX cohort (61 PDX models), we generated acquired cetuximab resistance PDX models and analyzed them to uncover resistance mechanisms. Whole exome sequencing and transcriptome sequencing revealed diverse patterns of clonal selection in acquired resistant PDXs, including the emergence of subclones with strongly activated RAS/MAPK. Extending these insights, we show that a combination of a RAC1/RAC3 dual-target inhibitor and cetuximab could overcome acquired cetuximab resistance in vitro and in vivo. Beyond revealing intrinsic resistance biomarkers, our PDX-based study shows how clonal architecture changes underlying acquired resistance can be targeted to expand the therapeutic utility of this important drug to more HNSCC patients.
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13
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Selvan SR, Brichetti JA, Thurber DB, Botting GM, Bertenshaw GP. Functional Profiling of Head and Neck/Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma to Predict Cetuximab Response. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2021. [PMID: 34846938 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2021.0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cetuximab, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting antibody, remains the only Food and Drug Administration-approved targeted therapy for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of head and neck/esophagus. However, in clinical trials, cetuximab only benefited a subset of patients and frequently caused toxicity. Predicting which patients respond to cetuximab remains unsolved. The authors sought to identify predictive biomarkers in EGFR signaling and autophagy pathways, which may be impacted by cetuximab under certain treatment conditions. Methods: In vitro responses of SCC cell lines to cetuximab under various nutrient conditions were assessed by WST-8 growth assay. Functional profiles of several EGFR signaling biomarkers were investigated by Luminex-based assays and corroborated with immunoblots. Autophagy markers were analyzed with immunoblots. Results: In vitro growth response assays identified cetuximab responder and nonresponder cell lines. Optimal growth conditions and growth factors enhanced responses, and even reversed nonresponsiveness in some cell lines. Strong correlation was found between response in growth assays (reference assay) and dynamic changes in p-Erk1/2 and LC3-II (index assays). Conclusions: This study indicates that nutrient modification may enhance cetuximab response in SCC patients. Biomarker results strengthen the hypothesis that dynamic biomarkers can be used to predict patient response to cetuximab. Future studies are warranted to test in more complex samples including patient-derived tumor tissues.
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14
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Pani S, Mohapatra S, Sahoo A, Baral B, Debata PR. Shifting of cell cycle arrest from the S-phase to G2/M phase and downregulation of EGFR expression by phytochemical combinations in HeLa cervical cancer cells. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2021; 36:e22947. [PMID: 34726804 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a major human papillomavirus-related disease and is the fourth leading cause of death by cancer among women. Plants are an important source of anticancer compounds and many of them are currently used in the treatment of cancer. Several reports suggest the efficacy of plant-derived compounds increases when used in combination. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of four plant-derived compounds such as curcumin (C), ellagic acid (E), quercetin (Q), and resveratrol (R) when used alone or in combinations using HeLa cervical cancer cells. All four phytocompounds showed effective cytotoxic activities in targeting HeLa cervical cancer cells as determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium assay. The selected phytocompound combinations C + E, C + Q, and Q + R work synergistically while the combination C + R shows additive effects. All four phytocompounds reduce cell migration as determined by in vitro wound-healing assay. The expression level of the epidermal growth factor receptor is significantly downregulated both in individual and combination. The flow cytometry analysis of cell cycle indicates that individual drugs curcumin, ellagic acid, quercetin, and resveratrol, each with 20 µM effectively arrested cell cycle at the S-phase while the combination of drugs (10 + 10 µM) at the G2/M phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Pani
- P. G. Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India
| | | | - Amrita Sahoo
- P. G. Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India
| | - Budhadev Baral
- P. G. Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India
| | - Priya R Debata
- P. G. Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India
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15
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Hatanaka Y, Niinuma T, Kitajima H, Nishiyama K, Maruyama R, Ishiguro K, Toyota M, Yamamoto E, Kai M, Yorozu A, Sekiguchi S, Ogi K, Dehari H, Idogawa M, Sasaki Y, Tokino T, Miyazaki A, Suzuki H. DLEU1 promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma progression by activating interferon-stimulated genes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20438. [PMID: 34650128 PMCID: PMC8516910 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99736-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are deeply involved in cancer development. We previously reported that DLEU1 (deleted in lymphocytic leukemia 1) is one of the lncRNAs overexpressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells, where it exhibits oncogenic activity. In the present study, we further clarified the molecular function of DLEU1 in the pathogenesis of OSCC. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis revealed that DLEU1 knockdown induced significant changes in the levels of histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac) in OSCC cells. Notably, DLEU1 knockdown suppressed levels of H3K4me3/ H3K27ac and expression of a number of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), including IFIT1, IFI6 and OAS1, while ectopic DLEU1 expression activated these genes. Western blot analysis and reporter assays suggested that DLEU1 upregulates ISGs through activation of JAK-STAT signaling in OSCC cells. Moreover, IFITM1, one of the ISGs induced by DLUE1, was frequently overexpressed in primary OSCC tumors, and its knockdown inhibited OSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. These findings suggest that DLEU1 exerts its oncogenic effects, at least in part, through activation of a series ISGs in OSCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yui Hatanaka
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1, W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Takeshi Niinuma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1, W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kitajima
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1, W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Koyo Nishiyama
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Reo Maruyama
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuya Ishiguro
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1, W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Toyota
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1, W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Eiichiro Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1, W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1, W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Akira Yorozu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1, W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan.,Department of Otolaryngology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shohei Sekiguchi
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1, W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ogi
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hironari Dehari
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masashi Idogawa
- Department of Medical Genome Science, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Sasaki
- Biology Division, Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Center for Medical Education, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takashi Tokino
- Department of Medical Genome Science, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Miyazaki
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiromu Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1, W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan.
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16
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Baysal H, De Pauw I, Zaryouh H, Peeters M, Vermorken JB, Lardon F, De Waele J, Wouters A. The Right Partner in Crime: Unlocking the Potential of the Anti-EGFR Antibody Cetuximab via Combination With Natural Killer Cell Chartering Immunotherapeutic Strategies. Front Immunol 2021; 12:737311. [PMID: 34557197 PMCID: PMC8453198 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.737311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cetuximab has an established role in the treatment of patients with recurrent/metastatic colorectal cancer and head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). However, the long-term effectiveness of cetuximab has been limited by the development of acquired resistance, leading to tumor relapse. By contrast, immunotherapies can elicit long-term tumor regression, but the overall response rates are much more limited. In addition to epidermal growth factor (EGFR) inhibition, cetuximab can activate natural killer (NK) cells to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). In view of the above, there is an unmet need for the majority of patients that are treated with both monotherapy cetuximab and immunotherapy. Accumulated evidence from (pre-)clinical studies suggests that targeted therapies can have synergistic antitumor effects through combination with immunotherapy. However, further optimizations, aimed towards illuminating the multifaceted interplay, are required to avoid toxicity and to achieve better therapeutic effectiveness. The current review summarizes existing (pre-)clinical evidence to provide a rationale supporting the use of combined cetuximab and immunotherapy approaches in patients with different types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Baysal
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ines De Pauw
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hannah Zaryouh
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Jan Baptist Vermorken
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jorrit De Waele
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - An Wouters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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17
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Kleszcz R, Skalski M, Krajka-Kuźniak V, Paluszczak J. The inhibitors of KDM4 and KDM6 histone lysine demethylases enhance the anti-growth effects of erlotinib and HS-173 in head and neck cancer cells. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 166:105961. [PMID: 34363938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Novel therapeutics are required to improve treatment outcomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Histone lysine demethylases (KDM) have emerged recently as new potential drug targets for HNSCC therapy. They might also potentiate the action of the inhibitors of EGFR and PI3K signaling pathways. This study aimed at evaluating the anti-cancer effects of KDM4 (ML324) and KDM6 (GSK-J4) inhibitors and their combinations with EGFR (erlotinib) and PI3K (HS-173) inhibitors in HNSCC cells. The effect of the inhibitors on the viability of CAL27 and FaDu cells was evaluated using resazurin assay. The effect of the chemicals on cell cycle and apoptosis was assessed using propidium iodide and Annexin V staining, respectively. The effect of the compounds on gene expression was determined using qPCR and Western blot. The changes in cell cycle distribution upon treatment with the compounds were small to moderate, with the exception of erlotinib, which induced G1 arrest. However, all the compounds and their combinations induced apoptosis in both cell lines. These effects were associated with changes in the level of expression of CDKN1A, CCND1 and BIRC5. The inhibition of KDM4 and KDM6 using ML324 and GSK-J4, respectively, can be regarded as a novel therapeutic strategy in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kleszcz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznań, Poland
| | - Marcin Skalski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznań, Poland
| | - Violetta Krajka-Kuźniak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jarosław Paluszczak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznań, Poland.
