1
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Liu Y, Yao Y, Yang X, Wei M, Lu B, Dong K, Lyu D, Li Y, Guan W, Huang R, Xu G, Pan X. Lymphocyte activation gene 3 served as a potential prognostic and immunological biomarker across various cancer types: a clinical and pan-cancer analysis. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e70009. [PMID: 39372371 PMCID: PMC11450455 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.70009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), an inhibitory receptor in T-cell activation, is a negative prognostic factor. However, its impact on tumours has yet to be comprehensively elucidated on a pan-cancer scale. Thus, we aim to reveal its role at the pan-cancer level. Methods We performed IHC staining on a retrospective cohort of 370 patients. Then we assessed the prognostic effect of LAG3 using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis. In pan-cancer analysis, we constructed competing endogenous RNA and protein-protein interaction networks, conducted gene set enrichment analysis and identified correlations between LAG3 gene expression and various factors, including clinical characteristics, tumour purity, mutations, tumour immunity and drug sensitivity across 33 cancer types. Results LAG3 was expressed higher in normal kidney tissues than in tumours. A high level of LAG3 gene expression was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR = 6.60, 95% CI = 2.43-17.90, P < 0.001) and PFS (HR = 3.44, 95% CI = 1.68-7.10, P < 0.001). In pan-cancer analysis, LAG3 exhibited robust correlations with survival and tumour stages in various cancers. Moreover, LAG3 was strongly associated with immune-related genes, proteins and signalling pathways. LAG3 gene expression was positively associated with increased infiltration of activated immune cells and decreased infiltration of several resting cells. LAG3 gene expression was associated with tumour mutation burden and microsatellite instability in multiple cancers. Conclusion High LAG3 gene expression was an independent risk factor in kidney neoplasms. It also functioned as a biomarker for prognosis, TIME and immunotherapy efficacy in the pan-cancer dimension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Liu
- Department of UrologyXinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yuntao Yao
- Department of UrologyXinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xinyue Yang
- Department of UrologyXinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Maodong Wei
- Department of UrologyXinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Bingnan Lu
- Department of UrologyXinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Keqing Dong
- Department of UrologyXinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Donghao Lyu
- Department of UrologyXinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yuanan Li
- Department of UrologyXinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Wenbin Guan
- Department of PathologyXinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Runzhi Huang
- Department of Burn SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Guofeng Xu
- Department of UrologyXinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiuwu Pan
- Department of UrologyXinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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2
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Yu Y, Luo K, Liu M, Chen L, Gao X, Zhang L, Li X, Zhang H. Comprehensive analysis reveals that P4HA3 is a prognostic and diagnostic gastric cancer biomarker that can predict immunotherapy efficacy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:22959. [PMID: 39362976 PMCID: PMC11450148 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-73784-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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most challenging malignant tumors worldwide, primarily because of its high incidence and mortality rates. Prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 3 (P4HA3) has been established as a pivotal factor for facilitating cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis across multiple human tumors. Nevertheless, the precise role of P4HA3in GC has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we used data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to examine the role of P4HA3 as a potential biomarker for predicting immunotherapy response in patients with GC. Our comprehensive analysis of data from the TCGA, TIMER, and other databases revealed a significant association between elevated P4HA3 expression in GC and adverse prognostic outcomes. Furthermore, we confirmed that P4HA3 expression was strongly correlated with immune infiltrating cells, immune infiltration markers, the tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), the immune score, the stromal score, and immune checkpoints, thus highlighting P4HA3 as a crucial and dependable therapeutic target within the context of immune-based antitumor strategies. Our findings suggest that P4HA3 may function as an immune-related biomarker in the pathogenesis and treatment of GC, indicating that P4HA3 is a promising prognostic and therapeutic target for this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhang Yu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No. 1, Maoyuan South Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Kexin Luo
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Meihan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No. 1, Maoyuan South Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No. 1, Maoyuan South Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xi Gao
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No. 1, Maoyuan South Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No. 1, Maoyuan South Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xianfu Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No. 1, Maoyuan South Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.
| | - Hongpan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No. 1, Maoyuan South Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.
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3
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Kehmann L, Jördens M, Loosen SH, Luedde T, Roderburg C, Leyh C. Evolving therapeutic landscape of advanced biliary tract cancer: from chemotherapy to molecular targets. ESMO Open 2024; 9:103706. [PMID: 39366294 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.103706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancer, the second most common type of liver cancer, remains a therapeutic challenge due to its late diagnosis and poor prognosis. In recent years, it has become evident that classical chemotherapy might not be the optimal treatment for patients with biliary tract cancer, especially after failure of first-line therapy. Finding new treatment options and strategies to improve the survival of these patients is therefore crucial. With the rise and increasing availability of genetic testing in patients with tumor, novel treatment approaches targeting specific genetic alterations have recently been proposed and have demonstrated their safety and efficacy in numerous clinical trials. In this review, we will first consider chemotherapy options and the new possibility of combining chemotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors in first-line treatment. We will then provide an overview of genomic alterations and their potential for targeted therapy especially in second-line therapy. In addition to the most common alterations such as isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 or 2 (IDH1/2) mutations, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusions, and alterations, we will also discuss less frequently encountered alterations such as BRAF V600E mutation and neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor gene (NTRK) fusion. We highlight the importance of molecular profiling in guiding therapeutic decisions and emphasize the need for continued research to optimize and expand targeted treatment strategies for this aggressive malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Kehmann
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Servier Deutschland GmbH, München, Germany
| | - M Jördens
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - S H Loosen
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - T Luedde
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - C Roderburg
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - C Leyh
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Mendiola M, Heredia-Soto V, Ruz-Caracuel I, Baillo A, Ramon-Patino JL, Berjon A, Escudero FJ, Pelaez-Garcia A, Hernandez A, Feliu J, Hardisson D, Redondo A. Performance of the Idylla microsatellite instability test in endometrial cancer. Mol Cell Probes 2024; 77:101976. [PMID: 39069012 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2024.101976] [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: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency (dMMR) testing is now recommended in endometrial cancer. Defect identification in the molecules participating in this pathway, or the presence of microsatellite instability, are commonly employed for this purpose. Novel methods are continuously evolving to report dMMR/microsatellite instability and to easily perform routine diagnoses. OBJECTIVE The main aim of this study was to compare the concordance of the Idylla microsatellite instability test for the identification of dMMR endometrial cancer samples defined by immunohistochemistry and MMR genomic status. DESIGN We applied the Idylla MSI test to 126 early-stage endometrial cancer cases with MMR testing by immunohistochemistry and genomic characterization (methylation in MLH1 and sequence alterations in MLH1, PMS2, MSH2 and MSH6). Individual markers and overall specific performance indicators were explored. RESULTS The Idylla platform achieved a higher global concordance rate with MMR genomic status than with immunohistochemistry (75 % and 66 %, respectively). Sensitivity and specificity are also higher (75 % vs 66 % and 96 % vs 90 %, respectively). Clustering analysis split the patients into 2 well-differentiated clusters, the pMMR and the dMMR group, represented by MLH1/PMS2 loss and the MLH1 methylated promoter. Overall, immunohistochemistry and MMR genomic status identified more dMMR cases than did the Idylla test, although correlations were improved with a modified Idylla test cut-off. CONCLUSIONS Performance of the Idylla test was better correlated with MMR genomic status than MMR immunohistochemistry status, which improved with a modified test cut-off. Further studies are needed to confirm the cut-off accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mendiola
- Molecular Pathology and Therapeutic Targets Group, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046, Madrid, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research in the Cancer Network (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Victoria Heredia-Soto
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Cancer Network (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Translational Oncology Research Laboratory, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ruz-Caracuel
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Cancer Network (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Pathology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amparo Baillo
- Mathematics Department, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Alberto Berjon
- Molecular Pathology and Therapeutic Targets Group, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046, Madrid, Spain; Department of Pathology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Escudero
- Translational Oncology Research Laboratory, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Pelaez-Garcia
- Molecular Pathology and Therapeutic Targets Group, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Hernandez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046, Madrid, Spain; School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Feliu
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Cancer Network (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Translational Oncology Research Laboratory, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046, Madrid, Spain; Department of Medical Oncology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046, Madrid, Spain; School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28046, Madrid, Spain; Cátedra UAM-ANGEM, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Hardisson
- Molecular Pathology and Therapeutic Targets Group, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046, Madrid, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research in the Cancer Network (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Pathology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046, Madrid, Spain; School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andres Redondo
- Translational Oncology Research Laboratory, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046, Madrid, Spain; Department of Medical Oncology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046, Madrid, Spain; School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28046, Madrid, Spain; Cátedra UAM-ANGEM, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28046, Madrid, Spain.
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5
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Brown LM, Hagenson RA, Koklič T, Urbančič I, Qiao L, Strancar J, Sheltzer JM. An elevated rate of whole-genome duplications in cancers from Black patients. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8218. [PMID: 39300140 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52554-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In the United States, Black individuals have higher rates of cancer mortality than any other racial group. Here, we examine chromosome copy number changes in cancers from more than 1800 self-reported Black patients. We find that tumors from self-reported Black patients are significantly more likely to exhibit whole-genome duplications (WGDs), a genomic event that enhances metastasis and aggressive disease, compared to tumors from self-reported white patients. This increase in WGD frequency is observed across multiple cancer types, including breast, endometrial, and lung cancer, and is associated with shorter patient survival. We further demonstrate that combustion byproducts are capable of inducing WGDs in cell culture, and cancers from self-reported Black patients exhibit mutational signatures consistent with exposure to these carcinogens. In total, these findings identify a type of genomic alteration that is associated with environmental exposures and that may influence racial disparities in cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tilen Koklič
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Condensed Matter Physics Department, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Iztok Urbančič
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Condensed Matter Physics Department, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lu Qiao
- Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Janez Strancar
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Condensed Matter Physics Department, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Infinite d.o.o, Zagrebška cesta 20, Maribor, Slovenia
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6
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Cao Z, Dai L, Li J, Zhang J, Wang X, Xu A, Du H. Reproductive and germ-cell mutagenic effects of poly-and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to Caenorhabditis elegans after multigenerational exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176224. [PMID: 39270858 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 09/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of globally ubiquitous persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The developmental and reproductive toxicity of PFAS have attracted considerable attention. However, the influence of PFAS exposure on genomic stability of germ cells remains unexplored. In this study, we evaluated long-term reproductive toxicity of environmentally relevant levels of four long-chain PFAS compounds: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, C8), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA, C9), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA, C10), and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS, C8), and examined their germ-cell mutagenicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Our findings reveal that multigenerational exposure to PFAS exhibited minor impacts on development and reproduction of worms. Among all tested PFAS, PFNA significantly increased mutation frequencies of progeny by preferentially inducing T:A → C:G substitutions and small indels within repetitive regions. Further analysis of mutation spectra uncovered elevated frequencies of microhomology-mediated deletions and large deletions in PFOA-treated worms, indicating its potential activity in eliciting DNA double-strand breaks. This study provides the first comparative analysis of the genome-wide mutational profile of PFAS compounds, underscoring the importance of assessing germ-cell mutagenic actions of long-chain PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxiao Cao
- School of Environmental Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, Anhui, P. R. China; Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, CAS; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, CAS, Hefei 230031, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Linglong Dai
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, CAS; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, CAS, Hefei 230031, Anhui, P. R. China; Science Island Branch, Graduate School of USTC, Hefei 230026, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Jiali Li
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, CAS; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, CAS, Hefei 230031, Anhui, P. R. China; Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, No. 81, Mei-Shan Road, Hefei 230032, P. R. China
| | - Xialian Wang
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, CAS; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, CAS, Hefei 230031, Anhui, P. R. China; Science Island Branch, Graduate School of USTC, Hefei 230026, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - An Xu
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, CAS; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, CAS, Hefei 230031, Anhui, P. R. China.
| | - Hua Du
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, CAS; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, CAS, Hefei 230031, Anhui, P. R. China.
