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Harris AL, Kerr DJ, Pezzella F, Ribatti D. Accessing the vasculature in cancer: revising an old hallmark. Trends Cancer 2024:S2405-8033(24)00170-5. [PMID: 39358088 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
The classic cancer hallmark, inducing angiogenesis, was born out of the long-held notion that tumours could grow only if new vessels were formed. The attempts, based on this premise, to therapeutically restrain angiogenesis in hopes of controlling tumour growth have been less effective than expected. This is partly because primary and metastatic tumours can grow without angiogenesis. The discovery of nonangiogenic cancers and the mechanisms they use to exploit normal vessels, called 'vessel co-option,' has opened a new field in cancer biology. Consequently, the cancer hallmark, 'inducing angiogenesis,' has been modified to 'inducing or accessing vasculature.'
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David J Kerr
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Francesco Pezzella
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Traslazionale e Neuroscienze, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
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2
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Gan S, Macalinao DG, Shahoei SH, Tian L, Jin X, Basnet H, Bibby C, Muller JT, Atri P, Seffar E, Chatila W, Karacay A, Chanda P, Hadjantonakis AK, Schultz N, Brogi E, Bale TA, Moss NS, Murali R, Pe'er D, Massagué J. Distinct tumor architectures and microenvironments for the initiation of breast cancer metastasis in the brain. Cancer Cell 2024:S1535-6108(24)00314-3. [PMID: 39270646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Brain metastasis, a serious complication of cancer, hinges on the initial survival, microenvironment adaptation, and outgrowth of disseminated cancer cells. To understand the early stages of brain colonization, we investigated two prevalent sources of cerebral relapse, triple-negative (TNBC) and HER2+ (HER2BC) breast cancers. Using mouse models and human tissue samples, we found that these tumor types colonize the brain, with a preference for distinctive tumor architectures, stromal interfaces, and autocrine programs. TNBC models tend to form perivascular sheaths with diffusive contact with astrocytes and microglia. In contrast, HER2BC models tend to form compact spheroids driven by autonomous tenascin C production, segregating stromal cells to the periphery. Single-cell transcriptomics of the tumor microenvironment revealed that these architectures evoke differential Alzheimer's disease-associated microglia (DAM) responses and engagement of the GAS6 receptor AXL. The spatial features of the two modes of brain colonization have relevance for leveraging the stroma to treat brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siting Gan
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Danilo G Macalinao
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sayyed Hamed Shahoei
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lin Tian
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xin Jin
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
| | - Harihar Basnet
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Catherine Bibby
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - James T Muller
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Pranita Atri
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Evan Seffar
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Walid Chatila
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ali Karacay
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Pharto Chanda
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nikolaus Schultz
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Edi Brogi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tejus A Bale
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nelson S Moss
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Rajmohan Murali
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dana Pe'er
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Joan Massagué
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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3
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Zhou M, Lin Y, Chen H, Zhao M, Zeng Y, Hu X, Tang P, Fu Y, Wei L, Han L. Brain-tumor-seeking and serpin-inhibiting outer membrane vesicles restore plasmin-mediated attacks against brain metastases. J Control Release 2024; 375:116-126. [PMID: 39236899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Many chemotherapeutic and molecular targeted drugs have been used to treat brain metastases, e.g., anti-angiogenic vandetanib. However, the blood-brain barrier and brain-specific resistance mechanisms make these systemic therapeutic approaches inefficacious. Brain metastatic cancer cells could mimic neurons to upregulate multiple serpins and secrete them into the extracellular environment to reduce local plasmin production to promote L1CAM-mediated vessel co-option and resist anti-angiogenesis therapy. Here, we developed brain-tumor-seeking and serpin-inhibiting outer membrane vesicles (DE@OMVs) to traverse across the blood-brain barrier, bypass neurons, and specially enter metastatic cancer cells via targeting GRP94 and vimentin. Through specific delivery of dexamethasone and embelin, reduced serpin secretion, restored plasmin production, significant L1CAM inactivation and tumor cell apoptosis were specially found in intracranial metastatic regions, leading to delayed tumor growth and prolonged survival in mice with brain metastases. By combining the brain-tumor-seeking properties with the regulation of the serpin/plasminogen activator/plasmin/L1CAM axis, this study provides a potent and highly-selective systemic therapeutic option for brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yuteng Zeng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Puxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yuxuan Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Liang Han
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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4
