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Jiang Q, Xiao J, Hsieh YC, Kumar NL, Han L, Zou Y, Li H. The Role of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Axis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1610. [PMID: 39062182 PMCID: PMC11274428 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071610] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common malignancies globally, representing a significant public health problem with a poor prognosis. The development of efficient therapeutic strategies for HNSCC prevention and treatment is urgently needed. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PAM) signaling pathway is a highly conserved transduction network in eukaryotic cells that promotes cell survival, growth, and cycle progression. Dysfunction in components of this pathway, such as hyperactivity of PI3K, loss of PTEN function, and gain-of-function mutations in AKT, are well-known drivers of treatment resistance and disease progression in cancer. In this review, we discuss the major mutations and dysregulations in the PAM signaling pathway in HNSCC. We highlight the results of clinical trials involving inhibitors targeting the PAM signaling pathway as a strategy for treating HNSCC. Additionally, we examine the primary mechanisms of resistance to drugs targeting the PAM pathway and potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Jiang
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Institute of Stomatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (Q.J.)
- International Dentist Pathway, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Jingyi Xiao
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Institute of Stomatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (Q.J.)
| | - Yao-Ching Hsieh
- International Dentist Pathway, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Neha Love Kumar
- International Dentist Pathway, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Lei Han
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Institute of Stomatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (Q.J.)
| | - Yuntao Zou
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Huang Li
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Institute of Stomatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (Q.J.)
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Thi Thanh Nguyen N, Yoon Lee S. Celecoxib and sulindac sulfide elicit anticancer effects on PIK3CA-mutated head and neck cancer cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress, reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 224:116221. [PMID: 38641308 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116221] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Gain-of-function mutation in the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) catalytic subunit alpha gene (PIK3CA) is a significant factor in head and neck cancer (HNC). Patients with HNC harboring PIK3CA mutations receive therapeutic benefits from the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. Here, we examined the Detroit562 and FaDu cell lines as HNC models with and without a hyperactive PIK3CA mutation (H1047R), respectively, regarding their possible distinct responses to the NSAIDs celecoxib and sulindac sulfide (SUS). Detroit562 cells exhibited relatively high PI3K/Akt pathway-dependent cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, associated with cell proliferation. Celecoxib treatment restricted cell proliferation and upregulated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related markers, including GRP78, C/EBP-homologous protein, activating transcription factor 4, death receptor 5, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). These effects were much stronger in Detroit562 cells than in FaDu cells and were largely COX-2-independent. SUS treatment yielded similar results. Salubrinal (an ER stress inhibitor) and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (a ROS scavenger) prevented NSAID-induced ROS generation and ER stress, respectively, indicating crosstalk between ER and oxidative stress. In addition, celecoxib and/or SUS elevated cleaved caspase-3 levels, Bcl-2-associated X protein/Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death expression, and mitochondrial damage, which was more pronounced in Detroit562 than in FaDu cells. Salubrinal and N-acetyl-L-cysteine attenuated celecoxib-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Collectively, our results suggest that celecoxib and SUS efficiently suppress activating PIK3CA mutation-harboring HNC progression by inducing ER and oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to apoptotic cell death, further supporting NSAID treatment as a useful strategy for oncogenic PIK3CA-mutated HNC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nga Thi Thanh Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Yoon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea; Institute of Medical Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea.
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Iseas S, Mariano G, Gros L, Baba-Hamed N, De Parades V, Adam J, Raymond E, Abba MC. Unraveling Emerging Anal Cancer Clinical Biomarkers from Current Immuno-Oncogenomics Advances. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:201-214. [PMID: 38267771 PMCID: PMC10925578 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00692-9] [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] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is a rare gastrointestinal malignancy associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and is currently one of the fastest-growing causes of cancer incidence and mortality in developed countries. Although next-generation sequencing technologies (NGS) have revolutionized cancer and immuno-genomic research in various tumor types, a limited amount of clinical research has been developed to investigate the expression and the functional characterization of genomic data in ASCC. Herein, we comprehensively assess recent advancements in "omics" research, including a systematic analysis of genome-based studies, aiming to identify the most relevant ASCC cancer driver gene expressions and their associated signaling pathways. We also highlight the most significant biomarkers associated with anal cancer progression, gene expression of potential diagnostic biomarkers, expression of therapeutic drug targets, and emerging treatment opportunities. This review stresses the urgent need for developing target-specific therapies in ASCC. By illuminating the molecular characteristics and drug-target expression in ASCC, this study aims to provide insights for the development of precision medicine in anal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Iseas
- Medical Oncology Department, Paris-St Joseph Hospital, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France.
| | - Golubicki Mariano
- Oncology Unit, Gastroenterology Hospital "Dr. Carlos Bonorino Udaondo", Av. Caseros 2061, C1264, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Louis Gros
- Medical Oncology Department, Paris-St Joseph Hospital, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Nabil Baba-Hamed
- Medical Oncology Department, Paris-St Joseph Hospital, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Vincent De Parades
- Proctology Unit, Paris-St Joseph Hospital, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Julien Adam
- Pathology Department, Paris-St Joseph Hospital, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Eric Raymond
- Medical Oncology Department, Paris-St Joseph Hospital, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Martin Carlos Abba
- Basic and Applied Immunological Research Center (CINIBA), School of Medical Sciences, NationalUniversity of La Plata, Calle 60 y 120, C1900, La Plata, Argentina.
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Mishra R. Oral tumor heterogeneity, its implications for patient monitoring and designing anti-cancer strategies. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:154953. [PMID: 38039738 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154953] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Oral cancer tumors occur in the mouth and are mainly derived from oral mucosa linings. It is one of the most common and fatal malignant diseases worldwide. The intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) of oral cancerous tumor is vast, so it is challenging to study and interpret. Due to environmental selection pressures, ITH arises through diverse genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic alterations. The ITH also talks about peri-tumoral vascular/ lymphatic growth, perineural permeation, tumor necrosis, invasion, and clonal expansion/ the coexistence of multiple subclones in a single tumor. The heterogeneity offers tumors the adaptability to survive, induce growth/ metastasis, and, most importantly, escape antitumor therapy. Unfortunately, the ITH is prioritized less in determining disease pathology than the traditional TNM classifications or tumor grade. Understanding ITH is challenging, but with the advancement of technology, this ITH can be decoded. Tumor genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other modern analyses can provide vast information. This information in clinics can assist in understanding a tumor's severity and be used for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic decision-making. Lastly, the oral tumor ITH can lead to individualized, targeted therapy strategies fighting against OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajakishore Mishra
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Cheri-Manatu, Kamre, Ranchi 835 222, Jharkhand, India.
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Jia W, Luo S, Guo H, Kong D. Development of PI3Kα inhibitors for tumor therapy. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:8587-8604. [PMID: 36221910 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2132293] [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: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is well known to be involved in cell growth, proliferation, metabolism and other cellular physiological processes. Abnormal activation of this pathway is closely related to tumorigenesis and metastasis. As the starting node of the pathway, PI3K is known to contain 4 isoforms, including PI3Kα, a heterodimer composed of the catalytic subunit p110α and the regulatory subunit p85. PIK3CA, which encodes p110α, is frequently mutated in cancer, especially breast cancer. Abnormal activation of PI3Kα promotes cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis; therefore, PI3Kα has become a key target for the development of anticancer drugs. The hinge region and the region of the mutation site in the PI3Kα protein are important for designing PI3Kα-specific inhibitors. As the group shared by the most PI3Kα-specific inhibitors reported thus far, carboxamide can produce hydrogen bonds with Gln859 and Ser854. Gln859 is specific to the p110α protein in producing hydrogen bond interactions with PI3Kα-specific inhibitors and this is a key point for designing PI3Kα inhibitors. To date, alpelisib is the only PI3Kα inhibitor approved for the treatment of breast cancer. Several other PI3Kα inhibitors are under evaluation in clinical trials. In this review, we briefly describe PI3Kα and its role in tumorigenesis, summarize the clinical trial results of some PI3Kα inhibitors as well as the synthetic routes of alpelisib, and finally give our proposal for the development of novel PI3Kα inhibitors for tumor therapy. HighlightsWe summarize the progress of PI3Kα and PI3Kα inhibitors in cancer from the second half of the 20th century to the present.We describe the clinical trial results of PI3Kα inhibitors as well as the synthetic routes of the only approved PI3Kα inhibitor alpelisib.Crystal structure of alpelisib bound to the PI3Kα receptor binding domain.This review gives proposal for the development of novel PI3Kα inhibitors and will serve as a complementary summary to other reviews in the research field of PI3K inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Jia
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuyu Luo
- School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Han Guo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dexin Kong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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Qualliotine JR, Nakagawa T, Rosenthal SB, Sadat S, Ballesteros-Merino C, Xu G, Mark A, Nasamran A, Gutkind JS, Fisch KM, Guo T, Fox BA, Khan Z, Molinolo AA, Califano JA. A Network Landscape of HPVOPC Reveals Methylation Alterations as Significant Drivers of Gene Expression via an Immune-Mediated GPCR Signal. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4379. [PMID: 37686653 PMCID: PMC10486378 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174379] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
