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Tufail M, Hu JJ, Liang J, He CY, Wan WD, Huang YQ, Jiang CH, Wu H, Li N. Predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine in breast cancer: targeting the PI3K pathway. J Transl Med 2024; 22:15. [PMID: 38172946 PMCID: PMC10765967 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04841-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a multifaceted disease characterized by distinct molecular subtypes and varying responses to treatment. In BC, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway has emerged as a crucial contributor to the development, advancement, and resistance to treatment. This review article explores the implications of the PI3K pathway in predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine for BC. It emphasizes the identification of predictive biomarkers, such as PIK3CA mutations, and the utility of molecular profiling in guiding treatment decisions. The review also discusses the potential of targeting the PI3K pathway for preventive strategies and the customization of therapy based on tumor stage, molecular subtypes, and genetic alterations. Overcoming resistance to PI3K inhibitors and exploring combination therapies are addressed as important considerations. While this field holds promise in improving patient outcomes, further research and clinical trials are needed to validate these approaches and translate them into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jia-Ju Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Liang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cai-Yun He
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Dong Wan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu-Qi Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Can-Hua Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Li W, Li S, Chen IX, Liu Y, Ramjiawan RR, Leung CH, Gerweck LE, Fukumura D, Loeffler JS, Jain RK, Duda DG, Huang P. Combining losartan with radiotherapy increases tumor control and inhibits lung metastases from a HER2/neu-positive orthotopic breast cancer model. Radiat Oncol 2021; 16:48. [PMID: 33663521 PMCID: PMC7934382 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-021-01775-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with metastatic HER2/neu-positive (HER2/neu +) breast cancer (BC) often experience treatment resistance, disease recurrences and metastases. Thus, new approaches for improving the treatment of HER2/neu + BC to prevent metastatic dissemination are urgently needed. Our previous studies have shown that losartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, increases tumor perfusion and decreases hypoxia in a number of tumor models. Hypoxia reduces the efficacy of radiation and increases metastases. We therefore hypothesized that by modifying tumor stroma and increasing oxygenation, losartan will improve the outcome of radiotherapy and inhibit disease progression in a highly metastatic HER2/neu + murine BC model. METHODS We established a metastatic HER2/neu + murine BC line (MCa-M3C) and used it to generate mammary fat pad isografts in syngeneic female FVB/N mice. Starting on day 3 after orthotopic tumor implantation, we administered a 7-day losartan treatment (40 mg/kg BW, gavage daily); or a 7-day losartan treatment followed by 20 Gy single dose local irradiation (S-IR) on day 10 (tumor size ~ 100 mm3), or 20 Gy local fractionated (5 × 4 Gy daily) irradiation (F-IR) on days 10-14. We analyzed tumor-growth delay (TGD), development of spontaneous lung metastases, animal survival, tumor vascular density, and tumor hypoxia. RESULTS Treatments with S-IR, F-IR, Losartan + S-IR, or Losartan + F-IR resulted in a significantly increased TGD (8-16 days) in MCa-M3C tumors versus controls. However, the combination of Losartan + S-IR and Losartan + F-IR further enhanced tumor response to radiation alone by increasing TGD an additional 5 to 8 days for both single and fractionated dose irradiation (P < 0.01), decreasing lung metastasis (Losartan + IR vs. Control, P < 0.025), and increasing animal survival (Losartan + IR vs. Control, P = 0.0303). In addition, losartan treatment significantly increased tumor vascularity (P = 0.0314) and decreased pimonidazole positive (hypoxic) area (P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS Combining losartan with local irradiation significantly enhanced tumor response, at least in part via reduced tumor hypoxia presumably due to increased tumor perfusion. Our findings suggest that combining losartan with radiotherapy is a potential new treatment strategy for local control and inhibiting metastasis in HER2 + BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wende Li
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Cox-7, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Guangdong Laboratory Animal Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, 510663, People's Republic of China
| | - Sen Li
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Cox-7, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ivy X Chen
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Cox-7, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Yujiao Liu
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Cox-7, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Rakesh R Ramjiawan
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Cox-7, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Chi-Ho Leung
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Cox-7, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Leo E Gerweck
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Cox-7, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Dai Fukumura
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Cox-7, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jay S Loeffler
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Cox-7, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Cox-7, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Dan G Duda
