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Gong K, Lin J, Chen X, Duan Y, Zhang J, Yu J, Wang J, Sun R, Li J, Duan Y. Thermosensitive gel-nano system against esophageal cancer via restoring p53 activity and boosting T-cell immunity. J Control Release 2024; 371:111-125. [PMID: 38782064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
In esophageal cancer (EC), clinical specimen testing has uncovered a significant increase in BTB and CNC homolog 1 (BACH1) expression and a shift towards an immunosuppressive environment, alongside a notable decrease in p53 protein expression. Therefore, therapeutic strategies focusing on BACH1 inhibition and p53 upregulation appear promising. Traditional oral treatments for EC lack precision and efficacy. Here, we propose a novel approach employing tumor-targeted nanoparticles (NPs) for drug delivery. However, the formation of a drug reservoir at the esophageal site, crucial for the sustained release of therapeutics, presents significant challenges in nano-delivery systems for EC treatment. To address this, we developed a thermosensitive hydrogel composed of F127 and tannic acid, serving as a vehicle for NP loading. These NPs, synthesized through the emulsion/volatization methods of mPEG-PLGA-PLL-cRGD, facilitate in situ drug delivery. Upon contacting esophageal tissue, the hydrogel transitions to a gel, adhering to the lining and enabling sustained release of encapsulated therapeutics. The formulation encompasses NPs laden with small interfering RNA targeting BACH1 (siBACH1) and the p53 activator PRIMA-1, creating a cohesive gel-nano system. Preliminary biological assessments demonstrate that this injectable, thermosensitive gel-nano system adheres effectively to esophageal tissue and targets EC cells. For better modeling clinical outcomes, a patient-derived organoid xenograft (PDOX) model was innovated, involving transplantation of EC-derived organoids into humanized mice, reconstructed with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Post-treatment analysis showed substantial EC growth inhibition (89.51% tumor inhibition rate), significant BACH1 level reduction, restored anti-tumor immune responses, and pronounced tumor apoptosis. In summary, our study introduces a thermosensitive gel-nano system for EC treatment via restoring p53 activity and boosting T-cell immunity, with potential for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiangtao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yi Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiali Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jian Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030013, China
| | - Ruifang Sun
- Department of Tumor Biobank, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/ Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030013, China.
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030013, China.
| | - Yourong Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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He S, Xu J, Liu X, Zhen Y. Advances and challenges in the treatment of esophageal cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:3379-3392. [PMID: 34900524 PMCID: PMC8642427 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common cancers with high morbidity and mortality rates. EC includes two histological subtypes, namely esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). ESCC primarily occurs in East Asia, whereas EAC occurs in Western countries. The currently available treatment strategies for EC include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, molecular targeted therapy, and combinations thereof. However, the prognosis remains poor, and the overall five-year survival rate is very low. Therefore, achieving the goal of effective treatment remains challenging. In this review, we discuss the latest developments in chemotherapy and molecular targeted therapy for EC, and comprehensively analyze the application prospects and existing problems of immunotherapy. Collectively, this review aims to provide a better understanding of the currently available drugs through in-depth analysis, promote the development of new therapeutic agents, and eventually improve the treatment outcomes of patients with EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiming He
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiujun Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yongsu Zhen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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Epstein RJ, Tian LJ, Gu YF. 2b or Not 2b: How Opposing FGF Receptor Splice Variants Are Blocking Progress in Precision Oncology. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:9955456. [PMID: 34007277 PMCID: PMC8110382 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9955456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
More than ten thousand peer-reviewed studies have assessed the role of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) in cancer, but few patients have yet benefited from drugs targeting this molecular family. Strategizing how best to use FGFR-targeted drugs is complicated by multiple variables, including RNA splicing events that alter the affinity of ligands for FGFRs and hence change the outcomes of stromal-epithelial interactions. The effects of splicing are most relevant to FGFR2; expression of the FGFR2b splice isoform can restore apoptotic sensitivity to cancer cells, whereas switching to FGFR2c may drive tumor progression by triggering epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The differentiating and regulatory actions of wild-type FGFR2b contrast with the proliferative actions of FGFR1 and FGFR3, and may be converted to mitogenicity either by splice switching or by silencing of tumor suppressor genes such as CDH1 or PTEN. Exclusive use of small-molecule pan-FGFR inhibitors may thus cause nonselective blockade of FGFR2 isoforms with opposing actions, undermining the rationale of FGFR2 drug targeting. This splice-dependent ability of FGFR2 to switch between tumor-suppressing and -driving functions highlights an unmet oncologic need for isoform-specific drug targeting, e.g., by antibody inhibition of ligand-FGFR2c binding, as well as for more nuanced molecular pathology prediction of FGFR2 actions in different stromal-tumor contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J. Epstein
- New Hope Cancer Center, Beijing United Hospital, 9-11 Jiangtai West Rd, Chaoyang, Beijing 100015, China
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research and UNSW Clinical School, 84 Victoria St, Darlinghurst 2010 Sydney, Australia
| | - Li Jun Tian
- New Hope Cancer Center, Beijing United Hospital, 9-11 Jiangtai West Rd, Chaoyang, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Yan Fei Gu
- New Hope Cancer Center, Beijing United Hospital, 9-11 Jiangtai West Rd, Chaoyang, Beijing 100015, China
