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Krawczyk N, Jaeger B, Martina PJ, Cristina LCRN, Melissa N, Maggie BP, Franziska MS, Hans N, Dieter N, Eugen R, Svjetlana M, Jürgen H, Thomas K, Irene E, Tanja F. Determination of the androgen receptor status of disseminated tumor cells in primary breast cancer patients. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:1525-1533. [PMID: 37902839 PMCID: PMC10894135 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07225-z] [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: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Androgen receptor (AR) can serve as a new therapeutic target since it was shown to play a proliferative role in several breast cancer (BC) subtypes. Moreover, AR positivity has been suggested to reflect the metastatic potential of tumor cells in some BC subtypes. The aim of this study was to determine the AR expression on disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) as a surrogate marker of minimal residual disease (MRD) and potential precursor of metastasis in early BC. METHODS Bone marrow (BM) aspirates from 62 DTC-positive early BC patients were included into this study and analyzed by immunofluorescence staining for the presence of AR-positive DTCs. CK-positive, CD45-negative cells containing an intact nucleus (DAPI positive) were identified as DTCs. AR expression of the primary tumor (PT) was assessed by immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor sections from core biopsies and surgical specimens. RESULTS AR status of DTCs could be determined in 21 patients. We detected AR-positive DTCs in nine samples (43%). AR expression of DTCs and corresponding PT showed a concordance rate of 33%. The DTC-AR status did not correlate with clinicopathological factors, nor did we observe a significant correlation between the AR status of the PT and other established prognostic factors for BC. CONCLUSION AR-positive DTCs can be detected in BM of early BC patients with a marked discordance of the AR status between DTCs and corresponding PTs. The clinical significance of these findings needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Krawczyk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Bernadette Jaeger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.
| | - Piperek-Jäger Martina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Neubacher Melissa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Banys-Paluchowski Maggie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Schleswig Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Meier-Stiegen Franziska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Neubauer Hans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Niederacher Dieter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Ruckhäberle Eugen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Mohrmann Svjetlana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Hoffmann Jürgen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Kaleta Thomas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Esposito Irene
- Department of Pathology, University of Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Fehm Tanja
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
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Malainou CP, Stachika N, Damianou AK, Anastopoulos A, Ploumaki I, Triantafyllou E, Drougkas K, Gomatou G, Kotteas E. Estrogen-Receptor-Low-Positive Breast Cancer: Pathological and Clinical Perspectives. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:9734-9745. [PMID: 37999126 PMCID: PMC10670665 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30110706] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) in breast cancer (BC) represents a strong prognostic and predictive biomarker and directs therapeutic decisions in early and advanced stages. ER-low-positive BC, defined by the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of ERs from 1% to 9%, constitutes a distinct subset of total BC cases. Guidelines recommend that a low expression of ERs be reported in pathology reports since the benefit of endocrine therapy in patients with ER-low-positive BC is uncertain. Recently, several cohorts, mostly of a retrospective nature, have been published, reporting the clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of ER-low-positive BC. However, the majority of the data focus on early-stage BC and the use of (neo)adjuvant therapy, and there is a significant lack of data regarding metastatic ER-low-positive BC. Further factors, including tumor heterogeneity as well as the potential loss of ER expression due to endocrine resistance, should be considered. Including patients with ER-low-positive BC in clinical trials for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) might improve the understanding of this entity and allow novel therapeutic approaches. The design and conduction of randomized clinical trials regarding this subgroup of patients are greatly anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Georgia Gomatou
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, “Sotiria” General Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 152 Messogion Avenue, 11527 Athens, Greece (E.K.)
