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Chen YR, Xu ZX, Jiang LX, Dong ZW, Yu PF, Zhang Z, Gu GL. Analysis of clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of breast cancer brain metastasis. World J Clin Oncol 2023; 14:445-458. [PMID: 38059189 PMCID: PMC10696216 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v14.i11.445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) has become the most common malignancy in women. The incidence and detection rates of BC brain metastasis (BCBM) have increased with the progress of imaging, multidisciplinary treatment techniques and the extension of survival time of BC patients. BM seriously affects the quality of life and sur-vival prognosis of BC patients. Therefore, clinical research on the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of BCBM is valuable. By analyzing the clinicopathological parameters of BCBM patients, and assessing the risk factors and prognostic indicators, we can perform hierarchical diagnosis and treatment on the high-risk population of BCBM, and achieve clinical benefits of early diagnosis and treatment. AIM To explore the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of BCBM, and provide references for diagnosis, treatment and management of BCBM. METHODS The clinicopathological data of 68 BCBM patients admitted to the Air Force Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army (formerly Air Force General Hospital) from 2000 to 2022 were collected. Another 136 BC patients without BM were matched at a ratio of 1:2 based on the age and site of onset for retrospective analysis. Categorical data were subjected to χ2 test or Fisher's exact probability test, and the variables with P < 0.05 in the univariate Cox proportional hazards model were incorporated into the multivariate model to identify high-risk factors and independent prognostic factors of BCBM, with a hazard ratio (HR) > 1 suggesting poor prognostic factors. The survival time of patients was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and overall survival was compared between groups by log-rank test. RESULTS Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that patients with stage III/IV tumor at initial diagnosis [HR: 5.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.99-15.68], lung metastasis (HR: 24.18, 95%CI: 6.40-91.43), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-overexpressing BC and triple-negative BC were more prone to BM. As can be seen from the prognostic data, 52 of the 68 BCBM patients had died by the end of follow-up, and the median time from diagnosis of BC to the occurrence of BM and from the occurrence of BM to death or last follow-up was 33.5 and 14 mo, respectively. It was confirmed by multivariate Cox regression analysis that patients with neurological symptoms (HR: 1.923, 95%CI: 1.005-3.680), with bone metastasis (HR: 2.011, 95%CI: 1.056-3.831), and BM of HER2-overexpressing and triple-negative BC had shorter survival time. CONCLUSION HER2-overexpressing, triple-negative BC, late tumor stage and lung metastasis are risk factors of BM. The presence of neurological symptoms, bone metastasis, and molecular type are influencing prognosis factors of BCBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Rui Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Air Force Clinical College, China Medical University, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zu-Xin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Fifth Clinical College (Air Force Clinical College) of Anhui Medical University, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Li-Xin Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Air Force Clinical College, China Medical University, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Air Force Medical Center, Air Force Clinical College of China Medical University, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Peng-Fei Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Air Force Medical Center, Air Force Clinical College of China Medical University, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Air Force Medical Center, Air Force Clinical College of China Medical University, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Guo-Li Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Fifth Clinical College (Air Force Clinical College) of Anhui Medical University, Beijing 100142, China
- Department of General Surgery, Air Force Medical Center, Air Force Clinical College of China Medical University, Beijing 100142, China
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Alsabbagh R, Ahmed M, Alqudah MAY, Hamoudi R, Harati R. Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms Mediating Extravasation in Brain Metastasis of Breast Cancer, Melanoma, and Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082258. [PMID: 37190188 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis is an incurable end-stage of systemic cancer associated with poor prognosis, and its incidence is increasing. Brain metastasis occurs through a multi-step cascade where cancer cells spread from the primary tumor site to the brain. The extravasation of tumor cells through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical step in brain metastasis. During extravasation, circulating cancer cells roll along the brain endothelium (BE), adhere to it, then induce alterations in the endothelial barrier to transmigrate through the BBB and enter the brain. Rolling and adhesion are generally mediated by selectins and adhesion molecules induced by inflammatory mediators, while alterations in the endothelial barrier are mediated by proteolytic enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinase, and the transmigration step mediated by factors, including chemokines. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating extravasation are not yet fully understood. A better understanding of these mechanisms is essential as it may serve as the basis for the development of therapeutic strategies for the prevention or treatment of brain metastases. In this review, we summarize the molecular events that occur during the extravasation of cancer cells through the blood-brain barrier in three types of cancer most likely to develop brain metastasis: breast cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer. Common molecular mechanisms driving extravasation in these different tumors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Alsabbagh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Munazza Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad A Y Alqudah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7EJ, UK
| | - Rania Harati
