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Zhang S, Zhang X, Ren Y, Huang L, Xu W, Wang H, Lu Q. Regorafenib enhances the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma through MAPK signaling pathway suppression. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2024; 49:104319. [PMID: 39181490 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104319] [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: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising and innovative approach for treating tumors. The synergistic effect of PDT and chemotherapy can enhance the anti-tumor efficacy by leveraging their complementing benefits. In this study, we created lipid vesicles to deliver a photosensitizer (chlorin e6, Ce6) and Regorafenib into tumors for the purpose of examining the effectiveness and mechanism of Lipo-Ce6@Rego-PDT (LCR-P) on Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) both in vitro and in vivo. We found that the cytotoxicity on HCC caused by LCR-P was significantly stronger than that caused by Lipo-Ce6-PDT (LC-P). Cellular ROS production in the LCR-P group was approximately higher than that in the LC-P group, and Regorafenib significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and P38 of Lipo-Ce6-PDT group in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, Regorafenib significantly downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 and upregulated the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 of LC-P group in vitro and in vivo. Compared with LC-P, LCR-P significantly increased cell apoptosis rate. The body weight and HE staining of normal organs primarily indicated the safety of this combined strategy. These results indicate that the combination of Regorafenib and Lipo-Ce6 can significantly enhance the anti-tumor efficiency of PDT for HCC and exhibits good biosafety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Zhang
- Postdoctoral Research Station, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
| | - Yali Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
| | - Lu Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
| | - Weitian Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
| | - Haiping Wang
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Qiping Lu
- Postdoctoral Research Station, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
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2
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Tomuleasa C, Tigu AB, Munteanu R, Moldovan CS, Kegyes D, Onaciu A, Gulei D, Ghiaur G, Einsele H, Croce CM. Therapeutic advances of targeting receptor tyrosine kinases in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:201. [PMID: 39138146 PMCID: PMC11323831 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01899-w] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), a category of transmembrane receptors, have gained significant clinical attention in oncology due to their central role in cancer pathogenesis. Genetic alterations, including mutations, amplifications, and overexpression of certain RTKs, are critical in creating environments conducive to tumor development. Following their discovery, extensive research has revealed how RTK dysregulation contributes to oncogenesis, with many cancer subtypes showing dependency on aberrant RTK signaling for their proliferation, survival and progression. These findings paved the way for targeted therapies that aim to inhibit crucial biological pathways in cancer. As a result, RTKs have emerged as primary targets in anticancer therapeutic development. Over the past two decades, this has led to the synthesis and clinical validation of numerous small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), now effectively utilized in treating various cancer types. In this manuscript we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the RTKs in the context of cancer. We explored the various alterations and overexpression of specific receptors across different malignancies, with special attention dedicated to the examination of current RTK inhibitors, highlighting their role as potential targeted therapies. By integrating the latest research findings and clinical evidence, we seek to elucidate the pivotal role of RTKs in cancer biology and the therapeutic efficacy of RTK inhibition with promising treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania.
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj Napoca, Romania.
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov 3, 050044, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Adrian-Bogdan Tigu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov 3, 050044, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Munteanu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov 3, 050044, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian-Silviu Moldovan
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - David Kegyes
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov 3, 050044, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Onaciu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Gulei
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriel Ghiaur
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Department of Leukemia, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Medizinische Klinik II, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carlo M Croce
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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3
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Qin Y, Han S, Yu Y, Qi D, Ran M, Yang M, Liu Y, Li Y, Lu L, Liu Y, Li Y. Lenvatinib in hepatocellular carcinoma: Resistance mechanisms and strategies for improved efficacy. Liver Int 2024; 44:1808-1831. [PMID: 38700443 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most prevalent and destructive causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, approximately 70% of patients with HCC exhibit advanced disease at diagnosis, limiting the potential for radical treatment. For such patients, lenvatinib, a long-awaited alternative to sorafenib for first-line targeted therapy, has become a key treatment. Unfortunately, despite some progress, the prognosis for advanced HCC remains poor because of drug resistance development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying lenvatinib resistance and ways to relief drug resistance in HCC are largely unknown and lack of systematic summary; thus, this review not only aims to explore factors contributing to lenvatinib resistance in HCC, but more importantly, summary potential methods to conquer or mitigate the resistance. The results suggest that abnormal activation of pathways, drug transport, epigenetics, tumour microenvironment, cancer stem cells, regulated cell death, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and other mechanisms are involved in the development of lenvatinib resistance in HCC and subsequent HCC progression. To improve the therapeutic outcomes of lenvatinib, inhibiting acquired resistance, combined therapies, and nano-delivery carriers may be possible approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqing Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Shisong Han
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yahan Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Ding Qi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengnan Ran