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18
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Perrotti V, Caponio VCA, Mascitti M, Lo Muzio L, Piattelli A, Rubini C, Capone E, Sala G. Therapeutic Potential of Antibody-Drug Conjugate-Based Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3126. [PMID: 34206707 PMCID: PMC8269333 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are designed to deliver potent cytotoxic agents into tumor tissues. During the last two decades, a plethora of ADCs have been successfully developed and used for several indications, including hematologic and solid tumors. In this work, we systematically reviewed the progress in ADC development for the treatment of HNC. METHODS This review was registered in PROSPERO database. A comprehensive search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science database. RESULTS In total, 19 studies were included. Due to the significant heterogeneity of the outcome measures, meta-analysis was not performed, and data were summarized in tables. HNC results are poorly represented in the cohorts of completed clinical trials; published data are mostly focused on safety evaluation rather than efficacy of ADCs. CONCLUSIONS Although several novel agents against a wide range of different antigens were investigated, showing promising results at a preclinical level, most of the targets reported in this review are not specific for HNC; hence, the development of ADCs tailored for the HNC phenotype could open up new therapeutic perspectives. Moreover, the results from the present systematic review call attention to how limited is the application of current clinical trials in HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Perrotti
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Gabriele d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Vito Carlo Alberto Caponio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy; (V.C.A.C.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Marco Mascitti
- Department of Clinical Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Lo Muzio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy; (V.C.A.C.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Adriano Piattelli
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Gabriele d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Fondazione Villa Serena per la Ricerca, Città S. Angelo, 65121 Pescara, Italy
- Casa di Cura Villa Serena, Città S. Angelo, 65121 Pescara, Italy
| | - Corrado Rubini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Emily Capone
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (E.C.); (G.S.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Via Polacchi 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Gianluca Sala
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (E.C.); (G.S.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Via Polacchi 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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19
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Abstract
Song and colleagues describe how N-glycans stabilize expression of checkpoint molecule B7-H4 that suppresses T-cell function. Inhibiting N-glycan stabilization of B7-H4 generates an immune hot cancer that is more responsive to combination therapies.See related article by Song et al., p. 1872.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver M T Pearce
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Heinz Läubli
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and Division of Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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20
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Nelhűbel GA, Cserepes M, Szabó B, Türk D, Kárpáti A, Kenessey I, Rásó E, Barbai T, Hegedűs Z, László V, Szokol B, Dobos J, Őrfi L, Tóvári J. EGFR Alterations Influence the Cetuximab Treatment Response and c-MET Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitor Sensitivity in Experimental Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:620256. [PMID: 34257586 PMCID: PMC8262169 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.620256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Anti-EGFR antibody therapy is still one of the clinical choices in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, but the emergence of cetuximab resistance questioned its effectiveness and reduced its applicability. Although several possible reasons of resistance against the antibody treatment and alternative therapeutic proposals have been described (EGFR alterations, activation of other signaling pathways), there is no method to predict the effectiveness of anti-EGFR antibody treatments and to suggest novel therapeutics. Our study investigated the effect of EGFR R521K alteration on efficiency of cetuximab therapy of HNSCC cell lines and tried to find alternative therapeutic approaches against the resistant cells. Methods: After genetic characterization of HNSCC cells, we chose one wild type and one R521K+ cell line for in vitro proliferation and apoptosis tests, and in vivo animal models using different therapeutic agents. Results: Although the cetuximab treatment affected EGFR signalization in both cells, it did not alter in vitro cell proliferation or apoptosis. In vivo cetuximab therapy was also ineffective on R521K harboring tumor xenografts, while blocked the tumor growth of EGFR-wild type xenografts. Interestingly, the cetuximab-resistant R521K tumors were successfully treated with c-MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor SU11274. Conclusion: Our results suggest that HNSCC cell line expressing the R521K mutant form of EGFR does not respond well to cetuximab treatment in vitro or in vivo, but hopefully might be targeted by c-MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Györgyi A Nelhűbel
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.,2 Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mihály Cserepes
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Szabó
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Türk
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adél Kárpáti
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Kenessey
- 2 Institute of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Hungarian Cancer Registry, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Rásó
- 2 Institute of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Barbai
- 2 Institute of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zita Hegedűs
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktória László
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Tumor Biology, National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | | | - József Tóvári
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
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21
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Zaryouh H, De Pauw I, Baysal H, Peeters M, Vermorken JB, Lardon F, Wouters A. Recent insights in the PI3K/Akt pathway as a promising therapeutic target in combination with EGFR-targeting agents to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:112-155. [PMID: 33928670 DOI: 10.1002/med.21806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to therapies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), such as cetuximab, remains a major roadblock in the search for effective therapeutic strategies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Due to its close interaction with the EGFR pathway, redundant or compensatory activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway has been proposed as a major driver of resistance to EGFR inhibitors. Understanding the role of each of the main proteins involved in this pathway is utterly important to develop rational combination strategies able to circumvent resistance. Therefore, the current work reviewed the role of PI3K/Akt pathway proteins, including Ras, PI3K, tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensing homolog, Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin in resistance to anti-EGFR treatment in HNSCC. In addition, we summarize PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitors that are currently under (pre)clinical investigation with focus on overcoming resistance to EGFR inhibitors. In conclusion, genomic alterations in and/or overexpression of one or more of these proteins are common in both human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC tumors. Therefore, downstream effectors of the PI3K/Akt pathway serve as promising drug targets in the search for novel therapeutic strategies that are able to overcome resistance to anti-EGFR treatment. Co-targeting EGFR and the PI3K/Akt pathway can lead to synergistic drug interactions, possibly restoring sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors and hereby improving clinical efficacy. Better understanding of the predictive value of PI3K/Akt pathway alterations is needed to allow the identification of patient populations that might benefit most from these combination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Zaryouh
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ines De Pauw
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hasan Baysal
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jan Baptist Vermorken
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - An Wouters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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22
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Fasano M, Della Corte CM, Viscardi G, Di Liello R, Paragliola F, Sparano F, Iacovino ML, Castrichino A, Doria F, Sica A, Morgillo F, Colella G, Tartaro G, Cappabianca S, Testa D, Motta G, Ciardiello F. Head and neck cancer: the role of anti-EGFR agents in the era of immunotherapy. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2021; 13:1758835920949418. [PMID: 33767760 PMCID: PMC7953226 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920949418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNC) represent the seventh most frequent cancer worldwide, with squamous cell carcinomas as the most frequent histologic subtype. Standard treatment for early stage diseases is represented by single modality surgery or radiotherapy, whereas in the locally advanced and recurrent or metastatic settings a more aggressive multi-modal approach is needed with locoregional intervention and/or systemic therapies. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in HNC biology and has been studied extensively in preclinical and clinical settings. In this scenario, anti-EGFR targeted agent cetuximab, introduced in clinical practice a decade ago, represents the only approved targeted therapy to date, while the development of immune-checkpoint inhibitors has recently changed the available treatment options. In this review, we focus on the current role of anti-EGFR therapies in HNCs, underlying available clinical data and mechanisms of resistance, and highlight future perspectives regarding their role in the era of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morena Fasano
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli. Via Sergio Pansini 5, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Carminia Maria Della Corte
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Viscardi
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Raimondo Di Liello
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Fernando Paragliola
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Sparano
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Iacovino
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Doria
- Centro radiologico Vega, Centro radiologico fisica e terapia fisica Morrone, Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonello Sica
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Floriana Morgillo
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Colella
- Maxillo-Facial Surgery Department, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tartaro
- Maxillo-Facial Surgery Department, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cappabianca
- Department of Precision Medicine, Radiology Unit, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Testa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Surgical and Emergency Science, Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Unit, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Motta