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7
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Matoba Y, Devins KM, Milane L, Manning WB, Mazina V, Yeku OO, Rueda BR. High-Grade Endometrial Cancer: Molecular Subtypes, Current Challenges, and Treatment Options. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2541-2559. [PMID: 38658487 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01544-5] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Although many recent advancements have been made in women's health, perhaps one of the most neglected areas of research is the diagnosis and treatment of high-grade endometrial cancer (EnCa). The molecular classification of EnCa in concert with histology was a major step forward. The integration of profiling for mismatch repair deficiency and Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 (HER2) overexpression, can further inform treatment options, especially for drug resistant recurrent disease. Recent early phase trials suggest that regardless of subtype, combination therapy with agents that have distinct mechanisms of action is a fruitful approach to the treatment of high-grade EnCa. Unfortunately, although the importance of diagnosis and treatment of high-grade EnCa is well recognized, it is understudied compared to other gynecologic and breast cancers. There remains a tremendous need to couple molecular profiling and biomarker development with promising treatment options to inform new treatment strategies with higher efficacy and safety for all who suffer from high-grade recurrent EnCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Matoba
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 60 Blossom St, 02114, Boston, MA, USA
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, 02115, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle M Devins
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 021151, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lara Milane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 02115, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William B Manning
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 60 Blossom St, 02114, Boston, MA, USA
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, 02115, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Varvara Mazina
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 60 Blossom St, 02114, Boston, MA, USA
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, 02115, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oladapo O Yeku
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 60 Blossom St, 02114, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, 02114, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bo R Rueda
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 60 Blossom St, 02114, Boston, MA, USA.
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, 02115, Boston, MA, USA.
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8
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Liu T, Ho CL, Chen YJ, Chen PJ, Chen WL, Lee CT, Chow NH, Huang W, Chen YL. A pilot study on the detection of microsatellite instability using long mononucleotide repeats in solid tumors. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:445. [PMID: 39099584 PMCID: PMC11294907 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Microsatellite instability (MSI) status is a prognostic biomarker for immunotherapy in certain types of cancers, such as colorectal cancers (CRCs) and endometrial cancers (ECs). Tumors that are categorized as having high MSI (MSI-H) express high levels of neoantigens for immune recognition. The typical MSI test measures the length of short mononucleotide repeats (SMR) poly(A) 21-27; however, a limitation of this test is the difficulty in determining the shift size, particularly in endometrial cancer. To investigate an MSI detection assay with improved performance, the present study analyzed the use of poly(A) 40-44 mononucleotide repeats to detect the MSI status of 100 patients with either CRC (n=50) or EC (n=50). Capillary electrophoresis was used to evaluate five long mononucleotide repeat (LMR) markers, including poly(A) 40-A, 40-B, 40-C, 40-D and 44. The concordance rate of the LMR-MSI assay compared with an immunohistochemistry MSI detection assay was 96.0 and 95.1% for CRCs and ECs respectively, with the detection limit of the LMR-MSI assay demonstrated to be 2.5% MSI-H in HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cell lines. The LMR-MSI assay yielded a 95.1% concordance rate in ECs compared with that in the SMR-MSI test (87.8%). The LMR-MSI test identified a significantly higher mean shift size (13 bp) in MSI-H tumors compared with the SMR-MSI test (10 bp), in both EC and CRC tissue samples. Together, the present study suggested that the LMR-MSI test could potentially be a sensitive and practical technology for molecular laboratory testing, particularly in the use of immunotherapy for patients with CRCs and ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsunglin Liu
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chung-Liang Ho
- Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory, Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Medicine Core Laboratory, Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Center for Precision Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yan-Jhen Chen
- Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory, Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Pin-Jun Chen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wan-Li Chen
- Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory, Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chung-Ta Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Center for Precision Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Nan-Haw Chow
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Center for Precision Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wenya Huang
- Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory, Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Lin Chen
- Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory, Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Medicine Core Laboratory, Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
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9
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Choi DH, Jang HL, Lim SH, Kim ST, Hong JY, Park SH, Park JO, Kim DG, Kim KM, Lee J. Prevalence of KRAS amplification in patients with metastatic cancer: Real-world next-generation sequencing analysis. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 261:155473. [PMID: 39106591 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) is a prominent proto-oncogene. Several treatments for KRAS mutations have been developed. However, KRAS amplification, a KRAS alteration, is poorly understood, and there is currently no appropriate treatment other than conventional chemotherapy. This study aimed to elucidate the role of KRAS amplification in different types of cancers. METHODS From October 2019 to June 2023, we performed next-generation sequencing using Trusight Oncology 500 on 3895 patients with 37 different cancer types at the Samsung Medical Center. We analyzed the distribution of KRAS amplification according to cancer type and its correlation with tumor mutation burden (TMB). Concomitant KRAS mutations were also identified. RESULTS Of the total 3895 patients, 99 (2.5 %) had KRAS amplification. The highest frequency of KRAS amplification was detected in 2 % (27/1350) of patients with colorectal cancer, followed by 3.48 % (32/920) of patients with gastric cancer and 3.88 % (9/232) patients with of pancreatic cancer. MSI-High was not detected in patients with KRAS amplification. There was no correlation between KRAS copy number variation and TMB status. Among patients with KRAS amplification, 27.3 % (27/99) had a concomitant KRAS mutation. More than 50 % of patients had G12D or G12V mutations. In gastric cancer, patients with both KRAS amplification and mutation were extremely rare at 3.1 % (1/32); however, in colorectal cancer, more than half of the patients had KRAS amplification and mutation (51.9 %, 14/27). KRAS amplification and mutations are associated with mutations in tumor suppressor genes TP53, BRCA2, ARID1B, and PTCH1. CONCLUSIONS Of the 3895 patients with metastatic solid tumors, 99 (2.5 %) had KRAS amplification, and next-generation sequencing analysis provided a deeper understanding of KRAS amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Ho Choi
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hye-Lim Jang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung Hee Lim
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Tae Kim
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Yong Hong
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Se Hoon Park
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Joon Oh Park
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Deok Geun Kim
- Department of Clinical Genomic Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, South Korea; Department of Digital Health, Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, South Korea
| | - Kyoung-Mee Kim
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeeyun Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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10
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Xu S, Zheng Y, Ye M, Shen T, Zhang D, Li Z, Lu Z. Comprehensive pan-cancer analysis reveals EPHB2 is a novel predictive biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy response. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:1064. [PMID: 39198775 PMCID: PMC11351591 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12843-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent studies have increasingly linked Ephrin receptor B2 (EPHB2) to cancer progression. However, comprehensive investigations into the immunological roles and prognostic significance of EPHB2 across various cancers remain lacking. METHODS We employed various databases and bioinformatics tools to investigate the impact of EPHB2 on prognosis, immune infiltration, genome instability, and response to immunotherapy. Validation of the correlation between EPHB2 expression and M2 macrophages included analyses using bulk and single-cell transcriptomic datasets, spatial transcriptomics, and multi-fluorescence staining. Moreover, we performed cMap web tool to screen for EPHB2-targeted compounds and assessed their potential through molecular docking and dynamics simulations. Additionally, in vitro validation using lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cell lines was conducted to confirm the bioinformatics predictions about EPHB2. RESULTS EPHB2 dysregulation was observed across multiple cancer types, where it demonstrated significant diagnostic and prognostic value. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicated that EPHB2 is involved in enhancing cellular proliferation, invasiveness of cancer cells, and modulation of the anti-cancer immune response. Furthermore, it is emerged as a pan-cancer marker for M2 macrophage infiltration, supported by integrated analyses of transcriptomics and multiple fluorescence staining. In LUAD cells, knockdown of EPHB2 expression led to a decrease in both cell proliferation and migratory activity. CONCLUSION EPHB2 expression may serve as a pivotal indicator of M2 macrophage infiltration, offering vital insights into tumor dynamics and progression across various cancers, including lung adenocarcinoma, highlighting its significant prognostic and therapeutic potential for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengshan Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Youbin Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Ye
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongxi Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zumei Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhuming Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China.