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Mingqi Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunyi Li
- Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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4
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Kim JH, Kim YH, Nam HC, Kim CW, Yoo JS, Han JW, Jang JW, Choi JY, Yoon SK, Chun HJ, Oh JS, Kim S, Lee SH, Sung PS. Consistent efficacy of hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy irrespective of PD‑L1 positivity in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:388. [PMID: 38966587 PMCID: PMC11223005 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14521] [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: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Atezolizumab/bevacizumab is the first line of treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), combining immune checkpoint inhibitor and anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies. Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) is administered when the above-described combination fails to confer sufficient clinical benefit. The present study aimed to explore the association between tumor programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) positivity and HAIC response. A total of 40 patients with HCC who had undergone HAIC with available biopsy samples obtained between January 2020 and May 2023 were retrospectively enrolled. Tumor response, progression-free survival (PFS), disease control rate (DCR) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. PD-L1 expression in tumor samples was assessed using a combined positivity score. The response rates of HAIC-treated patients with advanced HCC after failure of atezolizumab/bevacizumab combination therapy were recorded. OS (P=0.9717) and PFS (P=0.4194) did not differ between patients with and without PD-L1 positivity. The objective response rate (P=0.7830) and DCR (P=0.7020) also did not differ based on PD-L1 status. In conclusion, the current findings highlight the consistent efficacy of HAIC, regardless of PD-L1 positivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hoon Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi 11765, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoon Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Chul Nam
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi 11765, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Wook Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi 11765, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Yoo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Han
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Jong Chun
- Department of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Suk Oh
- Department of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Suho Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hak Lee
- Department of Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
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5
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Su F, Koeberle A. Regulation and targeting of SREBP-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:673-708. [PMID: 38036934 PMCID: PMC11156753 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10156-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasing burden on global public health and is associated with enhanced lipogenesis, fatty acid uptake, and lipid metabolic reprogramming. De novo lipogenesis is under the control of the transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) and essentially contributes to HCC progression. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the regulation of SREBP-1 isoforms in HCC based on cellular, animal, and clinical data. Specifically, we (i) address the overarching mechanisms for regulating SREBP-1 transcription, proteolytic processing, nuclear stability, and transactivation and (ii) critically discuss their impact on HCC, taking into account (iii) insights from pharmacological approaches. Emphasis is placed on cross-talk with the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt)-mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) axis, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), protein kinase A (PKA), and other kinases that directly phosphorylate SREBP-1; transcription factors, such as liver X receptor (LXR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1 (PGC-1), signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), and Myc; epigenetic mechanisms; post-translational modifications of SREBP-1; and SREBP-1-regulatory metabolites such as oxysterols and polyunsaturated fatty acids. By carefully scrutinizing the role of SREBP-1 in HCC development, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance, we shed light on the potential of SREBP-1-targeting strategies in HCC prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengting Su
- Michael Popp Institute and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Koeberle
- Michael Popp Institute and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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6
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Liu RJ, Yu XD, Yan SS, Guo ZW, Zao XB, Zhang YS. Ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy: Mechanisms and immunologic landscape (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:63. [PMID: 38757345 PMCID: PMC11095606 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5651] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the leading causes of cancer‑related mortality worldwide, is challenging to identify in its early stages and prone to metastasis, and the prognosis of patients with this disease is poor. Treatment options for HCC are limited, with even radical treatments being associated with a risk of recurrence or transformation in the short term. Furthermore, the multi‑tyrosine kinase inhibitors approved for first‑line therapy have marked drawbacks, including drug resistance and side effects. The rise and breakthrough of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have provided a novel direction for HCC immunotherapy but these have the drawback of low response rates. Since avoiding apoptosis is a universal feature of cancer, the induction of non‑apoptotic regulatory cell death (NARCD) is a novel strategy for HCC immunotherapy. At present, NARCD pathways, including ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis, are novel potential forms of immunogenic cell death, which have synergistic effects with antitumor immunity, transforming immune 'cold' tumors into immune 'hot' tumors and exerting antitumor effects. Therefore, these pathways may be targeted as a novel treatment strategy for HCC. In the present review, the roles of ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis in antitumor immunity in HCC are discussed, and the relevant targets and signaling pathways, and the current status of combined therapy with ICIs are summarized. The prospects of targeting ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis in HCC immunotherapy are also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Jia Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, P.R. China
| | - Xu-Dong Yu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, P.R. China
- Beijing Tumor Minimally Invasive Medical Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing 101121, P.R. China
| | - Shao-Shuai Yan
