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Zhai P, Tong T, Wang X, Li C, Liu C, Qin X, Li S, Xie F, Mao J, Zhang J, Guo H. Nuclear miR-451a activates KDM7A and leads to cetuximab resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:282. [PMID: 38943031 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05324-x] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Cetuximab resistance has been a major challenge for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients receiving targeted therapy. However, the mechanism that causes cetuximab resistance, especially microRNA (miRNA) regulation, remains unclear. Growing evidence suggests that miRNAs may act as "nuclear activating miRNAs" for targeting promoter regions or enhancers related to target genes. This study elucidates a novel mechanism underlying cetuximab resistance in HNSCC involving the nuclear activation of KDM7A transcription via miR-451a. Herein, small RNA sequencing, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results provided compelling evidence of miR-451a nuclear enrichment in response to cetuximab treatment. Chromatin isolation via RNA purification, microarray analysis, and bioinformatic analysis revealed that miR-451a interacts with an enhancer region in KDM7A, activating its expression and further facilitating cetuximab resistance. It has also been demonstrated that the activation of KDM7A by nuclear miR-451a is induced by cetuximab treatment and is AGO2 dependent. Logistic regression analyses of 87 HNSCC samples indicated the significance of miR-451a and KDM7A in the development of cetuximab resistance. These discoveries support the potential of miR-451a and KDM7A as valuable biomarkers for cetuximab resistance and emphasize the function of nuclear-activating miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peisong Zhai
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Tong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Craniomaxillofacial Development and Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200002, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoning Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuwen Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Qin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Xie
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Mao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haiyan Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M, Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi M, Shafieizadeh M, Mahmoudi E, Eskandari F, Rashidi M, Arshi A, Mokhtari-Farsani A. Comprehensive review of CRISPR-based gene editing: mechanisms, challenges, and applications in cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:9. [PMID: 38195537 PMCID: PMC10775503 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01925-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR system is a revolutionary genome editing tool that has the potential to revolutionize the field of cancer research and therapy. The ability to precisely target and edit specific genetic mutations that drive the growth and spread of tumors has opened up new possibilities for the development of more effective and personalized cancer treatments. In this review, we will discuss the different CRISPR-based strategies that have been proposed for cancer therapy, including inactivating genes that drive tumor growth, enhancing the immune response to cancer cells, repairing genetic mutations that cause cancer, and delivering cancer-killing molecules directly to tumor cells. We will also summarize the current state of preclinical studies and clinical trials of CRISPR-based cancer therapy, highlighting the most promising results and the challenges that still need to be overcome. Safety and delivery are also important challenges for CRISPR-based cancer therapy to become a viable clinical option. We will discuss the challenges and limitations that need to be overcome, such as off-target effects, safety, and delivery to the tumor site. Finally, we will provide an overview of the current challenges and opportunities in the field of CRISPR-based cancer therapy and discuss future directions for research and development. The CRISPR system has the potential to change the landscape of cancer research, and this review aims to provide an overview of the current state of the field and the challenges that need to be overcome to realize this potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Milad Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Esmaeil Mahmoudi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Eskandari
- Faculty of Molecular and Cellular Biology -Genetics, Islamic Azad University of Falavarjan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Asghar Arshi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
| | - Abbas Mokhtari-Farsani
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Biology, Nourdanesh Institute of Higher Education, Meymeh, Isfahan, Iran
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3
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An Z, Liu W, Li W, Wei M, An C. Application of single-cell RNA sequencing in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Chin J Cancer Res 2023; 35:331-342. [PMID: 37691894 PMCID: PMC10485914 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2023.04.01] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing has been broadly applied to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) for characterizing the heterogeneity and genomic mutations of HNSCC benefiting from the advantage of single-cell resolution. We summarized most of the current studies and aimed to explore their research methods and ideas, as well as how to transform them into clinical applications. Through single-cell RNA sequencing, we found the differences in tumor cells' expression programs and differentiation tracks. The studies of immune microenvironment allowed us to distinguish immune cell subpopulations, the extensive expression of immune checkpoints, and the complex crosstalk network between immune cells and non-immune cells. For cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), single-cell RNA sequencing had made an irreplaceable contribution to the exploration of their differentiation status, specific CAFs markers, and the interaction with tumor cells and immune cells. In addition, we demonstrated in detail how single-cell RNA sequencing explored the HNSCC epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) model and the mechanism of drug resistance, as well as its clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohong An