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3
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Jaeger BAS, Krawczyk N, Japp AS, Honisch E, Köhrer K, Scheuring S, Petzsch P, Neubauer H, Volkmer AK, Esposito I, Ruckhäberle E, Niederacher D, Fehm T. Whole Exome Analysis to Select Targeted Therapies for Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer - A Feasibility Study. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2023; 83:1138-1147. [PMID: 37706056 PMCID: PMC10497348 DOI: 10.1055/a-2150-9440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The purpose of this feasibility study was to select targeted therapies according to "ESMO Scale for Clinical Actionability of molecular Targets (ESCAT)". Data interpretation was further supported by a browser-based Treatment Decision Support platform (MH Guide, Molecular Health, Heidelberg, Germany). Patients We applied next generation sequencing based whole exome sequencing of tumor tissue and peripheral blood of patients with metastatic breast cancer (n = 44) to detect somatic as well as germline mutations. Results In 32 metastatic breast cancer patients, data interpretation was feasible. We identified 25 genomic alterations with ESCAT Level of Evidence I or II in 18/32 metastatic breast cancer patients, which were available for evaluation: three copy number gains in HER2 , two g BRCA1 , two g BRCA2 , six PIK3CA, one ESR1 , three PTEN , one AKT1 and two HER2 mutations. In addition, five samples displayed Microsatellite instability high-H. Conclusions Resulting treatment options were discussed in a tumor board and could be recommended in a small but relevant proportion of patients with metastatic breast cancer (7/18). Thus, this study is a valuable preliminary work for the establishment of a molecular tumor board within the German initiative "Center for Personalized Medicine" which aims to shorten time for analyses and optimize selection of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Anna Sophia Jaeger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Natalia Krawczyk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna Sophia Japp
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ellen Honisch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl Köhrer
- Biologisch-Medizinisches Forschungszentrum (BMFZ), Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sibylle Scheuring
- Biologisch-Medizinisches Forschungszentrum (BMFZ), Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Petzsch
- Biologisch-Medizinisches Forschungszentrum (BMFZ), Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans Neubauer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anne Kathrin Volkmer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Irene Esposito
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Eugen Ruckhäberle
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dieter Niederacher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tanja Fehm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Guz M, Jeleniewicz W, Cybulski M. Interactions between circRNAs and miR-141 in Cancer: From Pathogenesis to Diagnosis and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11861. [PMID: 37511619 PMCID: PMC10380543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411861] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The function of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the pathogenesis and development of cancer is indisputable. Molecular mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis involve the aberrant expression of ncRNAs, including circular RNAs (circRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs). CircRNAs are a class of single-stranded, covalently closed RNAs responsible for maintaining cellular homeostasis through their diverse functions. As a part of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNAs) network, they play a central role in the regulation of accessibility of miRNAs to their mRNA targets. The interplay between these molecular players is based on the primary role of circRNAs that act as miRNAs sponges, and the circRNA/miRNA imbalance plays a central role in different pathologies including cancer. Herein, we present the latest state of knowledge about interactions between circRNAs and miR-141, a well-known member of the miR-200 family, in malignant transformation, with emphasis on the biological role of circRNA/miR-141/mRNA networks as a future target for novel anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Guz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Witold Jeleniewicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marek Cybulski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Multiparametric Circulating Tumor Cell Analysis to Select Targeted Therapies for Breast Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236004. [PMID: 34885114 PMCID: PMC8657376 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236004] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liquid biopsies may act as a dynamic tool for identification of targets for precision therapy while circumventing limitations of tissue biopsies. In opposite to most liquid biopsy-related studies that analyze limited patient material for only one parameter, this study is based on a longitudinal and multiparametric analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). A metastatic breast cancer patient was followed over a period of three years and analyses of the genome, RNA profiling, and in vitro drug testing on cultured CTCs were performed in a unique manner. We show that combining the strengths of multiple technologies for analysis yielded maximum information on the ongoing disease and, eventually, allowed choosing an effective therapy, which led to a massive reduction in CTC numbers. This approach provides a concept for future detailed longitudinal and multiparametric CTC analyses. Abstract Background: The analysis of liquid biopsies, e.g., circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is an appealing diagnostic concept for targeted therapy selection. In this proof-of-concept study, we aimed to perform multiparametric analyses of CTCs to select targeted therapies for metastatic breast cancer patients. Methods: First, CTCs of five metastatic breast cancer patients were analyzed by whole exome sequencing (WES). Based on the results, one patient was selected and monitored by longitudinal and multiparametric liquid biopsy analyses over more than three years, including WES, RNA profiling, and in vitro drug testing of CTCs. Results: Mutations addressable by targeted therapies were detected in all patients, including mutations that were not detected in biopsies of the primary tumor. For the index patient, the clonal evolution of the tumor cells was retraced and resistance mechanisms were identified. The AKT1 E17K mutation was uncovered as the driver of the metastatic process. Drug testing on the patient’s CTCs confirmed the efficacy of drugs targeting the AKT1 pathway. During a targeted therapy chosen based on the CTC characterization and including the mTOR inhibitor everolimus, CTC numbers dropped by 97.3% and the disease remained stable as determined by computer tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusion: These results illustrate the strength of a multiparametric CTC analysis to choose and validate targeted therapies to optimize cancer treatment in the future. Furthermore, from a scientific point of view, such studies promote the understanding of the biology of CTCs during different treatment regimens.