- Department of Anesthesiology, Surgical and Emergency Science, Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Unit, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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23
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de Kort WWB, Spelier S, Devriese LA, van Es RJJ, Willems SM. Predictive Value of EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR-Pathway Inhibitor Biomarkers for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 25:123-136. [PMID: 33686517 PMCID: PMC7956931 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-021-00518-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding molecular pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) has considerably improved in the last decades. As a result, novel therapeutic strategies have evolved, amongst which are epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapies. With the exception of cetuximab, targeted therapies for HNSCC have not yet been introduced into clinical practice. One important aspect of new treatment regimes in clinical practice is presence of robust biomarkers predictive for therapy response. METHODS We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library. Articles were included if they investigated a biomarker for targeted therapy in the EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR-pathway. RESULTS Of 83 included articles, 52 were preclinical and 33 were clinical studies (two studies contained both a preclinical and a clinical part). We classified EGFR pathway inhibitor types and investigated the type of biomarker (biomarker on epigenetic, DNA, mRNA or protein level). CONCLUSION Several EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR-pathway inhibitor biomarkers have been researched for HNSCC but few of the investigated biomarkers have been adequately confirmed in clinical trials. A more systematic approach is needed to discover proper biomarkers as stratifying patients is essential to prevent unnecessary costs and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. W. B. de Kort
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S. Spelier
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L. A. Devriese
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R. J. J. van Es
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Utrecht Cancer Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S. M. Willems
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Groningen, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
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24
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Ortiz-Cuaran S, Bouaoud J, Karabajakian A, Fayette J, Saintigny P. Precision Medicine Approaches to Overcome Resistance to Therapy in Head and Neck Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 11:614332. [PMID: 33718169 PMCID: PMC7947611 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.614332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most incident cancer worldwide. More than half of HNSCC patients experience locoregional or distant relapse to treatment despite aggressive multimodal therapeutic approaches that include surgical resection, radiation therapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Before the arrival of immunotherapy, systemic chemotherapy was previously employed as the standard first-line protocol with an association of cisplatin or carboplatin plus 5-fluorouracil plus cetuximab (anti-EFGR antibody). Unfortunately, acquisition of therapy resistance is common in patients with HNSCC and often results in local and distant failure. Despite our better understanding of HNSCC biology, no other molecular-targeted agent has been approved for HNSCC. In this review, we outline the mechanisms of resistance to the therapeutic strategies currently used in HNSCC, discuss combination treatment strategies to overcome them, and summarize the therapeutic regimens that are presently being evaluated in early- and late-phase clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ortiz-Cuaran
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jebrane Bouaoud
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Stomatology, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Pierre et Marie Curie University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Andy Karabajakian
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Jérôme Fayette
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Saintigny
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
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25
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Gel-Free 3D Tumoroids with Stem Cell Properties Modeling Drug Resistance to Cisplatin and Imatinib in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020344. [PMID: 33562088 PMCID: PMC7914642 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Researchers have developed several three-dimensional (3D) culture systems, including spheroids, organoids, and tumoroids with increased properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs), also called cancer-initiating cells (CICs). Drug resistance is a crucial issue involving recurrence in cancer patients. Many studies on anti-cancer drugs have been reported using 2D culture systems, whereas 3D cultured tumoroids have many advantages for assessing drug sensitivity and resistance. Here, we aimed to investigate whether Cisplatin (a DNA crosslinker), Imatinib (a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor), and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU: an antimetabolite) alter the tumoroid growth of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Gene expression signatures of highly metastatic aggregative CRC (LuM1 cells) vs. low-metastatic, non-aggregative CRC (Colon26 and NM11 cells) were analyzed using microarray. To establish a 3D culture-based multiplexing reporter assay system, LuM1 was stably transfected with the Mmp9 promoter-driven ZsGreen fluorescence reporter gene, which was designated as LuM1/m9 cells and cultured in NanoCulture Plate®, a gel-free 3D culture device. LuM1 cells highly expressed mRNA encoding ABCG2 (a drug resistance pump, i.e., CSC/CIC marker), other CSC/CIC markers (DLL1, EpCAM, podoplanin, STAT3/5), pluripotent stem cell markers (Sox4/7, N-myc, GATA3, Nanog), and metastatic markers (MMPs, Integrins, EGFR), compared to the other two cell types. Hoechst efflux stem cell-like side population was increased in LuM1 (7.8%) compared with Colon26 (2.9%), both of which were markedly reduced by verapamil treatment, an ABCG2 inhibitor. Smaller cell aggregates of LuM1 were more sensitive to Cisplatin (at 10 μM), whereas larger tumoroids with increased ABCG2 expression were insensitive. Notably, Cisplatin (2 μM) and Imatinib (10 μM) at low concentrations significantly promoted tumoroid formation (cell aggregation) and increased Mmp9 promoter activity in mCRC LuM1/m9, while not cytotoxic to them. On the other hand, 5-FU significantly inhibited tumoroid growth, although not completely. Thus, drug resistance in cancer with increased stem cell properties was modeled using the gel-free 3D cultured tumoroid system. The tumoroid culture is useful and easily accessible for the assessment of drug sensitivity and resistance.
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26
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Low JL, Lau DP, Zhang X, Kwang XL, Rohatgi N, Chan JV, Chong FT, Wong SQR, Leong HS, Thangavelu MT, Rikka S, Skanderup AMJ, Tan DSW, Periyasamy G, Koh JLY, Iyer NG, DasGupta R. A chemical genetic screen identifies Aurora kinases as a therapeutic target in EGFR T790M negative, gefitinib-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). EBioMedicine 2021; 64:103220. [PMID: 33529999 PMCID: PMC7851772 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and downstream pathway activation appears to be a common oncogenic driver in the majority of head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCCs); yet targeting EGFR for the treatment of HNSCC has met with limited success. Apart from the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab, no small molecule EGFR/tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have progressed to routine clinical use. The aim of this study was to determine factors contributing to the lack of response to TKIs and identify alternative therapeutic vulnerabilities. METHODS Genomic and transcriptomic sequencing, high-throughput compound screens, overexpression and siRNA knockdown, western blot, in vivo xenograft studies. FINDINGS We derived three pairs of isogenic gefitinib (TKI)-sensitive and resistant patient-derived HNSCC cell lines. Genomic sequencing of gefitinib-resistant cell lines identified a lack of activating and resistance-associated EGFR mutations. Instead, transcriptomic sequencing showed upregulated EMT gene signature in the gefitinib-resistant cells with a corresponding increase in their migratory phenotype. Additionally, the resistant cell displayed reduced growth rate. Surprisingly, while gefitinib-resistant cells were independent of EGFR for survival, they nonetheless displayed activation of downstream ERK and AKT signalling. High-throughput screening (HTS) of druggable, small molecule libraries revealed that the gefitinib-resistant cells were particularly sensitive to inhibitors of genes involved in cell cycle and mitosis, such as Aurora kinase inhibitors (AKIs), cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors, and microtubule inhibitors. Notably our results showed that in the EGFR inhibited state, Aurora kinases are essential for cell survival. INTERPRETATION Our study demonstrates that in the absence of activating EGFR mutations, HNSCCs may gain resistance to gefitinib through decreased cell proliferation, which makes them exceptionally vulnerable to cell-cycle inhibitors. FUNDING Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), National Medical Research Council (NMRC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Cancer Institute (NCI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Leng Low
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome #02-01, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Dawn Pingxi Lau
- Cancer Therapeutics Research Laboratory, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Xiaoqian Zhang
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome #02-01, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Xue-Lin Kwang
- Cancer Therapeutics Research Laboratory, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Neha Rohatgi
- Laboratory of Computational Cancer Genomics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Jane Vin Chan
- Computational Phenomics Platform, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Fui-Teen Chong
- Cancer Therapeutics Research Laboratory, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Stephen Qi Rong Wong
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome #02-01, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Hui-Sun Leong
- Cancer Therapeutics Research Laboratory, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Matan Thangavelu Thangavelu
- Centre for High Throughput Phenomics (CHiP-GIS), Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Shivaji Rikka
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome #02-01, Singapore 138672, Singapore; Centre for High Throughput Phenomics (CHiP-GIS), Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Anders Martin Jacobsen Skanderup
- Laboratory of Computational Cancer Genomics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Daniel Shao Weng Tan
- Cancer Therapeutics Research Laboratory, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Giridharan Periyasamy
- Centre for High Throughput Phenomics (CHiP-GIS), Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Judice Lie Yong Koh
- Computational Phenomics Platform, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - N Gopalakrishna Iyer
- Cancer Therapeutics Research Laboratory, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore.
| | - Ramanuj DasGupta
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome #02-01, Singapore 138672, Singapore.