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11
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Bodalal Z, Hong EK, Trebeschi S, Kurilova I, Landolfi F, Bogveradze N, Castagnoli F, Randon G, Snaebjornsson P, Pietrantonio F, Lee JM, Beets G, Beets-Tan R. Non-invasive CT radiomic biomarkers predict microsatellite stability status in colorectal cancer: a multicenter validation study. Eur Radiol Exp 2024; 8:98. [PMID: 39186200 PMCID: PMC11347521 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-024-00484-8] [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: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsatellite instability (MSI) status is a strong predictor of response to immunotherapy of colorectal cancer. Radiogenomic approaches promise the ability to gain insight into the underlying tumor biology using non-invasive routine clinical images. This study investigates the association between tumor morphology and the status of MSI versus microsatellite stability (MSS), validating a novel radiomic signature on an external multicenter cohort. METHODS Preoperative computed tomography scans with matched MSI status were retrospectively collected for 243 colorectal cancer patients from three hospitals: Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH); Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI); and Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan Italy (INT). Radiologists delineated primary tumors in each scan, from which radiomic features were extracted. Machine learning models trained on SNUH data to identify MSI tumors underwent external validation using NKI and INT images. Performances were compared in terms of area under the receiving operating curve (AUROC). RESULTS We identified a radiomic signature comprising seven radiomic features that were predictive of tumors with MSS or MSI (AUROC 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54-0.84, p = 0.018). Integrating radiomic and clinical data into an algorithm improved predictive performance to an AUROC of 0.78 (95% CI 0.60-0.91, p = 0.002) and enhanced the reliability of the predictions. CONCLUSION Differences in the radiomic morphological phenotype between tumors MSS or MSI could be detected using radiogenomic approaches. Future research involving large-scale multicenter prospective studies that combine various diagnostic data is necessary to refine and validate more robust, potentially tumor-agnostic MSI radiogenomic models. RELEVANCE STATEMENT Noninvasive radiomic signatures derived from computed tomography scans can predict MSI in colorectal cancer, potentially augmenting traditional biopsy-based methods and enhancing personalized treatment strategies. KEY POINTS Noninvasive CT-based radiomics predicted MSI in colorectal cancer, enhancing stratification. A seven-feature radiomic signature differentiated tumors with MSI from those with MSS in multicenter cohorts. Integrating radiomic and clinical data improved the algorithm's predictive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuhir Bodalal
- Department of Radiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Eun Kyoung Hong
- Department of Radiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Stefano Trebeschi
- Department of Radiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ieva Kurilova
- Department of Radiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Federica Landolfi
- Department of Radiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Radiology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nino Bogveradze
- Department of Radiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology, American Hospital Tbilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Francesca Castagnoli
- Department of Radiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Giovanni Randon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Petur Snaebjornsson
- Department of Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Filippo Pietrantonio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Oncology and Hemato-oncology Department, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jeong Min Lee
- Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Geerard Beets
- GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Regina Beets-Tan
- Department of Radiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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12
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Duan W, Tian W, Li Z, Liu Y, Xu L. A comprehensive pan-cancer analysis revealing the role of ITPRIPL1 as a prognostic and immunological biomarker. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1452290. [PMID: 39211744 PMCID: PMC11357910 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1452290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor-Interacting Protein-Like 1 (ITPRIPL1), a single-pass type I membrane protein located in the membrane, functions as an inhibitory ligand of CD3ε. Recent studies have shown that its expression suppresses T cells activation and promote tumor immune evasion. Despite increasing evidence suggesting that ITPRIPL1 plays a significant role in tumor growth, no systematic pan-cancer analysis of ITPRIPL1 has been conducted to date. This study utilized datasets curated from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Genotype Tissue-Expression, and Human Protein Atlas to investigate the relationship between ITPRIPL1 expression and clinical outcomes, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity across 33 cancer types. We employed multiple methods to assess its prognostic value in pan-cancer, such as univariate Cox regression, survival analysis, and ROC curve analysis and explored the relationship between ITPRIPL1 and tumor mutation burden (TMB), tumor microsatellite instability (MSI), CNV, DNA methylation, immune-related genes, immune cell infiltration, and drug sensitivity to reveal its immunological role. The mRNA expression levels of the ITPRIPL1 gene vary significantly across multiple types of cancer and significantly reduced in breast cancer. Conversely, high ITPRIPL1 expression was associated with a better prognosis in BRCA. Furthermore, the expression of ITPRIPL1 highly correlates with the presence of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and immune checkpoint genes across various types of cancers. Additionally, ITPRIPL1 expression was associated with TMB in 6 cancer types and with MSI in 13 cancer types. High expression of ITPRIPL1 serves as a protective factor in certain cancer types, correlating with longer overall survival in BRCA. Our study further confirms that ITPRIPL1 participates in regulating immune infiltration and affecting the prognosis of patients in pan-cancer. These findings underscore the promising potential of ITPRIPL1 as a therapeutic target for human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan Duan
- Department of Medical Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wen Tian
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Cancer, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhongyi Li
- Department of Medical Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yunsong Liu
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China
| | - Linping Xu
- Department of Medical Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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13
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La Salvia A, Meyer ML, Hirsch FR, Kerr KM, Landi L, Tsao MS, Cappuzzo F. Rediscovering immunohistochemistry in lung cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 200:104401. [PMID: 38815876 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104401] [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: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Several observations indicate that protein expression analysis by immunohistochemistry (IHC) remains relevant in individuals with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) when considering targeted therapy, as an early step in diagnosis and for therapy selection. Since the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS), the role of IHC in testing for NSCLC biomarkers has been forgotten or ignored. We discuss how protein-level investigations maintain a critical role in defining sensitivity to lung cancer therapies in oncogene- and non-oncogene-addicted cases and in patients eligible for immunotherapy, suggesting that IHC testing should be reconsidered in clinical practice. We also argue how a panel of IHC tests should be considered complementary to NGS and other genomic assays. This is relevant to current clinical diagnostic practice but with potential future roles to optimize the selection of patients for innovative therapies. At the same time, strict validation of antibodies, assays, scoring systems, and intra- and interobserver reproducibility is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna La Salvia
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome 00161, Italy
| | - May-Lucie Meyer
- Center for Thoracic Oncology/Tisch Cancer Institute and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fred R Hirsch
- Center for Thoracic Oncology/Tisch Cancer Institute and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Keith M Kerr
- Aberdeen University School of Medicine & Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Lorenza Landi
- Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Regina Elena", Rome, Italy
| | - Ming-Sound Tsao
- University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Federico Cappuzzo
- Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Regina Elena", Rome, Italy.
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14
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Jaing TH, Wang YL, Chiu CC. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Pediatric Cancers: Is It Still a Stalemate? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:991. [PMID: 39204096 PMCID: PMC11357301 DOI: 10.3390/ph17080991] [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: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The knowledge surrounding the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the treatment of pediatric cancers is continuously expanding and evolving. These therapies work by enhancing the body's natural immune response against tumors, which may have been suppressed by certain pathways. The effectiveness of ICIs in treating adult cancers has been widely acknowledged. However, the results of early phase I/II clinical trials that exclusively targeted the use of ICIs for treating different pediatric cancers have been underwhelming. The response rates to ICIs have generally been modest, except for cases of pediatric classic Hodgkin lymphoma. There seems to be a notable disparity in the immunogenicity of childhood cancers compared to adult cancers, potentially accounting for this phenomenon. On average, childhood cancers tend to have significantly fewer neoantigens. In recent times, there has been a renewed sense of optimism regarding the potential benefits of ICI therapies for specific groups of children with cancer. In initial research, individuals diagnosed with pediatric hypermutated and SMARCB1-deficient cancers have shown remarkable positive outcomes when treated with ICI therapies. This is likely due to the underlying biological factors that promote the expression of neoantigens and inflammation within the tumor. Ongoing trials are diligently assessing the effectiveness of ICIs for pediatric cancer patients in these specific subsets. This review aimed to analyze the safety and effectiveness of ICIs in pediatric patients with different types of highly advanced malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tang-Her Jaing
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5 Fu-Shin Street, Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan 33315, Taiwan, China;
| | - Yi-Lun Wang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5 Fu-Shin Street, Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan 33315, Taiwan, China;
| | - Chia-Chi Chiu
- Division of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5 Fu-Shin Street, Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan 33315, Taiwan, China;
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15
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Monette A, Warren S, Barrett JC, Garnett-Benson C, Schalper KA, Taube JM, Topp B, Snyder A. Biomarker development for PD-(L)1 axis inhibition: a consensus view from the SITC Biomarkers Committee. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e009427. [PMID: 39032943 PMCID: PMC11261685 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009427] [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] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapies targeting the programmed cell death protein-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) (abbreviated as PD-(L)1) axis are a significant advancement in the treatment of many tumor types. However, many patients receiving these agents fail to respond or have an initial response followed by cancer progression. For these patients, while subsequent immunotherapies that either target a different axis of immune biology or non-immune combination therapies are reasonable treatment options, the lack of predictive biomarkers to follow-on agents is impeding progress in the field. This review summarizes the current knowledge of mechanisms driving resistance to PD-(L)1 therapies, the state of biomarker development along this axis, and inherent challenges in future biomarker development for these immunotherapies. Innovation in the development and application of novel biomarkers and patient selection strategies for PD-(L)1 agents is required to accelerate the delivery of effective treatments to the patients most likely to respond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Monette
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Janis M Taube
- The Mark Foundation Center for Advanced Genomics and Imaging at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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16
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Ozdogan M, Papadopoulou E, Metaxa-Mariatou V, Kapetsis G, Meintani A, Florou-Chatzigiannidou C, Yildiz A, Cakir MO, Kirca O, Nasioulas G. Case report: Immunotherapy guided by molecular profiling of tumors: illustrative cases and literature review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1403056. [PMID: 39045411 PMCID: PMC11263966 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1403056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Predictive biomarkers are necessary for the identification of immunotherapy-responsive patients. Tumor mutation burden (TMB), as determined by next-generation sequencing (NGS), and PD-L1 expression, as evaluated by Immunohistochemistry (IHC), are the biomarkers most frequently employed in clinical practice. In addition, microsatellite instability (MSI) was the first biomarker to demonstrate immunotherapy efficacy irrespective of the type of tumor and possesses a high predictive value. However, its limited use across most tumor types limits its therapeutic potential. This report describes two cancer patients with positive TMB and PD-L1 expression. The molecular profile of the tumor indicated that the first patient was responsive to Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), while the second patient was resistant. These case studies demonstrate that tumor molecular analysis in combination with immunotherapy predictive biomarkers, such as PD-L1 expression and TMB, can enhance the prediction of response to ICI for specific patients. This methodology enables an individualized and improved approach to the treatment and management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Ozdogan
- Clinic of Medical Oncology, Memorial Antalya Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Akin Yildiz
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Memorial Bahcelievler Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Muharrem Okan Cakir
- School of Life Science, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Onder Kirca
- Clinic of Medical Oncology, Memorial Antalya Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye
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17
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Kim S, Han DJ, Lee SY, Moon Y, Kang SJ, Kim TM. A Subset of Microsatellite Unstable Cancer Genomes Prone to Short Insertions over Deletions Is Associated with Elevated Anticancer Immunity. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:770. [PMID: 38927706 PMCID: PMC11202581 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060770] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Deficiencies in DNA mismatch repair (MMRd) leave characteristic footprints of microsatellite instability (MSI) in cancer genomes. We used data from the Cancer Genome Atlas and International Cancer Genome Consortium to conduct a comprehensive analysis of MSI-associated cancers, focusing on indel mutational signatures. We classified MSI-high genomes into two subtypes based on their indel profiles: deletion-dominant (MMRd-del) and insertion-dominant (MMRd-ins). Compared with MMRd-del genomes, MMRd-ins genomes exhibit distinct mutational and transcriptomic features, including a higher prevalence of T>C substitutions and related mutation signatures. Short insertions and deletions in MMRd-ins and MMRd-del genomes target different sets of genes, resulting in distinct indel profiles between the two subtypes. In addition, indels in the MMRd-ins genomes are enriched with subclonal alterations that provide clues about a distinct evolutionary relationship between the MMRd-ins and MMRd-del genomes. Notably, the transcriptome analysis indicated that MMRd-ins cancers upregulate immune-related genes, show a high level of immune cell infiltration, and display an elevated neoantigen burden. The genomic and transcriptomic distinctions between the two types of MMRd genomes highlight the heterogeneity of genetic mechanisms and resulting genomic footprints and transcriptomic changes in cancers, which has potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunmin Kim
- Department of Medical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (S.K.)