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Wan Liu
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen Center, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Wenbin Li
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Minghui Wei
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen Center, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Changming An
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
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4
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Lv Y, Wang W, Liu Y, Yi B, Chu T, Feng Z, Liu J, Wan X, Wang Y. Platycodin D represses β-catenin to suppress metastasis of cetuximab-treated KRAS wild-type colorectal cancer cells. Clin Exp Metastasis 2023:10.1007/s10585-023-10218-6. [PMID: 37326719 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-023-10218-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cetuximab, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, is extensively used for clinical therapy in KRAS wild-type colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. However, some patients still cannot get benefit from the therapy, because metastasis and resistance occur frequently after cetuximab treatment. New adjunctive therapy is urgently needed to suppress metastasis of cetuximab-treated CRC cells. In this study, we used two KRAS wild-type CRC cells, HT29 and CaCo2, to investigate whether platycodin D, a triterpenoid saponin isolated from Chinese medicinal herb Platycodon grandifloras, is able to suppress the metastasis of cetuximab-treated CRC. Label-free quantitative proteomics analyses showed that platycodin D but not cetuximab significantly inhibited expression of β-catenin in both CRC cells, and suggested that platycodin D counteracted the inhibition effect of cetuximab on cell adherence and functioned in repressing cell migration and invasion. Western blot results showed that single platycodin D treatment or combined platycodin D and cetuximab enhanced inhibition effects on expressions of key genes in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, including β-catenin, c-Myc, Cyclin D1 and MMP-7, compared to single cetuximab treatment. Scratch wound-healing and transwell assays showed that platycodin D combined with cetuximab suppressed migration and invasion of CRC cells, respectively. Pulmonary metastasis model of HT29 and CaCo2 in nu/nu nude mice consistently showed that combined treatment using platycodin D and cetuximab inhibited metastasis significantly in vivo. Our findings provide a potential strategy to inhibit CRC metastasis during cetuximab therapy by addition of platycodin D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongming Lv
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenhong Wang
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanfei Liu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ben Yi
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianhao Chu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiqiang Feng
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Liu
- The Fourth Central Hospital Affiliated to Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuehua Wan
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yijia Wang
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
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5
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Vidotto T, Melo CM, Lautert-Dutra W, Chaves LP, Reis RB, Squire JA. Pan-cancer genomic analysis shows hemizygous PTEN loss tumors are associated with immune evasion and poor outcome. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5049. [PMID: 36977733 PMCID: PMC10050165 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31759-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In tumors, somatic mutations of the PTEN suppressor gene are associated with advanced disease, chemotherapy resistance, and poor survival. PTEN loss of function may occur by inactivating mutation, by deletion, either affecting one copy (hemizygous loss) leading to reduced gene expression or loss of both copies (homozygous) with expression absent. Various murine models have shown that minor reductions in PTEN protein levels strongly influence tumorigenesis. Most PTEN biomarker assays dichotomize PTEN (i.e. presence vs. absence) ignoring the role of one copy loss. We performed a PTEN copy number analysis of 9793 TCGA cases from 30 different tumor types. There were 419 (4.28%) homozygous and 2484 (25.37%) hemizygous PTEN losses. Hemizygous deletions led to reduced PTEN gene expression, accompanied by increased levels of instability and aneuploidy across tumor genomes. Outcome analysis of the pan-cancer cohort showed that losing one copy of PTEN reduced survival to comparable levels as complete loss, and was associated with transcriptomic changes controlling immune response and the tumor microenvironment. Immune cell abundances were significantly altered for PTEN loss, with changes in head and neck, cervix, stomach, prostate, brain, and colon more evident in hemizygous loss tumors. These data suggest that reduced expression of PTEN in tumors with hemizygous loss leads to tumor progression and influences anticancer immune response pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Vidotto
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - C M Melo
- Department of Genetics, Medicine School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - W Lautert-Dutra
- Department of Genetics, Medicine School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - L P Chaves
- Department of Genetics, Medicine School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - R B Reis
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Medicine School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - J A Squire
- Department of Genetics, Medicine School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada.