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Miranda F, Prazeres H, Mendes F, Martins D, Schmitt F. Resistance to endocrine therapy in HR + and/or HER2 + breast cancer: the most promising predictive biomarkers. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 49:717-733. [PMID: 34739691 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06863-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It is a heterogeneous disease, encompassing different biological subtypes that differ in histological features, outcomes, clinical behaviour and different molecular subtypes. Therapy has progressed substantially over the past years with a reduction both for locoregional and systemic therapy. Endocrine therapies have considerably reduced cancer recurrence and mortality. Despite the major diagnostic and therapeutic innovations, resistance to therapy has become a main challenge, especially in metastatic breast cancer, and became a major factor limiting the use of endocrine therapeutic agents in ER positive breast cancers. Approximately 50% of patients with ER positive metastatic disease achieve a complete or partial response with endocrine therapy. However, in the remaining patients, the benefit is limited due to resistance, intrinsic or acquired, resulting in disease progression and poor outcome.Tumour heterogeneity as well as acquired genetic changes and therapeutics pressure have been involved in the endocrine therapy resistance. Nowadays, targeted sequencing of genes involved in cancer has provided insights about genomic tumour evolution throughout treatment and resistance driver mutations. Several studies have described multiple alterations in receptor tyrosine kinases, signalling pathways such as Phosphoinositide-3-kinase-protein kinase B/Akt/mTOR (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) and Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), cell cycle machinery and their implications in endocrine treatment failure.One of the current concern in cancer is personalized therapy. The focus has been the discovery of new potentially predictive biomarkers capable to identify reliably the most appropriate therapy regimen and which patients will experience disease relapse. The major concern is also to avoid overtreatment/undertreatment and development of resistance.This review focuses on the most promising predictive biomarkers of resistance in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and the emerging role of circulating free-DNA as a powerful tool for longitudinal monitoring of tumour molecular profile throughout treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Miranda
- Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTeSC, DCBL, Rua 5 de Outubro-SM Bispo, Apartado, 7006, 3046-854, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Hugo Prazeres
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.,U-Monitor Lda, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Molecular Pathology, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fernando Mendes
- Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTeSC, DCBL, Rua 5 de Outubro-SM Bispo, Apartado, 7006, 3046-854, Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.,European Association for Professions in Biomedical Sciences, Brussels, Belgique
| | - Diana Martins
- Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTeSC, DCBL, Rua 5 de Outubro-SM Bispo, Apartado, 7006, 3046-854, Coimbra, Portugal. .,i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal. .,University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Fernando Schmitt
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
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Lu AS, Rouhimoghadam M, Arnatt C, Filardo EJ, Salem AK. Proteolytic Targeting Chimeras with Specificity for Plasma Membrane and Intracellular Estrogen Receptors. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:1455-1469. [PMID: 33600191 PMCID: PMC9671096 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Decisions regarding the assignment of hormonal therapy for breast cancer are based solely upon the presence of nuclear estrogen receptors (ERs) in biopsied tumor tissue. This is despite the fact that the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is linked to advanced breast cancer and is required for breast cancer stem cell survival, an observation that suggests that effective endocrine therapy should also target this receptor. Here, two ER/GPER-targeting proteolytic chimeras (UI-EP001 and UI-EP002) are described that effectively degrade ERα, ERβ, and GPER. These chimeras form high-affinity interactions with GPER and ER with binding dissociation constants of ∼30 nM and 10-20 nM, respectively. Plasma membrane and intracellular GPER and nuclear ER were degraded by UI-EP001 and UI-EP002, but not by a partial proteolytic targeting chimera (PROTAC) lacking its estrogen-targeting domain. Pretreatment of cells with the proteasomal inhibitor, MG132, blocked UI-EP001 and UI-EP002 proteolysis, while the lysosomotrophic inhibitor, chloroquine, had no effect. The off-target activity was not observed against recombinant β1-adrenergic receptor or CXCR4. Target specificity was further demonstrated in human MCF-7 cells where both drugs effectively degraded ERα, ERβ, and GPER, sparing the progesterone receptor (PR). UI-EP001 and UI-EP002 induced cytotoxicity and G2/M cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 breast cancer and human SKBR3 (ERα-ERβ-GPER+) breast cancer cells but not human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells that do not express functional GPER/ER. These results suggest that it is possible to develop a receptor-based strategy of antiestrogen treatment for breast cancer that targets both plasma membrane and intracellular estrogen receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh S. Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242
| | - Milad Rouhimoghadam
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA 52242
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA 52242
| | - Christopher Arnatt
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA 63104