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Jin Han
- Department of Medical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (S.K.)
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo-Young Lee
- Department of Medical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (S.K.)
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngbeen Moon
- Department of Medical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (S.K.)
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jung Kang
- Department of Medical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (S.K.)
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Min Kim
- Department of Medical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (S.K.)
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- CMC Institute for Basic Medical Science, The Catholic Medical Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
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18
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Junior JNA, Preto DD'A, Lazarini MEZN, de Lima MA, Bonatelli M, Berardinelli GN, da Silva VD, Pinheiro C, Reis RM, Cárcano FM. PD-L1 expression and microsatellite instability (MSI) in cancer of unknown primary site. Int J Clin Oncol 2024; 29:726-734. [PMID: 38528294 PMCID: PMC11130030 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-024-02494-3] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer of unknown primary site (CUP) is a heterogeneous group of tumors for which the origin remains unknown. Clinical outcomes might be influenced by regulatory processes in its microenvironment. Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a predictive biomarker for cancer immunotherapy and its status, as well as co-occurrence with PD-L1 expression, is poorly evaluated. We aim to evaluate the expression of PD-L1 and the status of MSI in CUP and their possible associations with clinical-pathological features. METHODS The combined positive score (CPS) PD-L1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. MSI status was assessed using a hexa-plex marker panel by polymerase chain reaction followed by fragment analysis. RESULTS Among the 166 cases, MSI analysis was conclusive in 120, with two cases being MSI positive (1.6%). PD-L1 expression was positive in 18.3% of 109 feasible cases. PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with non-visceral metastasis and a dominance of nodal metastasis. The median overall survival (mOS) was 3.7 (95% CI 1.6-5.8) months and patients who expressed PD-L1 achieved a better mOS compared to those who did not express PD-L1 (18.7 versus 3.0 months, p-value: < .001). ECOG-PS equal to or more than two and PD-L1 expression were independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis (2.37 and 0.42, respectively). CONCLUSION PD-L1 is expressed in a subset (1/5) of patients with CUP and associated with improved overall survival, while MSI is a rare event. There is a need to explore better the tumor microenvironment as well as the role of immunotherapy to change such a bad clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel D 'Almeida Preto
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Barretos School of Health Sciences Dr. Paulo Prata - FACISB, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | | | - Murilo Bonatelli
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | | | - Céline Pinheiro
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Barretos School of Health Sciences Dr. Paulo Prata - FACISB, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Medical School, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- 3ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Flavio Mavignier Cárcano
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.
- Oncoclinicas & Co - Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MEDSIR), Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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19
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Rosca OC, Vele OE. Microsatellite Instability, Mismatch Repair, and Tumor Mutation Burden in Lung Cancer. Surg Pathol Clin 2024; 17:295-305. [PMID: 38692812 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2023.11.011] [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] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Since US Food and Drug Administration approval of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) as the first companion diagnostic for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in non-small cell lung cancer, many patients have experienced increased overall survival. To improve selection of ICI responders versus nonresponders, microsatellite instability/mismatch repair deficiency (MSI/MMR) and tumor mutation burden (TMB) came into play. Clinical data show PD-L1, MSI/MMR, and TMB are independent predictive immunotherapy biomarkers. Harmonization of testing methodologies, optimization of assay design, and results analysis are ongoing. Future algorithms to determine immunotherapy eligibility might involve complementary use of current and novel biomarkers. Artificial intelligence could facilitate algorithm implementation to convert complex genetic data into recommendations for specific ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana C Rosca
- Molecular Pathologist/Cytopathologist, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 2200 Northern Boulevard, Suite 104, Greenvale, NY 11548, USA.
| | - Oana E Vele
- Molecular Pathologist/Cytopathologist, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY 10075, USA
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20
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Tufail M, Wan WD, Jiang C, Li N. Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling to overcome drug resistance in cancer. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 396:111055. [PMID: 38763348 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111055] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
This review comprehensively explores the challenge of drug resistance in cancer by focusing on the pivotal PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, elucidating its role in oncogenesis and resistance mechanisms across various cancer types. It meticulously examines the diverse mechanisms underlying resistance, including genetic mutations, feedback loops, and microenvironmental factors, while also discussing the associated resistance patterns. Evaluating current therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway, the article highlights the hurdles encountered in drug development and clinical trials. Innovative approaches to overcome resistance, such as combination therapies and precision medicine, are critically analyzed, alongside discussions on emerging therapies like immunotherapy and molecularly targeted agents. Overall, this comprehensive review not only sheds light on the complexities of resistance in cancer but also provides a roadmap for advancing cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Dong Wan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Canhua Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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21
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Tandon S, Sharma M, Kasar P, Kala A. A cloud-based precision oncology framework for whole genome sequence analysis. Comput Biol Chem 2024; 110:108062. [PMID: 38554501 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2024.108062] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the wide-ranging diseases which have a high mortality rate impacting globally. This scenario can be switched by early detection and correct precision treatment, a major concern for cancer patients. Clinicians can figure out the best-suited treatments for cancer patients by analyzing the patient's genome, which will treat the patient well and minimize the chances of side effects as well. Therefore, we have developed a fast, robust, and efficient solution as our precision oncology framework based on the whole genome sequencing of the individual's DNA. This platform can perform the entire genomic analysis, starting from the quality assessment of the input file to the variant annotation and functional prediction, followed by a certain level of interpretation. This analysis helps in the molecular profiling of the tumors for the identification of the targetable alterations. It takes in FASTQ or BAM file as an input and provides us with two output reports: a primary report, which consists of the patients' details, a summary of the analysis, and a secondary report, which is an elaborated report comprised of numerous results obtained from the analysis such as base changes, codon changes, amino acid changes, TMB analysis, MSI analysis, the variant frequency with its effects and impacts, affected biomarkers, etc. This framework can be effectively utilized for cancer treatment guidance, identification and validation of novel biomarkers, oncology research & development, genomic analysis, and gene manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saloni Tandon
- Celebal Technologies Private Limited, 7th Floor Corporate tower, JLN Marg, Near Jawahar Circle, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017, India.
| | - Medha Sharma
- Celebal Technologies Private Limited, 7th Floor Corporate tower, JLN Marg, Near Jawahar Circle, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017, India
| | - Pratik Kasar
- Celebal Technologies Private Limited, 7th Floor Corporate tower, JLN Marg, Near Jawahar Circle, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017, India
| | - Anirudh Kala
- Celebal Technologies Private Limited, 7th Floor Corporate tower, JLN Marg, Near Jawahar Circle, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017, India
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22
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Yang J, Liu Y, Geng Q, Wang B. Death associated protein kinase 1 predicts the prognosis and the immunotherapy response of various cancers. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:670. [PMID: 38787485 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09240-y] [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: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Death Associated Protein Kinase 1 (DAPK1) is a calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine kinase, which has been reported to be a tumor suppressor with unbalanced expression in various tissues. However, its function in tumor immunotherapy is still unclear. METHODS The online GEPIA2 database was used to support TCGA results. We explored the DAPK1 pan-cancer genomic alteration analysis using the cBioPortal web tool. The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) was employed to mine DAPK1 protein information. We verified the expression of DAPK1 in lung adenocarcinoma samples using RT-qPCR. Subsequently, the relationship between the expression of DAPK1 and the clinical stage was analyzed. We used TIMER2.0 as the primary platform for studying DAPK1-related immune cell infiltration. Associations between DAPK1 and immunotherapy biomarkers were analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis. TMB and MSI expression was also examined. Finally, we used Kaplan-Meier Plots to evaluate the relationship between DAPK1 expression and the efficacy of immunotherapy. RESULTS DAPK1 is aberrantly expressed in most cancer types and has prognostic power in various cancers. Gene mutation was the most common DAPK1 alteration across pan-cancers. The DAPK1 protein was mainly localized to tumor cell centrosomes. DAPK1 was also significantly associated with immune-activated hallmarks, immune cell infiltration, and the expression of immunomodulators. Notably, DAPK1 can also significantly predict responses to anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapy in cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that DAPK1 may not only be an effective prognostic factor in cancer patients but may also function as a promising predictive immunotherapy biomarker for cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjian Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Anesthesia, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, 441000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qing Geng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China.
