1
|
Radaelli S, Merlini A, Khan M, Gronchi A. Progress in histology specific treatments in soft tissue sarcoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2024; 24:845-868. [PMID: 39099398 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2384584] [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: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) represent a heterogenous group of rare tumors, primarily treated with surgery. Preoperative radiotherapy is often recommended for extremity high-risk STS. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, typically based on doxorubicin with ifosfamide, has shown efficacy in limbs and trunk wall STS. Second-line chemotherapy, commonly utilized in the metastatic setting, is mostly histology-driven. Molecular targeted agents are used across various histologies, and although the use of immunotherapy in STS is still in its early stages, there is increasing interest in exploring its potential. AREAS COVERED This article involved an extensive recent search on PubMed. It explored the current treatment landscape for localized and metastatic STS, focusing on the combined use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for both extremity and retroperitoneal tumors, and with a particular emphasis on the most innovative histopathology driven therapeutic approaches. Additionally, ongoing clinical trials identified via clinicaltrials.gov are included. EXPERT OPINION Recently there have been advancements in the treatment of STS, largely driven by the outcomes of clinical trials. However further research is imperative to comprehend the effect of chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy in various STS, as well as to identify biomarkers able to predict which patients are most likely to benefit from these treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Radaelli
- Sarcoma Service, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Merlini
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Misbah Khan
- Surgery, East Sussex NHS Healthcare, East Sussex, UK
| | - Alessandro Gronchi
- Sarcoma Service, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Boscolo Bielo L, Repetto M, Crimini E, Belli C, Setola E, Parma G, Fusco N, Barberis M, Guerini Rocco E, Marra A, Colombo N, Curigliano G. Clinical actionability of BRCA2 alterations in uterine leiomyosarcoma: a molecular tumor board case report and a cBioPortal comprehensive analysis. Oncologist 2024; 29:560-565. [PMID: 38716772 PMCID: PMC11224980 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae082] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) represents one of the most common sarcoma histotypes, demonstrating an overall dismal prognosis. Previous studies reported uLMS to carry recurrent somatic BRCA2 homozygous deletions, related to significant clinical benefits from the use of PARP inhibitors. METHODS To investigate the prevalence in uLMS of genomic alterations (alt) in BRCA2 and other homologous recombination (HR) and DNA damage response (DDR) genes, cBioPortal was accessed and data were retrieved from studies including pan-sarcoma histologies. HR-/DDR-genes included BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, BARD1, BRIP1, CHEK1, CHEK2, FANCA, FANCB, FANCC, FANCD2, FANCE, FANCF, FANCG, FANCI, FANCL, FANCM, NBN, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, RAD50, and ATR. Only oncogenic/likely oncogenic alterations were included according to OncoKB. CLINICAL REPORT AND RESULTS We reported a clinical case of a patient affected by a highly pretreated uLMS discussed at the European Institute of Oncology Molecular Tumor Board. A targeted next-generation sequencing panel demonstrated a somatic BRCA2 homozygous deletion (homDel). Upon access to Niraparib, a remarkable response of 15 months was observed before experiencing disease progression. In the genomic query, among 2393 cases, uLMS (n = 193) displayed 9 of all 31 BRCA2alt observed, representing the only sarcoma histotype showing an enrichment in BRCA2alt (4.66%; q < 0.001). All of 9 BRCA2alt were represented by homDel, which related to a high fraction of genome altered. CONCLUSION uLMS displays a significant frequency of somatic BRCA2alt homDel. Considering their dismal prognosis, further investigation is warranted to test the use of PARPi in uLMS, and particularly in the setting of BRCA1/2 alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Boscolo Bielo
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Repetto
- Early Drug Development Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edoardo Crimini
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Belli
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Setola
- Melanoma, Sarcoma and Rare Tumors Oncology Department, European Institute of Oncology (IEO) IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Parma
- Department of Gynecology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO) IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Barberis
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Guerini Rocco
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Marra
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Colombo
- Department of Gynecology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO) IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Alodaini AA. Uterine Mesenchymal Tumors: Updates on Pathology, Molecular Landscape, and Therapeutics. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1085. [PMID: 39064514 PMCID: PMC11278911 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60071085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal uterine tumors are a diverse group of neoplasms with varying biological potential. Many of these neoplasms can have overlapping morphologic similarities, which, in some instances, render their diagnosis and categorization thorough histomorphologic examination inconclusive. In the last decade, an exponential amount of molecular data aiming to more accurately characterize and, consequently, treat these tumors have accumulated. Objective: The goal of this narrative review is to provide a pathologic review, a genetic update, and to know the new therapeutic avenues of primary uterine mesenchymal neoplasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amal A Alodaini