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6
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Li Q, Tie Y, Alu A, Ma X, Shi H. Targeted therapy for head and neck cancer: signaling pathways and clinical studies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:31. [PMID: 36646686 PMCID: PMC9842704 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01297-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is malignant, genetically complex and difficult to treat and is the sixth most frequent cancer, with tobacco, alcohol and human papillomavirus being major risk factors. Based on epigenetic data, HNC is remarkably heterogeneous, and treatment remains challenging. There is a lack of significant improvement in survival and quality of life in patients with HNC. Over half of HNC patients experience locoregional recurrence or distal metastasis despite the current multiple traditional therapeutic strategies and immunotherapy. In addition, resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some targeted therapies is common. Therefore, it is urgent to explore more effective and tolerable targeted therapies to improve the clinical outcomes of HNC patients. Recent targeted therapy studies have focused on identifying promising biomarkers and developing more effective targeted therapies. A well understanding of the pathogenesis of HNC contributes to learning more about its inner association, which provides novel insight into the development of small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we summarized the vital signaling pathways and discussed the current potential therapeutic targets against critical molecules in HNC, as well as presenting preclinical animal models and ongoing or completed clinical studies about targeted therapy, which may contribute to a more favorable prognosis of HNC. Targeted therapy in combination with other therapies and its limitations were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfang Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Tie
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aqu Alu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Huashan Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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7
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An insight into the rational design of recent purine-based scaffolds in targeting various cancer pathways. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.134308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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8
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Vaquero J, Pavy A, Gonzalez-Sanchez E, Meredith M, Arbelaiz A, Fouassier L. Genetic alterations shaping tumor response to anti-EGFR therapies. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 64:100863. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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9
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Nguyen KA, Keith MJ, Keysar SB, Hall SC, Bimali A, Jimeno A, Wang XJ, Young CD. Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in precancerous keratinocytes promotes neighboring head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma cancer stem cell-like properties and phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor insensitivity. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:664-676. [PMID: 35417043 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23409] [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: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is commonly associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption that induce a "precancerous field," with phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling being a common driver. However, the preclinical effectiveness of PI3K inhibitors has not necessarily translated to remarkable benefit in HNSCC patients. Thus, we sought to determine how precancerous keratinocytes influence HNSCC proliferation, cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance, and response to PI3K inhibitors. We used the NOK keratinocyte cell line as a model of preneoplastic keratinocytes because it harbors two frequent genetic events in HNSCC, CDKN2A promoter methylation and TP53 mutation, but does not form tumors. NOK cell coculture or NOK cell-conditioned media promoted HNSCC proliferation, PI3K inhibitor resistance, and CSC phenotypes. SOMAscan-targeted proteomics determined the relative levels of >1300 analytes in the media conditioned by NOK cells and HNSCC cells ± PI3K inhibitor. These results demonstrated that NOK cells release abundant levels of ligands that activate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), two receptor tyrosine kinases with oncogenic activity. Inhibition of EGFR, but not FGFR, blunted PI3K inhibitor resistance and CSC phenotypes induced by NOK cells. Our results demonstrate that precancerous keratinocytes can directly support neighboring HNSCC by activating EGFR. Importantly, PI3K inhibitor sensitivity was not necessarily a cancer cell-intrinsic property, and the tumor microenvironment impacts therapeutic response and supports CSCs. Additionally, combined inhibition of EGFR with PI3K inhibitor diminished EGFR activation induced by PI3K inhibitor and potently inhibited cancer cell proliferation and CSC maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa A Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Madison J Keith
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Stephen B Keysar
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Spencer C Hall
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Anamol Bimali
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Antonio Jimeno
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Xiao-Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Christian D Young
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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10
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Work over the past several decades has identified that aberrations in the ErbB signaling pathways are key drivers of oncogenesis, and concurrent efforts to discover targetable vulnerabilities to counter this aberrant oncogenic signaling offer tremendous promise in treating a host of human cancers. These efforts have been centered primarily on EGFR (also known as HER1), leading to the discovery of the first targeted therapies approved for head and neck cancer. More recently, HER2 and HER3 signaling pathways have been identified as highly dysregulated in head and neck cancer. This review highlights the HER2 and HER3 signaling pathways and clinical efforts to target these receptors and their aberrant signaling to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and other head and neck malignancies, including salivary gland carcinomas. This includes the use of small molecule inhibitors and blocking antibodies, both as single agents or as part of multimodal precision targeted and immunotherapies.