HPV-associated oropharynx carcinoma (HPVOPC) tumors have a relatively low mutational burden. Elucidating the relative contributions of other tumor alterations, such as DNA methylation alterations, alternative splicing events (ASE), and copy number variation (CNV), could provide a deeper understanding of carcinogenesis drivers in this disease. We applied network propagation analysis to multiple classes of tumor alterations in a discovery cohort of 46 primary HPVOPC tumors and 25 cancer-unaffected controls and validated our findings with TCGA data. We identified significant overlap between differential gene expression networks and all alteration classes, and this association was highest for methylation and lowest for CNV. Significant overlap was seen for gene clusters of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pathways. HPV16-human protein interaction analysis identified an enriched cluster defined by an immune-mediated GPCR signal, including CXCR3 cytokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11. CXCR3 was found to be expressed in primary HPVOPC, and scRNA-seq analysis demonstrated CXCR3 ligands to be highly expressed in M2 macrophages. In vivo models demonstrated decreased tumor growth with antagonism of the CXCR3 receptor in immunodeficient but not immunocompetent mice, suggesting that the CXCR3 axis can drive tumor proliferation in an autocrine fashion, but the effect is tempered by an intact immune system. In conclusion, methylation, ASE, and SNV alterations are highly associated with network gene expression changes in HPVOPC, suggesting that ASE and methylation alterations have an important role in driving the oncogenic phenotype. Network analysis identifies GPCR networks, specifically the CXCR3 chemokine axis, as modulators of tumor-immune interactions that may have proliferative effects on primary tumors as well as a role for immunosurveillance; however, CXCR3 inhibition should be used with caution, as these agents may both inhibit and stimulate tumor growth considering the competing effects of this cytokine axis. Further investigation is needed to explore opportunities for targeted therapy in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse R. Qualliotine
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Takuya Nakagawa
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Sara Brin Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sayed Sadat
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - Guorong Xu
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Adam Mark
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Art Nasamran
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - J. Silvio Gutkind
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Fisch
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Theresa Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Bernard A. Fox
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Center, Portland, OR 97213, USA
| | - Zubair Khan
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Alfredo A. Molinolo
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Joseph A. Califano
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Chen M, Lan H, Yao S, Jin K, Chen Y. Metabolic Interventions in Tumor Immunity: Focus on Dual Pathway Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072043. [PMID: 37046703 PMCID: PMC10093048 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolism of tumors and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can affect the fate of cancer and immune responses. Metabolic reprogramming can occur following the activation of metabolic-related signaling pathways, such as phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Moreover, various tumor-derived immunosuppressive metabolites following metabolic reprogramming also affect antitumor immune responses. Evidence shows that intervention in the metabolic pathways of tumors or immune cells can be an attractive and novel treatment option for cancer. For instance, administrating inhibitors of various signaling pathways, such as phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks), can improve T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses. However, dual pathway inhibitors can significantly suppress tumor growth more than they inhibit each pathway separately. This review discusses the latest metabolic interventions by dual pathway inhibitors as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Huanrong Lan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310002, China
| | - Shiya Yao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua 321000, China
| | - Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua 321000, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Xinchang People's Hospital, Affiliated Xinchang Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Xinchang 312500, China
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Bai Y, Gotz C, Chincarini G, Zhao Z, Slaney C, Boath J, Furic L, Angel C, Jane SM, Phillips WA, Stacker SA, Farah CS, Darido C. YBX1 integration of oncogenic PI3K/mTOR signalling regulates the fitness of malignant epithelial cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1591. [PMID: 36949044 PMCID: PMC10033729 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37161-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In heterogeneous head and neck cancer (HNC), subtype-specific treatment regimens are currently missing. An integrated analysis of patient HNC subtypes using single-cell sequencing and proteome profiles reveals an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signature within the epithelial cancer-cell population. The EMT signature coincides with PI3K/mTOR inactivation in the mesenchymal subtype. Conversely, the signature is suppressed in epithelial cells of the basal subtype which exhibits hyperactive PI3K/mTOR signalling. We further identify YBX1 phosphorylation, downstream of the PI3K/mTOR pathway, restraining basal-like cancer cell proliferation. In contrast, YBX1 acts as a safeguard against the proliferation-to-invasion switch in mesenchymal-like epithelial cancer cells, and its loss accentuates partial-EMT and in vivo invasion. Interestingly, phospho-YBX1 that is mutually exclusive to partial-EMT, emerges as a prognostic marker for overall patient outcomes. These findings create a unique opportunity to sensitise mesenchymal cancer cells to PI3K/mTOR inhibitors by shifting them towards a basal-like subtype as a promising therapeutic approach against HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Bai
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Carolin Gotz
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Technische Universität München, Fakultät für Medizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaningerstraße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ginevra Chincarini
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Zixuan Zhao
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Clare Slaney
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jarryd Boath
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Luc Furic
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Cancer Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Christopher Angel
- Department of Histopathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Stephen M Jane
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Wayne A Phillips
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Steven A Stacker
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Camile S Farah
- Australian Centre for Oral Oncology Research & Education; Fiona Stanley Hospital; Hollywood Private Hospital; Australian Clinical Labs, CQ University, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Charbel Darido
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Mutational profiles of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas based upon human papillomavirus status in the Veterans Affairs National Precision Oncology Program. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:69-77. [PMID: 36117189 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04358-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) demonstrate favorable clinical outcomes compared to patients bearing HPV-negative HNSCC. We sought to characterize the association between HPV status and mutational profiles among patients served by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of all Veterans with primary HNSCC tumors who underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS) through the VHA's National Precision Oncology Program between July 2016 and February 2019. HPV status was determined by clinical pathology reports of p16 immunohistochemical staining; gene variant pathogenicity was classified using OncoKB, an online precision oncology knowledge database, and mutation frequencies were compared using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS A total of 79 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 48 (60.8%) had p16-positive tumors. Patients with p16-negative HNSCC were more likely to have mutations in TP53 (p < 0.0001), and a trend towards increased mutation frequency was observed within NOTCH1 (p = 0.032) and within the composite CDK/Rb pathway (p = 0.065). Mutations in KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, and FBXW7 were exclusively identified within p16-positive tumors, and a trend towards increased frequency was observed within the PI3K pathway (p = 0.051). No difference in overall mutational burden was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS In accordance with the previous studies, no clear molecular basis for improved prognosis among patients harboring HPV-positive disease has been elucidated. Though no targeted therapies are approved based upon HPV-status, current efforts to trial PI3K inhibitors and mTOR inhibitors across patients with HPV-positive disease bear genomic rationale based upon the current findings.
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Tong H, Liu X, Peng C, Shen B, Zhu Z. Silencing of KNTC1 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cells progression via suppressing PI3K/Akt pathway. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110498. [PMID: 36273753 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110498] [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: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Kinetochore associated 1 (KNTC1) encodes a kinetochore component in Rod-Zwilch-ZW10 (RZZ) complex which is essential for the segregation of sister chromatids during mitosis and participates in the spindle checkpoint. Recent research demonstrated that kinetochore proteins may be potential biomarkers and may contribute to the development of human malignancies. Our immunohistochemistry experiment showed that KNTC1 was highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and correlated with terrible prognosis, indicating that KNTC1 acts a pivotal role in HCC development. Furthermore, lentivirus delivered short hairpin RNA (shRNA) KNTC1 (Lv-shKNTC1) was applied to infect BEL-7404 and SK-HEP-1 to identify roles of KNTC1 on HCC. Lv-shKNTC1 cells showed reduced proliferation ability, increased apoptosis and decreased migration ability. In vivo experiments suggested that xenografts grow significantly slower upon the silencing of KNTC1. Mechanistically, the protein levels of PIK3CA, p-Akt, CCND1, CDK6 are all down-regulated in Lv-KNTC1 cells and the Lv-shKNTC1 tumor tissues of nude mice. Therefore, KNTC1 may affect the biological activity of HCC cells through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Further studies revealed that ZW10 is a pivotal protein that participates in KNTC1-induced regulation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In summary, the key finding of this report highlighted the significance of KNTC1 in tumor regression of HCC, demonstrating KNTC1 as an innovative target for adjuvant treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Tong
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- CNRS-LIA124, Sino-French Research Center for Life Sciences and Genomics, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Chenghong Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Baiyong Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Zhecheng Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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Bredel M, Kim H, Bonner JA. An ErbB Lineage Co-Regulon Harbors Potentially Co-Druggable Targets for Multimodal Precision Therapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113497. [PMID: 36362284 PMCID: PMC9658814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The ErbB lineage of oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinases is frequently overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. A common co-regulon triggered by the ErbB proteins; involving shared signaling circuitries; may harbor co-druggable targets or response biomarkers for potential future multimodal precision therapy in ErbB-driven head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We here present a cohort-based; genome-wide analysis of 488 head and neck squamous cell carcinomas curated as part of The Cancer Genome Atlas Project to characterize genes that are significantly positively co-regulated with the four ErbB proteins and those that are shared among all ErbBs denoting a common ErbB co-regulon. Significant positive gene correlations involved hundreds of genes that were co-expressed with the four ErbB family members (q < 0.05). A common; overlapping co-regulon consisted of a core set of 268 genes that were uniformly co-regulated with all four ErbB genes and highly enriched for functions in chromatin organization and histone modifications. This high-priority set of genes contained ten putative antineoplastic drug-gene interactions. The nature and directionality of these ten drug-gene associations was an inhibiting interaction for seven (PIK3CB; PIK3C2B; HDAC4; FRK; PRKCE; EPHA4; and DYRK1A) of them in which the drug decreases the biological activity or expression of the gene target. For three (CHD4; ARID1A; and PBRM1) of the associations; the directionality of the interaction was such that the gene predicted sensitivit y to the drug suggesting utility as potential response biomarkers. Drug-gene interactions that predicted the gene product to be reduced by the drug included a variety of potential targeted molecular agent classes. This unbiased genome-wide analysis identified a target-rich environment for multimodal therapeutic approaches in tumors that are putatively ErbB-driven. The results of this study require preclinical validation before ultimately devising lines of combinatorial treatment strategies for ErbB-dependent head and neck squamous cell carcinomas that incorporate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Bredel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Hyunsoo Kim
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Northern Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - James A. Bonner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (J.A.B.)