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Ahuja S, Lazar IM. Proteomic insights into breast cancer response to brain cell-secreted factors. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19351. [PMID: 39169222 PMCID: PMC11339284 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70386-7] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The most devastating feature of cancer cells is their ability to metastasize to distant sites in the body. HER2 + and TN breast cancers frequently metastasize to the brain and stay potentially dormant for years until favorable conditions support their proliferation. The sheltered and delicate nature of the brain prevents, however, early disease detection and effective delivery of therapeutic drugs. Moreover, the challenges associated with the acquisition of brain biopsies add compounding difficulties to exploring the mechanistic aspects of tumor development. To provide insights into the determinants of cancer cell behavior at the brain metastatic site, this study was aimed at exploring the early response of HER2 + breast cancer cells (SKBR3) to factors present in the brain perivascular niche. The neural microenvironment was simulated by using the secretome of a set of brain cells that come first in contact with the cancer cells upon crossing the blood brain barrier, i.e., endothelial cells, astrocytes, and microglia. Cytokine microarrays were used to investigate the secretome mediators of intercellular communication, and proteomic technologies for assessing the changes in the behavior of cancer cells upon exposure to the brain cell-secreted factors. The cytokines detected in the brain secretomes were supportive of inflammatory conditions, while the SKBR3 cells secreted numerous cancer-promoting growth factors that were either absent or present in lower abundance in the brain cell cultures, indicating that upon exposure the SKBR3 cells may have been deprived of favorable conditions for optimal growth. Altogether, the results suggest that the exposure of SKBR3 cells to the brain cell-secreted factors altered their growth potential and drove them toward a state of quiescence, with broader overall outcomes that affected cellular metabolism, adhesion and immune response processes. The findings of this study underscore the key role played by the neural niche in shaping the behavior of metastasized cancer cells, provide insights into the cellular cross-talk that may lead cancer cells into dormancy, and highlight novel opportunities for the development of metastatic breast cancer therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Ahuja
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Iulia M Lazar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
- Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
- Division of Systems Biology/AIS, Virginia Tech, 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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5
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Hunt AL, Khan I, Wu AML, Makohon-Moore SC, Hood BL, Conrads KA, Abulez T, Ogata J, Mitchell D, Gist G, Oliver J, Wei D, Chung MA, Rahman S, Bateman NW, Zhang W, Conrads TP, Steeg PS. The murine metastatic microenvironment of experimental brain metastases of breast cancer differs by host age in vivo: a proteomic study. Clin Exp Metastasis 2024; 41:229-249. [PMID: 37917186 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-023-10233-7] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer in young patients is known to exhibit more aggressive biological behavior and is associated with a less favorable prognosis than the same disease in older patients, owing in part to an increased incidence of brain metastases. The mechanistic explanations behind these findings remain poorly understood. We recently reported that young mice, in comparison to older mice, developed significantly greater brain metastases in four mouse models of triple-negative and luminal B breast cancer. Here we have performed a quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis to identify proteins potentially contributing to age-related disparities in the development of breast cancer brain metastases. Using a mouse hematogenous model of brain-tropic triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231BR), we harvested subpopulations of tumor metastases, the tumor-adjacent metastatic microenvironment, and uninvolved brain tissues via laser microdissection followed by quantitative proteomic analysis using high resolution mass spectrometry to characterize differentially abundant proteins potentially contributing to age-dependent rates of brain metastasis. Pathway analysis revealed significant alterations in signaling pathways, particularly in the metastatic microenvironment, modulating tumorigenesis, metabolic processes, inflammation, and neuronal signaling. Tenascin C (TNC) was significantly elevated in all laser microdissection (LMD) enriched compartments harvested from young mice relative to older hosts, which was validated and confirmed by immunoblot analysis of whole brain lysates. Additional in vitro studies including migration and wound-healing assays demonstrated TNC as a positive regulator of tumor cell migration. These results provide important new insights regarding microenvironmental factors, including TNC, as mechanisms contributing to the increased brain cancer metastatic phenotype observed in young breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Hunt
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Inova Women's Service Line, Inova Health System, 3289 Woodburn Rd, Annandale, VA, 22042, USA
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
| | - Imran Khan
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Alex M L Wu
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Zymeworks Inc, Vancouver, BC, V5T 1G4, Canada
| | - Sasha C Makohon-Moore
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Brian L Hood
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Kelly A Conrads
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Tamara Abulez
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Jonathan Ogata
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Dave Mitchell
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Glenn Gist
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Julie Oliver
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Debbie Wei
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Monika A Chung
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 S Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Samiur Rahman
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nicholas W Bateman
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
- Department of Surgery, The John P. Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Uniformed Services University, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Thomas P Conrads
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Inova Women's Service Line, Inova Health System, 3289 Woodburn Rd, Annandale, VA, 22042, USA.