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27
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Liao C, An J, Tan Z, Xu F, Liu J, Wang Q. Changes in Protein Glycosylation in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Cancer 2021; 12:1455-1466. [PMID: 33531990 PMCID: PMC7847636 DOI: 10.7150/jca.51604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosylation is an important posttranslational modification of proteins, and it has a profound influence on diverse life processes. An abnormal polysaccharide structure and mutation of the glycosylation pathway are closely correlated with human cancer progression. Glycoproteins such as EGFR, E-cadherin, CD44, PD-1/PD-L1, B7-H3 and Muc1 play important roles in the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and their levels of glycosylation and changes in glycosyl structure are closely linked to HNSCC progression and malignant transformation. The regulation of protein glycosylation in HNSCC provides potential strategies to control cancer stem cell (CSC) subgroup expansion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor-related immunity escape and autophagy. Glycoproteins with altered glycosylation can be used as biomarkers for the early diagnosis, monitoring and prognostication of HNSCC. However, the glycobiology of cancer is still a new field that needs to be deeply studied, especially in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Liao
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Jiaxing An
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Zhangxue Tan
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Fangping Xu
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China.,Microbial Resources and Drug Development Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, Life Sciences Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
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28
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von Witzleben A, Fehn A, Grages A, Ezić J, Jeske SS, Puntigam LK, Brunner C, Kraus JM, Kestler HA, Doescher J, Brand M, Theodoraki MN, Ottensmeier CH, Hoffmann TK, Schuler PJ, Laban S. Prospective longitudinal study of immune checkpoint molecule (ICM) expression in immune cell subsets during curative conventional therapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Int J Cancer 2020; 148:2023-2035. [PMID: 33336372 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Programmed-death-1 (PD1) antibodies are approved for recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Multiple drugs targeting costimulatory and coinhibitory immune checkpoint molecules (ICM) have been discovered. However, it remains unknown how these ICM are affected by curative conventional therapy on different immune cell subsets during the course of treatment. In the prospective noninterventional clinical study titled "Immune Response Evaluation to Curative conventional Therapy" (NCT03053661), 22 patients were prospectively enrolled. Blood samples were drawn at defined time points throughout curative conventional treatment and follow-up. Immune cells (IC) from the different time points were assessed by multicolor flow cytometry. The following ICM were measured by flow cytometry: PD1, CTLA4, BTLA, CD137, CD27, GITR, OX40, LAG3 and TIM3. Dynamics of ICM expression were assessed using nonparametric paired samples tests. Significant changes were noted for PD1, BTLA and CD27 on multiple IC types during or after radiotherapy. Nonsignificant trends for increased expression of OX40 and GITR from baseline until the end of RT were observed on CD4 T cells and CD4+ CD39+ T cells. In patients with samples at recurrence of disease, a nonsignificant increase of TIM3 and LAG3 positive CD4+ CD39+ T cells was evident, accompanied by an increase of double positive cells for TIM3/LAG3. Potential future targets to be combined with RT in the conventional treatment and anti-PD1/PD-L could be BTLA agonists, or agonistic antibodies to costimulatory ICM like CD137, OX40 or GITR. The combination of cetuximab with CD27 agonistic antibodies enhancing ADCC or the targeting of TIM3/LAG3 may be another promising strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian von Witzleben
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Cancer Sciences Unit, Southampton, UK.,Southampton University Hospitals NHS foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Adrian Fehn
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ayla Grages
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jasmin Ezić
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sandra S Jeske
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lisa K Puntigam
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Cornelia Brunner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Johann M Kraus
- Ulm University, Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hans A Kestler
- Ulm University, Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Doescher
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Matthias Brand
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marie-Nicole Theodoraki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christian H Ottensmeier
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Cancer Sciences Unit, Southampton, UK.,Southampton University Hospitals NHS foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Thomas K Hoffmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Patrick J Schuler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Simon Laban
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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Gronbach L, Jurmeister P, Schäfer-Korting M, Keilholz U, Tinhofer I, Zoschke C. Primary Extracellular Matrix Enables Long-Term Cultivation of Human Tumor Oral Mucosa Models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:579896. [PMID: 33344431 PMCID: PMC7746540 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.579896] [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: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
3D tumor models clearly outperform 2D cell cultures in recapitulating tissue architecture and drug response. However, their potential in understanding treatment efficacy and resistance development should be better exploited if also long-term effects of treatment could be assessed in vitro. The main disadvantages of the matrices commonly used for in vitro culture are their limited cultivation time and the low comparability with patient-specific matrix properties. Extended cultivation periods are feasible when primary human cells produce the extracellular matrix in situ. Herein, we adapted the hyalograft-3D approach from reconstructed human skin to normal and tumor oral mucosa models and compared the results to bovine collagen-based models. The hyalograft models showed similar morphology and cell proliferation after 7 weeks compared to collagen-based models after 2 weeks of cultivation. Tumor thickness and VEGF expression increased in hyalograft-based tumor models, whereas expression of laminin-332, tenascin C, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α was lower than in collagen-based models. Taken together, the in situ produced extracellular matrix better confined tumor invasion in the first part of the cultivation period, with continuous tumor proliferation and increasing invasion later on. This proof-of-concept study showed the successful transfer of the hyalograft approach to tumor oral mucosa models and lays the foundation for the assessment of long-term drug treatment effects. Moreover, the use of an animal-derived extracellular matrix is avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Gronbach
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmacology and Toxicology), Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Jurmeister
- Institute of Pathology, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Heidelberg and German Cancer Consortum Partner Site Berlin, German Cancer Research Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Schäfer-Korting
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmacology and Toxicology), Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Keilholz
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingeborg Tinhofer
- Heidelberg and German Cancer Consortum Partner Site Berlin, German Cancer Research Center, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Radiooncology and Radiotherapy, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Zoschke
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmacology and Toxicology), Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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30
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Al Qaraghuli MM. Biotherapeutic Antibodies for the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer: Current Approaches and Future Considerations of Photothermal Therapies. Front Oncol 2020; 10:559596. [PMID: 33324546 PMCID: PMC7726427 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.559596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a heterogeneous disease that includes a variety of tumors originating in the hypopharynx, oropharynx, lip, oral cavity, nasopharynx, or larynx. HNC is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide and affects thousands of people in terms of incidence and mortality. Various factors can trigger the development of the disease such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and repetitive viral infections. HNC is currently treated by single or multimodality approaches, which are based on surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and biotherapeutic antibodies. The latter approach will be the focus of this article. There are currently three approved antibodies against HNCs (cetuximab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab), and 48 antibodies under development. The majority of these antibodies are of humanized (23 antibodies) or human (19 antibodies) origins, and subclass IgG1 represents a total of 32 antibodies. In addition, three antibody drug conjugates (ADCs: telisotuzumab-vedotin, indatuximab-ravtansine, and W0101) and two bispecific antibodies (GBR 1372 and ABL001) have been under development. Despite the remarkable success of antibodies in treating different tumors, success was limited in HNCs. This limitation is attributed to efficacy, resistance, and the appearance of various side effects. However, the efficacy of these antibodies could be enhanced through conjugation to gold nanoparticles (GNPs). These conjugates combine the high specificity of antibodies with unique spectral properties of GNPs to generate a treatment approach known as photothermal therapy. This approach can provide promising outcomes due to the ability of GNPs to convert light into heat, which can specifically destroy cancer cells and treat HNC in an effective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M. Al Qaraghuli
- SiMologics Ltd., Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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31
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Song H, Liu D, Dong S, Zeng L, Wu Z, Zhao P, Zhang L, Chen ZS, Zou C. Epitranscriptomics and epiproteomics in cancer drug resistance: therapeutic implications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:193. [PMID: 32900991 PMCID: PMC7479143 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00300-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is a major hurdle in cancer treatment and a key cause of poor prognosis. Epitranscriptomics and epiproteomics are crucial in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. In recent years, epitranscriptomic and epiproteomic modification has been investigated on their roles in overcoming drug resistance. In this review article, we summarized the recent progress in overcoming cancer drug resistance in three novel aspects: (i) mRNA modification, which includes alternative splicing, A-to-I modification and mRNA methylation; (ii) noncoding RNAs modification, which involves miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs; and (iii) posttranslational modification on molecules encompasses drug inactivation/efflux, drug target modifications, DNA damage repair, cell death resistance, EMT, and metastasis. In addition, we discussed the therapeutic implications of targeting some classical chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin, 5-fluorouridine, and gefitinib via these modifications. Taken together, this review highlights the importance of epitranscriptomic and epiproteomic modification in cancer drug resistance and provides new insights on potential therapeutic targets to reverse cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huibin Song
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongcheng Liu
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaowei Dong
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, China
| | - Leli Zeng
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, 11439 New York, USA.,Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, Research Centre, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhuoxun Wu
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, 11439 New York, USA
| | - Pan Zhao
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, China
| | - Litu Zhang
- Department of Research, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, 11439 New York, USA.
| | - Chang Zou
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, China. .,Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, China.