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12
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Damasio MPS, Nascimento CS, Andrade LM, de Oliveira VL, Calzavara-Silva CE. The role of T-cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: From immunity to immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1021609. [PMID: 36338731 PMCID: PMC9632296 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1021609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) encompass a group of complex entities of tumours affecting the aerodigestive upper tract. The main risk factors are strongly related to tobacco and alcohol consumption, but also HPV infection is often associated. Surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy are the standard treatments, though the 5-year overall survival is less than 50%. The advances in genomics, molecular medicine, immunology, and nanotechnology have shed a light on tumour biology which helps clinical researchers to obtain more efficacious and less toxic therapies. Head and neck tumours possess different immune escape mechanisms including diminishing the immune response through modulating immune checkpoints, in addition to the recruitment and differentiation of suppressive immune cells. The insights into the HNSCC biology and its strong interaction with the tumour microenvironment highlights the role of immunomodulating agents. Recently, the knowledge of the immunological features of these tumours has paved the way for the discovery of effective biomarkers that allow a better selection of patients with odds of improving overall survival through immunotherapy. Specially biomarkers regarding immune checkpoint inhibitors antibodies, such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 in combination with standard therapy or as monotherapy. New immunotherapies to treat head and neck cancer carcinomas, such as CAR T cells and nanoparticles have been the center of attention and in this review, we discuss the necessity of finding targets for the T cell in the cancer cells to generate CAR T cells, but also the relevance of evaluating specificity and safety of those therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Paulo S. Damasio
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Camila Sales Nascimento
- Grupo de pesquisa em Imunologia Celular e Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Rene Rachou, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lidia M. Andrade
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Departamento de Física, Nanobiomedical Research Group, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Vivian L. de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do ABC, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunologia, LIM19, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Calzavara-Silva
- Grupo de pesquisa em Imunologia Celular e Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Rene Rachou, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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13
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Chen Z, John J, Wang JH. Why responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors are heterogeneous in head and neck cancers: Contributions from tumor-intrinsic and host-intrinsic factors. Front Oncol 2022; 12:995434. [PMID: 36330485 PMCID: PMC9623029 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.995434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment including in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs); however, only a fraction of HNSCC patients respond to ICI, whereas the majority fail to do so. The mechanisms underlying such variable responses remain incompletely understood. A better understanding of such mechanisms may broaden the spectrum of responding patients and enhance the rate of ICI response. HNSCCs exhibit a high level of genetic heterogeneity, manifested as mutations or amplifications of oncogenes (e.g., PIK3CA) and mutations of tumor suppressor genes (e.g., TP53). The immune tumor microenvironment (TME) of HNSCCs also varies significantly in composition and in relative abundance of distinct immune subsets such as CD8 tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) or tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which represents a high degree of immunological heterogeneity. Here, we briefly discuss how heterogeneous ICI responses may be attributed to tumor-intrinsic factors, including genetic, transcriptional, and functional variations in tumor cells, and host-intrinsic factors, including cellular composition of the TME (e.g., CD8 TILs and TAMs), and host-intrinsic differences in the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire of CD8 TILs. We also discuss the potential impact of these factors on designing strategies for personalized immunotherapy of HNSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangguo Chen
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jessy John
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jing H. Wang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jing H. Wang,
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14
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Johnson FM, Janku F, Gouda MA, Tran HT, Kawedia JD, Schmitz D, Streefkerk H, Lee JJ, Andersen CR, Deng D, Rawal S, Shah PA, El-Naggar AK, Johnson JM, Frederick MJ. Inhibition of the Phosphatidylinositol-3 Kinase Pathway Using Bimiralisib in Loss-of-Function NOTCH1-Mutant Head and Neck Cancer. Oncologist 2022; 27:1004-e926. [PMID: 36124629 PMCID: PMC9732253 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyac185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PI3K/mTOR inhibition leads to apoptosis of NOTCH1-mutant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells. We tested the efficacy of the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor bimiralisib in patients with NOTCH1-mutant HNSCC. METHODS Patients with recurrent/metastatic NOTCH1-mutant HNSCC who had progressed during chemotherapy and immunotherapy received bimiralisib until unacceptable toxicity or progression. To assess whether NOTCH1 mutations can be detected in blood, we measured circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). To assess activated NOTCH1 protein levels, we quantitated cleaved NOTCH1 (cl-NOTCH) by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Eight patients were treated, and 6 were evaluable for response. The objective response rate was 17%. For all 8 patients, median progression-free and overall survival was 5 and 7 months, respectively. Bimiralisib was well tolerated, with expected hyperglycemia. Pharmacokinetic values were consistent with published studies. NOTCH1 mutations were detected in 83.3% of ctDNA. Staining for tumor cl-NOTCH1 was negative. The trial closed early due to sponsor insolvency. CONCLUSION Although the trial was small, outcomes with bimiralisib were better than the historical standard of care; Results will need to be confirmed in a larger trial. The lack of cl-NOTCH1 was consistent with loss-of-function mutations and validated our mutation function algorithm. The ability to detect NOTCH1 mutations in blood will help future studies. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03740100).
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Affiliation(s)
- Faye M Johnson
- Corresponding author: Faye M. Johnson, MD, PhD, Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, Unit 432, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Tel: +1 713 792 6363;
| | | | - Mohamed A Gouda
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hai T Tran
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jitesh D Kawedia
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA,Department of Pharmacy Pharmacology Research, Division of Pharmacy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - J Jack Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Clark R Andersen
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Defeng Deng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Seema Rawal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pooja A Shah
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Adel K El-Naggar
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason M Johnson
- Department of Neuroradiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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15
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Yang Z, Liao J, Schumaker L, Carter-Cooper B, Lapidus RG, Fan X, Gaykalova DA, Mehra R, Cullen KJ, Dan H. Simultaneously targeting ErbB family kinases and PI3K in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2022; 131:105939. [PMID: 35667295 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.105939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify the most effective PI3K and EGFR inhibitors in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and investigate the efficacy of a combination of an ErbB family kinase inhibitor and a PI3K inhibitor to inhibit cell proliferation of HPV-positive HNSCC. MATERIALS AND METHOD HPV-positive HNSCC cell lines were treated with the FDA approved ErbB kinase inhibitor, Afatinib or FDA-approved PI3K inhibitor, Copanlisib, alone or in combination, and phosphorylation and total protein levels of cells were assessed by Western blot analysis.Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by MTS assay, flow cytometry, and Western blots, respectively. RESULTS Copanlisib more effectively inhibited cell proliferation in comparison to other PI3K inhibitors tested. HPV-positive HNSCC cells differentially responded to cisplatin, Afatinib, or Copanlisib. The combination of Afatinib and Copanlisib more effectively suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis compared to either treatment alone. Mechanistically, the combination of Afatinib and Copanlisib completely blocked phosphorylation of EGFR, HER2, HER3, and Akt as well as significantly decreased the HPV E7 expression compared to either treatment alone. CONCLUSION Afatinib and Copanlisib more effectively suppress cell proliferation and survival of HPV-positive HNSCC in comparison to either treatment alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejia Yang
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jipei Liao
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lisa Schumaker
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brandon Carter-Cooper
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rena G Lapidus
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaoxuan Fan
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daria A Gaykalova
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ranee Mehra
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kevin J Cullen
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Hancai Dan
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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16
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Novel Systemic Treatment Modalities Including Immunotherapy and Molecular Targeted Therapy for Recurrent and Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147889. [PMID: 35887235 PMCID: PMC9320653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are the sixth most common cancers worldwide. More than half of patients with HNSCC eventually experience disease recurrence and/or metastasis, which can threaten their long-term survival. HNSCCs located in the oral cavity and larynx are usually associated with tobacco and/or alcohol use, whereas human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV16 infection, is increasingly recognized as a cause of oropharyngeal HNSCC. Despite clinical, histologic, and molecular differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs, current treatment approaches are the same. For recurrent disease, these strategies include chemotherapy, immunotherapy with PD-1-inhibitors, or a monoclonal antibody, cetuximab, that targets epidermal growth factor; these therapies can be administered either as single agents or in combination. However, these treatment strategies carry a high risk of toxic side effects; therefore, more effective and less toxic treatments are needed. The landscape of HNSCC therapy is changing significantly; numerous clinical trials are underway to test novel therapeutic options like adaptive cellular therapy, antibody-drug conjugates, new targeted therapy agents, novel immunotherapy combinations, and therapeutic vaccines. This review helps in understanding the various developments in HNSCC therapy and sheds light on the path ahead in terms of further research in this field.
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17
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Almadori G, Coli A, De Corso E, Mele DA, Settimi S, Di Cintio G, Brigato F, Scannone D, Lauriola L, Ranelletti FO. Parathyroid hormone-related peptide and parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor type 1 in locally advanced laryngeal cancer as prognostic indicators of relapse and survival. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:704. [PMID: 35761298 PMCID: PMC9235225 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09748-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) overexpression and poor patient outcome have been reported for many human tumors, but no studies are available in laryngeal cancer. Therefore, we studied the expression of PTHrP and its receptor, parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor type 1 (PTH1R), in primary locally advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LALSCC) also in relation to the clinical outcome of patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective exploratory study, using immunohistochemistry, on PTHrP, PTH1R and HER1 expressions in LALSCC of 66 patients treated with bio-radiotherapy with cetuximab. Results The expressions of PTHrP and PTH1R in LALSCC were associated with the degree of tumor differentiation (p = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). Poorly differentiated tumors, with worse prognosis, expressed PTHrP at nuclear level and were PTH1R negative. PTHrP and PTH1R were expressed at cytoplasmic level in normal larynx epithelium and more differentiated laryngeal cancer cells, suggesting an autocrine/paracrine role of PTHrP in squamous cell differentiation of well differentiated tumors with good prognosis. Eighty-one percent HER1 positive tumors expressed PTHrP (p < 0.0001), mainly at nuclear level, consistent with the known up-regulation of PTHrP gene by HER1 signaling. In multivariable analyses, patients with PTHrP positive tumors had a higher relative risk of relapse (HR = 5.49; CI 95% = 1.62–22.24; p = 0.006) and survival (HR = 8.21; CI 95% = 1.19–105.00; p = 0.031) while those with PTH1R positive tumors showed a lower relative risk of relapse (HR = 0.18; CI 95% = 0.04–0.62; p = 0.002) and survival (HR = 0.18; CI 95% = 0.04–0.91; p = 0.029). Conclusions In LALSCC nuclear PTHrP and absence of PTH1R expressions could be useful in predicting response and/or resistance to cetuximab in combined therapies, contributing to an aggressive behavior of tumor cells downstream to HER1. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09748-1.
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18
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Chen SMY, Popolizio V, Woolaver RA, Ge H, Krinsky AL, John J, Danis E, Ke Y, Kramer Y, Bian L, Nicklawsky AG, Gao D, Liu S, Chen Z, Wang XJ, Wang JH. Differential responses to immune checkpoint inhibitor dictated by pre-existing differential immune profiles in squamous cell carcinomas caused by same initial oncogenic drivers. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:123. [PMID: 35366939 PMCID: PMC8976353 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02337-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) were approved for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), the response rate remains relatively low. Mechanisms underlying ICI unresponsiveness versus sensitivity are not fully understood. METHOD To better delineate differential responses to ICI treatment, we employed mouse SCC models, termed KPPA tumors that were caused by deleting p53 and hyperactivating PIK3CA, two most frequently mutated genes in human HNSCCs. We transplanted two KPPA tumor lines (TAb2 versus TCh3) into C57BL/6 recipients and examined the immune tumor microenvironment using flow cytometry. Furthermore, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to identify the difference in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). RESULTS We found that different KPPA tumors exhibited heterogeneous immune profiles pre-existing treatment that dictated their sensitivity or unresponsiveness to anti-PD-L1. Unresponsive TAb2 tumors were highly enriched with functional tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), especially M2-TAMs. In contrast, sensitive TCh3 tumors contained more CD8 TILs with better effector functions. TAb2 tumor cells drastically expanded F4/80+ TAMs from bone marrow precursors, requiring CSF1 and VEGF. Consistently, a higher combined expression of VEGF-C and CSF1 predicts worse survival in PIK3CAAmp/TP53Mutated HNSCC patients. Unresponsive TAb2 tumors upregulated distinct signaling pathways that correlate with aggressive tumor phenotypes. While anti-PD-L1 did not affect the TME of TAb2 tumors, it significantly increased the number of CD8 TILs in TCh3 tumors. CONCLUSIONS We uncovered tumor-intrinsic differences that may underlie the differential responses to ICI by establishing and employing two SCC tumor lines, TAb2 vs. TCh3, both of which harbor TP53 deletion and PIK3CA hyperactivation. Our study indicates the limitation of stratifying cancers according to their genetic alterations and suggests that evaluating HNSCC tumor-intrinsic cues along with immune profiles in the TME may help better predict ICI responses. Our experimental models may provide a platform for pinpointing tumor-intrinsic differences underlying an immunosuppressive TME in HNSCCs and for testing combined immunotherapies targeting either tumor-specific or TAM-specific players to improve ICI efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Y. Chen
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045 USA ,grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Vince Popolizio
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Rachel A. Woolaver
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Huaibin Ge
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Alexandra L. Krinsky
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Jessy John
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Etienne Danis
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Yao Ke
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Yonatan Kramer
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045 USA ,grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Li Bian
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Andrew G. Nicklawsky
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Pediatrics and Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Cancer Center Biostatistics Core, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Dexiang Gao
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Pediatrics and Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Cancer Center Biostatistics Core, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Silvia Liu
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Zhangguo Chen
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Xiao-jing Wang
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Jing H. Wang
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
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Molecular Mechanisms of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073478. [PMID: 35408839 PMCID: PMC8998533 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-melanoma skin cancers are cutaneous malignancies representing the most common form of cancer in the United States. They are comprised predominantly of basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC). The incidence of cSCC is increasing, resulting in substantial morbidity and ever higher treatment costs; currently in excess of one billion dollars, per annum. Here, we review research defining the molecular basis and development of cSCC that aims to provide new insights into pathogenesis and drive the development of novel, cost and morbidity saving therapies.