| | - Edward J. Filardo
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA 52242
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA 52242
| | - Aliasger K. Salem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA 52242
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8
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Busatto FF, Viero VP, Schaefer BT, Saffi J. Cell growth analysis and nucleotide excision repair modulation in breast cancer cells submitted to a protocol using doxorubicin and paclitaxel. Life Sci 2021; 268:118990. [PMID: 33412214 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118990] [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] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One of the most used regimens to treat breast cancer is the dose-dense ACT protocol, a combination of anthracycline doxorubicin (DOX) with cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel (PCTX). However, many tumors show resistance to the protocols applied. It is known that the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway acts by removing the DOX-generated lesions, and this, together with other DNA repair pathways, can modulate the response to treatment. AIMS To evaluate the in vitro growth profile of breast cancer cells (MCF7), and the modulation of DNA repair genes, submitted to a protocol using DOX and PCTX in a similar regimen to what is used in clinical practice. MAIN METHODS MCF7 cells were treated with repeated cycles of DOX and PCTX and followed-up during and after each of the treatments. The population doubling of the remaining cells was calculated during the complete protocol and DNA repair gene expression was evaluated at different time-points. KEY FINDINGS An increase in all NER genes analyzed after the DOX treatment was observed, but not after the PCTX treatment. MRE11was overexpressed at all evaluated time-points. There was a resumption of NER genes overexpression profile when cells were maintained for follow-up and retook their growth pattern, indicating that DNA repair pathways can modulate their expression during the chemotherapy exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciele Faccio Busatto
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Molecular and Cell Biology (PPGBCM), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Victoria Pereira Viero
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruna Thaís Schaefer
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Jenifer Saffi
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Molecular and Cell Biology (PPGBCM), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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9
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Elsherbini AM, Sheweita SA, Sultan AS. Pterostilbene as a Phytochemical Compound Induces Signaling Pathways Involved in the Apoptosis and Death of Mutant P53-Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Nutr Cancer 2020; 73:1976-1984. [PMID: 32900227 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2020.1817513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pterostilbene is a natural nonflavonoid polyphenolic compound. It shows a remarkable range of biological activities, including antiproliferative, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant activity. However, the mechanism of action of PT in breast cancer cells containing mutant p53 protein has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the present study was aimed at investigating the influence of PT on signaling pathways involved in the apoptosis of mutant p53-breast cancer cell lines. Immunocytochemistry and Western Immunoblotting techniques were used in this study. The present data showed that the viabilities and the proliferations of MDA-MB-231 and T-47D decreased significantly (P < 0.001) after treatment with different concentrations of PT. In addition, the morphological characteristics of both cell lines were changed after treatment with PT. Decreased protein expression of mutant p53 (R280 K, L194F) in MDA-MB-231 and T-47D breast cancer cell lines has also been achieved. In addition, overexpression of pro-apoptotic (Bax) protein, caspase-3 activity and histone release were increased after treatment of both cell lines with different PT concentrations. Furthermore, the protein expressions of cyclin D1, mTOR, and oncogenic β-catenin were significantly downregulated after treatment of both cell lines with PT. In conclusion, downregulations of protein expression of mutant p53, cyclin D1, mTOR, and β-catenin were increased after both cell lines had been treated with pterostilbene. PT could point to a promising use against the development and the progression of breast cancer as a natural therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa M Elsherbini
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Salah A Sheweita
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed S Sultan
- Department of Biochemistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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10
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Tiron CE, Luta G, Butura M, Zugun-Eloae F, Stan CS, Coroaba A, Ursu EL, Stanciu GD, Tiron A. NHF-derived carbon dots: prevalidation approach in breast cancer treatment. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12662. [PMID: 32728167 PMCID: PMC7391642 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69670-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer dominates the female cancer-related mortality. Tumour-associated molecules represents a crucial for early disease detection and identification of novel therapeutic targets. Nanomaterial technologies provide promising novel approaches to disease diagnostics and therapeutics. In the present study we extend the investigations of antitumoral properties of Carbon Dots prepared from N-hydroxyphthalimide (CD-NHF) precursor. We evaluate the effect of CD-NHF on tumour cell migration and invasion in vitro and their impact on tumour progression using an in vivo model. Furthermore, we investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in CD-NHF antitumour effects. In vivo mammary tumours were induced in Balb/c female mice by injecting 4T1 cells into the mammary fat pad. Conditional treatment with CD-NHF significantly impair both migration and invasion of metastatic breast cancer cells. The presence of CD-NHF within the 3D cell cultures strongly inhibited the malignant phenotype of MDA-MB-231, 4T1 and MCF-7 cells in 3D culture, resulting in culture colonies lacking invasive projections and reduction of mammospheres formation. Importantly, breast tumour growth and metastasis dissemination was significantly reduced upon CD-NHF treatments in a syngeneic mouse model and is associated with down-regulation of Ki67 and HSP90 expression. CD-NHF nanostructures provide exciting perspective for improving treatment outcome in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crina Elena Tiron
- Regional Institute of Oncology, TRANSCEND Center, 700483, Iasi, Romania
| | - Gabriel Luta
- Regional Institute of Oncology, TRANSCEND Center, 700483, Iasi, Romania
| | - Mihail Butura
- Regional Institute of Oncology, TRANSCEND Center, 700483, Iasi, Romania
| | - Florin Zugun-Eloae
- Regional Institute of Oncology, TRANSCEND Center, 700483, Iasi, Romania
- Department of Immunology, "Gr.T.Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115, Iasi, Romania
| | - Corneliu S Stan
- Department of Natural and Synthetic Polymers, "Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University of Iasi, 700050, Iasi, Romania
| | - Adina Coroaba
- Department of Chemistry, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 700487, Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena-Laura Ursu
- Department of Chemistry, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 700487, Iasi, Romania
| | - Gabriela Dumitrita Stanciu
- Center for Advanced Research and Development in Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), "Gr.T.Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Adrian Tiron
- Regional Institute of Oncology, TRANSCEND Center, 700483, Iasi, Romania.
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11
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Calandri M, Siravegna G, Yevich SM, Stranieri G, Gazzera C, Kopetz S, Fonio P, Gupta S, Bardelli A, Veltri A, Odisio BC. Liquid biopsy, a paradigm shift in oncology: what interventional radiologists should know. Eur Radiol 2020; 30:4496-4503. [PMID: 32193642 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-06700-4] [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: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The acquisition of adequate tumor sample is required to verify primary tumor type and specific biomarkers and to assess response to therapy. Historically, invasive surgical procedures were the standard methods to acquire tumor samples until advancements in imaging and minimally invasive equipment facilitated the paradigm shift image-guided biopsy. Image-guided biopsy has improved sampling yield and minimized risk to the patient; however, there are still limitations, such as its invasive nature and its consequent limitations to longitudinal tumor monitoring. The next paradigm shift in sampling technique will need to address these issues to provide a more reliable and less invasive technique. Recently, liquid biopsy (LB) has emerged as a non-invasive alternative to tissue sampling. This technique relies on direct sampling of blood or other bodily fluids in contact with the tumor in order to collect circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and circulating RNAs-in particular microRNA (miRNAs). Clinical applications of LB involve different steps of cancer patient management including screening, detection of disease recurrence, and evaluation of acquired resistance. With any paradigm shift, old techniques are often relegated to a secondary option. Although image-guided biopsies may appear as a passive spectator on the rapid advancement of LB, the two techniques may well be codependent. Interventional radiology may be integral to directly sample the liquid surrounding or draining from the tumor. In addition, LB may help to correctly select the patients for image-guided loco-regional treatments, to determine its treatment endpoint, and to early detect recurrence. KEY POINTS: • Liquid biopsy is a novel technology with potential high impact in the management of patients undergoing image-guided procedures. • Interventional radiology procedures may increase liquid biopsy sensitivity through direct fluid sampling. • Liquid biopsy techniques may provide a venue for improving patients' selection and enhance outcomes of interventional loco-regional therapies performed by interventional radiologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Calandri
- Radiology Unit, A.O.U. San Luigi Gonzaga - Orbassano (To), Orbassano, TO, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Siravegna
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo (To), Candiolo, TO, Italy.,Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Steven M Yevich
- Department of Interventional Radiology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giuseppe Stranieri
- Radiology Unit, A.O.U. San Luigi Gonzaga - Orbassano (To), Orbassano, TO, Italy
| | - Carlo Gazzera
- Radiology Institute, Città della Salute e della Scienza - Torino Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Scott Kopetz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paolo Fonio
- Radiology Institute, Città della Salute e della Scienza - Torino Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- Department of Interventional Radiology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alberto Bardelli
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo (To), Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Andrea Veltri
- Radiology Unit, A.O.U. San Luigi Gonzaga - Orbassano (To), Orbassano, TO, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Bruno C Odisio
- Department of Interventional Radiology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA.