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Wei Guo
- Guang'anmen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Bin Zao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, P.R. China
| | - Yao-Sheng Zhang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, P.R. China
- Beijing Tumor Minimally Invasive Medical Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing 101121, P.R. China
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7
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Wang Z, Wu L, Zhou Y, Chen Z, Zhang T, Wei H, Wang Z. Protein and metabolic profiles of tyrosine kinase inhibitors co-resistant liver cancer cells. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1394241. [PMID: 38835670 PMCID: PMC11149701 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1394241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) patients often develop resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like sorafenib (SR) and lenvatinib (RR). We established HCC cell lines resistant to these drugs and analyzed the correlation between protein and metabolite profiles using bioinformatics. Our analysis revealed overexpression of MISP, CHMP2B, IL-18, TMSB4X, and EFEMP1, and downregulation of IFITM3, CA4, AGR2, and SLC51B in drug-resistant cells. Differential signals are mainly enriched in steroid hormone biosynthesis, cell adhesion, and immune synapses, with metabolic pathways including cytochrome P450 drug metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and glycolysis. Proteomics and metabolomics analysis showed co-enrichment signals in drug metabolism, amino acids, glucose metabolism, ferroptosis, and other biological processes. Knocking down MISP, CHMP2B, IL-18, TMSB4X, and EFEMP1 significantly reduced drug resistance, indicating their potential as therapeutic response biomarkers. This study characterizes protein and metabolic profiles of drug-resistant HCC cells, exploring metabolite-protein relationships to enhance understanding of drug resistance mechanisms and clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengbin Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Linqing Wu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Cadres's Healthcare Office, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhihong Wang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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8
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Mai Y, Liao C, Wang S, Zhou X, Meng L, Chen C, Qin Y, Deng G. High glucose-induced NCAPD2 upregulation promotes malignant phenotypes and regulates EMT via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in HCC. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:1685-1711. [PMID: 38726276 PMCID: PMC11076239 DOI: 10.62347/hynz9211] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is recognized as a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). High glucose levels have been implicated in inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), contributing to the progression of various cancers. However, the molecular crosstalk remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking DM to HCC. Initially, the expression of NCAPD2 in HCC cells and patients was measured. A series of functional in vitro assays to examine the effects of NCAPD2 on the malignant behaviors and EMT of HCC under high glucose conditions were then conducted. Furthermore, the impacts of NCAPD2 knockdown on HCC proliferation and the β-catenin pathway were investigated in vivo. In addition, bioinformatics methods were performed to analyze the mechanisms and pathways involving NCAPD2, as well as its association with immune infiltration and drug sensitivity. The findings indicated that NCAPD2 was overexpressed in HCC, particularly in patients with DM, and its aberrant upregulation was linked to poor prognosis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that high glucose upregulated NCAPD2 expression, enhancing proliferation, invasion, and EMT, while knockdown of NCAPD2 reversed these effects. In vivo studies suggested that NCAPD2 knockdown might suppress HCC growth via the β-catenin pathway. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that NCAPD2 was involved in cell cycle regulation and primarily interacted with NCAPG, SMC4, and NCAPH. Additionally, NCAPD2 was positively correlated with EMT and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, whereas knockdown of NCAPD2 inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Moreover, NCAPD2 expression was significantly associated with immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, and drugs sensitivity. In conclusion, our study identified NCAPD2 as a novel oncogene in HCC and as a potential therapeutic target for HCC patients with DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Mai
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Chuanjie Liao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning 530021, Guangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of EducationNanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Shengyu Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Liheng Meng
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Cuihong Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yingfen Qin
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Ganlu Deng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning 530021, Guangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of EducationNanning 530021, Guangxi, China
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9
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Liu J, Chen T, Liu X, Li Z, Zhang Y. Engineering materials for pyroptosis induction in cancer treatment. Bioact Mater 2024; 33:30-45. [PMID: 38024228 PMCID: PMC10654002 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a significant global health concern, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. This research paper aims to investigate the role of pyroptosis induction in cancer treatment. Pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death characterized by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the formation of plasma membrane pores, has gained significant attention as a potential target for cancer therapy. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of pyroptosis and its role in cancer treatment. The paper discusses the concept of pyroptosis and its relationship with other forms of cell death, such as apoptosis and necroptosis. It explores the role of pyroptosis in immune activation and its potential for combination therapy. The study also reviews the use of natural, biological, chemical, and multifunctional composite materials for pyroptosis induction in cancer cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying pyroptosis induction by these materials are discussed, along with their advantages and challenges in cancer treatment. The findings of this study highlight the potential of pyroptosis induction as a novel therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment and provide insights into the different materials and mechanisms involved in pyroptosis induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Taili Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - XianLing Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Oncology, Guilin Hospital of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Guilin, China
| | - ZhiHong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