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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Kaleem M, Dalhat MH, Azmi L, Asar TO, Ahmad W, Alghanmi M, Almostadi A, Zughaibi TA, Tabrez S. An Insight into Molecular Targets of Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911687. [PMID: 36232989 PMCID: PMC9569595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis is one of the major reasons of death in breast cancer (BC) patients, significantly affecting the quality of life, physical activity, and interdependence on several individuals. There is no clear evidence in scientific literature that depicts an exact mechanism relating to brain metastasis in BC patients. The tendency to develop breast cancer brain metastases (BCBMs) differs by the BC subtype, varying from almost half with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (HER2- ER- PR-), one-third with HER2+ (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive, and around one-tenth with luminal subclass (ER+ (estrogen positive) or PR+ (progesterone positive)) breast cancer. This review focuses on the molecular pathways as possible therapeutic targets of BCBMs and their potent drugs under different stages of clinical trial. In view of increased numbers of clinical trials and systemic studies, the scientific community is hopeful of unraveling the underlying mechanisms of BCBMs that will help in designing an effective treatment regimen with multiple molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Kaleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dadasaheb Balpande College of Pharmacy, Nagpur 440037, India
| | - Mahmood Hassan Dalhat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lubna Azmi
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Turky Omar Asar
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Arts at Alkamil, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 23218, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wasim Ahmad
- Department of Kuliyate Tib, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Kottigepalya, Bengaluru 560091, India
| | - Maimonah Alghanmi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Almostadi
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Torki A. Zughaibi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shams Tabrez
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence:
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Molecular Profiles of Brain Metastases: A Focus on Heterogeneity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112645. [PMID: 34071176 PMCID: PMC8198739 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Precision cancer medicine depends on the characterization of tumor samples, usually by a single-tumor biopsy, to administer an optimal therapeutic. However, primary tumors and their metastases are often heterogeneous. A metastatic lesion may harbor a completely different genetic makeup to that of its parent tumor, and a single tumor sampling may be ineffective in selecting the most efficient therapy. Brain metastases, due to their low availability and specific microenvironment, pose a particular challenge for precision medicine. In this review, we highlight the genetic landscape of brain metastases, with a particular focus on their heterogeneity. To illustrate this problem, we present phenotypic alterations in brain metastases originating from lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma. This article may help clinicians better understand alterations in brain metastases and the relevance of their heterogeneity. Abstract Brain metastasis is a common and devastating clinical entity. Intratumor heterogeneity in brain metastases poses a crucial challenge to precision medicine. However, advances in next-generation sequencing, new insight into the pathophysiology of driver mutations, and the creation of novel tumor models have allowed us to gain better insight into the genetic landscapes of brain metastases, their temporal evolution, and their response to various treatments. A plethora of genomic studies have identified the heterogeneous clonal landscape of tumors and, at the same time, introduced potential targets for precision medicine. As an example, we present phenotypic alterations in brain metastases originating from three malignancies with the highest brain metastasis frequency: lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma. We discuss the barriers to precision medicine, tumor heterogeneity, the significance of blood-based biomarkers in tracking clonal evolution, the phylogenetic relationship between primary and metastatic tumors, blood–brain barrier heterogeneity, and limitations to ongoing research.
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5
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Abstract
Metastasis of cancer cells to the brain occurs frequently in patients with certain subtypes of breast cancer. In particular, patients with HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer are at high risk for the development of brain metastases. Despite recent advances in the treatment of primary breast tumors, the prognosis of breast cancer patients with brain metastases remains poor. A better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying brain metastasis might be expected to lead to improvements in the overall survival rate for these patients. Recent studies have revealed complex interactions between metastatic cancer cells and their microenvironment in the brain. Such interactions result in the activation of various signaling pathways related to metastasis in both cancer cells and cells of the microenvironment including astrocytes and microglia. In this review, we focus on such interactions and on their role both in the metastatic process and as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Hosonaga
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
- Breast Medical Oncology Department, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Saya
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Arima
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
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Branco V, Pimentel J, Brito MA, Carvalho C. Thioredoxin, Glutathione and Related Molecules in Tumors of the Nervous System. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1878-1900. [PMID: 30706774 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190201113004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors have a poor survival prognosis due to their invasive and heterogeneous nature, in addition to the resistance to multiple treatments. OBJECTIVE In this paper, the main aspects of brain tumor biology and pathogenesis are reviewed both for primary tumors of the brain, (i.e., gliomas) and for metastasis from other malignant tumors, namely lung cancer, breast cancer and malignant melanoma which account for a high percentage of overall malignant brain tumors. We review the role of antioxidant systems, namely the thioredoxin and glutathione systems, in the genesis and/or progression of brain tumors. METHODS Although overexpression of Thioredoxin Reductase (TrxR) and Thioredoxin (Trx) is often linked to increased malignancy rate of brain tumors, and higher expression of Glutathione (GSH) and Glutathione S-Transferases (GST) are associated to resistance to therapy, several knowledge gaps still exist regarding for example, the role of Peroxiredoxins (Prx), and Glutaredoxins (Grx). CONCLUSION Due to their central role in redox homeostasis and ROS scavenging, redox systems are potential targets for new antitumorals and examples of innovative therapeutics aiming at improving success rates in brain tumor treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Branco