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA.
- Department of Surgery, The John P. Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Uniformed Services University, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA.
| | - Patricia S Steeg
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Grasset EM, Barillé-Nion S, Juin PP. Stress in the metastatic journey - the role of cell communication and clustering in breast cancer progression and treatment resistance. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050542. [PMID: 38506114 PMCID: PMC10979546 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050542] [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] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stands as the most prevalent malignancy afflicting women. Despite significant advancements in its diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer metastasis continues to be a leading cause of mortality among women. To metastasize, cancer cells face numerous challenges: breaking away from the primary tumor, surviving in the circulation, establishing in a distant location, evading immune detection and, finally, thriving to initiate a new tumor. Each of these sequential steps requires cancer cells to adapt to a myriad of stressors and develop survival mechanisms. In addition, most patients with breast cancer undergo surgical removal of their primary tumor and have various therapeutic interventions designed to eradicate cancer cells. Despite this plethora of attacks and stresses, certain cancer cells not only manage to persist but also proliferate robustly, giving rise to substantial tumors that frequently culminate in the patient's demise. To enhance patient outcomes, there is an imperative need for a deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that empower cancer cells to not only survive but also expand. Herein, we delve into the intrinsic stresses that cancer cells encounter throughout the metastatic journey and the additional stresses induced by therapeutic interventions. We focus on elucidating the remarkable strategies adopted by cancer cells, such as cell-cell clustering and intricate cell-cell communication mechanisms, to ensure their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloïse M. Grasset
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- Équipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Sophie Barillé-Nion
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- Équipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Philippe P. Juin
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- Équipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, 44805 Saint Herblain, France
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7
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Wang S, Riedstra CP, Zhang Y, Anandh S, Dudley AC. PTEN-restoration abrogates brain colonisation and perivascular niche invasion by melanoma cells. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:555-567. [PMID: 38148377 PMCID: PMC10876963 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02530-5] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma brain metastases (MBM) continue to be a significant clinical problem with limited treatment options. Highly invasive melanoma cells migrate along the vasculature and perivascular cells may contribute to residual disease and recurrence. PTEN loss and hyperactivation of AKT occur in MBM; however, a role for PTEN/AKT in perivascular invasion has not been described. METHODS We used in vivo intracranial injections of murine melanoma and bulk RNA sequencing of melanoma cells co-cultured with brain endothelial cells (brECs) to investigate brain colonisation and perivascular invasion. RESULTS We found that PTEN-null melanoma cells were highly efficient at colonising the perivascular niche relative to PTEN-expressing counterparts. PTEN re-expression (PTEN-RE) in melanoma cells significantly reduced brain colonisation and migration along the vasculature. We hypothesised this phenotype was mediated through vascular-induced TGFβ secretion, which drives AKT phosphorylation. Disabling TGFβ signalling in melanoma cells reduced colonisation and perivascular invasion; however, the introduction of constitutively active myristolated-AKT (myrAKT) restored overall tumour size but not perivascular invasion. CONCLUSIONS PTEN loss facilitates perivascular brain colonisation and invasion of melanoma. TGFβ-AKT signalling partially contributes to this phenotype, but further studies are needed to determine the complementary mechanisms that enable melanoma cells to both survive and spread along the brain vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Caroline P Riedstra