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12
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Franken A, Honisch E, Reinhardt F, Meier-Stiegen F, Yang L, Jaschinski S, Esposito I, Alberter B, Polzer B, Huebner H, Fasching PA, Pancholi S, Martin LA, Ruckhaeberle E, Schochter F, Tzschaschel M, Hartkopf AD, Mueller V, Niederacher D, Fehm T, Neubauer H. Detection of ESR1 Mutations in Single Circulating Tumor Cells on Estrogen Deprivation Therapy but Not in Primary Tumors from Metastatic Luminal Breast Cancer Patients. J Mol Diagn 2020; 22:111-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2019.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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13
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Investigating circulating tumor cells and distant metastases in patient-derived orthotopic xenograft models of triple-negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2019; 21:98. [PMID: 31462307 PMCID: PMC6714238 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-019-1182-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent a temporal "snapshot" of a patient's cancer and changes that occur during disease evolution. There is an extensive literature studying CTCs in breast cancer patients, and particularly in those with metastatic disease. In parallel, there is an increasing use of patient-derived models in preclinical investigations of human cancers. Yet studies are still limited demonstrating CTC shedding and metastasis formation in patient-derived models of breast cancer. METHODS We used seven patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) models generated from triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients to study CTCs and distant metastases. Tumor fragments from PDOX tissue from each of the seven models were implanted into 57 NOD scid gamma (NSG) mice, and tumor growth and volume were monitored. Human CTC capture from mouse blood was first optimized on the marker-agnostic Vortex CTC isolation platform, and whole blood was processed from 37 PDOX tumor-bearing mice. RESULTS Staining and imaging revealed the presence of CTCs in 32/37 (86%). The total number of CTCs varied between different PDOX tumor models and between individual mice bearing the same PDOX tumors. CTCs were heterogeneous and showed cytokeratin (CK) positive, vimentin (VIM) positive, and mixed CK/VIM phenotypes. Metastases were detected in the lung (20/57, 35%), liver (7/57, 12%), and brain (1/57, less than 2%). The seven different PDOX tumor models displayed varying degrees of metastatic potential, including one TNBC PDOX tumor model that failed to generate any detectable metastases (0/8 mice) despite having CTCs present in the blood of 5/5 tested, suggesting that CTCs from this particular PDOX tumor model may typify metastatic inefficiency. CONCLUSION PDOX tumor models that shed CTCs and develop distant metastases represent an important tool for investigating TNBC.