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23
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Normanno N, Caridi V, Fassan M, Avallone A, Ciardiello F, Pinto C. Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal cancer with deficient mismatch repair/microsatellite instability: misdiagnosis, pseudoprogression and/or tumor heterogeneity? EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:495-507. [PMID: 38966168 PMCID: PMC11220308 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) with deficiency of the deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) pathway/microsatellite instability (MSI) is characterized by a high mutation load and infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. In agreement with these findings, clinical trials have demonstrated a significant activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in dMMR/MSI metastatic CRC (mCRC) patients and, more recently, in CRC patients with early disease undergoing neoadjuvant therapy. However, despite high response rates and durable clinical benefits, a fraction of mCRC patients, up to 30%, showed progressive disease when treated with single agent anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) antibody. This article discusses the three main causes that have been associated with early progression of dMMR/MSI mCRC patients while on treatment with ICIs, i.e., misdiagnosis, pseudoprogression and tumor heterogeneity. While pseudoprogression probably does not play a relevant role, data from clinical studies demonstrate that some dMMR/MSI CRC cases with rapid progression on ICIs may be misdiagnosed, underlining the importance of correct diagnostics. More importantly, evidence suggests that dMMR/MSI mCRC is a heterogeneous group of tumors with different sensitivity to ICIs. Therefore, we propose novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to improve the outcome of dMMR/MSI CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Normanno
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Vincenza Caridi
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology Unit, University of Padua, 35100 Padua, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, 35100 Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Avallone
- Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Department of Precision Medicine, The University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Pinto
- Medical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Centre IRCCS-AUSL Reggio Emilia, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy
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24
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Gervaso L, Ciardiello D, Oliveira RA, Borghesani M, Guidi L, Benini L, Algeri L, Spada F, Zampino MG, Cella CA, Fazio N. Immunotherapy in the neoadjuvant treatment of gastrointestinal tumors: is the time ripe? J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008027. [PMID: 38782539 PMCID: PMC11116869 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008027] [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] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) revolutionized the management of mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Based on notable results observed in the metastatic setting, several clinical trials investigated ICIs as neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) for localized dMMR/MSI-H GI cancers, achieving striking results in terms of clinical and pathological responses and creating the opportunity to spare patients from neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and even surgical resection. Nevertheless, these impressive findings are mainly derived from small proof of concept phase II studies and there are still several open questions to address. Moreover, dMMR/MSI-H represents a limited subgroup accounting for less than 10% of GI cancers. Consequently, many efforts have been produced to investigate neoadjuvant ICIs also in mismatch repair-proficient/microsatellite stable (MSS) cancers, considering the potential synergistic effect in combining immune-targeted agents with standard therapies such as chemo and/or radiotherapy. However, results for combining ICIs to the standard of care in the unselected population are still unsatisfactory, without improvements in event-free survival in esophago-gastric adenocarcinoma for the addition of pembrolizumab to chemotherapy, and sometimes limited benefit in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Therefore, a major challenge will be to identify among the heterogenous spectrum of this disease, those patients that could take advantage of neoadjuvant immunotherapy and deliver the most effective treatment. In this review we discuss the rationale of NAT in GI malignancies, summarize the available evidence regarding the completed trials that evaluated this treatment strategy in both MSI-H and MSS tumors. Finally, we discuss ongoing studies and future perspectives to render neoadjuvant immunotherapy another arrow in the quiver for the treatment of locally advanced GI tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Gervaso
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, IEO IRCCS, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy
- Molecular Medicine Program, University of Pavia, Pavia, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Davide Ciardiello
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, IEO IRCCS, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Michele Borghesani
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, IEO IRCCS, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Guidi
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO IRCCS, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Lavinia Benini
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, IEO IRCCS, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Algeri
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, IEO IRCCS, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Spada
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, IEO IRCCS, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Zampino
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, IEO IRCCS, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Alessandra Cella
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, IEO IRCCS, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Fazio
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, IEO IRCCS, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy
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25
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Savu E, Șurlin V, Vasile L, Petrescu IO, Singer CE, Pirici ND, Mogoanta SS. Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer-A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Romania. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1052. [PMID: 38786350 PMCID: PMC11119205 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14101052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Early-onset colorectal cancer emerges as a distinctive clinical and biological entity and is generally defined as the onset of colon or rectal neoplasia before the age of 50. Several reports describe an increasing incidence worldwide of colorectal cancers occurring in individuals younger than 50 years, along with particular histologic and molecular features. Although heredity may be an explanation in some cases with young-onset colorectal cancer, other driving factors remain partially unknown. The present study explores demographic, clinical, and pathological features within a group of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer before the age of 50. It is a retrospective survey based on data collected between 2017 and 2023 within three surgical departments from a tertiary Romanian hospital. The clinical and pathological features we identified (later-stage disease, distal colon tumor localization, mucinous histology) are mainly superimposed with the existing data in the literature regarding this pathology. In order to lower the burden that colorectal neoplasia diagnosed in the young implies, a change of paradigm should be made in terms of establishing effective and targeted screening programs but also in the direction of enhancing complex clinical, pathological, and molecular diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Savu
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Oncopediatrics, Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Valeriu Șurlin
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
- First General Surgery Department, Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Liviu Vasile
- Department of Surgical Semiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
- Third General Surgery Department, Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Ileana Octavia Petrescu
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.O.P.); (C.E.S.)
- Second Pediatrics Department, Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Cristina Elena Singer
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.O.P.); (C.E.S.)
- Second Pediatrics Department, Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Nicolae-Daniel Pirici
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Stelian Stefanita Mogoanta
- Third General Surgery Department, Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania;
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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26
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Chen P, Li Z, Li N. Establishment of a novel efferocytosis potential index predicts prognosis and immunotherapy response in cancers. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30337. [PMID: 38707349 PMCID: PMC11068824 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The biological function and prognostic value of efferocytosis in cancer remains unclear. In this study, we systematically analysed the expression profiles and genetic variations of 50 efferocytosis-related regulator genes in 33 cancer types. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we established an efferocytosis potential index (EPI) model to represent the efferocytosis level in each cancer type. The relationship between the EPI and prognosis, immune-related molecules, specific pathways, and drug sensitivity was determined. We found that efferocytosis regulator genes were abnormally expressed in cancer tissue, perhaps owing to copy number variations, gene alterations, and DNA methylation. For the most part, the EPI was higher in tumour vs. normal tissues. In most of the 33 cancer types, it positively correlated with cell death- and immune-related pathway enrichment, the tumour microenvironment, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity. For specific cancers, a high EPI may be a prognostic risk factor and, in patients treated receiving immune checkpoint therapy, a predictor of poor prognosis. Our study reveals the biological functions of efferocytosis-related regulator genes in distinct cancers and highlights the potential of efferocytosis intervention in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhanzhan Li
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
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27
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Kırboğa KK, Rudrapal M. Feature Engineering-Assisted Drug Repurposing on Disease-Drug Transcriptome Profiles in Gastric Cancer. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2024; 22:181-191. [PMID: 38572922 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2023.141] [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] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most common and deadly types of cancer in the world. To develop new biomarkers and drugs to diagnose and treat this cancer, it is necessary to identify the differences between the transcriptome profiles of gastric cancer and healthy individuals, identify critical genes associated with these differences, and make potential drug predictions based on these genes. In this study, using two gene expression datasets related to gastric cancer (GSE19826 and GSE79973), 200 genes that were ready for machine learning were selected, and their expression levels were analyzed. The best 100 genes for the model were chosen with the permutation feature importance method, and central genes, such as SCARB1, ETV3, SPATA17, FAM167A-AS1, and MTBP, which were shown to be associated with gastric cancer, were identified. Then, using the drug repurposing method with the Connectivity Map CLUE Query tools, potential drugs such as Forskolin, Gestrinone, Cediranib, Apicidine, and Everolimus, which showed a highly negative correlation with the expression levels of the selected genes, were identified. This study provides a method to develop new approaches to diagnosing and treating gastric cancer by comparing the transcriptome profiles of patients gastric cancer and performing a feature engineering-assisted drug repurposing analysis based on cancer data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevser Kübra Kırboğa
- Bioengineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Bilecik Seyh Edebali University, Bilecik, Türkiye
| | - Mithun Rudrapal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology & Research (Deemed to be University), Guntur, India
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28
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Dixon D, Sattar H, Moros N, Kesireddy SR, Ahsan H, Lakkimsetti M, Fatima M, Doshi D, Sadhu K, Junaid Hassan M. Unveiling the Influence of AI Predictive Analytics on Patient Outcomes: A Comprehensive Narrative Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e59954. [PMID: 38854327 PMCID: PMC11161909 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive literature review explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) predictive analytics on healthcare, particularly in improving patient outcomes regarding disease progression, treatment response, and recovery rates. AI, encompassing capabilities such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making, is leveraged to predict disease progression, optimize treatment plans, and enhance recovery rates through the analysis of vast datasets, including electronic health records (EHRs), imaging, and genetic data. The utilization of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques in predictive analytics enables personalized medicine by facilitating the early detection of conditions, precision in drug discovery, and the tailoring of treatment to individual patient profiles. Ethical considerations, including data privacy, bias, and accountability, emerge as vital in the responsible implementation of AI in healthcare. The findings underscore the potential of AI predictive analytics in revolutionizing clinical decision-making and healthcare delivery, emphasizing the necessity of ethical guidelines and continuous model validation to ensure its safe and effective use in augmenting human judgment in medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diny Dixon
- Medicine, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, IND
| | - Hina Sattar
- Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, PAK
| | - Natalia Moros
- Medicine, Pontifical Javeriana University Medical School, Bogotá, COL
| | | | - Huma Ahsan
- Medicine, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, PAK
| | | | - Madiha Fatima
- Medicine, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, PAK
| | - Dhruvi Doshi
- Medicine, Gujarat Cancer Society Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Ahmedabad, IND
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29
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Lotter W, Hassett MJ, Schultz N, Kehl KL, Van Allen EM, Cerami E. Artificial Intelligence in Oncology: Current Landscape, Challenges, and Future Directions. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:711-726. [PMID: 38597966 PMCID: PMC11131133 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-1199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) in oncology is advancing beyond algorithm development to integration into clinical practice. This review describes the current state of the field, with a specific focus on clinical integration. AI applications are structured according to cancer type and clinical domain, focusing on the four most common cancers and tasks of detection, diagnosis, and treatment. These applications encompass various data modalities, including imaging, genomics, and medical records. We conclude with a summary of existing challenges, evolving solutions, and potential future directions for the field. SIGNIFICANCE AI is increasingly being applied to all aspects of oncology, where several applications are maturing beyond research and development to direct clinical integration. This review summarizes the current state of the field through the lens of clinical translation along the clinical care continuum. Emerging areas are also highlighted, along with common challenges, evolving solutions, and potential future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Lotter
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael J. Hassett
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nikolaus Schultz
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kenneth L. Kehl
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eliezer M. Van Allen
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ethan Cerami