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Swetha Anandh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Andrew C Dudley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
- The University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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8
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Carrera-Aguado I, Marcos-Zazo L, Carrancio-Salán P, Guerra-Paes E, Sánchez-Juanes F, Muñoz-Félix JM. The Inhibition of Vessel Co-Option as an Emerging Strategy for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:921. [PMID: 38255995 PMCID: PMC10815934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020921] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Vessel co-option (VCO) is a non-angiogenic mechanism of vascularization that has been associated to anti-angiogenic therapy. In VCO, cancer cells hijack the pre-existing blood vessels and use them to obtain oxygen and nutrients and invade adjacent tissue. Multiple primary tumors and metastases undergo VCO in highly vascularized tissues such as the lungs, liver or brain. VCO has been associated with a worse prognosis. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that undergo VCO are poorly understood. Recent studies have demonstrated that co-opted vessels show a quiescent phenotype in contrast to angiogenic tumor blood vessels. On the other hand, it is believed that during VCO, cancer cells are adhered to basement membrane from pre-existing blood vessels by using integrins, show enhanced motility and a mesenchymal phenotype. Other components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) such as extracellular matrix, immune cells or extracellular vesicles play important roles in vessel co-option maintenance. There are no strategies to inhibit VCO, and thus, to eliminate resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy. This review summarizes all the molecular mechanisms involved in vessel co-option analyzing the possible therapeutic strategies to inhibit this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Carrera-Aguado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Laura Marcos-Zazo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Patricia Carrancio-Salán
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Guerra-Paes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Fernando Sánchez-Juanes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - José M. Muñoz-Félix
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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9
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Giordano G, Griguolo G, Landriscina M, Meattini I, Carbone F, Leone A, Del Re M, Fogli S, Danesi R, Colamaria A, Dieci MV. Multidisciplinary management of HER2-positive breast cancer with brain metastases: An evidence-based pragmatic approach moving from pathophysiology to clinical data. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 192:104185. [PMID: 37863404 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION About 30-50 % of stage IV HER2+ breast cancers (BC) will present brain metastases (BMs). Their management is based on both local treatment and systemic therapy. Despite therapeutic advances, BMs still impact on survival and quality of life and the development of more effective systemic therapies represents an unmet clinical need. MATERIALS AND METHODS A thorough analysis of the published literature including ongoing clinical trials has been performed, investigating concepts spanning from the pathophysiology of tumor microenvironment to clinical considerations with the aim to summarize the current and future locoregional and systemic strategies. RESULTS Different trials have investigated monotherapies and combination treatments, highlighting how the blood-brain barrier (BBB) represents a major problem hindering diffusion and consequently efficacy of such options. Trastuzumab has long been the mainstay of systemic therapy and over the last two decades other HER2-targeted agents including lapatinib, pertuzumab, and trastuzumab emtansine, as well as more recently neratinib, tucatinib, and trastuzumab deruxtecan, have been introduced in clinical practice after showing promising results in randomized controlled trials. CONCLUSIONS We ultimately propose an evidence-based treatment algorithm for clinicians treating HER2 + BCs patients with BMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Giordano
- Unit of Medical Oncology and Biomolecular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - Policlinico Riuniti, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy.