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32
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Head and Neck Cancer Metastasis and the Effect of the Local Soluble Factors, from the Microenvironment, on Signalling Pathways: Is It All about the Akt? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082093. [PMID: 32731484 PMCID: PMC7463947 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082093] [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: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The signalling pathways involved in metastasis of oral adenoid cancer cells (TYS) in response to cancer-associated fibroblasts (COM D24) and normal oral mucosal fibroblasts (MM1) was examined. Metastatic cell behaviour was observed by cell-scatter, 3-D-collagen gel migration, and 3-D-spheroid invasion assays. Akt (v-Akt murine thymoma viral oncogene), MAPK(Mitogen activated protein kinase), EGFR (Epidermal growth factor receptor), TGFβRI (Transforming growth factor beta receptor 1), and CXCR4 (C-X-C chemokine receptor 4) inhibitors were used to identify the signalling pathways involved. Signalling pathway protein expression and activation were assessed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. COM-CM (conditioned medium from COM D24 cells) and MM1-CM (conditioned medium from MM1 cells) stimulated cancer cell scattering, which was blocked only by the Akt inhibitor. COM-CM-induced scattered cancer cells showed higher levels of Akt phosphorylation than the negative control and MM1-CM. Migration and invasion of TYS cells into collagen gels from the spheroids was stimulated by CM from both fibroblast cell lines, compared to the negative control. COM cells stimulated TYS invasion into the collagen more than MM1 and the control. Akt and EGFR inhibitors effectively blocked CM and COM cell-induced invasion. Akt-silenced cancer cells were not stimulated to migrate and invade by fibroblast-CM and did not survive the addition of an EGFR inhibitor. This suggests that CAFs stimulate head and neck cancer cell migration and invasion in an Akt- dependent manner. Akt may represent a potential target for inhibitor design to treat metastatic head and neck cancer.
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33
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Cai WQ, Zeng LS, Wang LF, Wang YY, Cheng JT, Zhang Y, Han ZW, Zhou Y, Huang SL, Wang XW, Peng XC, Xiang Y, Ma Z, Cui SZ, Xin HW. The Latest Battles Between EGFR Monoclonal Antibodies and Resistant Tumor Cells. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1249. [PMID: 32793499 PMCID: PMC7393266 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a tyrosine kinase receptor involved in homeostatic regulation of normal cells and carcinogenesis of epithelial malignancies. With rapid development of the precision medicine era, a series of new therapies targeting EGFR are underway. Four EGFR monoclonal antibody drugs (cetuximab, panitumumab, nimotuzumab, and necitumumab) are already on the market, and a dozen other EGFR monoclonal antibodies are in clinical trials. Here, we comprehensively review the newly identified biological properties and anti-tumor mechanisms of EGFR monoclonal antibodies. We summarize recently completed and ongoing clinical trials of the classic and new EGFR monoclonal antibodies. More importantly, according to our new standard, we re-classify the complex evolving tumor cell resistance mechanisms, including those involving exosomes, non-coding RNA and the tumor microenvironment, against EGFR monoclonal antibodies. Finally, we analyzed the limitations of EGFR monoclonal antibody therapy, and discussed the current strategies overcoming EGFR related drug resistance. This review will help us better understand the latest battles between EGFR monoclonal antibodies and resistant tumor cells, and the future directions to develop anti-tumor EGFR monoclonal antibodies with durable effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qi Cai
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center, School of Basic Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Li-Si Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Feng Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Lianjiang, China
| | - Ying-Ying Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center, School of Basic Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jun-Ting Cheng
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center, School of Basic Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center, School of Basic Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Zi-Wen Han
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center, School of Basic Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center, School of Basic Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Shao-Li Huang
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Lianjiang, China
| | - Xian-Wang Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Health Science Center, School of Basic Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Chun Peng
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, School of Basic Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Ying Xiang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center, School of Basic Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Zhaowu Ma
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center, School of Basic Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Shu-Zhong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Wu Xin
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center, School of Basic Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
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34
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Zahavi D, Weiner L. Monoclonal Antibodies in Cancer Therapy. Antibodies (Basel) 2020; 9:E34. [PMID: 32698317 PMCID: PMC7551545 DOI: 10.3390/antib9030034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody-based immunotherapy is now considered to be a main component of cancer therapy, alongside surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Monoclonal antibodies possess a diverse set of clinically relevant mechanisms of action. In addition, antibodies can directly target tumor cells while simultaneously promoting the induction of long-lasting anti-tumor immune responses. The multifaceted properties of antibodies as a therapeutic platform have led to the development of new cancer treatment strategies that will have major impacts on cancer care. This review focuses on the known mechanisms of action, current clinical applications for the treatment of cancer, and mechanisms of resistance of monoclonal antibody therapy. We further discuss how monoclonal antibody-based strategies have moved towards enhancing anti-tumor immune responses by targeting immune cells instead of tumor antigens as well as some of the current combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zahavi
- Tumor Biology Training Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Medical Center, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
| | - Louis Weiner
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Medical Center, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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35
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Cetuximab-induced natural killer cell cytotoxicity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines: investigation of the role of cetuximab sensitivity and HPV status. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:752-761. [PMID: 32541873 PMCID: PMC7462851 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0934-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed by 80–90% of squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (HNSCC). In addition to inhibiting EGFR signal transduction, cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting EGFR can also bind to fragment crystallisable domain of immunoglobulins G1 present on natural killer (NK), causing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). However, presence of cetuximab resistance limits effective clinical management of HNSCC. Methods In this study, differences in induction of ADCC were investigated in a panel of ten HNSCC cell lines. Tumour cells were co-cultured with NK cells and monitored using the xCELLigence RTCA. Results While ADCC was not influenced by HPV status, hypoxia and cetuximab resistance did affect ADCC differentially. Intrinsic cetuximab-resistant cell lines showed an increased ADCC induction, whereas exposure to hypoxia reduced ADCC. Baseline EGFR expression was not correlated with ADCC. In contrast, EGFR internalisation following cetuximab treatment was positively correlated with ADCC. Conclusion These findings support the possibility that resistance against cetuximab can be overcome by NK cell-based immune reactions. As such, it provides an incentive to combine cetuximab with immunotherapeutic approaches, thereby possibly enhancing the anti-tumoural immune responses and achieving greater clinical effectiveness of EGFR-targeting agents.
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36
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Wang J, Cui R, Clement CG, Nawgiri R, Powell DW, Pinchuk IV, Watts TL. Activation PDGFR-α/AKT Mediated Signaling Pathways in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Promotes Anti-apoptosis and Decreased Sensitivity to Cisplatin. Front Oncol 2020; 10:552. [PMID: 32411595 PMCID: PMC7199219 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Desmoplasia, a hallmark of a head and neck cancer, has both biologic and physiologic effects on cancer progression and chemotherapeutic response. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), also known as mesenchymal stromal progenitor cells, have been shown to play a role in cancer progression, alter apoptotic responses, and confer resistance to chemotherapy in various carcinomas. The pathophysiology of MSCs with respect to tumorigenesis is widely reported in other cancers and is sparsely reported in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). We previously reported paracrine mediated PDGF-AA/PDGFR-α signaling to underlie MSCs chemotaxis in OSCC. Given the poor clinical response to primary chemotherapy, we hypothesized that MSCs may alter cancer cell sensitivity to cisplatin through activation of PDGFR-α mediated signaling pathways. Co-culture of MSCs with human derived OSCC cell lines, JHU-012 and −019, resulted in a significant increase in the production of PDGF-AA and MCP-1 compared to cancer cells grown alone (p < 0.005) and was accompanied by an increase in the phosphorylation state of PDGFR-α (p < 0.02) and downstream target AKT at S473 (p < 0.025) and T308 (p < 0.02). JHU-012 and −019 cancer cells grown in co-culture were significantly less apoptotic (p < 0.001), expressed significantly higher levels of Bcl-2 (p < 0.04) with a concomitant significant decrease in bid expression (p < 0.001) compared to cancer cells grown alone. There was a significant increase in the cisplatin dose response curve in cancer cell clones derived from JHU-012 and 019 cancer cells grown in co-culture with MSCs compared to clones derived from cancer cells grown alone (p < 0.001). Moreover clones derived from JHU-012 cells grown in co-culture with MSCs were significantly more susceptible to cisplatin following pretreatment with, crenolanib, a PDGFR inhibitor, compared to cancer cells grown alone or in co-culture with MSCs (p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that crosstalk between cancer cells and MSCs is mediated, at least in part, by activation of autocrine PDGF-AA/PDGFR-α loop driving AKT-mediated signaling pathways, resulting in reduced cancer cell sensitivity to cisplatin through alterations in apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ruwen Cui
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Cecila G Clement
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ranjana Nawgiri
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Don W Powell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Irina V Pinchuk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Tammara L Watts
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
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37
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Mechanisms of Resistance to NK Cell Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040893. [PMID: 32272610 PMCID: PMC7226138 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has recently been a major breakthrough in cancer treatment. Natural killer (NK) cells are suitable targets for immunotherapy owing to their potent cytotoxic activity that may target cancer cells in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and antigen-unrestricted manner. Current therapies targeting NK cells include monoclonal antibodies that promote NK cell antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the adoptive transfer of NK cells, the redirection of NK cells using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells and the use of cytokines and immunostimulatory drugs to boost the anti-tumor activity of NK cells. Despite some encouraging clinical results, patients receiving these therapies frequently develop resistance, and a myriad of mechanisms of resistance affecting both the immune system and cancer cells have been reported. A first contributing factor that modulates the efficacy of the NK cell therapy is the genetic profile of the individual, which regulates all aspects of NK cell biology. Additionally, the resistance of cancer cells to apoptosis and the immunoediting of cancer cells, a process that decreases their immunogenicity and promotes immunosuppression, are major determinants of the resistance to NK cell therapy. Consequently, the efficacy of NK cell anti-tumor therapy is specific to each patient and disease. The elucidation of such immunosubversive mechanisms is crucial to developing new procedures and therapeutic strategies to fully harness the anti-tumor potential of NK cells.