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14
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Diagnostic Leukapheresis Enables Reliable Transcriptomic Profiling of Single Circulating Tumor Cells to Characterize Inter-Cellular Heterogeneity in Terms of Endocrine Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11070903. [PMID: 31261643 PMCID: PMC6679140 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) hold great promise with regard to prognosis, treatment optimization, and monitoring of breast cancer patients. Single CTC transcriptome profiling might help reveal valuable information concerning intra-patient heterogeneity relevant to therapeutic interventions. In this study, we combined Diagnostic Leukapheresis (DLA), which is a microfluidic enrichment using the ParsortixTM system, micromanipulation with CellCelectorTM and subsequent single cell multi-marker transcriptome profiling. First, a PCR panel consisting of 30 different endocrine resistance and phenotypic marker genes was validated for single cell profiling by using different breast cancer cell lines. Second, this panel was applied to characterize uncultured and cultured CTCs, which were enriched from a cryopreserved DLA product obtained from a patient suffering from metastatic breast cancer resistant to endocrine therapy. Gene expression profiles of both CTC populations uncovered inter CTC heterogeneity for transcripts, which are associated with response or resistance to endocrine therapy (e.g., ESR1, HER2, FGFR1). Hierarchical clustering revealed CTC subpopulations with different expressions of transcripts regarding the CTCs’ differential phenotypes (EpCAM, CD44, CD24, MYC, MUC1) and of transcripts involved in endocrine signaling pathways (FOXO, PTEN). Moreover, ER-positive CTCs exhibited significant higher expression of Cyclin D1, which might be relevant for CDK4/6 inhibitor therapies. Overall, gene expression profiles of uncultured and cultured CTCs resulted in a partly combined grouping. Our findings demonstrate that multi-marker RNA profiling of enriched single uncultured CTCs and cultured CTCs form cryopreserved DLA samples may provide important insights into intra-patient heterogeneity relevant for targeted therapies and therapy resistance.
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15
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Xu L, Yan N, Li Z, Luo L, Wu X, Liu Q, Xu Y, Cao Y. A comparison of fulvestrant plus a targeted agent with fulvestrant alone in hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer that progressed on prior endocrine therapy: a meta-analysis. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:8389-8398. [PMID: 30568462 PMCID: PMC6267349 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s166653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fulvestrant is recommended for the hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients progressed during or after prior endocrine therapy. Notably, recent evidence has also demonstrated that adding a targeted agent to fulvestrant conferred a significantly clinical benefit in these patients. Since these results were inconsistent among the studies, this meta-analysis herein was conducted to compare the efficacy and toxicities of the fulvestrant-based combination therapy with fulvestrant monotherapy. Thus, a systemic research was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library to identify relevant Phase II or Phase III randomized controlled trials. The progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), and toxicities were evaluated. And HR, risk ratio (RR), and their 95% CIs were employed to complete the pooled analyses. In total, 13 studies with 3,910-hour positive MBC patients progressed on prior endocrine therapy were included in our meta-analysis. Improvements of doublet-agents group were proven in terms of PFS (HR 0.73, 95% CI =0.63–0.86, P=0.000) and ORR (RR 2.07, 95% CI =1.67–2.58, P=0.000). And the further subgroup analysis also demonstrated that fulvestrant in combination with a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK4/6) inhibitor or a PI3K/mTOR inhibitor was associated with a superior efficacy (RR 2.72, 95% CI =1.93–3.83, P=0.000 and RR 1.60, 95% CI =1.15–2.23, P=0.005, respectively). However, the efficacy was comparable between the other combination strategies and fulvestrant alone. With respect to the adverse effects, adding a targeted agent to fulvestrant also produced more frequent grade 3/4 toxicities (RR 3.86, 95% CI =2.66–5.61, P=0.000). Taken together, combination of fulvestrant with a targeted agent, especially inhibitors targeting CDK4/6 or PI3K/mTOR pathway, may open a new avenue for more effective therapies in relapse or metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer after prior aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen treatment. In addition, identifying reliable biomarkers to delineate which subgroup of patients will specially benefit from fulvestrant-based combination therapy is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xu
- The First Department of Prevention and Cure Centre of Breast Disease, The Third Hospital of Nanchang City, Key Laboratory of Breast Disease in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, JiangXi 330009, China,
| | - Ningning Yan
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhihua Li
- The First Department of Prevention and Cure Centre of Breast Disease, The Third Hospital of Nanchang City, Key Laboratory of Breast Disease in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, JiangXi 330009, China,
| | - Lihua Luo
- Medical Department, Graduate School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Xiaobo Wu
- The First Department of Prevention and Cure Centre of Breast Disease, The Third Hospital of Nanchang City, Key Laboratory of Breast Disease in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, JiangXi 330009, China,
| | - Qiuming Liu
- The First Department of Prevention and Cure Centre of Breast Disease, The Third Hospital of Nanchang City, Key Laboratory of Breast Disease in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, JiangXi 330009, China,
| | - Yingchun Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China,
| | - Yali Cao
- The First Department of Prevention and Cure Centre of Breast Disease, The Third Hospital of Nanchang City, Key Laboratory of Breast Disease in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, JiangXi 330009, China,
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