| | - Gaia Griguolo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova 35128, Italy; Division of Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padova 35128, Italy
| | - Matteo Landriscina
- Unit of Medical Oncology and Biomolecular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - Policlinico Riuniti, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Icro Meattini
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Oncology Department, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy; Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences M Serio, University of Florence, Florence, Italy, Oncology Department, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Carbone
- Department of Neurosurgery, Städtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe, Karlsruher Neurozentrum, Karlsruhe 76133, Germany
| | - Augusto Leone
- Department of Neurosurgery, Städtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe, Karlsruher Neurozentrum, Karlsruhe 76133, Germany; Faculty of Human Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Marzia Del Re
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Fogli
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Romano Danesi
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Colamaria
- Division of Neurosurgery, Policlinico Riuniti Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Dieci
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova 35128, Italy; Division of Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padova 35128, Italy
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10
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Nolan E, Kang Y, Malanchi I. Mechanisms of Organ-Specific Metastasis of Breast Cancer. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041326. [PMID: 36987584 PMCID: PMC10626265 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis, or the development of secondary tumors in distant tissues, accounts for the vast majority of fatalities in patients with breast cancer. Breast cancer cells show a striking proclivity to metastasize to distinct organs, specifically the lung, liver, bone, and brain, where they face unique environmental pressures and a wide variety of tissue-resident cells that together create a strong barrier for tumor survival and growth. As a consequence, successful metastatic colonization is critically dependent on reciprocal cross talk between cancer cells and host cells within the target organ, a relationship that shapes the formation of a tumor-supportive microenvironment. Here, we discuss the mechanisms governing organ-specific metastasis in breast cancer, focusing on the intricate interactions between metastatic cells and specific niche cells within a secondary organ, and the remarkable adaptations of both compartments that cooperatively support cancer growth. More broadly, we aim to provide a framework for the microenvironmental prerequisites within each distinct metastatic site for successful breast cancer metastatic seeding and outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Nolan
- Tumour Host Interaction laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, United Kingdom
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Yibin Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Princeton Branch, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Ilaria Malanchi
- Tumour Host Interaction laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, United Kingdom
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11
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Chakraborty S, Banerjee S. Understanding crosstalk of organ tropism, tumor microenvironment and noncoding RNAs in breast cancer metastasis. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:9601-9623. [PMID: 37792172 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08852-0] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is one of the major clinical challenges worldwide due to limited existing effective treatments. Metastasis roots from the host organ of origin and gradually migrates to different regional and distant organs. In different breast cancer subtypes, different organs like bones, liver, lungs and brain are targeted by the metastatic tumor cells. Cancer renders mortality to their respective metastasizing sites like bones, brain, liver, and lungs. Metastatic breast cancers are best treated and managed if detected at an early stage. Metastasis is regulated by various molecular activators and suppressors. The conventional theory of 'seed and soil' states that metastatic tumor cells move to tumor microenvironment that has favorable conditions like blood flow for them to grow just like seeds grows when planted in fertile land. Additionally, different coding as well as non-coding RNAs play a very significant role in the process of metastasis by modulating their expression levels leading to a crosstalk of various tumorigenic cascades. Treatments for metastasis is also very critical in controlling this lethal process. Detecting breast cancer metastasis at an early stage is crucial for managing and predicting metastatic progression. In this review, we have compiled several factors that can be targeted to manage the onset and gradual stages of breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohini Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Satarupa Banerjee
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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12
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Ahuja S, Lazar IM. Proteomic Insights into Metastatic Breast Cancer Response to Brain Cell-Secreted Factors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.22.563488. [PMID: 37961261 PMCID: PMC10634729 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.22.563488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The most devastating feature of cancer cells is their ability to metastasize to distant sites in the body. HER2+ and triple negative breast cancers frequently metastasize to the brain and stay potentially dormant for years, clinging to the microvasculature, until favorable environmental conditions support their proliferation. The sheltered and delicate nature of the brain prevents, however, early disease detection, diagnosis, and effective delivery of therapeutic drugs. Moreover, the challenges associated with the acquisition of brain tissues and biopsies add compounding difficulties to exploring the mechanistic aspects of tumor development, leading to slow progress in understanding the drivers of disease progression and response to therapy. To provide insights into the determinants of cancer cell behavior at the brain metastatic site, this study was aimed at exploring the growth and initial response of HER2+ breast cancer cells (SKBR3) to factors present in the brain perivascular niche. The neural