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Dai L, Tan Q, Li L, Lou N, Zheng C, Yang J, Huang L, Wang S, Luo R, Fan G, Xie T, Yao J, Zhang Z, Tang L, Shi Y, Han X. High-Throughput Antigen Microarray Identifies Longitudinal Prognostic Autoantibody for Chemoimmunotherapy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Mol Cell Proteomics 2024; 23:100749. [PMID: 38513890 PMCID: PMC11070596 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2024.100749] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemoimmunotherapy has evolved as a standard treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC). However, inevitable drug resistance has limited its efficacy, highlighting the urgent need for biomarkers of chemoimmunotherapy. A three-phase strategy to discover, verify, and validate longitudinal predictive autoantibodies (AAbs) for aNSCLC before and after chemoimmunotherapy was employed. A total of 528 plasma samples from 267 aNSCLC patients before and after anti-PD1 immunotherapy were collected, plus 30 independent formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples. Candidate AAbs were firstly selected using a HuProt high-density microarray containing 21,000 proteins in the discovery phase, followed by validation using an aNSCLC-focused microarray. Longitudinal predictive AAbs were chosen for ELISA based on responders versus non-responders comparison and progression-free survival (PFS) survival analysis. Prognostic markers were also validated using immunohistochemistry and publicly available immunotherapy datasets. We identified and validated a panel of two AAbs (MAX and DHX29) as pre-treatment biomarkers and another panel of two AAbs (MAX and TAPBP) as on-treatment predictive markers in aNSCLC patients undergoing chemoimmunotherapy. All three AAbs exhibited a positive correlation with early responses and PFS (p < 0.05). The kinetics of MAX AAb showed an increasing trend in responders (p < 0.05) and a tendency to initially increase and then decrease in non-responders (p < 0.05). Importantly, MAX protein and mRNA levels effectively discriminated PFS (p < 0.05) in aNSCLC patients treated with immunotherapy. Our results present a longitudinal analysis of changes in prognostic AAbs in aNSCLC patients undergoing chemoimmunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Dai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaoyun Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Lou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, China
| | - Cuiling Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, China
| | - Jianliang Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, China
| | - Liling Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, China
| | - Shasha Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, China
| | - Rongrong Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyu Fan
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, China
| | - Tongji Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, China
| | - Jiarui Yao
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, China
| | - Zhishang Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, China
| | - Le Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, China
| | - Yuankai Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaohong Han
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Drug, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical PK & PD Investigation for Innovative Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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Nádorvári ML, Lotz G, Kulka J, Kiss A, Tímár J. Microsatellite instability and mismatch repair protein deficiency: equal predictive markers? Pathol Oncol Res 2024; 30:1611719. [PMID: 38655493 PMCID: PMC11036414 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2024.1611719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Current clinical guidelines recommend mismatch repair (MMR) protein immunohistochemistry (IHC) or molecular microsatellite instability (MSI) tests as predictive markers of immunotherapies. Most of the pathological guidelines consider MMR protein IHC as the gold standard test to identify cancers with MMR deficiency and recommend molecular MSI tests only in special circumstances or to screen for Lynch syndrome. However, there are data in the literature which suggest that the two test types may not be equal. For example, molecular epidemiology studies reported different rates of deficient MMR (dMMR) and MSI in various cancer types. Additionally, direct comparisons of the two tests revealed relatively frequent discrepancies between MMR IHC and MSI tests, especially in non-colorectal and non-endometrial cancers and in cases with unusual dMMR phenotypes. There are also scattered clinical data showing that the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors is different if the patient selection was based on dMMR versus MSI status of the cancers. All these observations question the current dogma that dMMR phenotype and genetic MSI status are equal predictive markers of the immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - József Tímár
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Sharma S, Singh N, Turk AA, Wan I, Guttikonda A, Dong JL, Zhang X, Opyrchal M. Molecular insights into clinical trials for immune checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal cancer: Unravelling challenges and future directions. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:1815-1835. [PMID: 38659481 PMCID: PMC11036501 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i13.1815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex disease with diverse etiologies and clinical outcomes. Despite considerable progress in development of CRC therapeutics, challenges remain regarding the diagnosis and management of advanced stage metastatic CRC (mCRC). In particular, the five-year survival rate is very low since mCRC is currently rarely curable. Over the past decade, cancer treatment has significantly improved with the introduction of cancer immunotherapies, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors. Therapies aimed at blocking immune checkpoints such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 target inhibitory pathways of the immune system, and thereby enhance anti-tumor immunity. These therapies thus have shown promising results in many clinical trials alone or in combination. The efficacy and safety of immunotherapy, either alone or in combination with CRC, have been investigated in several clinical trials. Clinical trials, including KEYNOTE-164 and CheckMate 142, have led to Food and Drug Administration approval of the PD-1 inhibitors pembrolizumab and nivolumab, respectively, for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high or deficient mismatch repair CRC. Unfortunately, these drugs benefit only a small percentage of patients, with the benefits of immunotherapy remaining elusive for the vast majority of CRC patients. To this end, primary and secondary resistance to immunotherapy remains a significant issue, and further research is necessary to optimize the use of immunotherapy in CRC and identify biomarkers to predict the response. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical trials involving immune checkpoint inhibitors in CRC. The underlying rationale, challenges faced, and potential future steps to improve the prognosis and enhance the likelihood of successful trials in this field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Sharma
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Naresh Singh
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Anita Ahmed Turk
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Isabella Wan
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Akshay Guttikonda
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Julia Lily Dong
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Xinna Zhang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Mateusz Opyrchal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
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33
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Guo X, Bian X, Li Y, Zhu X, Zhou X. The intricate dance of tumor evolution: Exploring immune escape, tumor migration, drug resistance, and treatment strategies. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167098. [PMID: 38412927 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167098] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Recent research has unveiled fascinating insights into the intricate mechanisms governing tumor evolution. These studies have illuminated how tumors adapt and proliferate by exploiting various factors, including immune evasion, resistance to therapeutic drugs, genetic mutations, and their ability to adapt to different environments. Furthermore, investigations into tumor heterogeneity and chromosomal aberrations have revealed the profound complexity that underlies the evolution of cancer. Emerging findings have also underscored the role of viral influences in the development and progression of cancer, introducing an additional layer of complexity to the field of oncology. Tumor evolution is a dynamic and complex process influenced by various factors, including immune evasion, drug resistance, tumor heterogeneity, and viral influences. Understanding these elements is indispensable for developing more effective treatments and advancing cancer therapies. A holistic approach to studying and addressing tumor evolution is crucial in the ongoing battle against cancer. The main goal of this comprehensive review is to explore the intricate relationship between tumor evolution and critical aspects of cancer biology. By delving into this complex interplay, we aim to provide a profound understanding of how tumors evolve, adapt, and respond to treatment strategies. This review underscores the pivotal importance of comprehending tumor evolution in shaping effective approaches to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Guo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China; The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xiaonan Bian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yitong Li
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xiao Zhu
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.
| | - Xiaorong Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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34
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Liu Z, Zeinalzadeh Z, Huang T, Han Y, Peng L, Wang D, Zhou Z, Ousmane D, Wang J. Mitochondria-related chemoradiotherapy resistance genes-based machine learning model associated with immune cell infiltration on the prognosis of esophageal cancer and its value in pan-cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 42:101896. [PMID: 38324960 PMCID: PMC10851222 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101896] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer, known for its high incidence and low five-year survival rate, poses significant treatment challenges. A key aspect of this challenge is the close link between mitochondria and resistance to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Currently, there is a scarcity of biomarkers for predicting CRT response and prognosis in esophageal cancer. Our study addresses this gap by developing a prognostic model that incorporates mitochondria-related CRT resistance (MRCRTR) genes, including CTSL, TBL1X, CLN8, MMP1, PDPN, and MRPL37. Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves reveals that patients with high MRCRTR scores have lower survival rates than those with low scores. Utilizing a nomogram, we successfully predict the one-, two-, and three-year overall survival rates for esophageal cancer patients. Cox regression analysis confirms the MRCRTR score as an independent prognostic factor. Furthermore, our single-cell and correlation analyses suggested that MRCRTR genes might influence CRT resistance by modulating the immune microenvironment and impacting angiogenesis. Our pan-cancer analysis also indicates the potential applicability of MRCRTR scores to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The validation of these findings, conducted with samples from Xiang-ya Hospital, aligns closely with our bioinformatics results. Our study not only explores the role of MRCRTR genes in predicting the prognosis of esophageal cancer but also enhances the understanding of the interplay between CRT, mitochondria, and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Ultrapathology (Biomedical Electron Microscopy) Center, Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zahra Zeinalzadeh
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yingying Han
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lushan Peng
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zongjiang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Diabate Ousmane
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Junpu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Ultrapathology (Biomedical Electron Microscopy) Center, Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Gouda MA, Subbiah V. Tissue-Agnostic Cancer Therapy Approvals. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2024; 33:243-264. [PMID: 38401908 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2023.12.001] [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] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-agnostic, or histology-agnostic, cancer therapy marks a groundbreaking evolution in the realm of precision oncology. In stark contrast to conventional cancer treatments that categorize malignancies based on their tissue of origin (eg, breast, lung, renal cell, etc), tumor-agnostic therapies transcend histologic boundaries, honing in on the genetic and molecular attributes of tumors, regardless of their location. This article offers a comprehensive review of the current landscape of tissue-agnostic cancer therapies and provides clinical insights to empower surgical oncologists with a deeper understanding of these innovative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Gouda
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 455, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vivek Subbiah
- Early-Phase Drug Development, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, 335 24th Avenue North Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37203, USA.
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Pezzicoli G, Ciciriello F, Musci V, Minei S, Biasi A, Ragno A, Cafforio P, Rizzo M. Genomic Profiling and Molecular Characterisation of Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:585. [PMID: 38674231 PMCID: PMC11052409 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60040585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The clinical management of metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) is undergoing a major paradigm shift; the integration of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) into the mUC therapeutic strategy has succeeded in improving platinum-based chemotherapy outcomes. Given the expanding therapeutic armamentarium, it is crucial to identify efficacy-predictive biomarkers that can guide an individual patient's therapeutic strategy. We reviewed the literature data on mUC genomic alterations of clinical interest, discussing their prognostic and predictive role. In particular, we explored the role of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family, epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) axis, DNA repair genes, and microsatellite instability. Currently, based on the available clinical data, FGFR inhibitors and HER2-directed ADCs are effective therapeutic options for later lines of biomarker-driven mUC. However, emerging genomic data highlight the opportunity for earlier use and/or combination with other drugs of both FGFR inhibitors and HER2-directed ADCs and also reveal additional potential drug targets that could change mUC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Pezzicoli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.P.); (F.C.); (V.M.); (S.M.); (A.B.); (P.C.)
| | - Federica Ciciriello
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.P.); (F.C.); (V.M.); (S.M.); (A.B.); (P.C.)
| | - Vittoria Musci
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.P.); (F.C.); (V.M.); (S.M.); (A.B.); (P.C.)
| | - Silvia Minei
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.P.); (F.C.); (V.M.); (S.M.); (A.B.); (P.C.)
| | - Antonello Biasi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.P.); (F.C.); (V.M.); (S.M.); (A.B.); (P.C.)
| | - Anna Ragno
- Medical Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Consorziale, Policlinico di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Paola Cafforio
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.P.); (F.C.); (V.M.); (S.M.); (A.B.); (P.C.)
| | - Mimma Rizzo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Consorziale, Policlinico di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
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Dasgupta S, Gayen S, Chakraborty T, Afrose N, Pal R, Mahata S, Nasare V, Roy S. Potential role of immune cell therapy in gynecological cancer and future promises: a comprehensive review. Med Oncol 2024; 41:98. [PMID: 38536512 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02337-1] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Gynecological malignancies are most leading causes of death among women worldwide. The high prevalence of gynecologic malignancies remains significant, necessitating to turn the novel treatment approach like immunotherapy, wherein cancer cells are killed by the invasion of immune system. In recent year, immunotherapy has mostly an advanced treatment approach to repressing the tumor cells survival, proliferation, and invasion via the activation of immune systems. Moreover, various types of immune cells including T-cells, B-cells, and dendritic cells are associated with the immunotherapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. Although the significant role of T-cells against cancer is well established, while B-cells and dendritic cells also play an important role against different gynecological cancer by regulating the immune system. This review focuses on that arena and highlight the role of immune cells in the treatment of gynaecological cancer. Various immune cell-based anticancer therapies such as T-cell therapies, Adoptive Cellular transfer, B-cell therapies as well as approaches to Dendritic Cell therapies have been discussed in detail. Furthermore, the clinical settings and future avenues regarding immunotherapy on gynecological cancer have also been reviewed and illuminated in the recent study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandipan Dasgupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sakuntala Gayen
- NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata - Group of Institutions, 124, B. L. Saha Road, Tara Park, Behala, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Tania Chakraborty
- NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata - Group of Institutions, 124, B. L. Saha Road, Tara Park, Behala, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Naureen Afrose
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Ranita Pal
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Screening, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sutapa Mahata
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Screening, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Vilas Nasare
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Screening, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Souvik Roy
- NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata - Group of Institutions, 124, B. L. Saha Road, Tara Park, Behala, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India.