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10
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Mai Y, Meng L, Deng G, Qin Y. The Role of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-Related Risk Factors and Drugs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:159-171. [PMID: 38268569 PMCID: PMC10806369 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s441672] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
With changes in modern lifestyles, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a global epidemic metabolic disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. T2DM is a complex metabolic disorder and has been considered an independent risk factor for HCC. Growing evidence supports that T2DM-related risk factors facilitate hepatocarcinogenesis via abundant mechanisms. With the wide implementation of microbiomics, transcriptomics, and immunotherapy, the understanding of the complex mechanisms of intestinal flora and immune cell subsets have advanced tremendously in T2DM-related HCC, uncovering new findings in T2DM-related HCC patients. In addition, reports have indicated the different effects of anti-DM drugs on the progression of HCC. In this review, we summarize the effects of major T2DM-related risk factors (including hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, insulin, chronic inflammation, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, gut microbiota and immunomodulation), and anti-DM drugs on the carcinogensis and progression of HCC, as well as their potential molecular mechanisms. In addition, other factors (miRNAs, genes, and lifestyle) related to T2DM-related HCC are discussed. We propose a refined concept by which T2DM-related risk factors and anti-DM drugs contribute to HCC and discuss research directions prompted by such evidence worth pursuing in the coming years. Finally, we put forward novel therapeutic approaches to improve the prognosis of T2DM-related HCC, including exploiting novel diagnostic biomarkers, combination therapy with immunocheckpoint inhibitors, and enhancement of the standardized management of T2DM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Mai
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of GuangXi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liheng Meng
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of GuangXi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ganlu Deng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingfen Qin
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of GuangXi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Sun Q, Shen M, Zhu S, Liao Y, Zhang D, Sun J, Guo Z, Wu L, Xiao L, Liu L. Targeting NAD + metabolism of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by lenvatinib promotes M2 macrophages reverse polarization, suppressing the HCC progression. Hepatol Int 2023; 17:1444-1460. [PMID: 37204655 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lowered nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels in tumor cells drive tumor hyperprogression during immunotherapy, and its restoration activates immune cells. However, the effect of lenvatinib, a first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), on NAD+ metabolism in HCC cells, and the metabolite crosstalk between HCC and immune cells after targeting NAD+ metabolism of HCC cells remain unelucidated. METHODS Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MRM-MS) were used to detect and validate differential metabolites. RNA sequencing was used to explore mRNA expression in macrophages and HCC cells. HCC mouse models were used to validate the effects of lenvatinib on immune cells and NAD+ metabolism. The macrophage properties were elucidated using cell proliferation, apoptosis, and co-culture assays. In silico structural analysis and interaction assays were used to determine whether lenvatinib targets tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2). Flow cytometry was performed to assess changes in immune cells. RESULTS Lenvatinib targeted TET2 to synthesize and increase NAD+ levels, thereby inhibiting decomposition in HCC cells. NAD+ salvage increased lenvatinib-induced apoptosis of HCC cells. Lenvatinib also induced CD8+ T cells and M1 macrophages infiltration in vivo. And lenvatinib suppressed niacinamide, 5-Hydroxy-L-tryptophan and quinoline secretion of HCC cells, and increased hypoxanthine secretion, which contributed to proliferation, migration and polarization function of macrophages. Consequently, lenvatinib targeted NAD+ metabolism and elevated HCC-derived hypoxanthine to enhance the macrophages polarization from M2 to M1. Glycosaminoglycan binding disorder and positive regulation of cytosolic calcium ion concentration were characteristic features of the reverse polarization. CONCLUSIONS Targeting HCC cells NAD+ metabolism by lenvatinib-TET2 pathway drives metabolite crosstalk, leading to M2 macrophages reverse polarization, thereby suppressing HCC progression. Collectively, these novel insights highlight the role of lenvatinib or its combination therapies as promising therapeutic alternatives for HCC patients with low NAD+ levels or high TET2 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingcan Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Mengying Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Subin Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yanxia Liao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Dongyan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jingyuan Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zeqin Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Leyuan Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lushan Xiao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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12
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Huang J, Wu Q, Geller DA, Yan Y. Macrophage metabolism, phenotype, function, and therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). J Transl Med 2023; 21:815. [PMID: 37968714 PMCID: PMC10652641 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The pivotal role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the initiation and advancement of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is widely acknowledged, as it fosters the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells. Within the intricate TME of HCC, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent a significant constituent of non-malignant cells. TAMs engage in direct communication with cancer cells in HCC, while also exerting influence on other immune cells to adopt a tumor-supportive phenotype that facilitates tumor progression. Among the multifaceted mechanisms at play, the metabolic reprogramming of both tumor cells and macrophages leads to phenotypic alterations and functional modifications in macrophages. This comprehensive review elucidates the intricate interplay between cellular metabolism and macrophage phenotype/polarization, while also providing an overview of the associated signaling molecules and potential therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingquan Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiulin Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - David A Geller
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
| | - Yihe Yan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China.