microenvironment conditions were simulated by using the secretome of a set of brain cells that come first in contact with the cancer cells upon crossing the blood brain barrier, i.e., human endothelial cells (HBEC5i), human astrocytes (NHA) and human microglia (HMC3) cells. Cytokine microarrays were used to investigate the cell secretomes and explore the mediators responsible for cell-cell communication, and proteomic technologies for assessing the changes in the behavior of cancer cells upon exposure to the brain cell-secreted factors. The results of the study suggest that the exposure of SKBR3 cells to the brain secretomes altered their growth potential and drove them towards a state of quiescence. The cytokines, growth factors and enzymes detected in the brain cell-conditioned medium were supportive of mostly inflammatory conditions, indicating a collective functional contribution to cell activation, defense, inflammatory responses, chemotaxis, adhesion, angiogenesis, and ECM organization. The SKBR3 cells, on the other hand, secreted numerous cancer-promoting growth factors that were either absent or present in lower abundance in the brain cell culture media, suggesting that upon exposure the SKBR3 cells were deprived of favorable environmental conditions required for optimal growth. The findings of this study underscore the key role played by the neural niche in shaping the behavior of metastasized cancer cells, providing insights into the cancer-host cell cross-talk that contributes to driving metastasized cancer cells into dormancy and into the opportunities that exist for developing novel therapeutic strategies that target the brain metastases of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Ahuja
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Iulia M. Lazar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061
- Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061
- Division of Systems Biology/AIS, Virginia Tech 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061
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13
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Duan W, Xia S, Tang M, Lin M, Liu W, Wang Q. Targeting of endothelial cells in brain tumours. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1433. [PMID: 37830128 PMCID: PMC10570772 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1433] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aggressive brain tumours, whether primary gliomas or secondary metastases, are characterised by hypervascularisation and are fatal. Recent research has emphasised the crucial involvement of endothelial cells (ECs) in all brain tumour genesis and development events, with various patterns and underlying mechanisms identified. MAIN BODY Here, we highlight recent advances in knowledge about the contributions of ECs to brain tumour development, providing a comprehensive summary including descriptions of interactions between ECs and tumour cells, the heterogeneity of ECs and new models for research on ECs in brain malignancies. We also discuss prospects for EC targeting in novel therapeutic approaches. CONCLUSION Interventions targeting ECs, as an adjunct to other therapies (e.g. immunotherapies, molecular-targeted therapies), have shown promising clinical efficacy due to the high degree of vascularisation in brain tumours. Developing precise strategies to target tumour-associated vessels based on the heterogeneity of ECs is expected to improve anti-vascular efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhe Duan
- Department of Respiratory MedicineThe Second HospitalDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Shengkai Xia
- Department of Respiratory MedicineThe Second HospitalDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Mengyi Tang
- Department of Respiratory MedicineThe Second HospitalDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Manqing Lin
- Department of Respiratory MedicineThe Second HospitalDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Wenwen Liu
- Cancer Translational Medicine Research CenterThe Second HospitalDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Respiratory MedicineThe Second HospitalDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
- Cancer Translational Medicine Research CenterThe Second HospitalDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
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14
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Mészáros Á, Molnár K, Fazakas C, Nógrádi B, Lüvi A, Dudás T, Tiszlavicz L, Farkas AE, Krizbai IA, Wilhelm I. Inflammasome activation in peritumoral astrocytes is a key player in breast cancer brain metastasis development. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:155. [PMID: 37749707 PMCID: PMC10521486 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01646-2] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammasomes, primarily responsible for the activation of IL-1β, have emerged as critical regulators of the tumor microenvironment. By using in vivo and in vitro brain metastasis models, as well as human samples to study the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) brain metastases, we found NLRP3 inflammasome components and IL-1β to be highly and specifically expressed in peritumoral astrocytes. Soluble factors from TNBC cells induced upregulation and activation of NLRP3 and IL-1β in astrocytes, while astrocyte-derived mediators augmented the proliferation of metastatic cells. In addition, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activity using MCC950 or dampening the downstream effect of IL-1β prevented the proliferation increase in cancer cells. In vivo, MCC950 reduced IL-1β expression in peritumoral astrocytes, as well as the levels of inflammasome components and active IL-1β. Most importantly, significantly retarded growth of brain metastatic tumors was observed in mice treated with MCC950. Overall, astrocytes contribute to TNBC progression in the brain through activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and consequent IL-1β release. We conclude that pharmacological targeting of inflammasomes may become a novel strategy in controlling brain metastatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ádám Mészáros
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kinga Molnár
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csilla Fazakas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bernát Nógrádi
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Adél Lüvi
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamás Dudás
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
- Theoretical Medicine Doctoral School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Attila Elek Farkas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Adorján Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary.