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Cai L, Chen A, Tang D. A new strategy for immunotherapy of microsatellite-stable (MSS)-type advanced colorectal cancer: Multi-pathway combination therapy with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Immunology 2024. [PMID: 38517066 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13785] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a frequent gastrointestinal malignancy with high rates of morbidity and mortality; 85% of these tumours are proficient mismatch repair (pMMR)-microsatellite instability-low (MSI-L)/microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC known as 'cold' tumours that are resistant to immunosuppressive drugs. Monotherapy with programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors is ineffective for treating MSS CRC, making immunotherapy for MSS CRC a bottleneck. Recent studies have found that the multi-pathway regimens combined with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors can enhance the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 in MSS CRC by increasing the number of CD8+ T cells, upregulating PD-L1 expression and improving the tumour microenvironment. This paper reviews the research progress of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in combination with cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors, oncolytic virus, intestinal flora, antiangiogenic agents, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and epigenetic drugs for the treatment of pMMR-MSI-L/MSS CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Cai
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Anqi Chen
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dong Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, China
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Scimeca M, Rovella V, Caporali S, Shi Y, Bischof J, Woodsmith J, Tisone G, Sica G, Amelio I, Melino G, Mauriello A, Bove P. Genetically driven predisposition leads to an unusually genomic unstable renal cell carcinoma. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:80. [PMID: 38512353 PMCID: PMC10957849 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00894-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma originates from the lining of the proximal convoluted renal tubule and represents the most common type of kidney cancer. Risk factors and comorbidities might be associated to renal cell carcinoma, while a small fraction of 2-3% emerges from patients with predisposing cancer syndromes, typically associated to hereditary mutations in VHL, folliculin, fumarate hydratase or MET genes. Here, we report a case of renal cell carcinoma in patient with concurrent germline mutations in BRCA1 and RAD51 genes. This case displays an unusual high mutational burden and chromosomal aberrations compared to the typical profile of renal cell carcinoma. Mutational analysis on whole genome sequencing revealed an enrichment of the MMR2 mutational signature, which is indicative of impaired DNA repair capacity. Overall, the tumor displayed a profile of unusual high genomic instability which suggests a possible origin from germline predisposing mutations in the DNA repair genes BRCA1 and RAD51. While BRCA1 and RAD51 germline mutations are well-characterised in breast and ovarian cancer, their role in renal cell carcinoma is still largely unexplored. The genomic instability detected in this case of renal cell carcinoma, along with the presence of unusual mutations, might offer support to clinicians for the development of patient-tailored therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Caporali
- Division for Systems Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Julia Bischof
- Indivumed GmbH, Falkenried, 88 Building D, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Giuseppe Tisone
- Department of Surgery, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sica
- Department of Surgery, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivano Amelio
- Division for Systems Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Pierluigi Bove
- Department of Surgery, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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Lu Y, Chen R, Zhang H, Sun X, Li X, Yang M, Zhang X. Prognostic significance and immunological role of HPRT1 in human cancers. BIOMOLECULES & BIOMEDICINE 2024; 24:262-291. [PMID: 38159260 PMCID: PMC10950352 DOI: 10.17305/bb.2023.9775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase 1 (HPRT1), once considered a housekeeping gene, has been identified as playing an important role in several tumors. Its role in pan-cancer, however, has not been systematically studied. This study evaluates the relationship between HPRT1 and clinical parameters, survival prognosis, and tumor immunity based on multi omics data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Drug sensitivity analysis screened 16 effective drugs against HPRT1, exploring the interactions with chemicals and genes. The significance of HPRT1 in tumor immunotherapy has also been investigated. Immunohistochemistry confirmed significant differences in the expression of HPRT1 between five tumor types (colon adenocarcinoma [COAD], head-neck squamous cell carcinoma [HNSC], lung adenocarcinoma [LUAD], thyroid carcinoma [THCA], and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma [UCEC]) and adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.05). HPRT1 competitive endogenous RNA network was constructed in HNSC. Through cytological experiments, it was verified that HPRT1 plays a carcinogenic role in HNSC and is associated with tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between HPRT1 and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) expression in HNSC (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that HPRT1 may be a potential biomarker for predicting and treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Lu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ruixue Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shijiazhuang Great Wall Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xu Sun
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiangjun Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Mengyuan Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Qin Y, Huo M, Liu X, Li SC. Biomarkers and computational models for predicting efficacy to tumor ICI immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1368749. [PMID: 38524135 PMCID: PMC10957591 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1368749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy has great potential as a cancer treatment, leading to significant clinical improvements in numerous cases. However, it benefits a minority of patients, underscoring the importance of discovering reliable biomarkers that can be used to screen for potential beneficiaries and ultimately reduce the risk of overtreatment. Our comprehensive review focuses on the latest advancements in predictive biomarkers for ICI therapy, particularly emphasizing those that enhance the efficacy of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors immunotherapies. We explore biomarkers derived from various sources, including tumor cells, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), body fluids, gut microbes, and metabolites. Among them, tumor cells-derived biomarkers include tumor mutational burden (TMB) biomarker, tumor neoantigen burden (TNB) biomarker, microsatellite instability (MSI) biomarker, PD-L1 expression biomarker, mutated gene biomarkers in pathways, and epigenetic biomarkers. TIME-derived biomarkers include immune landscape of TIME biomarkers, inhibitory checkpoints biomarkers, and immune repertoire biomarkers. We also discuss various techniques used to detect and assess these biomarkers, detailing their respective datasets, strengths, weaknesses, and evaluative metrics. Furthermore, we present a comprehensive review of computer models for predicting the response to ICI therapy. The computer models include knowledge-based mechanistic models and data-based machine learning (ML) models. Among the knowledge-based mechanistic models are pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) models, partial differential equation (PDE) models, signal networks-based models, quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) models, and agent-based models (ABMs). ML models include linear regression models, logistic regression models, support vector machine (SVM)/random forest/extra trees/k-nearest neighbors (KNN) models, artificial neural network (ANN) and deep learning models. Additionally, there are hybrid models of systems biology and ML. We summarized the details of these models, outlining the datasets they utilize, their evaluation methods/metrics, and their respective strengths and limitations. By summarizing the major advances in the research on predictive biomarkers and computer models for the therapeutic effect and clinical utility of tumor ICI, we aim to assist researchers in choosing appropriate biomarkers or computer models for research exploration and help clinicians conduct precision medicine by selecting the best biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Qin
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Miaozhe Huo
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingwu Liu
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuai Cheng Li
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Simpson JT. Detecting Somatic Mutations Without Matched Normal Samples Using Long Reads. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.26.582089. [PMID: 38464143 PMCID: PMC10925087 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.26.582089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
DNA sequencing of tumours to identify somatic mutations has become a critical tool to guide the type of treatment given to cancer patients. The gold standard for mutation calling is comparing sequencing data from the tumour to a matched normal sample to avoid mis-classifying inherited SNPs as mutations. This procedure works extremely well, but in certain situations only a tumour sample is available. While approaches have been developed to find mutations without a matched normal, they have limited accuracy or require specific types of input data (e.g. ultra-deep sequencing). Here we explore the application of single molecule long read sequencing to calling somatic mutations without matched normal samples. We develop a simple theoretical framework to show how haplotype phasing is an important source of information for determining whether a variant is a somatic mutation. We then use simulations to assess the range of experimental parameters (tumour purity, sequencing depth) where this approach is effective. These ideas are developed into a prototype somatic mutation caller, smrest, and its use is demonstrated on two highly mutated cancer cell lines. Finally, we argue that this approach has potential to measure clinically important biomarkers that are based on the genome-wide distribution of mutations: tumour mutation burden and mutation signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared T. Simpson
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Di Maggio F, Boccia G, Nunziato M, Filotico M, Montesarchio V, D'Armiento M, Corcione F, Salvatore F. A Novel DNA Variant in SMARCA4 Gene Found in a Patient Affected by Early Onset Colon Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2716. [PMID: 38473962 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052716] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death from neoplasia worldwide. Thanks to new screening programs, we are now seeing an increase in Early Onset of ColoRectal Cancer (EOCRC) in patients below the age of 50. Herein, we report a clinical case of a woman affected by EOCRC. This case illustrates the importance of genetic predisposition testing also in tumor patients. Indeed, for our patient, we used a combined approach of multiple molecular and cellular biology technologies that revealed the presence of an interesting novel variant in the SMARCA4 gene. The latter gene is implicated in damage repair processes and related, if mutated, to the onset of various tumor types. In addition, we stabilized Patient-Derived Organoids from the tumor tissue of the same patient and the result confirmed the presence of this novel pathogenic variant that has never been found before even in early onset cancer. In conclusion, with this clinical case, we want to underscore the importance of including patients even those below the age of 50 years in appropriate screening programs which should also include genetic tests for predisposition to early onset cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Di Maggio
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80145 Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Boccia
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marcella Nunziato
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80145 Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marcello Filotico
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Maria D'Armiento
- Pathology Unit, Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Corcione
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Salvatore
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80145 Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
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Zhu H, Roelands J, Ahmed EI, Stouten I, Hoorntje R, van Vlierberghe RLP, Ijsselsteijn ME, Lei X, de Miranda NFCC, Tollenaar RAEM, Vahrmeijer AL, Bedognetti D, Hendrickx WRL, Kuppen PJK. Location matters: spatial dynamics of tumor-infiltrating T cell subsets is prognostic in colon cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1293618. [PMID: 38375478 PMCID: PMC10875018 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1293618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Colon cancer is a heterogeneous disease and consists of various molecular subtypes. Despite advances in high-throughput expression profiling, limitations remain in predicting clinical outcome and assigning specific treatment to individual cases. Tumor-immune interactions play a critical role, with tumors that activate the immune system having better outcome for the patient. The localization of T cells within tumor epithelium, to enable direct contact, is essential for antitumor function, but bulk DNA/RNA sequencing data lacks spatial distribution information. In this study, we provide spatial T cell tumor distribution and connect these data with previously determined genomic data in the AC-ICAM colon cancer patient cohort. Methods Colon cancer patients (n=90) with transcriptome data available were selected. We used a custom multiplex immunofluorescence assay on colon tumor tissue sections for quantifying T cell subsets spatial distribution in the tumor microenvironment, in terms of cell number, location, mutual distance, and distance to tumor cells. Statistical analyses included the previously determined Immunologic Constant of Rejection (ICR) transcriptome correlation and patient survival, revealing potential prognostic value in T cell spatial distribution. Results T cell phenotypes were characterized and CD3+CD8-FoxP3- T cells were found to be the predominant tumor-infiltrating subtype while CD3+FoxP3+ T cells and CD3+CD8+ T cells showed similar densities. Spatial distribution analysis elucidated that proliferative T cells, characterized by Ki67 expression, and Granzyme B-expressing T cells were predominantly located within the tumor epithelium. We demonstrated an increase in immune cell density and a decrease in the distance of CD3+CD8+ T cells to the nearest tumor cell, in the immune active, ICR High, immune subtypes. Higher densities of stromal CD3+FoxP3+ T cells showed enhanced survival outcomes, and patients exhibited superior clinical benefits when greater spatial distances were observed between CD3+CD8-FoxP3- or CD3+CD8+ T cells and CD3+FoxP3+ T cells. Conclusion Our study's in-depth analysis of the spatial distribution and densities of major T cell subtypes within the tumor microenvironment has provided valuable information that paves the way for further research into the intricate relationships between immune cells and colon cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hehuan Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jessica Roelands