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20
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Dechaphunkul A, Thongwatchara P, Thongsuksai P, Dechaphunkul T, Geater SL. Frequency of PIK3CA mutations in different subsites of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in southern Thailand. J Pathol Transl Med 2022; 56:126-133. [PMID: 35209701 PMCID: PMC9119806 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2022.01.04] [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: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) mutations have been reported in many cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The frequency of these mutations varies among tumor locations and might be relevant to treatment outcomes among HNSCC. In this study, we examined the frequency of PIK3CA mutations in the different subsites of HNSCC. Methods Ninety-six fresh biopsy specimens were investigated for mutations in PIK3CA exons 4, 9, and 20 using allele-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction. Patient characteristics and survival were analyzed and compared between specimens with or without PIK3CA mutations. Results The study included primary tumors originating from the oral cavity (n = 63), hypopharynx (n = 23), and oropharynx (n = 10). We identified mutations in 10.4% of patients (10 of 96 specimens). The overall mutational frequency was 17.4% (4/23) and 9.5% (6/63) in the hypopharynx and oral cavity, respectively. No patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma had mutations. Among the 10 mutant specimens, five were missense mutations (exon 9 [E545K] in two samples and exon 20 [H1047R] in three samples) and five were silent mutations in exon 20 (T1025T). Mutations were not found in exon 4. Among 84 patients with available clinical data, we found no significant differences in clinical characteristics and survival based on the presence or absence of PIK-3CA mutations. Conclusions The results indicate that PIK3CA mutations are involved in HNSCC carcinogenesis, and the hypopharynx should be considered a primary site of interest for future studies, particularly in Southeast Asian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunee Dechaphunkul
- Holistic Center for Cancer Study and Care (HOCC-PSU), Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Phatcharaporn Thongwatchara
- Holistic Center for Cancer Study and Care (HOCC-PSU), Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Paramee Thongsuksai
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Tanadech Dechaphunkul
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Sarayut Lucien Geater
- Division of Respiratory and Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
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21
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Zhao YQ, Wu T, Wang LF, Yin B, Shi M, Jiang B, Gong-Sun X, Song XM, Liu XY. Targeting MUC1-C reverses the cisplatin resistance of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Transl Cancer Res 2022; 10:645-655. [PMID: 35116398 PMCID: PMC8799139 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-20-2495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of chemotherapeutic treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is limited by drug resistance during. This severely compromises the long-term survival rate of patients. Therefore, reversing chemotherapy resistance in ESCC may improve the therapeutic outcome. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism of MUC1-C, the C-terminal transmembrane subunit of MUC1 (a transmembrane heterodimer protein), and its role in the reversal of cisplatin sensitivity in ESCC cells. METHODS We assessed the efficacy of GO-203, a cell-penetrating peptide, as a chemotherapeutic target of MUC1-C using cell proliferation, colony-forming, and transwell assays. Apoptosis was analyzed in GO-203-treated cells by flow cytometry. Tumor xenograft assay was performed in nude mice to corroborate our in vitro findings. RESULTS GO-203 treatment inhibited cell proliferation and restrained the migration and invasion of cisplatin-resistant ESCC. Moreover, targeting MUC1 resulted in enhanced apoptosis in GO-203-treated cells. These in vitro pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects of GO-203 in combination with cisplatin were validated by in vivo models. Significantly smaller tumor volumes were observed in ESCCs-xenografted nude mice treated with GO-203 in combination with cisplatin compared with mice treated with monotherapy or their control counterparts. We found that blocking MUC1-C with GO-203 significantly reversed the cisplatin resistance in ESCC via modulating Akt and ERK pathways. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that GO-203 may hold potential as an ancillary therapeutic molecule and a chemosensitizer to improve the outcomes of cisplatin-based chemotherapy especially in patients with cisplatin-resistant ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Qiang Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinan People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ting Wu
- Department of Imaging Department, Jinan People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Li-Feng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Bo Yin
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinan People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Mo Shi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xin Gong-Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xue-Min Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiang-Yan Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
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22
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Abdelgawad MA, Elkanzi NA, Nayl A, Musa A, Hadal Alotaibi N, Arafa W, Gomha SM, Bakr RB. Targeting tumor cells with pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine scaffold: A literature review on synthetic approaches, structure activity relationship, structural and target-based mechanisms. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.103781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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23
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Chen S, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Wierbowski SD, Lipkin SM, Wei X, Yu H. A full-proteome, interaction-specific characterization of mutational hotspots across human cancers. Genome Res 2022; 32:135-149. [PMID: 34963661 PMCID: PMC8744679 DOI: 10.1101/gr.275437.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Rapid accumulation of cancer genomic data has led to the identification of an increasing number of mutational hotspots with uncharacterized significance. Here we present a biologically informed computational framework that characterizes the functional relevance of all 1107 published mutational hotspots identified in approximately 25,000 tumor samples across 41 cancer types in the context of a human 3D interactome network, in which the interface of each interaction is mapped at residue resolution. Hotspots reside in network hub proteins and are enriched on protein interaction interfaces, suggesting that alteration of specific protein-protein interactions is critical for the oncogenicity of many hotspot mutations. Our framework enables, for the first time, systematic identification of specific protein interactions affected by hotspot mutations at the full proteome scale. Furthermore, by constructing a hotspot-affected network that connects all hotspot-affected interactions throughout the whole-human interactome, we uncover genome-wide relationships among hotspots and implicate novel cancer proteins that do not harbor hotspot mutations themselves. Moreover, applying our network-based framework to specific cancer types identifies clinically significant hotspots that can be used for prognosis and therapy targets. Overall, we show that our framework bridges the gap between the statistical significance of mutational hotspots and their biological and clinical significance in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Chen
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Shayne D Wierbowski
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Steven M Lipkin
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021, USA
| | - Xiaomu Wei
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021, USA
| | - Haiyuan Yu
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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24
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Hung TKW, Ho AL, Pfister DG. Therapeutic strategies for systemic therapies of human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancer. J Surg Oncol 2021; 124:952-961. [PMID: 34585389 PMCID: PMC8500927 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and its molecular basis continues to evolve and produce important insights into customized therapeutic strategies. Novel therapeutics exploiting HPV-related targets are being evaluated in the incurable setting, while the favorable prognosis of locoregionally advanced disease has stimulated investigation into de-escalation strategies. There is much opportunity for better personalization of standard therapy according to HPV status. This review discusses both current and investigational therapeutic strategies for HPV-related OPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony K W Hung
- From the Section of Head and Neck Oncology, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alan L Ho
- From the Section of Head and Neck Oncology, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - David G Pfister
- From the Section of Head and Neck Oncology, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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25
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Rowinski E, Magné N, Fayette J, Daguenet E, Racadot S, Pommier P, Méry B, Vallard A, Tinquaut F, Neidhardt-Berard EM, Cassier P, Attignon V, Pissaloux D, Wang Q, Sohier E, Pérol D, Blay JY, Trédan O. Radioresistance and genomic alterations in head and neck squamous cell cancer: Sub-analysis of the ProfiLER protocol. Head Neck 2021; 43:3899-3910. [PMID: 34643313 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome analysis could provide tools to assess predictive molecular biomarkers of radioresistance. METHODS Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients included in ProfiLER study and who underwent a curative radiotherapy were screened. Univariate and Cox multivariate analyses were performed to explore the relationships between molecular abnormalities, infield relapse and complete tumor response after radiation. RESULTS One hundred and forty-three patients were analyzed. PIK3CA mutation and genomic instability of MAP kinases pathway were found to be prognostic factors of loco-regional relapse in multivariate analysis with respectively HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13-0.83, p = 0.005 and HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.38-0.96, p = 0.025. Instability of apoptosis pathway was found to be a prognostic factor of complete response after radiotherapy with HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07-0.88, p = 0.04. CONCLUSION This sub analysis suggests that PIK3CA mutation, variation of copy number of MAP kinases and apoptosis pathways play a significant role in the radioresistance phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Rowinski
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lucien Neuwirth Cancer Institute, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Nicolas Magné
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Lucien Neuwirth Cancer Institute, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France.,Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Radiobiology, CNRS UMR 5822, Institut de Physique Nucléaire de Lyon (IPNL), Lyon, France
| | - Jérôme Fayette
- Department of Medical Oncology, Léon Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France
| | - Elisabeth Daguenet
- University Department of Research and Teaching, Lucien Neuwirth Cancer Institute, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Séverine Racadot
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Léon Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France
| | - Pascal Pommier
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Léon Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France
| | - Benoîte Méry
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lucien Neuwirth Cancer Institute, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Alexis Vallard
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Lucien Neuwirth Cancer Institute, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Fabien Tinquaut
- University Department of Research and Teaching, Lucien Neuwirth Cancer Institute, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | | | - Philippe Cassier
- Department of Medical Oncology, Léon Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France.,Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Léon Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France
| | - Valéry Attignon
- Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Léon Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France
| | - Daniel Pissaloux
- Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Léon Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Léon Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France
| | - Emilie Sohier
- Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Léon Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France
| | - David Pérol
- Department of Clinical Research and Innovation, Léon Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Yves Blay
- Department of Medical Oncology, Léon Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France.,Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Léon Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Trédan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Léon Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France.,Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Léon Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France
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26
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Georgaki M, Theofilou VI, Pettas E, Stoufi E, Younis RH, Kolokotronis A, Sauk JJ, Nikitakis NG. Understanding the complex pathogenesis of oral cancer: A comprehensive review. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2021; 132:566-579. [PMID: 34518141 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of oral cancer is a complex and multifactorial process that requires a deep understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in the development and progress of malignancy. The ever-improving comprehension of the diverse molecular characteristics of cancer, the genetic and epigenetic alterations of tumor cells, and the complex signaling pathways that are activated and frequently cross talk open up promising horizons for the discovery and application of diagnostic molecular markers and set the basis for an era of individualized management of the molecular defects underlying and governing oral premalignancy and cancer. The purpose of this article is to review the key molecular concepts that are implicated in oral carcinogenesis, especially focusing on oral squamous cell carcinoma, and to review selected biomarkers that play a substantial role in controlling the so-called "hallmarks of cancer," with special reference to recent advances that shed light on their deregulation during the different steps of oral cancer development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Georgaki
- Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Vasileios Ionas Theofilou
- Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, and Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Efstathios Pettas
- Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleana Stoufi
- Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Rania H Younis
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, and Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexandros Kolokotronis
- Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - John J Sauk
- Professor Emeritus and Dean Emeritus, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Nikolaos G Nikitakis
- Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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27
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Chitsike L, Duerksen-Hughes PJ. Targeted Therapy as a Potential De-Escalation Strategy in Locally Advanced HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Literature Review. Front Oncol 2021; 11:730412. [PMID: 34490123 PMCID: PMC8418093 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.730412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment landscape of locally advanced HPV-oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is undergoing transformation. This is because the high cures rates observed in OPSCC are paired with severe treatment-related, long-term toxicities. These significant adverse effects have led some to conclude that the current standard of care is over-treating patients, and that de-intensifying the regimens may achieve comparable survival outcomes with lower toxicities. Consequently, several de-escalation approaches involving locally advanced OPSCC are underway. These include the reduction of dosage and volume of intensive cytotoxic regimens, as well as elimination of invasive surgical procedures. Such de-intensifying treatments have the potential to achieve efficacy and concurrently alleviate morbidity. Targeted therapies, given their overall safer toxicity profiles, also make excellent candidates for de-escalation, either alone or alongside standard treatments. However, their role in these endeavors is currently limited, because few targeted therapies are currently in clinical use for head and neck cancers. Unfortunately, cetuximab, the only FDA-approved targeted therapy, has shown inferior outcomes when paired with radiation as compared to cisplatin, the standard radio-sensitizer, in recent de-escalation trials. These findings indicate the need for a better understanding of OPSCC biology in the design of rational therapeutic strategies and the development of novel, OPSCC-targeted therapies that are safe and can improve the therapeutic index of standard therapies. In this review, we summarize ongoing research on mechanism-based inhibitors in OPSCC, beginning with the salient molecular features that modulate tumorigenic processes and response, then exploring pharmacological inhibition and pre-clinical validation studies of candidate targeted agents, and finally, summarizing the progression of those candidates in the clinic.