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38
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Paluszczak J. The Significance of the Dysregulation of Canonical Wnt Signaling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030723. [PMID: 32183420 PMCID: PMC7140616 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030723] [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: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The knowledge about the molecular alterations which are found in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) has much increased in recent years. However, we are still awaiting the translation of this knowledge to new diagnostic and therapeutic options. Among the many molecular changes that are detected in head and neck cancer, the abnormalities in several signaling pathways, which regulate cell proliferation, cell death and stemness, seem to be especially promising with regard to the development of targeted therapies. Canonical Wnt signaling is a pathway engaged in the formation of head and neck tissues, however it is not active in adult somatic mucosal cells. The aim of this review paper is to bring together significant data related to the current knowledge on the mechanisms and functional significance of the dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in head and neck tumors. Research evidence related to the role of Wnt signaling activation in the stimulation of cell proliferation, migration and inhibition of apoptosis in HNSCC is presented. Moreover, its role in promoting stemness traits in head and neck cancer stem-like cells is described. Evidence corroborating the hypothesis that the Wnt signaling pathway is a very promising target of novel therapeutic interventions in HNSCC is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarosław Paluszczak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Swiecickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
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39
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Novel EGFR ectodomain mutations associated with ligand-independent activation and cetuximab resistance in head and neck cancer. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229077. [PMID: 32069320 PMCID: PMC7028269 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a pro-tumorigenic receptor tyrosine kinase that facilitates growth for cancer cells that overexpress the receptor. Monoclonal anti-EGFR antibody Cetuximab (CTX) provides significant clinical benefit in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Missense mutations in the ectodomain (ECD) of EGFR can be acquired under CTX treatment and mimic the effect of large deletions on spontaneous untethering and activation of the receptor. Little is known about the contribution of EGFR ECD mutations to EGFR activation and CTX resistance in HNSCC. We identified two concurrent non-synonymous missense mutations (G33S and N56K) mapping to domain I in or near the EGF binding pocket of the EGFR ECD in patient-derived HNSCC cells that were selected for CTX resistance through repeated exposure to the agent in an effort to mimic what may occur clinically. Structural modeling predicted that the G33S and N56K mutants would restrict adoption of a fully closed (tethered) and inactive EGFR conformation while not permitting association of EGFR with the EGF ligand or CTX. Binding studies confirmed that the mutant, untethered receptor displayed reduced affinity for both EGF and CTX but demonstrated sustained activation and presence at the cell surface with diminished internalization and sorting for endosomal degradation, leading to persistent downstream AKT signaling. Our results demonstrate that HNSCC cells can select for EGFR ECD mutations under CTX exposure that converge to trap the receptor in an open, ligand-independent, constitutively activated state. These mutants impede the receptor’s competence to bind CTX possibly explaining certain cases of CTX treatment-induced or de novo resistance to CTX.
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Selimovic D, Wahl RU, Ruiz E, Aslam R, Flanagan TW, Hassan SY, Santourlidis S, Haikel Y, Friedlander P, Megahed M, Kandil E, Hassan M. Tumor necrosis factor-α triggers opposing signals in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and induces apoptosis via mitochondrial- and non-mitochondrial-dependent pathways. Int J Oncol 2019; 55:1324-1338. [PMID: 31638203 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Although the treatment outcomes of HNSCC have improved in recent years, the prognosis of patients with advanced-stage disease remains poor. Current treatment strategies for HNSCC include surgery as a primary therapy, while radio-, chemo-, and biotherapeutics can be applied as second-line therapy. Although tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a potent tumor suppressor cytokine, the stimulation of opposing signals impairs its clinical utility as an anticancer agent. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms regulating TNF-α‑induced opposing signals and their biological consequences in HNSCC cell lines. We determined the molecular mechanisms of TNF-α-induced opposing signals in HNSCC cells. Our in vitro analysis indicated that one of these signals triggers apoptosis, while the other induces both apoptosis and cell survival. The TNF-α-induced survival of HNSCC cells is mediated by the TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB-dependent pathway, while TNF-α-induced apoptosis is mediated by mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial-dependent mechanisms through FADD-caspase-8-caspase-3 and ASK-JNK-p53-Noxa pathways. The localization of Noxa protein to both the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was found to cause mitochondrial dysregulation and ER stress, respectively. Using inhibitory experiments, we demonstrated that the FADD‑caspase-8‑caspase-3 pathway, together with mitochondrial dysregulation and ER stress-dependent pathways, are essential for the modulation of apoptosis, and the NF-κB pathway is essential for the modulation of anti-apoptotic effects/cell survival during the exposure of HNSCC cells to TNF-α. Our data provide insight into the mechanisms of TNF-α-induced opposing signals in HNSCC cells and may further help in the development of novel therapeutic approaches with which to minimize the systemic toxicity of TNF-α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Selimovic
- INSERM UMR 1121, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Renate U Wahl
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital οf Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Emmanuelle Ruiz
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Rizwan Aslam
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Thomas W Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | | | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, University Hospital of Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Youssef Haikel
- INSERM UMR 1121, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Paul Friedlander
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Mosaad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital οf Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Emad Kandil
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- INSERM UMR 1121, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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Maeda H, Hazama S, Iwamoto S, Oba K, Tsunedomi R, Okayama N, Suehiro Y, Yamasaki T, Nakagami Y, Suzuki N, Nagano H, Sakamoto J, Mishima H, Nagata N. Association between polymorphisms in EGFR and tumor response during cetuximab and oxaliplatin-based combination therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer: Analysis of data from two clinical trials. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:4555-4562. [PMID: 31611963 PMCID: PMC6781779 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Predicting tumor response prior to starting anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody therapy would benefit patients with advanced/metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The present study investigated the association between efficacy of cetuximab treatment and gene polymorphisms of fragment C γ receptor (FcγR) 2A, FcγR3A and EGFR in patients with extended RAS/BRAF wild-type mCRC. Clinical data and specimens were obtained from 90 patients who participated in either of two clinical studies evaluating the first-line, cetuximab plus oxaliplatin-based treatment. It was hypothesized that polymorphisms H/H of FcγR2A, V/V of FcγR3A, K/K of EGFR and <36 CA repeats in the EGFR gene may be associated with a favorable tumor response. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients with the H/H polymorphism tended to have an improved tumor response compared with the non-H/H population, although the result was not significant [odds ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.89–5.66; P=0.09]. Univariate analysis revealed increased tumor shrinkage in patients with the K/K polymorphism of EGFR compared with the other polymorphisms (mean ± standard deviation, −55.3±28.4 vs. −39.6±40.8%; P=0.04). Subsequent multivariate analysis confirmed that the K/K polymorphism of EGFR predicted greater tumor shrinkage (multiple linear regression analysis estimate, −19.3; 95% CI, −35.5 to 3.0; P=0.02), with the tendency toward a preferable response in patients with <36 CA EGFR gene repeats (estimate, −16.9; 95% CI; −34.4 to 0.6; P=0.06). However, other polymorphisms and clinical variables did not predict tumor shrinkage. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that polymorphisms of EGFR, FcγR2A and FcγR3A may differentiate the patients that obtain the maximum benefit from cetuximab treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromichi Maeda
- Cancer Treatment Center, Kochi Medical School Hospital, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
| | - Shoichi Hazama
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan.,Department of Translational Research and Developmental Therapeutics Against Cancer, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Shigeyoshi Iwamoto
- Cancer Center, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Koji Oba
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ryouichi Tsunedomi
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Naoko Okayama
- Division of Laboratory, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suehiro
- Department of Oncology and Laboratory Medicine, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamasaki
- Department of Oncology and Laboratory Medicine, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakagami
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan.,Department of Translational Research and Developmental Therapeutics Against Cancer, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nagano
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | | | - Hideyuki Mishima
- Cancer Center, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Naoki Nagata