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13
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Jiang H, Zhou S, Li G. Novel biomarkers used for early diagnosis and tyrosine kinase inhibitors as targeted therapies in colorectal cancer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1189799. [PMID: 37719843 PMCID: PMC10502318 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1189799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common and second most lethal type of cancer worldwide, presenting major health risks as well as economic costs to both people and society. CRC survival chances are significantly higher if the cancer is diagnosed and treated early. With the development of molecular biology, numerous initiatives have been undertaken to identify novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of CRC. Pathological disorders can be diagnosed at a lower cost with the help of biomarkers, which can be detected in stool, blood, and tissue samples. Several lines of evidence suggest that the gut microbiota could be used as a biomarker for CRC screening and treatment. CRC treatment choices include surgical resection, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and combination therapies. Targeted therapies are a relatively new and promising modality of treatment that has been shown to increase patients' overall survival (OS) rates and can inhibit cancer cell development. Several small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are being investigated as potential treatments due to our increasing awareness of CRC's molecular causes and oncogenic signaling. These compounds may inhibit critical enzymes in controlling signaling pathways, which are crucial for CRC cells' development, differentiation, proliferation, and survival. On the other hand, only one of the approximately 42 TKIs that demonstrated anti-tumor effects in pre-clinical studies has been licensed for clinical usage in CRC. A significant knowledge gap exists when bringing these tailored medicines into the clinic. As a result, the emphasis of this review is placed on recently discovered biomarkers for early diagnosis as well as tyrosine kinase inhibitors as possible therapy options for CRC.
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Azagury DM, Gluck BF, Harris Y, Avrutin Y, Niezni D, Sason H, Shamay Y. Prediction of cancer nanomedicines self-assembled from meta-synergistic drug pairs. J Control Release 2023; 360:418-432. [PMID: 37406821 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.06.040] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Combination therapy is widely used in cancer medicine due to the benefits of drug synergy and the reduction of acquired resistance. To minimize emergent toxicities, nanomedicines containing drug combinations are being developed, and they have shown encouraging results. However, developing multi-drug loaded nanoparticles is highly complex and lacks predictability. Previously, it was shown that single drugs can self-assemble with near-infrared dye, IR783, to form cancer-targeted nanoparticles. A structure-based predictive model showed that only 4% of the drug space self-assembles with IR783. Here, we mapped the self-assembly outcomes of 77 small molecule drugs and drug pairs with IR783. We found that the small molecule drug space can be divided into five types, and type-1 drugs self-assemble with three out of four possible drug types that do not form stable nanoparticles. To predict the self-assembly outcome of any drug pair, we developed a machine learning model based on decision trees, which was trained and tested with F1-scores of 89.3% and 87.2%, respectively. We used literature text mining to capture drug pairs with biological synergy together with synergistic chemical self-assembly and generated a database with 1985 drug pairs for 70 cancers. We developed an online search tool to identify cancer-specific, meta-synergistic drug pairs (both chemical and biological synergism) and validated three different pairs in vitro. Lastly, we discovered a novel meta-synergistic pair, bortezomib-cabozantinib, which formed stable nanoparticles with improved biodistribution, efficacy, and reduced toxicity, even over single drugs, in an in vivo model of head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Meron Azagury
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ben Friedmann Gluck
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yuval Harris
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yulia Avrutin
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Danna Niezni
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hagit Sason
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yosi Shamay
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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15
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Gao B, Wang Y, Li C, Lu S. Estrogen-related genes influence immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1114717. [PMID: 36814910 PMCID: PMC9939443 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1114717] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immunotherapy has been the first-line treatment option in advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma(HCC); but now, there are no established molecular markers that can predict immunotherapy response. Estrogen has a crucial role in the development of a variety of liver illnesses, including liver fibrosis, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and HCC. Nonetheless, the significance of estrogen-related genes in HCC immunotherapy and the underlying molecular mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Method In this study, we constructed a novel estrogen-related gene prognostic signature (ERGPS) by analyzing bulk RNA sequencing data from 365 HCC patients. Based on the median risk score, we divided 365 HCC patients into low- and high-risk groups. Tumor mutation burden (TMB), Microsatellite instability (MSI), T cell receptor (TCR) richness, B cell receptor (BCR) richness, single-nucleotide variants (SNV) Neoantigens, Cancer Testicular Antigens (CTA) scores, and Tumour Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) scores were used to evaluate the magnitude of immunotherapy response. Multiple external datasets validate the validity and robustness of the prognostic signature. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate estrogen-related gene overexpression in HCC tissue samples. Results ERGPS is an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of HCC patients and is superior to other clinical variables in predicting patient survival and immunotherapy response. Multiple independent external datasets confirmed the superior predictive efficacy of the prognostic signature. The prognostic signature was positively correlated with TMB score, MSI score, TCR richness, BCR richness, SNV Neoantigens score, CTA score, expression levels of immune checkpoint-related genes, and TIDE score. Patients with HCC in the high-risk group identified by the prognostic signature were likely to be more responsive to immunotherapy and more suitable for immunotherapy. qRT-PCR confirmed that estrogen-related genes of the construct signature were highly expressed in HCC tumor tissues. Conclusion Estrogen-related genes are overexpressed in HCC tissues. Our novel prognostic signature can accurately predict not only the prognosis but also the immunotherapy response of HCC patients. In the future, prognostic signatures will be a useful tool for clinicians to screen patients with HCC who are suitable for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Gao
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China,Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yafei Wang
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China,Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chonghui Li
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China,Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Chonghui Li, ; Shichun Lu,
| | - Shichun Lu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China,Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Chonghui Li, ; Shichun Lu,
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16
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Chen Z, Chen Z, Fan W, Zou Y, Zhang Y, Shi N, Jin H. Conversion surgery for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma after combination treatment of lenvatinib and camrelizumab: a case report. World J Surg Oncol 2023; 21:29. [PMID: 36721173 PMCID: PMC9887816 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-02910-4] [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: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with high morbidity and mortality. Conversion therapy can improve surgical resection rate and prolong survival time for patients with advanced HCC. We show that combination therapy with lenvatinib and camrelizumab is a novel approach to downstage unresectable HCC. CASE PRESENTATION A 49-year-old man was diagnosed with massive HCC with hilar lymph node and lung metastases. Since radical resection was not feasible, lenvatinib and camrelizumab were administered as first-line therapy. After 10 cycles of camrelizumab and continuous oral administration of lenvatinib, the tumor exhibited striking shrinkage in volume indicating a partial radiological response, accompanied by a reduction in the alpha-fetoprotein levels, followed by salvage resection. Intriguingly, an improvement in predictive biomarkers, like lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), was observed. Notably, the pathological examination found high levels of necrosis in the resected tumor, and flow cytometry analysis indicated a significant increase in the ratio of CD5+ and CD5- B lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. After the treatment, the overall survival period was over 24 months, and no recurrence was observed 17-month post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS A combination of lenvatinib and camrelizumab may be a new conversion therapy for initially unresectable HCC to resectable HCC, thus contributing to improve the disease prognosis. In addition, the combination regimen could cause an activated immune response, and LDH, NLR, and CD5+ B-cell levels might be predictors for immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Zhenrong Chen
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wu Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiping Zou
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yuanpeng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Haosheng Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Begum SN, Ray AS, Rahaman CH. A comprehensive and systematic review on potential anticancer activities of eugenol: From pre-clinical evidence to molecular mechanisms of action. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 107:154456. [PMID: 36152592 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eugenol (1-allyl-4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzene) is an important simple phenolic compound mainly derived from Syzygium aromaticum and many other plants. It is traditionally used in ayurveda and aromatherapy for the healing of many health problems. It also has significant applications in dentistry, agriculture, and flavour industry. This simple phenol has an eclectic range of pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. It is regarded as safe by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations due to its non-carcinogenic and non-mutagenic properties. PURPOSE The aim of this comprehensive review is to present a critical and systematic assessment of the antitumor ability of eugenol and its associated molecular targets in various cancers. METHODS It was carried out following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the SYstematic review centre for laboratory animal experimentation guidelines. The literature search was performed in standard databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science using the keywords 'eugenol' or 'eugenol essential oil' and 'anti-cancer properties of eugenol'. RESULTS The scientific information from fifty-three studies was encompassed in the present review work. Eugenol exhibits significant anticancer effects in a variety of biological pathways, namely apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle progression, inflammation, invasion, and metastasis. Eugenol-induced apoptosis has been noticed in osteosarcoma, skin tumors, melanoma, leukemia, gastric and mast cells. It decreases the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin B, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, nuclear factor-ƙB, inhibitor of nuclear factor ƙB, and B-cell lymphoma-2. Eugenol increases the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) associated X, BH3-interacting domain death agonist, BCL-2 associated agonist of cell death, apoptotic protease activating factor 1, cytochrome c, p21, and p53. CONCLUSION The anticancer potential exhibited by eugenol is mainly attributed to its anti-metastatic, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, cell cycle arrest, apoptotic, and autophagic effects. Hence, the use of eugenol alone or along with other chemotherapeutic anticancer agents is found to be very effective in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Nurunnesa Begum
- Ethnopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal 731235, India
| | - Anindya Sundar Ray
- Ethnopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal 731235, India; Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, West Bengal 713340, India
| | - Chowdhury Habibur Rahaman
- Ethnopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal 731235, India.
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18
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Zhu Y, Qin LX. Strategies for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2022; 21:420-429. [PMID: 35977874 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer, mainly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most diagnosed cancer and third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Recently, immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made great progress in the systemic treatment of HCC. However, anti-PD-1 therapy with pembrolizumab or nivolumab as a single agent did not meet their predefined end points of overall survival in the KEYNOTE-240 and CheckMate 459 trials. It is urgent to understand the immunological rationale and explore novel ways to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. The combination of ICIs with other therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), monoclonal antibodies, or local therapy, has been demonstrated to improve overall response rate and survival. In addition, modulating tumor microenvironment is a potential way to overcome the primary and secondary resistance to immunotherapies. In this review, we summarized the latest findings in the immune microenvironment, the mechanisms of their synergistic effects when combined with anti-VEGF agents or TKIs, as well as other kinds of immune treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lun-Xiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in malignant tumors: molecular mechanisms and future perspective. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:329. [PMID: 36115852 PMCID: PMC9482625 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01168-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractProtein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are a class of proteins with tyrosine kinase activity that phosphorylate tyrosine residues of critical molecules in signaling pathways. Their basal function is essential for maintaining normal cell growth and differentiation. However, aberrant activation of PTKs caused by various factors can deviate cell function from the expected trajectory to an abnormal growth state, leading to carcinogenesis. Inhibiting the aberrant PTK function could inhibit tumor growth. Therefore, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), target-specific inhibitors of PTKs, have been used in treating malignant tumors and play a significant role in targeted therapy of cancer. Currently, drug resistance is the main reason for limiting TKIs efficacy of cancer. The increasing studies indicated that tumor microenvironment, cell death resistance, tumor metabolism, epigenetic modification and abnormal metabolism of TKIs were deeply involved in tumor development and TKI resistance, besides the abnormal activation of PTK-related signaling pathways involved in gene mutations. Accordingly, it is of great significance to study the underlying mechanisms of TKIs resistance and find solutions to reverse TKIs resistance for improving TKIs efficacy of cancer. Herein, we reviewed the drug resistance mechanisms of TKIs and the potential approaches to overcome TKI resistance, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for improving the efficacy of TKIs.