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28
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Kleszcz R, Skalski M, Krajka-Kuźniak V, Paluszczak J. The inhibitors of KDM4 and KDM6 histone lysine demethylases enhance the anti-growth effects of erlotinib and HS-173 in head and neck cancer cells. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 166:105961. [PMID: 34363938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Novel therapeutics are required to improve treatment outcomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Histone lysine demethylases (KDM) have emerged recently as new potential drug targets for HNSCC therapy. They might also potentiate the action of the inhibitors of EGFR and PI3K signaling pathways. This study aimed at evaluating the anti-cancer effects of KDM4 (ML324) and KDM6 (GSK-J4) inhibitors and their combinations with EGFR (erlotinib) and PI3K (HS-173) inhibitors in HNSCC cells. The effect of the inhibitors on the viability of CAL27 and FaDu cells was evaluated using resazurin assay. The effect of the chemicals on cell cycle and apoptosis was assessed using propidium iodide and Annexin V staining, respectively. The effect of the compounds on gene expression was determined using qPCR and Western blot. The changes in cell cycle distribution upon treatment with the compounds were small to moderate, with the exception of erlotinib, which induced G1 arrest. However, all the compounds and their combinations induced apoptosis in both cell lines. These effects were associated with changes in the level of expression of CDKN1A, CCND1 and BIRC5. The inhibition of KDM4 and KDM6 using ML324 and GSK-J4, respectively, can be regarded as a novel therapeutic strategy in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kleszcz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznań, Poland
| | - Marcin Skalski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznań, Poland
| | - Violetta Krajka-Kuźniak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jarosław Paluszczak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznań, Poland.
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29
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Kleszcz R, Paluszczak J. The combinatorial inhibition of Wnt signaling and Akt kinase is beneficial for reducing the survival and glycolytic activity of tongue cancer cells. J Oral Pathol Med 2021; 51:231-239. [PMID: 34358376 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wnt signaling is important in the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC); however, Wnt pathway inhibitors lack satisfactory potency when used in monotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the combinations of Wnt-signaling inhibitors and the inhibitor of Akt kinase on the survival and glycolytic activity of tongue carcinoma cells. METHODS CAL27, SCC-25, and BICR22 tongue cancer cell lines were used. Cells were treated with Wnt signaling (PRI-724 and IWP-O1) and Akt-kinase inhibitors. The effect of the chemicals on cell viability and cytotoxicity were evaluated by MTS and CellTox Green assays, respectively. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed cytometrically after propidium iodide staining. Annexin V binding to externalized phosphatidylserine and analysis of mitochondrial potential allowed the assessment of apoptosis. Glucose uptake and lactate release were evaluated luminometrically. Additionally, the viability of cells in spheroids was analyzed based on ATP content. RESULTS The Akt-kinase inhibitor showed significant cytotoxicity toward primary cancer cells. Moreover, its pro-apoptotic effects were enhanced by Wnt-pathway inhibitors. The activity of Akt inhibitor was even higher (by twofold) in 3D spheroids in comparison to cells grown in monolayer. The synergistic reduction in the growth of spheroids was observed between Akt inhibitor and IWP-O1. Reduced glucose consumption may play a part in the combinatorial effects of these chemicals. CONCLUSION The results point to the therapeutic potential of the combinatorial use of Wnt inhibitors together with Akt inhibitors in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kleszcz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jarosław Paluszczak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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30
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Molecular Tumor Subtypes of HPV-Positive Head and Neck Cancers: Biological Characteristics and Implications for Clinical Outcomes. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112721. [PMID: 34072836 PMCID: PMC8198180 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Until recently, research on the molecular signatures of Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck cancers mainly focused on their differences with respect to HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). However, given the continuing high incidence level of HPV-related HNSCC, the time is ripe to characterize the heterogeneity that exists within these cancers. Here, we review research thus far on HPV-positive HNSCC molecular subtypes, and their relationship with clinical characteristics and HPV integration into the host genome. Different omics data including host transcriptomics and epigenomics, as well as HPV characteristics, can provide complementary viewpoints. Keratinization, mesenchymal differentiation, immune signatures, stromal cells and oxidoreductive processes all play important roles.
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31
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Näsman A, Holzhauser S, Kostopoulou ON, Zupancic M, Ährlund-Richter A, Du J, Dalianis T. Prognostic Markers and Driver Genes and Options for Targeted Therapy in Human-Papillomavirus-Positive Tonsillar and Base-of-Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050910. [PMID: 34069114 PMCID: PMC8156012 DOI: 10.3390/v13050910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of Human-papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) tonsillar and base-of-tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC and BOTSCC, respectively) is increasing epidemically, but they have better prognosis than equivalent HPV-negative (HPV−) cancers, with roughly 80% vs. 50% 3-year disease-free survival, respectively. The majority of HPV+ TSCC and BOTSCC patients therefore most likely do not require the intensified chemoradiotherapy given today to head and neck cancer patients and would with de-escalated therapy avoid several severe side effects. Moreover, for those with poor prognosis, survival has not improved, so better-tailored alternatives are urgently needed. In line with refined personalized medicine, recent studies have focused on identifying predictive markers and driver cancer genes useful for better stratifying patient treatment as well as for targeted therapy. This review presents some of these endeavors and briefly describes some recent experimental progress and some clinical trials with targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Näsman
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J6:20, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.N.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (M.Z.); (A.Ä.-R.)
| | - Stefan Holzhauser
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J6:20, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.N.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (M.Z.); (A.Ä.-R.)
| | - Ourania N. Kostopoulou
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J6:20, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.N.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (M.Z.); (A.Ä.-R.)
| | - Mark Zupancic
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J6:20, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.N.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (M.Z.); (A.Ä.-R.)
| | - Andreas Ährlund-Richter
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J6:20, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.N.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (M.Z.); (A.Ä.-R.)
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor Biology and Cellular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Tina Dalianis
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J6:20, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.N.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (M.Z.); (A.Ä.-R.)