- Kitakyushu General Hospital, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-8517, Japan
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Kriegs M, Clauditz TS, Hoffer K, Bartels J, Buhs S, Gerull H, Zech HB, Bußmann L, Struve N, Rieckmann T, Petersen C, Betz CS, Rothkamm K, Nollau P, Münscher A. Analyzing expression and phosphorylation of the EGF receptor in HNSCC. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13564. [PMID: 31537844 PMCID: PMC6753061 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49885-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) is considered to cause increased EGFR activity, which adds to tumorigenicity and therapy resistance. Since it is still unclear, whether EGFR expression is indeed associated with increased activity in HNSCC, we analyzed the relationship between EGFR expression and auto-phosphorylation as a surrogate marker for activity. We used a tissue micro array, fresh frozen HNSCC tumor and corresponding normal tissue samples and a large panel of HNSCC cell lines. While we observed substantial overexpression only in approximately 20% of HNSCC, we also observed strong discrepancies between EGFR protein expression and auto-phosphorylation in HNSCC cell lines as well as in tumor specimens using Western blot and SH2-profiling; for the majority of HNSCC EGFR expression therefore seems not to be correlated with EGFR auto-phosphorylation. Blocking of EGFR activity by cetuximab and erlotinib points to increased EGFR activity in samples with increased basal auto-phosphorylation. However, we could also identify cells with low basal phosphorylation but relevant EGFR activity. In summary, our data demonstrate that EGFR expression and activity are not well correlated. Therefore EGFR positivity is no reliable surrogate marker for EGFR activity, arguing the need for alternative biomarkers or functional predictive tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malte Kriegs
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiation Oncology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Till Sebastian Clauditz
- Institute of Pathology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Konstantin Hoffer
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiation Oncology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joanna Bartels
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Buhs
- Research Institute Children's Cancer Center and Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Helwe Gerull
- Research Institute Children's Cancer Center and Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Henrike Barbara Zech
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lara Bußmann
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nina Struve
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiation Oncology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Rieckmann
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiation Oncology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cordula Petersen
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiation Oncology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Stephan Betz
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kai Rothkamm
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiation Oncology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Nollau
- Research Institute Children's Cancer Center and Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Adrian Münscher
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum - University Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Effects of culture method on response to EGFR therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12480. [PMID: 31462653 PMCID: PMC6713778 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48764-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The EGFR pathway plays a critical role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Targeted therapies against the EGFR are utilized as a treatment for HNSCCC. However, patient response is heterogeneous and molecular biomarkers are lacking to predict patient response. Therefore, functional assays where drug response is directly evaluated in tumor cells are an interesting alternative. Previous studies have shown that experimental conditions modify the drug response observed in functional assays. Thus, in this work the influence of the culture environment on response to Cetuximab (EGFR monoclonal antibody) and AZD8055 (mTOR inhibitor) was evaluated. HNSCC UM-SCC-1 and UM-SCC-47 cells were cultured in 2D monoculture and compared with: 2D co-culture with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF); 3D culture in collagen hydrogels; and 3D culture in tumor spheroids. The results showed UM-SCC-1 drug response significantly changed in the different culture environments; leading to an increase in drug resistance in the CAF co-culture and the 3D spheroids. Conversely, UM-SCC-47 exhibited a more constant drug response across culture conditions. In conclusion, this work highlights the importance of culture conditions that modulate response to EGFR pathway inhibition.
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Espinosa-Cotton M, Fertig EJ, Stabile LP, Gaither-Davis A, Bauman JE, Schmitz S, Gibson-Corley KN, Cheng Y, Jensen IJ, Badovinac VP, Laux D, Simons AL. A preliminary analysis of interleukin-1 ligands as potential predictive biomarkers of response to cetuximab. Biomark Res 2019; 7:14. [PMID: 31346466 PMCID: PMC6636109 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-019-0164-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal IgG1 antibody cetuximab is approved for first-line treatment of recurrent and metastatic (R/M) HNSCC as a part of the standard of care EXTREME regimen (platinum/5-fluorouracil/cetuximab). This regimen has relatively high response and disease control rates but is generally not curative and many patients will experience recurrent disease and/or metastasis. Therefore, there is a great need to identify predictive biomarkers for recurrence and disease progression in cetuximab-treated HNSCC patients to facilitate patient management and allow for treatment modification. The goal of this work is to assess the potential of activating interleukin-1 (IL-1) ligands (IL-1 alpha [IL-1α], IL-1 beta [IL-1β]) as predictive biomarkers of survival outcomes in HNSCC patients treated with cetuximab-based chemotherapy. METHODS Baseline gene, serum and tumor expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) ligands were analyzed from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database or clinical trials of cetuximab-based therapies and interrogated for associations with clinical outcome data. RESULTS High tumor gene expression of IL-1β was associated with a more favorable overall survival in cetuximab-treated HNSCC patients but not in non-cetuximab-treated patients. In HNSCC patients treated with cetuximab-based chemotherapy, higher gene and circulating levels of IL-1α and IL-1β were correlated with a more favorable progression free survival compared to patients with low or undetectable levels of IL-1 ligands. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that IL-1 ligands may function as predictive biomarkers for tumor response to cetuximab-based chemotherapy in HNSCC patients and warrants further investigation and validation in larger clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn Espinosa-Cotton
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
- Department of Pathology, 1161 Medical Laboratories, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Elana J. Fertig
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Laura P. Stabile
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Autumn Gaither-Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Julie E. Bauman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Sandra Schmitz
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Katherine N. Gibson-Corley
- Department of Pathology, 1161 Medical Laboratories, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Yinwen Cheng
- Department of Pathology, 1161 Medical Laboratories, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Isaac J. Jensen
- Department of Pathology, 1161 Medical Laboratories, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
- Interdisciplinary Immunology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Vladimir P. Badovinac
- Department of Pathology, 1161 Medical Laboratories, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA USA
- Interdisciplinary Immunology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Douglas Laux
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA USA
- Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Andrean L. Simons
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
- Department of Pathology, 1161 Medical Laboratories, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
- Interdisciplinary Immunology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
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Jagadeeshan S, Prasad M, Ortiz-Cuaran S, Gregoire V, Saintigny P, Elkabets M. Adaptive Responses to Monotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer: Interventions for Rationale-Based Therapeutic Combinations. Trends Cancer 2019; 5:365-390. [PMID: 31208698 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Most Phase II and III clinical trials in head and neck cancer (HNC) combine two or more treatment modalities, which are based, in part, on knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of innate and acquired resistance to monotherapy. In this review, we describe the range of tumor-cell autonomously derived (intrinsic) and tumor-microenvironment-derived (extrinsic) acquired-resistance mechanisms to various FDA-approved monotherapies for HNC. Specifically, we describe how tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) respond to radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy (cetuximab), and immunotherapies [programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors] and adapt to the selective pressure of these monotherapies. Due to the diversity of adaptive responses to monotherapy, monitoring the response to treatment in patients is critical to understand the path that leads to resistance and to guide the optimal therapeutic drug combinations in the clinical setting. We envisage that applying such a rationale-based therapeutic strategy will improve treatment efficacy in HNC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankar Jagadeeshan
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Manu Prasad
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Sandra Ortiz-Cuaran
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon 69008, France
| | - Vincent Gregoire
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon 69008, France; Department of Radiation Therapy, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon 69008, France
| | - Pierre Saintigny
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon 69008, France; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon 69008, France
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel.