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Cox-7, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Peigen Huang
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Cox-7, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Tracey N, Creedon H, Kemp AJ, Culley J, Muir M, Klinowska T, Brunton VG. HO-1 drives autophagy as a mechanism of resistance against HER2-targeted therapies. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 179:543-555. [PMID: 31705351 PMCID: PMC6997276 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-019-05489-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Targeted therapies have resulted in major advances in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancers. Despite this, up to 70% of patients will develop resistance to treatment within 2 years and new strategies for targeting resistant disease are needed. METHODS To identify potential resistance mechanisms, we used the mouse MMTV-NIC-PTEN+/- spontaneous model of HER2-positive breast cancer and the pan-HER family kinase inhibitor sapatinib. Vehicle and sapatinib-treated tumors were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and proteomic analysis. In vitro studies were carried out to define the role of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and autophagy in resistance to sapatinib and lapatinib, another pan-HER family kinase inhibitor. RESULTS Treatment of tumor-bearing MMTV-NIC-PTEN+/- mice with sapatinib resulted in delayed tumor progression and increased survival. However, tumors eventually progressed on treatment. Proteomic analysis identified proteins associated with cellular iron homeostasis as being upregulated in the sapatinib-treated tumors. This included HO-1 whose overexpression was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Overexpression of HO-1 in HER2-expressing SKBR3 breast cancer cells resulted in reduced sensitivity to both pan-HER family kinase inhibitors sapatinib and lapatinib. This was associated with increased autophagy in the HO-1 over-expressing cells. Furthermore, increased autophagy was also seen in the sapatinib-treated tumors. Treatment with autophagy inhibitors was able to increase the sensitivity of the HO-1 over-expressing cells to both lapatinib and sapatinib. CONCLUSION Together these data indicate a role for HO-1-induced autophagy in resistance to pan-HER family kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Tracey
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Helen Creedon
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Alain J Kemp
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Jayne Culley
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Morwenna Muir
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | | | - Valerie G Brunton
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK.
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Subramanian J, Katta A, Masood A, Vudem DR, Kancha RK. Emergence of ERBB2 Mutation as a Biomarker and an Actionable Target in Solid Cancers. Oncologist 2019; 24:e1303-e1314. [PMID: 31292270 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2018-0845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic role ERBB2 amplification is well established in breast and gastric cancers. This has led to the development of a well-known portfolio of monoclonal antibodies and kinase inhibitors targeting the ERBB2 kinase. More recently, activating mutations in the ERBB2 gene have been increasingly reported in multiple solid cancers and were shown to play an oncogenic role similar to that of ERBB2 amplification. Thus, ERBB2 mutations define a distinct molecular subtype of solid tumors and serve as actionable targets. However, efforts to target ERBB2 mutation has met with limited clinical success, possibly because of their low frequency, inadequate understanding of the biological activity of these mutations, and difficulty in separating the drivers from the passenger mutations. Given the current impetus to deliver molecularly targeted treatments for cancer, there is an important need to understand the therapeutic potential of ERBB2 mutations. Here we review the distribution of ERBB2 mutations in different tumor types, their potential as a novel biomarker that defines new subsets in many cancers, and current data on preclinical and clinical efforts to target these mutations. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A current trend in oncology is to identify novel genomic drivers of solid tumors and developing precision treatments that target them. ERBB2 amplification is an established therapeutic target in breast and gastric cancers, but efforts to translate this finding to other solid tumors with ERBB2 amplification have not been effective. Recently the focus has turned to targeting activating ERBB2 mutations. The year 2018 marked an important milestone in establishing ERBB2 mutation as an important actionable target in multiple cancer types. There have been several recent preclinical and clinical studies evaluating ERBB2 mutation as a therapeutic target with varying success. With increasing access to next-generation sequencing technologies in the clinic, oncologists are frequently identifying activating ERBB2 mutations in patients with cancer. There is a significant need both from the clinician and bench scientist perspectives to understand the current state of affairs for ERBB2 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janakiraman Subramanian
- Division of Oncology, Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- Center for Precision Oncology, Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Archana Katta
- Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
| | - Ashiq Masood
- Division of Oncology, Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- Center for Precision Oncology, Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Dashavantha Reddy Vudem
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
| | - Rama Krishna Kancha
- Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