- Correspondence:
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32
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Jie W, Bai J, Yan J, Chi Y, Li BB. Multi-Site Tumour Sampling Improves the Detection of Intra-Tumour Heterogeneity in Oral and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:670305. [PMID: 34041255 PMCID: PMC8141800 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.670305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) are very common in head and neck malignancy. Intratumour heterogeneity (ITH) may hamper their responses to treatment. Hence, novel tumour sampling methods that reflect ITH are required. In this study, we investigated the clinical significance of multi-site tumour sampling (MSTS) to detect ITH in OSCC and OPSCC. Methods: One hundred eighty-two paired specimens were sampled by routine sampling (RS) or MSTS, respectively. Histologically, tumour grade, peri-tumoural vascular and lymphatic growth, perineural permeation, tumour necrosis, and muscle invasion were assessed. Immunohistochemically, the positive and average detection rates of P53(mutant), ki67 and CyclinD1 were detected. The exon 9 and exon 20 mutations of PIK3CA gene and the methylation status of the CDKN2A promoter were analysed. Results: Microscopically, the detection rate of perineural permeation, the detection density of peri-tumoural vascular and lymphatic growth, necrosis and muscle invasion in MSTS were significantly more frequent than those in RP (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.01). MSTS resulted in a higher detection rate of P53 (mutant), ki67, and CyclinD1 expression than did RS, but the difference was not significant. MSTS's detection rates in PIK3CA gene mutation and gene methylation sequencing in CDKN2A gene promoter region were both higher than RP (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). To be emphasised, the hotspot mutation H1047Rwas detected in one MSTS specimen (case 24M5) but in no RS specimens. Conclusions: This study verified that MSTS's advantage in the reflection of morphological and molecular characteristics of OSCC and OPSCC. MSTS was more representative than RP. Therefore, MSTS can compensate the RP limitations in ITH detection especially in large tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Jie
- Department of Oral Pathology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China.,Research Unit of Precision Pathologic Diagnosis in Tumours of the Oral and Maxillofacial Regions, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaying Bai
- Department of Oral Pathology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China.,Research Unit of Precision Pathologic Diagnosis in Tumours of the Oral and Maxillofacial Regions, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Yan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China.,Research Unit of Precision Pathologic Diagnosis in Tumours of the Oral and Maxillofacial Regions, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanting Chi
- Department of Oral Pathology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China.,Research Unit of Precision Pathologic Diagnosis in Tumours of the Oral and Maxillofacial Regions, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin-Bin Li
- Department of Oral Pathology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China.,Research Unit of Precision Pathologic Diagnosis in Tumours of the Oral and Maxillofacial Regions, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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33
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Fasano M, Della Corte CM, Viscardi G, Di Liello R, Paragliola F, Sparano F, Iacovino ML, Castrichino A, Doria F, Sica A, Morgillo F, Colella G, Tartaro G, Cappabianca S, Testa D, Motta G, Ciardiello F. Head and neck cancer: the role of anti-EGFR agents in the era of immunotherapy. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2021; 13:1758835920949418. [PMID: 33767760 PMCID: PMC7953226 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920949418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNC) represent the seventh most frequent cancer worldwide, with squamous cell carcinomas as the most frequent histologic subtype. Standard treatment for early stage diseases is represented by single modality surgery or radiotherapy, whereas in the locally advanced and recurrent or metastatic settings a more aggressive multi-modal approach is needed with locoregional intervention and/or systemic therapies. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in HNC biology and has been studied extensively in preclinical and clinical settings. In this scenario, anti-EGFR targeted agent cetuximab, introduced in clinical practice a decade ago, represents the only approved targeted therapy to date, while the development of immune-checkpoint inhibitors has recently changed the available treatment options. In this review, we focus on the current role of anti-EGFR therapies in HNCs, underlying available clinical data and mechanisms of resistance, and highlight future perspectives regarding their role in the era of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morena Fasano
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli. Via Sergio Pansini 5, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Carminia Maria Della Corte
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Viscardi
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Raimondo Di Liello
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Fernando Paragliola
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Sparano
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Iacovino
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Doria
- Centro radiologico Vega, Centro radiologico fisica e terapia fisica Morrone, Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonello Sica
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Floriana Morgillo
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Colella
- Maxillo-Facial Surgery Department, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tartaro
- Maxillo-Facial Surgery Department, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cappabianca
- Department of Precision Medicine, Radiology Unit, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Testa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Surgical and Emergency Science, Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Unit, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Motta
- Department of Anesthesiology, Surgical and Emergency Science, Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Unit, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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Amaya Arbeláez MI, de Paula E Silva ACA, Navegante G, Valente V, Barbugli PA, Vergani CE. Proto-Oncogenes and Cell Cycle Gene Expression in Normal and Neoplastic Oral Epithelial Cells Stimulated With Soluble Factors From Single and Dual Biofilms of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:627043. [PMID: 33718274 PMCID: PMC7947338 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.627043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed at analyzing proto-oncogenic signaling pathway activation in normal oral keratinocytes (NOK-si) and neoplastic cell lines (SCC 25 and Detroit 562) stimulated with metabolites (soluble factors) from single and dual biofilms of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. Soluble factors (SF) from early (16-h) and mature (36-h) biofilms of C. albicans and S. aureus were collected and incubated with cell cultures, which were subsequently evaluated using gene expression via RT-qPCR, cell viability via AlamarBlueTM, and flow cytometry cell cycle analysis. In general, exposure to the SF of early and mature biofilms from C. albicans and dual species caused a major reduction in NOK-si cell viability and enhanced the sub G0 phase. This led to a decrease in gene expression. However, in this cell line, SF of S. aureus biofilms upregulated the CDKN1A gene followed by the maintenance of cell viability and a significant increase in the G2/M population. For tumor cells, SCC 25 and Detroit 562, the stimuli of SF biofilms upregulated oncogenes such as hRAS and mTOR, as well as Bcl-2 and CDKN1A. SCC 25 and Detroit 562 cells could survive even after 24 h of stimuli from both SF (early and mature). This occurred without significant changes taking place in the cell cycle progression for SCC 25, and with a significant tendency to increase the G2/M phase for Detroit 562. These results point to the fact that metabolites from prevalent clinical fungal and bacterial biofilms, C. albicans and S. aureus, can disrupt the homeostasis of normal and neoplastic oral epithelial cells. This changes proto-oncogenes’ expression, specifically PI3KCA, hRAS, mTOR, BRAF, and cell cycle genes CDKN1A and Bcl-2, thus causing a disturbance in cell viability, survival, and the cell cycle profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Isabel Amaya Arbeláez
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Alves de Paula E Silva
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Geovana Navegante
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Analysis, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Valeria Valente
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Analysis, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Paula Aboud Barbugli
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Analysis, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Vergani
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, Brazil
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35
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Akbari Dilmaghani N, Safaroghli-Azar A, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Bashash D. The PI3K/Akt/mTORC signaling axis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Possibilities for therapeutic interventions either as single agents or in combination with conventional therapies. IUBMB Life 2021; 73:618-642. [PMID: 33476088 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The latest advances in the sequencing methods in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues have revolutionized our understanding of the disease by taking off the veil from the most frequent genetic alterations in the components of the oncogenic pathways. Among all the identified alterations, aberrancies in the genes attributed to the phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) axis have attracted special attention as they were altered in more than 90% of the tissues isolated from HNSCC patients. In fact, the association between these aberrancies and the increased risk of cancer metastasis suggested this axis as an "Achilles Heel" of HNSCC, which may be therapeutically targeted. The results of the clinical trials investigating the therapeutic potential of the inhibitors targeting the components of the PI3K axis in the treatment of HNSCC patients, either alone or in a combined-modal strategy, opened a new chapter in the treatment strategy of this malignancy. The present study aimed to review the importance of the PI3K axis in the pathogenesis of HNSCC and also provide a piece of information about the breakthroughs and challenges of PI3K inhibitors in the therapeutic strategies of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Akbari Dilmaghani
- Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Loghman Hakim Educational Hospital, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ava Safaroghli-Azar
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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36
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Madhukar G, Subbarao N. In-silico prediction of potential inhibitors against phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha involved in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:4697-4712. [PMID: 33356909 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1861980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common cancers, globally. Its high mortality rates remained unaltered in the last three decades, therefore, there is an enormous need for novel therapeutics. The most frequent somatically mutated oncogenic pathway in HNSCC tumors is the Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases (PI3K) pathway. PI3Ks are lipid kinases involved in the regulation of cell survival, growth and metabolism. PI3Ks phosphorylates PI (4,5) P2 (PIP2) converting it to PI (3, 4, 5) P3 (PIP3). Alterations such as mutation, gene amplification and overexpression in PIK3CA, encoding the catalytic subunit p110α of PI3K pathway were found to be prevalent. The aberrant activation leads to irregulated cell growth due to improper p110α enzymatic activity. p110α is therefore, considered a potential oncogenic target for cancer therapy. The only FDA approved specific inhibitor of p110α is Alpelisib (BYL719). Therefore, designing more effective and specific p110α inhibitors could be a promising strategy in the treatment of HNSCC. The present study aims to find out the potent and novel inhibitors of p110α using High Throughput Screening (HTS) of huge databases (National Cancer Institute (NCI), Life Chemicals, ChemDiv and ChEMBL) and Molecular Dynamic Simulations. As a result, from more than 400,000 compounds, a total of 3 best candidate compounds (Echinacoside, Isoacteoside, K284-4402) were selected and validated for their binding to catalytic site of p110α and stability during Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. The binding free energy (calculated from MM-PBSA) of the selected compounds, Echinacoside, Isoacteoside, K284-4402 were -23.43 kcal/mol, -33.02 kcal/mol and -30.57 kcal/mol, respectively, which suggested these compounds bind to p110α with higher affinity than Alpelisib which has binding free energy -20.9 kcal/mol. This study provides a significant in-depth understanding of p110α inhibitors that can be used in the development of potential therapeutics against HNSCC.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geet Madhukar
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Naidu Subbarao
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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37
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[Tumor biology of oropharyngeal carcinoma]. HNO 2020; 69:249-255. [PMID: 33215226 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-020-00964-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Etiologically, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) can be divided into OPSCC caused by noxious agents and human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven carcinoma. These types differ with regard to clinical features and prognosis-differences which are rooted in the underlying molecular biology of the tumor. OBJECTIVE The aim of this work is to provide an overview of the molecular biological characteristics of the genetics, epigenetics, and immunology of OPSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature review was performed on a selection of genetic, epigenetic, and immunological factors characterizing OPSCC. RESULTS The understanding of genetic aberrations and their consequences for cancerogenesis and tumor biology is increasing. Epigenetic phenomena are complementing functional relationships. However, epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation are complex and much research is still required in this field. Immunological aspects of cancer molecular biology have moved into the focus in light of recent advances in the field of immunotherapy. CONCLUSION The tumor biology of OPSCC is primarily defined by its HPV status. Additionally, HPV-independent genetic, epigenetic, and immunological signatures are being defined. From these advances, rationales for new treatment concepts may evolve.