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11
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Gutkind JS, Molinolo A, Wu X, Wang Z, Nachmanson D, Harismendy O, Alexandrov LB, Wuertz BR, Ondrey FG, Laronde DM, Rock LD, Rosin MP, Coffey CS, Butler VD, Bengtson L, Hsu CH, Bauman JE, Hewitt SM, Cohen EE, Chow HHS, Lippman SM, Szabo E. Inhibition of mTOR signaling and clinical activity of metformin in oral premalignant lesions. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e147096. [PMID: 34255745 PMCID: PMC8492350 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.147096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aberrant activation of the PI3K/mTOR signaling circuitry is one of the most frequently dysregulated signaling events in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here, we conducted a single-arm, open-label phase IIa clinical trial in individuals with oral premalignant lesions (OPLs) to explore the potential of metformin to target PI3K/mTOR signaling for HNSCC prevention. METHODS Individuals with OPLs, but who were otherwise healthy and without diabetes, underwent pretreatment and posttreatment clinical exam and biopsy. Participants received metformin for 12 weeks (week 1, 500 mg; week 2, 1000 mg; weeks 3–12, 2000 mg daily). Pretreatment and posttreatment biopsies, saliva, and blood were obtained for biomarker analysis, including IHC assessment of mTOR signaling and exome sequencing. RESULTS Twenty-three participants were evaluable for response. The clinical response rate (defined as a ≥50% reduction in lesion size) was 17%. Although lower than the proposed threshold for favorable clinical response, the histological response rate (improvement in histological grade) was 60%, including 17% complete responses and 43% partial responses. Logistic regression analysis revealed that when compared with never smokers, current and former smokers had statistically significantly increased histological responses (P = 0.016). Remarkably, a significant correlation existed between decreased mTOR activity (pS6 IHC staining) in the basal epithelial layers of OPLs and the histological (P = 0.04) and clinical (P = 0.01) responses. CONCLUSION To our knowledge this is the first phase II trial of metformin in individuals with OPLs, providing evidence that metformin administration results in encouraging histological responses and mTOR pathway modulation, thus supporting its further investigation as a chemopreventive agent. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02581137 FUNDING NIH contract HHSN261201200031I, grants R01DE026644 and R01DE026870
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Affiliation(s)
- J Silvio Gutkind
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Alfredo Molinolo
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Xingyu Wu
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Zhiyong Wang
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Daniela Nachmanson
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Olivier Harismendy
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Ludmil B Alexandrov
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | | | - Frank G Ondrey
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Denise M Laronde
- Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, United States of America
| | - Leigha D Rock
- British Columbia Agency Research Center, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Miriam P Rosin
- British Columbia Agency Research Center, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Charles S Coffey
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Valerie D Butler
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States of America
| | - Lisa Bengtson
- National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Chiu-Hsieh Hsu
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States of America
| | - Julie E Bauman
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States of America
| | - Stephen M Hewitt
- National Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Ezra Ew Cohen
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - H H Sherry Chow
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States of America
| | - Scott M Lippman
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Eva Szabo
- National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, United States of America
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12
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Muraro E, Fanetti G, Lupato V, Giacomarra V, Steffan A, Gobitti C, Vaccher E, Franchin G. Cetuximab in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Biological mechanisms involved in efficacy, toxicity and resistance. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 164:103424. [PMID: 34245856 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its introduction, the use of cetuximab in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has experienced an evolution. Currently, cetuximab associated with radiotherapy is limited to the treatment of patients affected by a locally advanced malignancy and unfit for cisplatin. However, reliable biomarkers of cetuximab efficacy in this cancer setting are still lacking. This review focuses on the mechanisms of action of cetuximab, highlighting, in particular, the consequences of the binding to EGFR, and the pathways involved in the development of adverse events or acquired resistance. Indeed, adverse events, such as skin rash, have been associated with cetuximab efficacy in HNSCC several times. Acquired resistance is associated with microenvironment plasticity, which is, in turn, characterized by an increased immune infiltrate. The better definition of patients eligible for this kind of therapy could improve HNSCC management, possibly proposing a combined treatment with radiotherapy, cetuximab and immune checkpoint inhibitors as recently investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Muraro