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Huang J, Huang W, Zhang Z, Lin X, Lin H, Peng L, Chen T. Highly Uniform Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles with EGFR Targeting and Tumor Microenvironment-Responsive Ability for Simultaneous Diagnosis and Therapy of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:11177-11193. [PMID: 30821437 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b22678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Rational design of multifunctional and smart drug-delivered nanoplatforms is a promising strategy to achieve simultaneous diagnosis, real-time monitoring, and therapy of cancers. Herein, highly uniform and stable selenium nanoparticles with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting and tumor microenvironment-responsive ability (Se-5Fu-Gd-P(Cet/YI-12)) were designed and synthesized by using EGFR as the targeting molecule, gadolinium chelate as the magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent, 5-fluorouracil (5Fu) and cetuximab as drug payloads, polyamidoamine (PAMAM) and 3,3'-dithiobis (sulfosuccinimidyl propionate) as the response agents of intratumoral glutathione, and pH for the treatment and diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This Se nanoplatform showed excellent magnetic resonance imaging capability and has the potential for its clinical application as a diagnostic agent for tumor tissue specimens. Additionally, in vitro cellular experiments showed that by means of introducing clinical targeted drugs and peptides not only validly increased the intracellular uptake of the Se nanoplatform in NPC cells but also enhanced its penetration ability toward CNE tumor spheroids, resulting in simultaneous inhibition of CNE cell growth, invasion, and migration. In addition, the sequentially triggered bioresponsive property of the nanoplatform in a tumor microenvironment effectively improved the targeting delivery and anticancer efficiency of payloads. Overall, this study not only provides a strategy for facile synthesis of highly uniform and stable nanomedicines and tailing of the bioresponsive property but also sheds light on its application in targeting theranosis of NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Chemistry , Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632 , China
| | - Zehang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry , Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632 , China
| | - Xueran Lin
- Department of Chemistry , Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632 , China
| | | | | | - Tianfeng Chen
- Department of Chemistry , Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632 , China
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Tintelnot J, Baum N, Schultheiß C, Braig F, Trentmann M, Finter J, Fumey W, Bannas P, Fehse B, Riecken K, Schuetze K, Bokemeyer C, Rösner T, Valerius T, Peipp M, Koch-Nolte F, Binder M. Nanobody Targeting of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Ectodomain Variants Overcomes Resistance to Therapeutic EGFR Antibodies. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:823-833. [PMID: 30824613 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ectodomain variants mediating primary resistance or secondary treatment failure in cancer patients treated with cetuximab or panitumumab support the need for more resistance-preventive or personalized ways of targeting this essential pathway. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the EGFR nanobody 7D12 fused to an IgG1 Fc portion (7D12-hcAb) would overcome EGFR ectodomain-mediated resistance because it targets a very small binding epitope within domain III of EGFR. Indeed, we found that 7D12-hcAb bound and inhibited all tested cell lines expressing common resistance-mediating EGFR ectodomain variants. Moreover, we assessed receptor functionality and binding properties in synthetic mutants of the 7D12-hcAb epitope to model resistance to 7D12-hcAb. Because the 7D12-hcAb epitope almost completely overlaps with the EGF-binding site, only position R377 could be mutated without simultaneous loss of receptor functionality, suggesting a low risk of developing secondary resistance toward 7D12-hcAb. Our binding data indicated that if 7D12-hcAb resistance mutations occurred in position R377, which is located within the cetuximab and panitumumab epitope, cells expressing these receptor variants would retain sensitivity to these antibodies. However, 7D12-hcAb was equally ineffective as cetuximab in killing cells expressing the cetuximab/panitumumab-resistant aberrantly N-glycosylated EGFR R521K variant. Yet, this resistance could be overcome by introducing mutations into the Fc portion of 7D12-hcAb, which enhanced immune effector functions and thereby allowed killing of cells expressing this variant. Taken together, our data demonstrate a broad range of activity of 7D12-hcAb across cells expressing different EGFR variants involved in primary and secondary EGFR antibody resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Tintelnot
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, BMT with section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Natalie Baum
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, BMT with section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schultheiß
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, BMT with section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friederike Braig
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, BMT with section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marie Trentmann
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, BMT with section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Finter
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Obstetrics and Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - William Fumey
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Bannas
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristoffer Riecken
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Schuetze
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, BMT with section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thies Rösner
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine ll, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Valerius
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine ll, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Matthias Peipp
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine ll, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mascha Binder
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, BMT with section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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48
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Bernhard W, El-Sayed A, Barreto K, Gonzalez C, Fonge H, Geyer CR. Near infrared imaging of epidermal growth factor receptor positive xenografts in mice with domain I/II specific antibody fragments. Theranostics 2019; 9:974-985. [PMID: 30867810 PMCID: PMC6401412 DOI: 10.7150/thno.30835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane cell surface receptor that is frequently overexpressed and/or mutated in many cancers. Therapies targeting EGFR have poor outcomes due to the lack of reliable diagnostic tests to monitor EGFR. Current in vitro EGFR diagnostic methods are invasive, requiring biopsies, which limits tumor sampling and availability. EGFR molecular imaging provides non-invasive whole-body images capable of detecting primary tumors and metastases, which can be used to diagnose and monitor response to therapy. Methods: We evaluated properties of two anti-EGFR fragments, 8708 and 8709, as molecular-targeted imaging probes. 8708 and 8709 are anti-EGFR antigen binding fragments (Fabs) that recognize domain I/II of EGFR, which is distinct from epitopes recognized by current anti-EGFR therapeutic antibodies. We used complementarity determining region sequences from 8708 and 8709 Fabs to generate an anti-EGFR IgG and (scFv)2 and scFv-Fc antibody fragments. We expressed, purified, and labeled the IgG and fragments with IRDye800CW and used them to image EGFR-positive and -negative xenografts in CD-1 nude mice. 8709 scFv-Fc was also tested for competitive binding with the therapeutic anti-EGFR antibody nimotuzumab and for quantifying ratios of EGFR and EGFRvIII deletion mutant. Results: IRDye800CW-labeled 8708 (scFv)2 and 8709 scFv-Fc imaging probes showed high levels of accumulation and good retention in EGFR-positive xenografts, with peak accumulation occurring at 24 and 48 hours post injection, respectively. IRDye680RD-labeled 8709 scFv-Fc did not compete with IRDye800CW-labeled nimotuzumab for EGFR binding as assayed by flow cytometry using an EGFR-positive cell line. IRDye680RD-labeled 8709 scFv-Fc and IRDye800CW-labeled nimotuzumab used in combination were able to determine the ratio of cells expressing EGFR and a deletion mutant EGFRvIII. Conclusion: IRDye800CW-labeled 8708 (scFv)2 and 8709 scFv-Fc had desirable binding affinities, clearance times, and tumor accumulation to be used for imaging in combination with current EGFR targeted therapies. This study highlights the potential for using 8708 (scFv)2 and 8709 scFv-Fc as EGFR diagnostic and therapy monitoring tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Bernhard
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine, Saskatoon SK, Canada
| | - Ayman El-Sayed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine, Saskatoon SK, Canada
| | - Kris Barreto
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine, Saskatoon SK, Canada
| | - Carolina Gonzalez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine, Saskatoon SK, Canada
| | - Humphrey Fonge
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine, Saskatoon SK, Canada
- Saskatchewan Centre for Cyclotron Sciences (SCCS), the Fedoruk Centre, Saskatoon SK, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, Royal University Hospital Saskatoon, Saskatoon SK, Canada
| | - Clarence Ronald Geyer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine, Saskatoon SK, Canada
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49
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Grasset EM, Bertero T, Bozec A, Friard J, Bourget I, Pisano S, Lecacheur M, Maiel M, Bailleux C, Emelyanov A, Ilie M, Hofman P, Meneguzzi G, Duranton C, Bulavin DV, Gaggioli C. Matrix Stiffening and EGFR Cooperate to Promote the Collective Invasion of Cancer Cells. Cancer Res 2018; 78:5229-5242. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-0601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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50
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Goletz C, Lischke T, Harnack U, Schiele P, Danielczyk A, Rühmann J, Goletz S. Glyco-Engineered Anti-Human Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Antibody Mediates Stronger CD8 T Cell Activation Than Its Normal Glycosylated and Non-Glycosylated Counterparts. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1614. [PMID: 30061887 PMCID: PMC6054930 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis plays a central role in suppression of anti-tumor immunity. Blocking the axis by targeting PD-L1 with monoclonal antibodies is an effective and already clinically approved approach to treat cancer patients. Glyco-engineering technology can be used to optimize different properties of monoclonal antibodies, for example, binding to FcγRs. We generated two glycosylation variants of the same anti-PD-L1 antibody: one bearing core fucosylated N-glycans in its Fc part (92%) and its de-fucosylated counterpart (4%). The two glycosylation variants were compared to a non-glycosylated commercially available anti-PD-L1 antibody in various assays. No differences were observed regarding binding to PD-L1 and blocking of this interaction with its counter receptors PD-1 or CD80. The de-fucosylated anti-PD-L1 antibody showed increased FcγRIIIa binding resulting in enhanced antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity against PD-L1+ cancer cells compared to the "normal"-glycosylated variant. Both glycosylation variants showed no antibody-mediated lysis of B cells and monocytes. The non-glycosylated reference antibody showed no FcγRIIIa engagement and no ADCC activity. Using mixed leukocyte reaction it was observed that the de-fucosylated anti-PD-L1 antibody induced the strongest CD8 T cell activation determined by expression of activation markers, proliferation, and cytotoxicity against cancer cells. The systematic comparison of anti-PD-L1 antibody glycosylation variants with different Fc-mediated potencies demonstrates that our glyco-optimization approach has the potential to enhance CD8 T cell-mediated anti-tumor activity which may improve the therapeutic benefit of anti-PD-L1 antibodies.
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