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38
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Lenze N, Chera B, Sheth S. An evaluation of buparlisib for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 22:135-144. [PMID: 33121281 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1825684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Five-year overall survival for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is relatively poor at around 50-66%, and there has been little improvement over the past several decades. PIK3CA alterations are common in HNSCC and offer a promising therapeutic target. AREAS COVERED The authors discuss the PIK3 pathway and the use of PIK3 inhibitors in cancer, with a particular focus on HNSCC. A summary of the safety and efficacy of buparlisib, a class I pan-PI3K inhibitor, from several phase I and phase II HNSCC trials is provided. EXPERT OPINION With a maximum tolerated dose of 100 mg/day and an acceptable toxicity profile, buparlisib may be effective in HNSCC, irrespective of PIK3CA mutational status. On-going clinical trials will help determine the developmental strategy of buparlisib while novel combinatory strategies including combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors should be considered. Importantly, biomarker strategies, including wider use of tumor sequencing and circulating tumor DNA, should be utilized to improve patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Lenze
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bhisham Chera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Siddharth Sheth
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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39
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Chen SMY, Bian L, Nicklawsky AG, Krinsky AL, Brunetti T, Woolaver RA, Wang X, Chen Z, Young CD, Gao D, Wang XJ, Wang JH. Deletion of p53 and Hyper-Activation of PIK3CA in Keratin-15 + Stem Cells Lead to the Development of Spontaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6585. [PMID: 32916850 PMCID: PMC7554792 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second commonest type of skin cancer, and SCCs make up about 90% of head and neck cancers (HNSCCs). HNSCCs harbor two frequent molecular alterations, namely, gain-of-function alterations of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) and loss-of-function mutations of tumor protein p53 (TP53). However, it remains poorly understood whether HNSCCs harboring different genetic alterations exhibit differential immune tumor microenvironments (TME). It also remains unknown whether PIK3CA hyperactivation and TP53 deletion can lead to SCC development spontaneously. Here, we analyzed the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets of HNSCCs and found that patients with both PIK3CA and TP53 alterations exhibited worse survival, significantly lower CD8 tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and higher M0 macrophages than other controls. To better model human tumorigenesis, we deleted TP53 and constitutively activated PIK3CA in mouse keratin-15-expressing stem cells, which leads to the spontaneous development of multilineage tumors including SCCs, termed Keratin-15-p53-PIK3CA (KPPA) tumors. KPPA tumors were heavily infiltrated with myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), with a drastically increased ratio of polymorphonuclear-MDSC (PMN-MDSC) versus monocytic-MDSC (M-MDSC). CD8 TILs expressed more PD-1 and reduced their polyfunctionality. Overall, we established a genetic model to mimic human HNSCC pathogenesis, manifested with an immunosuppressive TME, which may help further elucidate immune evasion mechanisms and develop more effective immunotherapies for HNSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Y. Chen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.M.Y.C.); (A.L.K.); (T.B.); (R.A.W.); (X.W.); (Z.C.)
| | - Li Bian
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.B.); (C.D.Y.)
| | - Andrew G. Nicklawsky
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Cancer Center Biostatistics Core, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (A.G.N.); (D.G.)
| | - Alexandra L. Krinsky
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.M.Y.C.); (A.L.K.); (T.B.); (R.A.W.); (X.W.); (Z.C.)
| | - Tonya Brunetti
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.M.Y.C.); (A.L.K.); (T.B.); (R.A.W.); (X.W.); (Z.C.)
| | - Rachel A. Woolaver
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.M.Y.C.); (A.L.K.); (T.B.); (R.A.W.); (X.W.); (Z.C.)
| | - Xiaoguang Wang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.M.Y.C.); (A.L.K.); (T.B.); (R.A.W.); (X.W.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zhangguo Chen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.M.Y.C.); (A.L.K.); (T.B.); (R.A.W.); (X.W.); (Z.C.)
| | - Christian D. Young
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.B.); (C.D.Y.)
| | - Dexiang Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Cancer Center Biostatistics Core, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (A.G.N.); (D.G.)
| | - Xiao-Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.B.); (C.D.Y.)
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jing H. Wang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.M.Y.C.); (A.L.K.); (T.B.); (R.A.W.); (X.W.); (Z.C.)
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40
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Jung K, Narwal M, Min SY, Keam B, Kang H. Squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck: what internists should know. Korean J Intern Med 2020; 35:1031-1044. [PMID: 32663913 PMCID: PMC7487309 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2020.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) is a group of cancer arising from mucosal surfaces of the head and neck. Optimal management of SCCHN requires a multidisciplinary team of surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, nutritionist, and speech-language pathologists, due to the complexity of anatomical structure and importance of functional outcome. Human papilloma virus (HPV)-related SCCHN represents a distinct subset from HPV negative SCCHN which is associated with carcinogen exposure such as cigarette smoking, betel nut use and alcohol. HPV related SCCHN responds better to concurrent chemoradiation and has better overall prognosis, compared to HPV negative SCCHN. Radiation therapy has been introduced to the treatment of SCCHN, administered concurrently with systemic chemotherapy for locoregional SCCHN, as well as a palliative measure for recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) SCCHN. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been shown to improve overall survival in R/M-SCCHN and have been incorporated into the standard of care. Combination approaches with immune therapy and targeted therapy for biomarker enriched population based on genomics are being actively investigated and will shape the future of SCCHN treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungsuk Jung
- Department of Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Manpreet Narwal
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Seon Young Min
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bhumsuk Keam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyunseok Kang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Correspondence to Hyunseok Kang, M.D. Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA Tel: +1-4158857356 Fax: +1-4153337984 E-mail:
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41
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Williams EA, Werth AJ, Sharaf R, Montesion M, Sokol ES, Pavlick DC, McLaughlin-Drubin M, Erlich R, Toma H, Williams KJ, Venstrom JM, Alexander BM, Shah N, Danziger N, Hemmerich AC, Severson EA, Killian JK, Lin DI, Ross JS, Tse JY, Ramkissoon SH, Mochel MC, Elvin JA. Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of HPV+ Versus HPV- Forms Reveals Distinct Sets of Potentially Actionable Molecular Targets. JCO Precis Oncol 2020; 4:1900406. [PMID: 32923875 PMCID: PMC7446361 DOI: 10.1200/po.19.00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (vSCC) encompasses two predominant variants: one associated with detectable high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (hrHPV) and a second form often occurring in the context of chronic dermatitis in postmenopausal women. Genomic assessment of a large-scale cohort of patients with aggressive vSCC may identify distinct mutational signatures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tumor samples from a total of 280 patients with vSCC underwent hybridization capture with analysis of up to 406 cancer-related genes. Human papillomavirus (HPV) sequences were detected by de novo assembly of nonhuman sequencing reads and aligned to the RefSeq database. Immunohistochemistry for programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was assessed. RESULTS One hundred two of 280 vSCCs (36%) contained hrHPV sequences, predominantly HPV 16 (88%). The HPV-positive (HPV+) group was significantly younger (median age, 59 v 64 years; P = .001). Compared with HPV-negative (HPV–) vSCCs, HPV+ tumors showed more frequent pathogenic alterations in PIK3CA (31% v 16%; P = .004), PTEN (14% v 2%; P < .0001), EP300 (14% v 1%; P < .0001), STK11 (14% v 1%; P < .0001), AR (5% v 0%; P = .006), and FBXW7 (10% v 3%; P = .03). In contrast, HPV– vSCCs showed more alterations in TP53 (83% v 6%; P < .0001), TERTp (71% v 9%; P < .0001), CDKN2A (55% v 2%; P < .0001), CCND1 amplification (22% v 2%; P < .0001), FAT1 (25% v 4%; P < .0001), NOTCH1 (19% v 6%; P = .002), and EGFR amplification (11% v 0%; P < .0001), as well as a higher rate of 9p24.1 (PDL1/PDL2) amplification (5% v 1%) and PD-L1 immunohistochemistry high-positive tumor staining (33% v 9%; P = .04). CONCLUSION Comprehensive molecular profiles of vSCC vary considerably with hrHPV status and may inform patient selection into clinical trials. Sixty-one percent of HPV+ vSCCs had a pathogenic alteration in the PI3K/mTOR pathway, whereas HPV– vSCCs showed alterations in TP53, TERTp, CDKN2A, CCND1, and EGFR, and biomarkers associated with responsiveness to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrienne J Werth
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christiana Hospital, Newark, DE
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Helen Toma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christiana Hospital, Newark, DE
| | - Kevin Jon Williams
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Department of Physiology, Department of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeffrey S Ross
- Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA.,Department of Pathology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
| | - Julie Y Tse
- Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Shakti H Ramkissoon
- Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA.,Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Mark C Mochel
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA
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Lee MJ, Jin N, Grandis JR, Johnson DE. Alterations and molecular targeting of the GSK-3 regulator, PI3K, in head and neck cancer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118679. [PMID: 32061630 PMCID: PMC7671657 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly morbid, genetically unstable disease derived from the mucoepithelium of the upper aerodigestive tract. Recent characterization of this disease has implicated the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway as one of the most frequently dysregulated pathways. As such, there are several classes of PI3K inhibitors currently undergoing clinical trials. In this article, we review the PI3K pathway, mutations of this pathway in HNSCC, drugs that target PI3K, the impact of these agents on the PI3K and GSK-3 signaling axes, ongoing clinical trials evaluating PI3K inhibitors, and the challenges of using these drugs in the clinic. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: GSK-3 and related kinases in cancer, neurological and other disorders edited by James McCubrey, Agnieszka Gizak and Dariusz Rakus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Lee
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nan Jin
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Daniel E Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
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McCusker MG, Orkoulas-Razis D, Mehra R. Potential of Pembrolizumab in Metastatic or Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer: Evidence to Date. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:3047-3059. [PMID: 32308436 PMCID: PMC7153996 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s196252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Relapsed and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) is a heterogeneous disease previously associated with poor prognosis and limited treatment options until the advent and implementation of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The fully humanized monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab alone, or in combination with chemotherapy, was shown to have significantly improved overall survival (OS) when compared to the standard of care (SOC) EXTREME regimen consisting of the monoclonal antibody cetuximab combined with a platinum and 5-fluorouracil. Pembrolizumab with or without chemotherapy will soon supplant the EXTREME regimen that has been in use for over a decade. Given the fast-approaching significant change in the treatment algorithm for R/M HNSCC and the novelty of ICIs in general, it is important to review the literature to date to understand how this rapidly growing treatment class has come about and explore potential areas of research for the plethora of questions that remain unanswered in selecting patients appropriate for treatment with ICIs in the R/M setting. In this review, we explore the landmark trials leading to the use of ICIs for R/M HNSCC with a particular focus on pembrolizumab, the most well-studied ICI in this setting. We also provide an overview of the rationale behind the use of ICIs in relation to the immune system and challenges surrounding tumor heterogeneity and PD-L1 expression status, human papilloma virus (HPV) and the efficacy of ICI, potential of radiation therapy for enhancement of ICI response, and complications of immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G McCusker
- University of Maryland Medical Center, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dennis Orkoulas-Razis
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ranee Mehra
- University of Maryland Medical Center, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Chai AWY, Lim KP, Cheong SC. Translational genomics and recent advances in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 61:71-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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45
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Ganci F, Pulito C, Valsoni S, Sacconi A, Turco C, Vahabi M, Manciocco V, Mazza EMC, Meens J, Karamboulas C, Nichols AC, Covello R, Pellini R, Spriano G, Sanguineti G, Muti P, Bicciato S, Ailles L, Strano S, Fontemaggi G, Blandino G. PI3K Inhibitors Curtail MYC-Dependent Mutant p53 Gain-of-Function in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:2956-2971. [PMID: 31969334 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mutation of TP53 gene is a hallmark of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) not yet exploited therapeutically. TP53 mutation frequently leads to the synthesis of mutant p53 proteins with gain-of-function activity, associated with radioresistance and high incidence of local recurrences in HNSCC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Mutant p53-associated functions were investigated through gene set enrichment analysis in the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort of HNSCC and in a panel of 22 HNSCC cell lines. Mutant p53-dependent transcripts were analyzed in HNSCC cell line Cal27, carrying mutant p53H193L; FaDu, carrying p53R248L; and Detroit 562, carrying p53R175H. Drugs impinging on mutant p53-MYC-dependent signature were identified interrogating Connectivity Map (https://clue.io) derived from the Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures (LINCS) database (http://lincs.hms.harvard.edu/) and analyzed in HNSCC cell lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDX) models. RESULTS We identified a signature of transcripts directly controlled by gain-of-function mutant p53 protein and prognostic in HNSCC, which is highly enriched of MYC targets. Specifically, both in PDX and cell lines of HNSCC treated with the PI3Kα-selective inhibitor BYL719 (alpelisib) the downregulation of mutant p53/MYC-dependent signature correlates with response to this compound. Mechanistically, mutant p53 favors the binding of MYC to its target promoters and enhances MYC protein stability. Treatment with BYL719 disrupts the interaction of MYC, mutant p53, and YAP proteins with MYC target promoters. Of note, depletion of MYC, mutant p53, or YAP potentiates the effectiveness of BYL719 treatment. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the blocking of this transcriptional network is an important determinant for the response to BYL719 in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Ganci