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Department of Translational Research, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Fanetti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Valentina Lupato
- Unit of Otolaryngology, General Hospital "S. Maria degli Angeli", Pordenone, Italy
| | - Vittorio Giacomarra
- Unit of Otolaryngology, General Hospital "S. Maria degli Angeli", Pordenone, Italy
| | - Agostino Steffan
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Department of Translational Research, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Carlo Gobitti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Emanuela Vaccher
- Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Giovanni Franchin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
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13
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Long Noncoding RNA WDFY3-AS2 Represses the Progression of Esophageal Cancer through miR-18a/PTEN Axis. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:9951010. [PMID: 34194502 PMCID: PMC8203383 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9951010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Understanding the role of lncRNAs in the development of human malignancies is necessary for the targeted therapy of malignant tumors, including esophageal cancer (EC). Nevertheless, the specific role and regulatory mechanism of lncRNA WDFY3-AS2 in EC are still unclear. Here, we examined the functional role and regulatory mechanism of WDFY3-AS2 in EC. Materials and Methods RT-qPCR assay was applied to measure the expression of WDFY3-AS2 and miR-18a in EC samples and cells. The luciferase reporter and RIP assays were used to check the relationship between WDFY3-AS2, miR-18a, and PTEN. Counting Clock Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was carried out to detect cell viability, and transwell assays were used for measuring cell migration and invasion. Results Underexpression of WDFY3-AS2 was found in EC specimens and cells, which predicted a poor prognosis of EC patients. Reexpression of WDFY3-AS2 repressed the progression of EC via inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Additionally, WDFY3-AS2 was negatively correlated with miR-18a and positively with PTEN. Furthermore, we discovered that the expression of PTEN decreased by miR-18a mimic was rescued by WDFY3-AS2 overexpression. Conclusions WDFY3-AS2 modulates the expressional level of PTEN as a competitive endogenous RNA via sponging miR-18a in EC, which suggests that the WDFY3-AS2/miR-18a/PTEN pathway might be involved in the progression of EC.
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14
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Wang Z, Goto Y, Allevato MM, Wu VH, Saddawi-Konefka R, Gilardi M, Alvarado D, Yung BS, O'Farrell A, Molinolo AA, Duvvuri U, Grandis JR, Califano JA, Cohen EEW, Gutkind JS. Disruption of the HER3-PI3K-mTOR oncogenic signaling axis and PD-1 blockade as a multimodal precision immunotherapy in head and neck cancer. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2383. [PMID: 33888713 PMCID: PMC8062674 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22619-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has revolutionized head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment, but <20% of patients achieve durable responses. Persistent activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling circuitry represents a key oncogenic driver in HNSCC; however, the potential immunosuppressive effects of PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors may limit the benefit of their combination with ICB. Here we employ an unbiased kinome-wide siRNA screen to reveal that HER3, is essential for the proliferation of most HNSCC cells that do not harbor PIK3CA mutations. Indeed, we find that persistent tyrosine phosphorylation of HER3 and PI3K recruitment underlies aberrant PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in PIK3CA wild type HNSCCs. Remarkably, antibody-mediated HER3 blockade exerts a potent anti-tumor effect by suppressing HER3-PI3K-AKT-mTOR oncogenic signaling and concomitantly reversing the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment. Ultimately, we show that HER3 inhibition and PD-1 blockade may provide a multimodal precision immunotherapeutic approach for PIK3CA wild type HNSCC, aimed at achieving durable cancer remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Wang
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yusuke Goto
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael M Allevato
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Victoria H Wu
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert Saddawi-Konefka
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Mara Gilardi
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Bryan S Yung
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Aoife O'Farrell
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alfredo A Molinolo
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Umamaheswar Duvvuri
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joseph A Califano
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ezra E W Cohen
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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15
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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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16
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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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