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Translational Medicine Division, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Eiman I. Ahmed
- Translational Medicine Division, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Imke Stouten
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Rachel Hoorntje
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Xin Lei
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Davide Bedognetti
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
- Kite, A Gilead Company, Santa Monica, CA, United States
| | - Wouter R. L. Hendrickx
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Peter J. K. Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Riedl JM, Moik F, Esterl T, Kostmann SM, Gerger A, Jost PJ. Molecular diagnostics tailoring personalized cancer therapy-an oncologist's view. Virchows Arch 2024; 484:169-179. [PMID: 37982847 PMCID: PMC10948510 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03702-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Medical oncology is rapidly evolving with the implementation of personalized, targeted therapies. Advances in molecular diagnostics and the biologic understanding of cancer pathophysiology led to the identification of specific genetic alterations as drivers of cancer progression. Further, improvements in drug development enable the direct interference with these pathways, which allow tailoring personalized treatments based on a distinct molecular characterization of tumors. Thereby, we are currently experiencing a paradigm-shift in the treatment of cancers towards cancer-type agnostic, molecularly targeted, personalized therapies. However, this concept has several important hurdles and limitations to overcome to ultimately increase the proportion of patients benefitting from the precision oncology approach. These include the assessment of clinical relevancy of identified alterations, capturing and interpreting levels of heterogeneity based on intra-tumoral or time-dependent molecular evolution, and challenges in the practical implementation of precision oncology in routine clinical care. In the present review, we summarize the current state of cancer-agnostic precision oncology, discuss the concept of molecular tumor boards, and consider current limitations of personalized cancer therapy. Further, we provide an outlook towards potential future developments including the implementation of functionality assessments of identified genetic alterations and the broader use of liquid biopsies in order to obtain more comprehensive and longitudinal genetic information that might guide personalized cancer therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob M Riedl
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Florian Moik
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tamara Esterl
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sarah M Kostmann
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Armin Gerger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Philipp J Jost
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
- Medical Department III for Haematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
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Richardson M, Chase DM. Latest advances in immuno-oncology for endometrial cancer: single-agent and combination regimens. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2024; 36:1-8. [PMID: 37792525 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The scope of immuno-oncology in endometrial cancer has changed rapidly in the last several years, requiring up-to-date knowledge for those who treat these patients. RECENT FINDINGS This article will focus on molecular profiling, recent trials, and FDA approvals of targeted immuno-oncology medications in endometrial cancer. These include immune checkpoint inhibitors alone or with combination treatment. SUMMARY The publication of the TCGA has led to significant focus on molecular subgroupings into POLEm, MMRd, NSMP, and p53m groups. For those patients with MMRd vs. MMRp tumors, there are indications for single agent immune checkpoint inhibitors with dostarlimab or pembrolizumab. For those with MMRp tumors, the addition of lenvatinib to pembrolizumab has proven clinical benefit. The recent publication of the RUBY and NRG-GY018 trials have shown clinical benefit in both subgroups with addition of immune checkpoint inhibitor to platinum-based chemotherapy. Now there is approval for use of dostarlimab in frontline chemotherapy and maintenance for advanced stage or recurrent endometrial cancer. Several upcoming trials investigating molecular subgroups from the TCGA are eagerly anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Richardson
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Dominguez DA, Wong P, Melstrom LG. Existing and emerging biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma: relevance in staging, determination of minimal residual disease, and monitoring treatment response: a narrative review. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2024; 13:39-55. [PMID: 38322200 PMCID: PMC10839735 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn-22-526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objective With the development of novel active systemic therapies, the landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management is rapidly changing. However, HCC lacks sensitive and specific biomarkers to predict prognosis, monitor for minimal residual disease after locoregional therapy, and predict treatment response. In this review, we aim to summarize the best supporting evidence for refining existing, and development of novel biomarkers for staging, prognosis, determination of minimal residual disease and monitoring treatment response in HCC, focusing on those with evidence in clinical trials. Methods PubMed and Embase databases were searched using the keywords; hepatocellular carcinoma, biomarker, minimal residual disease, surveillance, prognosis, staging, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), liquid biopsy, treatment response, adjuvant, immunotherapy. Relevant clinical studies were included. Key Content and Findings AFP remains the major workhorse as the most widely used biomarker in HCC, however, its lack of wide applicability due to the high proportion of patients with HCC who are AFP negative, limits its value throughout all stages of HCC management. Significant work has been done to combine AFP with other clinical and serologic factors to increase its accuracy and utility as a biomarkers. However, it is likely that other more novel biomarkers such as those obtained through liquid biopsy will provide the prognostic power necessary for applications such as detecting recurrence and predicting treatment response. Liquid biopsy provides not only a wealth of potential biomarkers including circulating tumor cells and cell-free RNA/DNA, but also the ability to examine the mutational characteristics of the tumor with next generation sequencing. While early evidence supports the potential impact of many new biomarkers, validation in large clinical trials is lacking. Conclusions This review highlights the paucity of sensitive and specific, widely applicable biomarkers, throughout all phases of management of HCC and summarizes evidence on biomarkers currently in use, as well as those in development and validation. Inclusion of biomarker analysis through clinical trials in HCC is critical to development of optimal therapeutic regimens, and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana A. Dominguez
- Department of Surgical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Paul Wong
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Laleh G. Melstrom
- Department of Surgical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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San-Román-Gil M, Martínez-Delfrade I, Albarrán-Fernández V, Guerrero-Serrano P, Pozas-Pérez J, Chamorro-Pérez J, Rosero-Rodríguez D, Sotoca-Rubio P, Barrill-Corpa AM, Alia-Navarro V, González-Merino C, García-de-Quevedo-Suero C, López V, Ruz-Caracuel I, Perna-Monroy C, Ferreiro-Monteagudo R. Case report: Efficacy of immunotherapy as conversion therapy in dMMR/MSI-H colorectal cancer: a case series and review of the literature. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1352262. [PMID: 38361927 PMCID: PMC10867218 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1352262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has demonstrated a role in the therapeutic landscape of a small subset of patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC) that harbor a microsatellite instability (MSI-H) status due to a deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) system. The remarkable responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now being tested in the neoadjuvant setting in localized CRC, where the dMMR/MSI-H status can be found in up to 15% of patients, with remarkable results obtained in NICHE2 and 3 trials, among others. This case series aims to report our experience at a tertiary center and provide a comprehensive analysis of the possible questions and challenges to overcome if ICIs were established as standard of care in a neoadjuvant setting, as well as the potential role they may have as conversion therapy not only in locoregional advanced CRC but also in oligometastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- María San-Román-Gil
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Javier Pozas-Pérez
- Medical Oncology Department, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jesús Chamorro-Pérez
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Sotoca-Rubio
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Alia-Navarro
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Victoria López
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
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Geissler F, Nesic K, Kondrashova O, Dobrovic A, Swisher EM, Scott CL, J. Wakefield M. The role of aberrant DNA methylation in cancer initiation and clinical impacts. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359231220511. [PMID: 38293277 PMCID: PMC10826407 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231220511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations, including aberrant DNA methylation, are now recognized as bone fide hallmarks of cancer, which can contribute to cancer initiation, progression, therapy responses and therapy resistance. Methylation of gene promoters can have a range of impacts on cancer risk, clinical stratification and therapeutic outcomes. We provide several important examples of genes, which can be silenced or activated by promoter methylation and highlight their clinical implications. These include the mismatch DNA repair genes MLH1 and MSH2, homologous recombination DNA repair genes BRCA1 and RAD51C, the TERT oncogene and genes within the P15/P16/RB1/E2F tumour suppressor axis. We also discuss how these methylation changes might occur in the first place - whether in the context of the CpG island methylator phenotype or constitutional DNA methylation. The choice of assay used to measure methylation can have a significant impact on interpretation of methylation states, and some examples where this can influence clinical decision-making are presented. Aberrant DNA methylation patterns in circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) are also showing great promise in the context of non-invasive cancer detection and monitoring using liquid biopsies; however, caution must be taken in interpreting these results in cases where constitutional methylation may be present. Thus, this review aims to provide researchers and clinicians with a comprehensive summary of this broad, but important subject, illustrating the potentials and pitfalls of assessing aberrant DNA methylation in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Geissler
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ksenija Nesic
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Olga Kondrashova
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alexander Dobrovic
- University of Melbourne Department of Surgery, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Clare L. Scott
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Wakefield
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Liu Y, Altreuter J, Bodapati S, Cristea S, Wong CJ, Wu CJ, Michor F. Predicting patient outcomes after treatment with immune checkpoint blockade: A review of biomarkers derived from diverse data modalities. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100444. [PMID: 38190106 PMCID: PMC10794784 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, programmed death 1, and programmed death ligand 1 has shown durable remission and clinical success across different cancer types. However, patient outcomes vary among disease indications. Studies have identified prognostic biomarkers associated with immunotherapy response and patient outcomes derived from diverse data types, including next-generation bulk and single-cell DNA, RNA, T cell and B cell receptor sequencing data, liquid biopsies, and clinical imaging. Owing to inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity and the immune system's complexity, these biomarkers have diverse efficacy in clinical trials of ICB. Here, we review the genetic and genomic signatures and image features of ICB studies for pan-cancer applications and specific indications. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computational approaches for predicting immunotherapy effectiveness and patient outcomes. We also elucidate the challenges of immunotherapy prognostication and the discovery of novel immunotherapy targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer Altreuter
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sudheshna Bodapati
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Simona Cristea
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Cheryl J Wong
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 20115, USA
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Franziska Michor
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 20115, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Center for Cancer Evolution, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02138, USA; The Ludwig Center at Harvard, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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