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Luo H, Zhang T, Cheng P, Li D, Ogorodniitchouk O, Lahmamssi C, Wang G, Lan M. Therapeutic implications of fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors in a combination regimen for solid tumors. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:2525-2536. [PMID: 32782571 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of novel drugs targeting the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling pathway have been developed, including mostly tyrosine kinase inhibitors, selective inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies. Multiple preclinical and clinical studies have been conducted worldwide to ascertain their effects on diverse solid tumors. Drugs, such as lenvatinib, dovitinib and other non-specific FGFR inhibitors, widely used in clinical practice, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for cancer therapy, although the majority of drugs remain in preclinical tests or clinical research. The resistance to a single agent for FGFR inhibition with synthetic lethal action may be overcome by a combination of therapeutic approaches and FGFR inhibitors, which could also enhance the sensitivity to other therapeutics. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to describe the pharmacological characteristics of FGFR inhibitors that may be combined with other therapeutic agents and the preclinical data supporting their combination. Additionally, their clinical implications and the remaining challenges for FGFR inhibitor combination regimens are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Luo
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan 610083, P.R. China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan 610083, P.R. China
| | - Peng Cheng
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan 610083, P.R. China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan 610083, P.R. China
| | | | - Chaimaa Lahmamssi
- Institut de Cancérologie Lucien Neuwirth, 42270 Saint Priest en Jarez, France
| | - Ge Wang
- Cancer Center, Institute of Surgical Research, Third Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, P.R. China
| | - Meiling Lan
- Cancer Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (Jie Er Hospital), Chongqing 401120, P.R. China
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Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the most well-studied signaling pathways in cancer progression. As a result, numerous therapeutics including small-molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies have been developed to target this critical oncogenic driver. Several of these EGFR inhibitors (EGFRi) have been evaluated in metastatic breast cancer, as high-level EGFR expression in primary tumors correlates with the highly aggressive basal-like phenotype and predicts for poor patient prognosis. Surprisingly, these trials have been unanimously unsuccessful at improving patient outcomes. Numerous factors, such as lack of proper patient selection may have contributed to the failure of these trials. However, recent findings suggest that there are fundamental changes in EGFR signaling that take place during primary tumor invasion, dissemination and ultimate metastasis of breast cancer cells. Herein, we review the outcomes of EGFR-targeted clinical trials in breast cancer and explore our current understanding of EGFR signaling within primary mammary tumors and how these events are altered in the metastatic setting. Overall, we put forth the hypothesis that fundamental changes in EGFR signaling between primary and metastatic tumors, a process we term the 'EGFR paradox,' contribute to the clinically observed inherent resistance to EGFRi. Furthermore, this hypothesis introduces the possibility of utilizing EGFR agonism as a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
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Hofheinz RD, Kripp M, Lorenzen S. Combination of cetuximab with radio-chemotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer: less is more! J Thorac Dis 2016; 7:E629-32. [PMID: 26793377 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2015.12.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ralf-Dieter Hofheinz
- 1 TagesTherapieZentrum am Interdiziplinären Tumorzentrum, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Germany ; 2 III. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany
| | - Melanie Kripp
- 1 TagesTherapieZentrum am Interdiziplinären Tumorzentrum, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Germany ; 2 III. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany
| | - Sylvie Lorenzen
- 1 TagesTherapieZentrum am Interdiziplinären Tumorzentrum, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Germany ; 2 III. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany
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Ji F, Liu X, Wu Y, Fang X, Huang G. Overexpression of PI3K p110α contributes to acquired resistance to MET inhibitor, in MET-amplified SNU-5 gastric xenografts. Drug Des Devel Ther 2015; 9:5697-704. [PMID: 26543351 PMCID: PMC4622552 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s89410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most virulent malignant diseases and is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the world. The receptor tyrosine kinase MET is constitutively activated in many gastric cancers and its expression is strictly required for survival of some gastric cancer cells. Targeting gastric cancers with amplified or abnormally activated MET may have therapeutic benefit based on nonclinical and emerging clinical findings. However, one of the major problems of therapies targeting tyrosine kinases is that many tumors are not responsive to treatment or eventually develop resistance to the drugs. This study aims to understand the mechanisms of MET resistance in gastric SNU-5 xenografts which developed resistance to PHA665752, a MET inhibitor, through long-period tyrosine kinase inhibitor exposure. In the current study, we found that PI3K p110α is overexpressed in PHA665752-resistant SNU-5 xenografts. These findings showed that high PI3K p110α expression contributes to tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance. In addition, we reported the development of a carcinogen-induced gastric cancer model that recapitulates PI3K p110α expression in human disease, which will serve as a useful model to study PI3K p110α's biology and its effectiveness as a novel biomarker and a molecular target for gastric cancer. Ultimately, PI3K p110α represents a novel target for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujian Ji
- Department of General Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuanwen Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Jilin Central Hospital, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyu Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuedong Fang
- Department of General Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Guomin Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
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