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Salter DM, Griffin M, Muir M, Teo K, Culley J, Smith JR, Gomez-Cuadrado L, Matchett K, Sims AH, Hayward L, Henderson NC, Brunton VG. Development of mouse models of angiosarcoma driven by p53. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm038612. [PMID: 31221668 PMCID: PMC6679377 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.038612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiosarcomas are a rare group of tumours which have poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The development of new therapies has been hampered by a lack of good preclinical models. Here, we describe the development of an autochthonous mouse model of angiosarcoma driven by loss of p53 in VE-cadherin-expressing endothelial cells. Using Cdh5-Cre to drive recombination in adult endothelial cells, mice developed angiosarcomas with 100% penetrance upon homozygous deletion of Trp53 with a median lifespan of 325 days. In contrast, expression of the R172H mutant p53 resulted in formation of thymic lymphomas with a more rapid onset (median lifespan 151 days). We also used Pdgfrb-Cre-expressing mice, allowing us to target predominantly pericytes, as these have been reported as the cell of origin for a number of soft tissue sarcomas. Pdgfrb-Cre also results in low levels of recombination in venous blood endothelial cells in multiple tissues during development. Upon deletion of Trp53 in Pdgfrb-Cre-expressing mice (Pdgfrb-Cre,Trp53fl/fl mice), 65% developed lymphomas and 21% developed pleomorphic undifferentiated soft tissue sarcomas. None developed angiosarcomas. In contrast, 75% of Pdgfrb-Cre,Trp53R172H/R172H mice developed angiosarcomas, with 60% of these mice also developing lymphomas. The median lifespan of the Pdgfrb-Cre,Trp53R172H/R172H mice was 151 days. Re-implantation of angiosarcoma tumour fragments from Cdh5-Cre, Trp53fl/fl mice provided a more consistent and rapid model of angiosarcoma than the two spontaneous models. The ability to passage tumour fragments through the mouse provides a novel model which is amenable to preclinical studies and will help the development of potential new therapies for angiosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald M Salter
- Centre for Genomic & Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Meredyth Griffin
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Morwenna Muir
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Katy Teo
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Jayne Culley
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - James R Smith
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Laura Gomez-Cuadrado
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Kylie Matchett
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Andrew H Sims
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Larry Hayward
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Neil C Henderson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Valerie G Brunton
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
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Bao J, Di Lorenzo A, Lin K, Lu Y, Zhong Y, Sebastian MM, Muller WJ, Yang Y, Bedford MT. Mouse Models of Overexpression Reveal Distinct Oncogenic Roles for Different Type I Protein Arginine Methyltransferases. Cancer Res 2018; 79:21-32. [PMID: 30352814 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-1995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMT) are generally not mutated in diseased states, but they are overexpressed in a number of cancers, including breast cancer. To address the possible roles of PRMT overexpression in mammary gland tumorigenesis, we generated Cre-activated PRMT1, CARM1, and PRMT6 overexpression mouse models. These three enzymes are the primary type I PRMTs and are responsible for the majority of the asymmetric arginine methylation deposited in the cells. Using either a keratin 5-Cre recombinase (K5-Cre) cross or an MMTV-NIC mouse, we investigated the impact of PRMT overexpression alone or in the context of a HER2-driven model of breast cancer, respectively. The overexpression of all three PRMTs induced hyper-branching of the mammary glands and increased Ki-67 staining. When combined with the MMTV-NIC model, these in vivo experiments provided the first genetic evidence implicating elevated levels of these three PRMTs in mammary gland tumorigenesis, albeit with variable degrees of tumor promotion and latency. In addition, these mouse models provided valuable tools for exploring the biological roles and molecular mechanisms of PRMT overexpression in the mammary gland. For example, transcriptome analysis of purified mammary epithelial cells isolated from bigenic NIC-PRMT1 Tg and NIC-PRMT6 Tg mice revealed a deregulated PI3K-AKT pathway. In the future, these PRMT Tg lines can be leveraged to investigate the roles of arginine methylation in other tissues and tumor model systems using different tissue-specific Cre crosses, and they can also be used for testing the in vivo efficacy of small molecule inhibitors that target these PRMT. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings establish Cre-activated mouse models of three different arginine methyltransferases, PRMT1, CARM1, and PRMT6, which are overexpressed in human cancers, providing a valuable tool for the study of PRMT function in tumorigenesis.See related commentary by Watson and Bitler, p. 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Bao
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas
| | - Alessandra Di Lorenzo
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas
| | - Kevin Lin
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas
| | - Yue Lu
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas
| | - Yi Zhong
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas
| | - Manu M Sebastian
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas
| | - William J Muller
- Department of Biochemistry, Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yanzhong Yang
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Mark T Bedford
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas.