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José Pimentel
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Department of Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria (CHLN), Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-036 Lisboa, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon University, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-036 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristina Carvalho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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7
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Zhang C, Yu D. Suppressing immunotherapy by organ-specific tumor microenvironments: what is in the brain? Cell Biosci 2019; 9:82. [PMID: 31624532 PMCID: PMC6781341 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-019-0349-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy have led to curative efficacy and significantly prolonged survival in a subset of patients of multiple cancer types; and immunotherapy has become the newest pillar of cancer treatment in addition to surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and precision targeted therapies. In the metastatic disease setting, responses to immunotherapy are heterogeneous depending on the metastatic organ sites. The tissue-specific immuno-biology in the tumor microenvironments (TMEs) contributes to the differential therapeutic responses. Herein, we review the impact of tissue-specific tumor microenvironment on the efficacy of immunotherapy, with a focus on historically under-represented central nervous system (CNS) metastasis, which was excluded from most clinical trials. Retrospective examination of patient specimens and prospective clinical studies with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) have established that brain can harbor an “active” immune microenvironment for effective immunotherapy. Regulation by the innate immune microglial cells and remodeling of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) may contribute to immunotherapeutic responses mediated by T lymphocytes. How to convert an “inactive” (cold) brain microenvironment into an “active” (hot) brain TME should be the focus of future efforts. Thus, procurement and complete examination of clinical specimens from brain metastases as well as development of appropriate preclinical brain metastasis models susceptible to external manipulation of the TME are critical steps towards that goal. A deeper understanding of the immuno-biology in distinct organ microenvironments will help to expand the benefits of immunotherapy to more needed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Dihua Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
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8
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Wilhelm I, Fazakas C, Molnár K, Végh AG, Haskó J, Krizbai IA. Foe or friend? Janus-faces of the neurovascular unit in the formation of brain metastases. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2018; 38:563-587. [PMID: 28920514 PMCID: PMC5888855 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17732025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite the potential obstacle represented by the blood-brain barrier for extravasating malignant cells, metastases are more frequent than primary tumors in the central nervous system. Not only tightly interconnected endothelial cells can hinder metastasis formation, other cells of the brain microenvironment (like astrocytes and microglia) can also be very hostile, destroying the large majority of metastatic cells. However, malignant cells that are able to overcome these harmful mechanisms may benefit from the shielding and even support provided by cerebral endothelial cells, astrocytes and microglia, rendering the brain a sanctuary site against anti-tumor strategies. Thus, cells of the neurovascular unit have a Janus-faced attitude towards brain metastatic cells, being both destructive and protective. In this review, we present the main mechanisms of brain metastasis formation, including those involved in extravasation through the brain vasculature and survival in the cerebral environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Csilla Fazakas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kinga Molnár
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila G Végh
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - János Haskó
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István A Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
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9
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Laimito KR, Gámez-Pozo A, Sepúlveda J, Manso L, López-Vacas R, Pascual T, Fresno Vara JA, Ciruelos E. Characterisation of the triple negative breast cancer phenotype associated with the development of central nervous system metastases. Ecancermedicalscience 2016; 10:632. [PMID: 27170832 PMCID: PMC4854224 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2016.632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent tumour in women, representing 20–30% of all malignancies, and continues to be the leading cause of cancer deaths among European women. Triple-negative (TN) BC biological aggressiveness is associated with a higher dissemination rate, with central nervous system (CNS) metastases common. This study aims to elucidate the association between gene expression profiles of PTGS2, HBEGF and ST6GALNAC5 and the development of CNS metastases in TNBC. Methods This is a case-controlled retrospective study comparing patients (pts) with CNS metastases versus patients without them after adjuvant treatment. The selection of the samples was performed including 30 samples in both case and control groups. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples were retrieved from the Hospital 12 de Octubre Biobank. Five 10 µm sections from each FFPE sample were deparaffinised with xylene and washed with ethanol, and the RNA was then extracted with the RecoverAll Kit (Ambion). Gene expression was assessed using TaqMan assays. Results A total of 53 patients were included in the study. The average age was 55 years (range 25–85). About 47 patients (88.67%) had ductal histology and presented high grade (III) tumours (40 patients; 75.47%). Eight women in the case group presented first distant recurrence in the CNS (34.80%), local recurrence (three patients, 13.04%), lungs (two patients; 8.7%), bone (one patient; 4.34%) and other locations (seven patients; 30.38%). In the control group, first distant recurrence occurred locally (six patients; 46.1%), in bone (two patients; 15.4%), lungs (one patient; 7.7%) and other sites (four patients; 23.1%). RNA was successfully obtained from 53 out of 60 samples. PTGS2, HBEGF, and ST6GALNAC5 expression values were not related to metastasis location. Conclusion TN tumours frequently metastasise to the visceral organs, particularly lungs and brain, and are less common in bone. The literature suggests that expression of the three genes of interest (PTGS2, HBEGF, and ST6GALNAC5) could be different in TNBC patients with CNS metastasis when compared to patients without it. We did not find a differential expression pattern in PTGS2, HBEGF, and ST6GALNAC5 genes in primary TNBC showing CNS metastases. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of these genes in CNS metastases in TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerin Rojas Laimito