- Pathology Department, King Fahd University Hospital, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nakazawa MS, Silverman IM, Rimkunas V, Veloso A, Glodzik D, Johnson A, Ohsumi TK, Patel SR, Conley AP, Roland CL, Soliman PT, Beird HC, Wu CC, Ingram DR, Lazcano R, Song D, Wani KM, Lazar AJ, Yap TA, Wang WL, Livingston JA. Loss of the DNA Repair Gene RNase H2 Identifies a Unique Subset of DDR-Deficient Leiomyosarcomas. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:1057-1065. [PMID: 38561019 PMCID: PMC11321279 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway is an emerging therapeutic approach for leiomyosarcoma (LMS), and loss of RNase H2, a DDR pathway member, is a potentially actionable alteration for DDR-targeted treatments. Therefore, we designed a protein- and genomic-based RNase H2 screening assay to determine its prevalence and prognostic significance. Using a selective RNase H2 antibody on a pan-tumor microarray (TMA), RNase H2 loss was more common in LMS (11.5%, 9/78) than across all tumors (3.8%, 32/843). In a separate LMS cohort, RNase H2 deficiency was confirmed in uterine LMS (U-LMS, 21%, 23/108) and soft-tissue LMS (ST-LMS; 30%, 39/102). In the TCGA database, RNASEH2B homozygous deletions (HomDels) were found in 6% (5/80) of LMS cases, with a higher proportion in U-LMS (15%; 4/27) compared with ST-LMS (2%; 1/53). Using the SNiPDx targeted-NGS sequencing assay to detect biallelic loss of function in select DDR-related genes, we found RNASEH2B HomDels in 54% (19/35) of U-LMS cases with RNase H2 loss by IHC, and 7% (3/43) HomDels in RNase H2 intact cases. No RNASEH2B HomDels were detected in ST-LMS. In U-LMS patient cohort (n = 109), no significant overall survival difference was seen in patients with RNase H2 loss versus intact, or RNASEH2B HomDel (n = 12) versus Non-HomDel (n = 37). The overall diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of RNase H2 IHC for detecting RNA-SEH2B HomDels in U-LMS was 76%, 93%, and 71%, respectively, and it is being developed for future predictive biomarker driven clinical trials targeting DDR in U-LMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Nakazawa
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shreyaskumar R Patel
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Anthony P Conley
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Christina L Roland
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Pamela T Soliman
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hannah C Beird
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Chia-Chin Wu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Davis R Ingram
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Rossana Lazcano
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Dawon Song
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Khalida M Wani
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Alexander J Lazar
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Timothy A Yap
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Wei-Lien Wang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - J Andrew Livingston
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang Q, Madueke-Laveaux OS, Cun H, Wlodarczyk M, Garcia N, Carvalho KC, Al-Hendy A. Comprehensive Review of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Targeted Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:1106. [PMID: 38994959 PMCID: PMC11240800 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is the most common subtype of uterine sarcomas. They have a poor prognosis with high rates of recurrence and metastasis. The five-year survival for uLMS patients is between 25 and 76%, with survival rates approaching 10-15% for patients with metastatic disease at the initial diagnosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that several biological pathways are involved in uLMS pathogenesis. Notably, drugs that block abnormal functions of these pathways remarkably improve survival in uLMS patients. However, due to chemotherapy resistance, there remains a need for novel drugs that can target these pathways effectively. In this review article, we provide an overview of the recent progress in ascertaining the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms in uLMS from the perspective of aberrant biological pathways, including DNA repair, immune checkpoint blockade, protein kinase and intracellular signaling pathways, and the hedgehog pathway. We review the emerging role of epigenetics and epitranscriptome in the pathogenesis of uLMS. In addition, we discuss serum markers, artificial intelligence (AI) combined with machine learning, shear wave elastography, current management and medical treatment options, and ongoing clinical trials for patients with uLMS. Comprehensive, integrated, and deeper insights into the pathobiology and underlying molecular mechanisms of uLMS will help develop novel strategies to treat patients with this aggressive tumor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Han Cun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Marta Wlodarczyk
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Garcia
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Katia Candido Carvalho
- Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular (LIM 58), Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento deObstetricia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fernandes I, Chehade R, MacKay H. PARP inhibitors in non-ovarian gynecologic cancers. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359241255174. [PMID: 38882441 PMCID: PMC11179472 DOI: 10.1177/17588359241255174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPis) have transformed the treatment of ovarian cancer, particularly benefiting patients whose tumors harbor genomic events that result in impaired homologous recombination (HR) repair. The use of PARPi over recent years has expanded to include subpopulations of patients with breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Their potential to benefit patients with non-ovarian gynecologic cancers is being recognized. This review examines the underlying biological rationale for exploring PARPi in non-ovarian gynecologic cancers. We consider the clinical data and place this in the context of the current treatment landscape. We review the development of PARPi strategies for treating patients with endometrial, cervical, uterine leiomyosarcoma, and vulvar cancers. Furthermore, we discuss future directions and the importance of understanding HR deficiency in the context of each cancer type.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rania Chehade