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Holen I, Speirs V, Morrissey B, Blyth K. In vivo models in breast cancer research: progress, challenges and future directions. Dis Model Mech 2017; 10:359-371. [PMID: 28381598 PMCID: PMC5399571 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.028274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Research using animal model systems has been instrumental in delivering improved therapies for breast cancer, as well as in generating new insights into the mechanisms that underpin development of the disease. A large number of different models are now available, reflecting different types and stages of the disease; choosing which one to use depends on the specific research question(s) to be investigated. Based on presentations and discussions from leading experts who attended a recent workshop focused on in vivo models of breast cancer, this article provides a perspective on the many varied uses of these models in breast cancer research, their strengths, associated challenges and future directions. Among the questions discussed were: how well do models represent the different stages of human disease; how can we model the involvement of the human immune system and microenvironment in breast cancer; what are the appropriate models of metastatic disease; can we use models to carry out preclinical drug trials and identify pathways responsible for drug resistance; and what are the limitations of patient-derived xenograft models? We briefly outline the areas where the existing breast cancer models require improvement in light of the increased understanding of the disease process, reflecting the drive towards more personalised therapies and identification of mechanisms of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingunn Holen
- Academic Unit of Clinical Oncology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Valerie Speirs
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Bethny Morrissey
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Karen Blyth
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
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Siewertsz van Reesema LL, Lee MP, Zheleva V, Winston JS, O'Connor CF, Perry RR, Hoefer RA, Tang AH. RAS pathway biomarkers for breast cancer prognosis. CLINICAL LABORATORY INTERNATIONAL 2016; 40:18-23. [PMID: 28579913 PMCID: PMC5455995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous, rapidly evolving and devastating disease that challenges our ability to find curative therapies. RAS pathway activation is an understudied research area in breast cancer. EGFR/RAS pathway activation is prevalent in breast cancer with poor prognosis. The prognostic RAS pathway biomarkers can be used to identify resistant tumour clones, stratify patients and guide therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vasilena Zheleva
- Department of Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
| | - Janet S. Winston
- Sentara Pathology and Pathology Sciences Medical Group, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (SNGH), Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
| | - Caroline F. O'Connor
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
| | - Roger R. Perry
- Department of Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
| | - Richard A. Hoefer
- Sentara Cancer Network, Virginia 23606, USA
- Dorothy G. Hoefer Comprehensive Breast Center, Virginia 23606, USA
- Sentara Care-Plex Hospital, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
| | - Amy H. Tang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
- Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
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Fry EA, Taneja P, Inoue K. Clinical applications of mouse models for breast cancer engaging HER2/neu. INTEGRATIVE CANCER SCIENCE AND THERAPEUTICS 2016; 3:593-603. [PMID: 28133539 PMCID: PMC5267336 DOI: 10.15761/icst.1000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Human c-ErbB2 (HER2) has long been used as a marker of breast cancer (BC) for sub-categorization for the prediction of prognosis, and determination of therapeutic strategies. HER2 overexpressing BCs are more invasive/metastatic; but patients respond to monoclonal antibody therapy with trastuzumab or tyrosine kinase inhibitors, at least at early stages. To date, numerous mouse models that faithfully reproduce HER2(+) BCs have been created in mice. We recently reviewed different mouse models of BC overexpressing wild type or mutant neu driven by MMTV, neu, or doxycycline-inducible promoters. These mice have been used to demonstrate the histopathology, oncogenic signaling pathways initiated by aberrant overexpression of HER2 in the mammary epithelium, and interaction between oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes at molecular levels. In this review, we focus on their clinical applications. They can be used to test the efficacy of HER(2) inhibitors before starting clinical trials, characterize the tumor-initiating cells that could be the cause of relapse after therapy as well as to analyze the molecular mechanisms of therapeutic resistance targeting HER2. MMTV-human ErbB2 (HER2) mouse models have recently been established since the monoclonal antibody to HER2 (trastuzumab; Herceptin®) does not recognize the rat neu protein. It has been reported that early intervention with HER2 monoclonal antibody would be beneficial for preventing mammary carcinogenesis. MDA-7/IL-24 as well as naturally-occurring chemicals have also been tested using MMTV-neu models. Recent studies have shown that MMTV-neu models are useful to develop vaccines to HER2 for immunotherapy. The mouse models employing HER2/neu will be essential for future antibody or drug screenings to overcome resistance to trastuzumab or HER(2)-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Fry
- The Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA
| | - Pankaj Taneja
- Department of Biotechnology, Sharda University, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida 201306, India
| | - Kazushi Inoue
- The Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA
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