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20
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Qi S, Wang Q, Zhang J, Liu Q, Li C. Pyroptosis and Its Role in the Modulation of Cancer Progression and Antitumor Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810494. [PMID: 36142404 PMCID: PMC9501080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death (PCD) accompanied by an inflammatory reaction and the rupture of a membrane. Pyroptosis is divided into a canonical pathway triggered by caspase-1, and a non-canonical pathway independent of caspase-1. More and more pyroptosis-related participants, pathways, and regulatory mechanisms have been exploited in recent years. Pyroptosis plays crucial roles in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer and it affects the immunotherapeutic outcome by influencing immune cell infiltration as well. Extensive studies are required to elucidate the molecular mechanisms between pyroptosis and cancer. In this review, we introduce the discovery history of pyroptosis, delineate the signaling pathways of pyroptosis, and then make comparisons between pyroptosis and other types of PCD. Finally, we provide an overview of pyroptosis in different cancer types. With the progression in the field of pyroptosis, new therapeutic targets and strategies can be explored to combat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihan Qi
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qilin Wang
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Junyou Zhang
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Big Data-Based Precision Medicine (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology), Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- Correspondence:
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21
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Sukowati C, Cabral LKD, Tiribelli C. Immune checkpoint and angiogenic inhibitors for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: It takes two to tangle. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100740. [PMID: 35809835 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy represents an effective and promising option in various cancers, including in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown a remarkable breakthrough in the last decade, in addition to molecular targeted therapy of angiogenesis such as tyrosine kinases inhibitors. ICIs provide new regimen that can be applied in different stages of the disease. In parallel, HCC progression is related to the tumor microenvironment (TME), involving the cross-talk between various cellular and non-cellular components within the TME niche. It appears logical to synergistically target several HCC components to increase the efficacy of the treatment. In this paper, we summarize evidence that the combination therapy of ICIs and angiogenesis inhibitors would be a potentially better strategy for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caecilia Sukowati
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato ONLUS, AREA Science Park Campus Basovizza, SS14 km 163.5, Trieste 34149, Italy; Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), B.J. Habibie Building, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 8, Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia.
| | - Loraine Kay D Cabral
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato ONLUS, AREA Science Park Campus Basovizza, SS14 km 163.5, Trieste 34149, Italy; Doctoral School in Molecular Biomedicine, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa, 1, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato ONLUS, AREA Science Park Campus Basovizza, SS14 km 163.5, Trieste 34149, Italy
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22
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Sun H, Xing C, Jiang S, Yu K, Dai S, Kong H, Jin Y, Shan Y, Yang W, Wang Z, Xiao J, Wang H, Wang W, Li Z, Shi K. Long term complete response of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma to glypican-3 specific chimeric antigen receptor T-Cells plus sorafenib, a case report. Front Immunol 2022; 13:963031. [PMID: 36059488 PMCID: PMC9428446 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.963031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical efficacy of current therapies for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unsatisfactory. In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies have been developed for solid tumors including advanced HCC (aHCC), but limited progress has been made. Glypican-3 is a promising immunotherapeutic target for HCC since it is specifically highly expressed in HCC. A previous study indicated that GPC3-targeted CAR T-(CAR-GPC3) cells were well-tolerated and had prolonged survival for HCC patients and that Sorafenib could increase the antitumor activities of CAR-GPC3 T-cells against HCC in mouse models. Here, we report a patient with aHCC who achieved a complete response (CR) and a long survival period after the combination therapy of CAR-GPC3 T-cell plus sorafenib.A 60-year-old Asian male diagnosed with hepatitis B virus (HBV) related HCC developed liver recurrence and lung metastasis after liver tumor resection and trans-arterial chemoembolization therapy. The patient also previously received microwave ablation therapy for lung metastasis. After the enrollment, the patient underwent leukapheresis for CAR-GPC3 T-cells manufacturing. Seven days after leukapheresis, the patient started to receive 400 mg of Sorafenib twice daily. The patient received 4 cycles of CAR-GPC3 T cells (CT011) treatment and each cycle was divided into two infusions. Prior to each cycle of CT011 treatment, lymphodepletion was performed. The lymphodepletion regimen was cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2/day for 2 to 3 days, and fludarabine 20-25 mg/m2/day for 3 to 4 days. A total of 4×109 CAR-GPC3 T cells were infused. The CT011 plus Sorafenib combination therapy was well tolerated. All the ≥ grade 3 AEs were hematological toxicities which were deemed an expected event caused by the preconditioning regimen. This patient obtained partial responses from the 3rd month and achieved CR in the 12th month after the first cycle of CT011 infusion according to the RECIST1.1 assessment. The tumor had no progression for more than 36 months and maintained the CR status for more than 24 months after the first infusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chongyun Xing
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Songfu Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kang Yu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shengjie Dai
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongru Kong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuepeng Jin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yunfeng Shan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- CARsgen Therapeutics Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- CARsgen Therapeutics Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | | | - Wei Wang
- CARsgen Therapeutics Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Zonghai Li
- CARsgen Therapeutics Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Keqing Shi
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Keqing Shi,
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