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Helen MacKay
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Arfan S, Thway K, Jones RL, Huang PH. Molecular Heterogeneity in Leiomyosarcoma and Implications for Personalised Medicine. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2024; 25:644-658. [PMID: 38656686 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-024-01204-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is one of the more common subtypes of soft tissue sarcomas (STS), accounting for about 20% of cases. Differences in anatomical location, risk of recurrence and histomorphological variants contribute to the substantial clinical heterogeneity in survival outcomes and therapy responses observed in patients. There is therefore a need to move away from the current one-size-fits-all treatment approach towards a personalised strategy tailored for individual patients. Over the past decade, tissue profiling studies have revealed key genomic features and an additional layer of molecular heterogeneity among patients, with potential utility for optimal risk stratification and biomarker-matched therapies. Furthermore, recent studies investigating intratumour heterogeneity and tumour evolution patterns in LMS suggest some key features that may need to be taken into consideration when designing treatment strategies and clinical trials. Moving forward, national and international collaborative efforts to aggregate expertise, data, resources and tools are needed to achieve a step change in improving patient survival outcomes in this disease of unmet need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Arfan
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Khin Thway
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, SM2 5NG, UK
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JJ, UK
| | - Robin L Jones
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JJ, UK
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Paul H Huang
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, SM2 5NG, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Denu RA, Dann AM, Keung EZ, Nakazawa MS, Nassif Haddad EF. The Future of Targeted Therapy for Leiomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:938. [PMID: 38473300 PMCID: PMC10930698 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050938] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an aggressive subtype of soft tissue sarcoma that arises from smooth muscle cells, most commonly in the uterus and retroperitoneum. LMS is a heterogeneous disease with diverse clinical and molecular characteristics that have yet to be fully understood. Molecular profiling has uncovered possible targets amenable to treatment, though this has yet to translate into approved targeted therapies in LMS. This review will explore historic and recent findings from molecular profiling, highlight promising avenues of current investigation, and suggest possible future strategies to move toward the goal of molecularly matched treatment of LMS. We focus on targeting the DNA damage response, the macrophage-rich micro-environment, the PI3K/mTOR pathway, epigenetic regulators, and telomere biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A. Denu
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Amanda M. Dann
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Emily Z. Keung
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Michael S. Nakazawa
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elise F. Nassif Haddad
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lin R, Muaadz A, Gwo Fuang H. A promising response of refractory uterine leiomyosarcoma to pembrolizumab and temozolomide combination therapy. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2024; 51:101326. [PMID: 38314319 PMCID: PMC10837061 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2024.101326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcomas (ULMS) are a rare cause of uterine malignancy. Due to their aggressive nature, resistance to standard therapy and high rates of recurrence, they are associated with a very poor prognosis, irrespective of their stage at diagnosis. A 68-year-old female, Chinese patient was diagnosed with Stage IVB uterine leiomyosarcoma with lung metastasis. Disease progression occurred after fourth-line treatment and the patient was commenced on pembrolizumab and temozolomide combination therapy. At the time of writing, our patient has experienced partial response to treatment with minimal adverse effects at cycle 7 of Pembrolizumab in combination with Temozolomide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Lin
- University College London, Huntley Street, WC1E 6DE, London, United Kingdom
| | - Asyraf Muaadz
- Oncology Department, University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia
| | - Ho Gwo Fuang
- Oncology Department, University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Watanabe K, Seki N. Biology and Development of DNA-Targeted Drugs, Focusing on Synthetic Lethality, DNA Repair, and Epigenetic Modifications for Cancer: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:752. [PMID: 38255825 PMCID: PMC10815806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA-targeted drugs constitute a specialized category of pharmaceuticals developed for cancer treatment, directly influencing various cellular processes involving DNA. These drugs aim to enhance treatment efficacy and minimize side effects by specifically targeting molecules or pathways crucial to cancer growth. Unlike conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, recent discoveries have yielded DNA-targeted agents with improved effectiveness, and a new generation is anticipated to be even more specific and potent. The sequencing of the human genome in 2001 marked a transformative milestone, contributing significantly to the advancement of targeted therapy and precision medicine. Anticipated progress in precision medicine is closely tied to the continuous development in the exploration of synthetic lethality, DNA repair, and expression regulatory mechanisms, including epigenetic modifications. The integration of technologies like circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis further enhances our ability to elucidate crucial regulatory factors, promising a more effective era of precision medicine. The combination of genomic knowledge and technological progress has led to a surge in clinical trials focusing on precision medicine. These trials utilize biomarkers for identifying genetic alterations, molecular profiling for potential therapeutic targets, and tailored cancer treatments addressing multiple genetic changes. The evolving landscape of genomics has prompted a paradigm shift from tumor-centric to individualized, genome-directed treatments based on biomarker analysis for each patient. The current treatment strategy involves identifying target genes or pathways, exploring drugs affecting these targets, and predicting adverse events. This review highlights strategies incorporating DNA-targeted drugs, such as PARP inhibitors, SLFN11, methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT), and ATR kinase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiyotaka Watanabe
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Teikyo University, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hayashi T, Kishimoto N, Abiko K, Konishi I. Treatment With Antitumor Agents Recommended by Cancer Genome Panel for Uterine Leiomyosarcoma. J Clin Med Res 2023; 15:461-468. [PMID: 38189037 PMCID: PMC10769602 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr5052] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
To date, cancer genomic medicine, using cancer gene panel covered by health insurance from June 2019, has been performed for advanced malignant tumors under public medical insurance. In gynecology, the first-line treatment for uterine leiomyosarcomas, which is a mesenchymal uterine tumor, is surgery. In uterine leiomyosarcoma cases, recurrence is observed within 2 years postoperatively; however, to date, clinical trials have not shown efficacy with existing antitumor agents. We noted efficacy in two cases with advanced/recurrent uterine leiomyosarcoma using an antitumor agent selected on the basis of cancer gene panel testing results. Following uterine leiomyosarcoma diagnosis, they underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy as standard surgical treatment. After the surgical treatment, the imaging test revealed recurrent tumors; subsequently, they were treated with doxorubicin alone or doxorubicin combined with Gemzar. However, cancer genome gene panel test was performed because the malignant tumor worsened. Based on the cancer genome gene panel test results, the two cases with advanced uterine leiomyosarcoma were associated with increased tumor mutational burden (TMB) or pathogenic variants (PVs) of AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1). Therefore, treatment with pembrolizumab, which is a drug covered by insurance for patients with TMB-high, or treatment with kinase inhibitors for patients with PVs in AKT, was considered. Cancer genomic medicine using cancer gene panel provides a new treatment strategy for intractable malignant tumors. This study aimed to discuss the usefulness of cancer genomic medicine by cancer gene panel testing using the cases of advanced and recurrence uterine leiomyosarcoma and the latest findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Hayashi
- Cancer Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto 612-8555, Japan
- First-Track Medical R&D, The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Naoya Kishimoto
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto 612-8555, Japan
| | - Kaoru Abiko
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto 612-8555, Japan
| | - Ikuo Konishi
- First-Track Medical R&D, The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto 612-8555, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kokkali S, Georgaki E, Mandrakis G, Valverde C, Theocharis S. Genomic Profiling and Clinical Outcomes of Targeted Therapies in Adult Patients with Soft Tissue Sarcomas. Cells 2023; 12:2632. [PMID: 37998367 PMCID: PMC10670373 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic profiling has improved our understanding of the pathogenesis of different cancers and led to the development of several targeted therapies, especially in epithelial tumors. In this review, we focus on the clinical utility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to inform therapeutics in soft tissue sarcoma (STS). The role of NGS is still controversial in patients with sarcoma, given the low mutational burden and the lack of recurrent targetable alterations in most of the sarcoma histotypes. The clinical impact of genomic profiling in STS has not been investigated prospectively. A limited number of retrospective, mainly single-institution, studies have addressed this issue using various NGS technologies and platforms and a variety of criteria to define a genomic alteration as actionable. Despite the detailed reports on the different gene mutations, fusions, or amplifications that were detected, data on the use and efficacy of targeted treatment are very scarce at present. With the exception of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), these targeted therapies are administered either through off-label prescription of an approved drug or enrollment in a matched clinical trial. Based mainly on anecdotal reports, the outcome of targeted therapies in the different STS histotypes is discussed. Prospective studies are warranted to assess whether genomic profiling improves the management of STS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Kokkali
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece;
- Oncology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine, Medical School, Hippocratio General Hospital of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, V. Sofias 114, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Eleni Georgaki
- Oncology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine, Medical School, Hippocratio General Hospital of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, V. Sofias 114, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Georgios Mandrakis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Claudia Valverde
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Pg. Vall d’Hebron 119-12, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| |
Collapse
|