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Av. de Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Spain
| | - Angelo Gámez-Pozo
- I+D Department, Biomedica Molecular Medicine, CLAID building, Campus de Cantoblanco, Calle Faraday, 7, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Juan Sepúlveda
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Av. de Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Spain
| | - Luis Manso
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Av. de Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Spain
| | - Rocío López-Vacas
- Molecular Oncology and Pathology Lab, INGEMM, Hospital La Paz, Spain
| | - Tomás Pascual
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Av. de Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Spain
| | | | - Eva Ciruelos
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Av. de Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Spain
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Ahmad A, Ginnebaugh KR, Sethi S, Chen W, Ali R, Mittal S, Sarkar FH. miR-20b is up-regulated in brain metastases from primary breast cancers. Oncotarget 2016; 6:12188-95. [PMID: 25893380 PMCID: PMC4494931 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases are frequent in patients with advanced breast cancer and are associated with poor prognosis. However, unique molecular biomarkers have not yet been established. We hypothesized that microRNA-20b (miR-20b) plays a role in breast cancer brain metastasis. Our study cohort comprised of eleven breast cancer patients with brain metastasis and nine control patients (age, stage, and follow-up matched) with breast cancer without brain metastasis. Cases were reviewed microscopically to select tumor blocks with >50% tumor cells, RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue blocks and expression of miR-20b analyzed using qRT-PCR. We further tested the effect of miR-20b overexpression on colony formation and invasion in vitro using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. In the patient-derived samples, miR-20b expression was significantly higher in brain metastases of breast cancer patients, compared to primary breast tumors as well as the patients without brain metastasis. miR-20b also significantly induced the colony formation and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. Further, miR-20b levels were observed to be high in brain-metastasizing cells, compared to bone-metastasizing cells. Together, our findings suggest a novel role of miR-20b in breast cancer brain metastasis that warrants further investigation for its potential to be developed as prognostic and/or therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamir Ahmad
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Kevin R Ginnebaugh
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Seema Sethi
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Rouba Ali
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sandeep Mittal
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Fazlul H Sarkar
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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11
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Ahmad A, Sethi S, Chen W, Ali-Fehmi R, Mittal S, Sarkar FH. Up-regulation of microRNA-10b is associated with the development of breast cancer brain metastasis. Am J Transl Res 2014; 6:384-390. [PMID: 25075255 PMCID: PMC4113500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Brain metastases from primary breast cancer are difficult to treat and associated with poor prognosis. Our understanding of the molecular basis for the development of such cancers is sparse. We hypothesized that the pro-metastatic microRNA-10b (miR-10b) plays a role in breast cancer brain metastasis. The study cohort comprised of twenty patients with breast cancer and brain metastasis as well as ten control patients (age, stage, and follow-up matched) with breast cancer without brain metastasis. All cases were microscopically reviewed to select tumor blocks with >50% tumor cells. RNA was extracted from formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue blocks. Expression of miR-10b was analyzed using qRT-PCR. The relevance of miR-10b expression was also tested using human breast cancer cell lines. An increased expression of miR-10b was noted in the primary breast cancer specimens of patients who subsequently developed brain metastasis, compared to those who did not. miR-10b also increased the invasive potential of breast cancer cells in vitro. Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed a statistically significant difference between the paired tumors from breast cancers and brain metastasis (p <0.001). Increased expression of miR-10b appears to be associated with breast cancer brain metastasis. These findings are clinically relevant since miR-10b could serve as a prognostic and/or therapeutic target for anti-metastatic therapy. Identifying molecular signatures of primary breast cancers which have a propensity for brain metastasis is critical for designing novel therapies to counter the development of brain metastasis in patients diagnosed with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamir Ahmad
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer InstituteDetroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Seema Sethi
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer InstituteDetroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer InstituteDetroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Rouba Ali-Fehmi
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer InstituteDetroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sandeep Mittal
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer InstituteDetroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer InstituteDetroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Fazlul H Sarkar
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer InstituteDetroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer InstituteDetroit, Michigan, USA
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