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Pulito
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Valsoni
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Genome Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Turco
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Mahrou Vahabi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Manciocco
- Otolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Maria Cristina Mazza
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Genome Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jalna Meens
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christina Karamboulas
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony C Nichols
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Renato Covello
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Raul Pellini
- Otolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spriano
- Otolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sanguineti
- Radiation Oncology Department, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Muti
- Department of Oncology, Juravinski Cancer Center-McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan La Statale, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvio Bicciato
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Genome Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laurie Ailles
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sabrina Strano
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Fontemaggi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
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Cai Y, Yousef A, Grandis JR, Johnson DE. NSAID therapy for PIK3CA-Altered colorectal, breast, and head and neck cancer. Adv Biol Regul 2020; 75:100653. [PMID: 31594701 PMCID: PMC7056575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2019.100653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiologic evidence indicates that regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provides a protective effect against the development of colorectal, breast, and head and neck cancers. Genomic characterization of these cancers has lent considerable insight into the subpopulations of cancer patients who are most likely to benefit from NSAID therapy. The PIK3CA gene encodes the catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and is among the most frequently mutated genes in solid tumor malignancies. Cancer-associated mutations in PIK3CA promote signaling via the PI3K pathway and stimulate tumor cell growth. In addition, activation of the PI3K pathway leads to induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme and production of immunosuppressive prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Notably, in both colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer the subpopulation of patients that benefit from NSAID use is restricted to those whose tumors exhibit PIK3CA genomic alterations. Preclinical studies, particularly in models of head and neck cancer, support the hypothesis that the chemopreventive impact of NSAIDs may be due, in part, to inhibition of COX-2 and reduction of PGE2 levels in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cai
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Yousef
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel E Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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47
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Zhang D, Zhang H, Wang X, Hu B, Zhang F, Wei H, Li L. LINC01518 knockdown inhibits tumorigenicity by suppression of PIK3CA/Akt pathway in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 47:4284-4292. [PMID: 31810385 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2019.1699815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
LncRNA LINC01518 was previously reported to be upregulated in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues compared with normal tissues. However, there are no previous studies concerning the specific function and molecular mechanism of LINC01518 in ESCC. LINC01518 and miR-1-3p expression levels in ESCC cells were detected by qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by CCK-8 and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The relationships between LINC01518, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA) and miR-1-3p were explored by luciferase reporter assay. The alteration of the PIK3CA/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway was examined by Western blot. We found that LINC01518 expression was upregulated and miR-1-3p expression was downregulated in ESCC cells. LINC01518 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in ESCC cells. In addition, LINC01518 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-1-3p in ESCC cells and miR-1-3p downregulation blocked the effects of LINC01518 knockdown on cell proliferation and apoptosis in ESCC cells. Moreover, PIK3CA was identified as a target of miR-1-3p and LINC01518 knockdown inhibited the PIK3CA/Akt pathway by upregulating miR-1-3p in ESCC cells. In conclusion, LINC01518 knockdown inhibited tumorigenicity in ESCC cells by suppression of PIK3CA/Akt pathway through upregulating miR-1-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghong Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, P. R. China
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, P. R. China
| | - Baoli Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, P. R. China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, P. R. China
| | - Haitao Wei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, P. R. China
| | - Li Li
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, P. R. China
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On the need for the development of a cancer early detection, diagnostic, prognosis, and treatment response system. Future Sci OA 2019; 6:FSO439. [PMID: 32025328 PMCID: PMC6997916 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2019-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of noncommunicable disease deaths in the world. In 2018, there were over 18 million new cancer cases and approximately 10 million people died from the disease globally. In 2019, almost two million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in USA and over 600,000 people are expected to die from the disease. The incidence of cancer is expected to rise because of lifestyle changes and a rapidly aging population. Evidence suggests that early detection is critical to reducing cancer morbidity and mortality. In this paper, the development of an integrated smart wearable and biomarker detection system is proposed to help reduce cancer morbidity and mortality. The potential benefits and limitations of the system are discussed. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Evidence suggests that its incidence will continue to rise in the future because of lifestyle changes and a rapidly aging population. There is currently no cure for the disease and the best way to reduce its incidence and morbidity is to detect it early. In this paper, an integrated smart wearable and biomarker detection system to help in the early detection, prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of cancer is proposed.
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Sangiorgi B, de Souza FC, Mota de Souza Lima I, Dos Santos Schiavinato JL, Corveloni AC, Thomé CH, Araújo Silva W, Faça VM, Covas DT, Zago MA, Panepucci RA. A High-Content Screening Approach to Identify MicroRNAs Against Head and Neck Cancer Cell Survival and EMT in an Inflammatory Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1100. [PMID: 31788442 PMCID: PMC6856008 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is among the most common cancer types. Metastasis, the main cause of death by cancer, can be promoted by an inflammatory microenvironment, which induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through a NF-κB-mediated stabilization of Snail. Here, we aimed to explore how microRNAs (miRs) can affect cell survival and EMT in HNSCC cells under an inflammatory microenvironment. By using a high-content screening (HCS) approach, we evaluated alterations in morphometric parameters, as well as expression/localization of Snail/Slug, in HNSCC cells primed with TNF-α. Based on those quantitation, we established the optimal experimental conditions of EMT induction driven by TNF-α. Those conditions were applied to cells transfected with distinct miRs (N = 31), followed by clusterization of miRs based on alterations related to cell survival and EMT. The signaling pathways enriched with molecular targets from each group of miRs were identified by in silico analyses. Finally, cells were transfected with siRNAs against signaling pathways targeted by miRs with anti-survival/EMT effect and evaluated for alterations in cell survival and EMT. Overall, we observed that TNF-α, at 20 ng/ml, induced EMT-related changes in cell morphology, Snail/Slug expression, and cell migration. Predicted targets of miRs with anti-survival/EMT effect were enriched with targets of NF-κB, PI3K/ATK, and Wnt/beta catenin pathways. Strikingly, individual gene silencing of elements from those pathways, namely RELA (NF-kB), AKT1 (PI3K/AKT), and CTNNB1 (Wnt/beta catenin) reduced cell survival and/or expression of Snail/Slug in cells stimulated with TNF-α. As a whole, our HCS approach allowed for the identification of miRs capable of inhibiting cell survival and EMT considering the presence of an inflammatory microenvironment, also indicating the common signaling pathways and molecular targets most likely to underlie those alterations. These findings may contribute to the development of targeted therapies against HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sangiorgi
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy (CTC), Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Genetics and Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Felipe Canto de Souza
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy (CTC), Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Genetics and Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ildercílio Mota de Souza Lima
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy (CTC), Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Genetics and Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Josiane Lilian Dos Santos Schiavinato
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy (CTC), Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Genetics and Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Amanda Cristina Corveloni
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy (CTC), Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Genetics and Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Carolina Hassibe Thomé
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy (CTC), Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Wilson Araújo Silva
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy (CTC), Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Genetics and Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Vitor Marcel Faça
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy (CTC), Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Dimas Tadeu Covas
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy (CTC), Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio Zago
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy (CTC), Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Alexandre Panepucci
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy (CTC), Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Genetics and Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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50
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Sur S, Nakanishi H, Flaveny C, Ippolito JE, McHowat J, Ford DA, Ray RB. Inhibition of the key metabolic pathways, glycolysis and lipogenesis, of oral cancer by bitter melon extract. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:131. [PMID: 31638999 PMCID: PMC6802351 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0447-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of cancer which favours rapid energy production, biosynthetic capabilities and therapy resistance. In our previous study, we showed bitter melon extract (BME) prevents carcinogen induced mouse oral cancer. RNA sequence analysis from mouse tongue revealed a significant modulation in "Metabolic Process" by altering glycolysis and lipid metabolic pathways in BME fed group as compared to cancer group. In present study, we evaluated the effect of BME on glycolysis and lipid metabolism pathways in human oral cancer cells. METHODS Cal27 and JHU022 cells were treated with BME. RNA and protein expression were analysed for modulation of glycolytic and lipogenesis genes by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot analyses and immunofluorescence. Lactate and pyruvate level was determined by GC/MS. Extracellular acidification and glycolytic rate were measured using the Seahorse XF analyser. Shotgun lipidomics in Cal27 and JHU022 cell lines following BME treatment was performed by ESI/ MS. ROS was measured by FACS. RESULTS Treatment with BME on oral cancer cell lines significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression levels of key glycolytic genes SLC2A1 (GLUT-1), PFKP, LDHA, PKM and PDK3. Pyruvate and lactate levels and glycolysis rate were reduced in oral cancer cells following BME treatment. In lipogenesis pathway, we observed a significant reduction of genes involves in fatty acid biogenesis, ACLY, ACC1 and FASN, at the mRNA and protein levels following BME treatment. Further, BME treatment significantly reduced phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and plasmenylethanolamine, and reduced iPLA2 activity. Additionally, BME treatment inhibited lipid raft marker flotillin expression and altered its subcellular localization. ER-stress associated CHOP expression and generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species were induced by BME, which facilitated apoptosis. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that bitter melon extract inhibits glycolysis and lipid metabolism and induces ER and oxidative stress-mediated cell death in oral cancer. Thus, BME-mediated metabolic reprogramming of oral cancer cells will have important preventive and therapeutic implications along with conventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhayan Sur
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bDepartment of Pathology, Saint Louis University, 1100 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Hiroshi Nakanishi
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bDepartment of Pathology, Saint Louis University, 1100 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Colin Flaveny
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bDepartment of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Joseph E. Ippolito
- 0000 0001 2355 7002grid.4367.6Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO USA
| | - Jane McHowat
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bDepartment of Pathology, Saint Louis University, 1100 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - David A. Ford
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bBiochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO USA
| | - Ratna B. Ray
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bDepartment of Pathology, Saint Louis University, 1100 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104 USA
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