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.
| | - Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary.
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.
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15
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McDonald B, Barth K, Schmidt MHH. The origin of brain malignancies at the blood-brain barrier. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:282. [PMID: 37688612 PMCID: PMC10492883 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04934-1] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite improvements in extracranial therapy, survival rate for patients suffering from brain metastases remains very poor. This is coupled with the incidence of brain metastases continuing to rise. In this review, we focus on core contributions of the blood-brain barrier to the origin of brain metastases. We first provide an overview of the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier under physiological conditions. Next, we discuss the emerging idea of a pre-metastatic niche, namely that secreted factors and extracellular vesicles from a primary tumor site are able to travel through the circulation and prime the neurovasculature for metastatic invasion. We then consider the neurotropic mechanisms that circulating tumor cells possess or develop that facilitate disruption of the blood-brain barrier and survival in the brain's parenchyma. Finally, we compare and contrast brain metastases at the blood-brain barrier to the primary brain tumor, glioma, examining the process of vessel co-option that favors the survival and outgrowth of brain malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brennan McDonald
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Kathrin Barth
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mirko H H Schmidt
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, Dresden, Germany
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16
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Dudley AC, Griffioen AW. Pathological angiogenesis: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Angiogenesis 2023; 26:313-347. [PMID: 37060495 PMCID: PMC10105163 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-023-09876-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
In multicellular organisms, angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, is an essential process for growth and development. Different mechanisms such as vasculogenesis, sprouting, intussusceptive, and coalescent angiogenesis, as well as vessel co-option, vasculogenic mimicry and lymphangiogenesis, underlie the formation of new vasculature. In many pathological conditions, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, arthritis, psoriasis, endometriosis, obesity and SARS-CoV-2(COVID-19), developmental angiogenic processes are recapitulated, but are often done so without the normal feedback mechanisms that regulate the ordinary spatial and temporal patterns of blood vessel formation. Thus, pathological angiogenesis presents new challenges yet new opportunities for the design of vascular-directed therapies. Here, we provide an overview of recent insights into blood vessel development and highlight novel therapeutic strategies that promote or inhibit the process of angiogenesis to stabilize, reverse, or even halt disease progression. In our review, we will also explore several additional aspects (the angiogenic switch, hypoxia, angiocrine signals, endothelial plasticity, vessel normalization, and endothelial cell anergy) that operate in parallel to canonical angiogenesis mechanisms and speculate how these processes may also be targeted with anti-angiogenic or vascular-directed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Dudley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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17
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Zhou M, Chen H, Zeng Y, Lv Z, Hu X, Tong Y, Wang P, Zhao M, Mu R, Yu J, Chen Y, Wei L, Gu J, Lan Q, Zhen X, Han L. DH5α Outer Membrane-Coated Biomimetic Nanocapsules Deliver Drugs to Brain Metastases but not Normal Brain Cells via Targeting GRP94. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2300403. [PMID: 37104822 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Receptor-mediated vesicular transport has been extensively developed to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and has emerged as a class of powerful brain-targeting delivery technologies. However, commonly used BBB receptors such as transferrin receptor and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1, are also expressed in normal brain parenchymal cells and can cause drug distribution in normal brain tissues and subsequent neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment. Here, the endoplasmic reticulum residing protein GRP94 is found upregulated and relocated to the cell membrane of both BBB endothelial cells and brain metastatic breast cancer cells (BMBCCs) by preclinical and clinical investigations. Inspired by that Escherichia coli penetrates the BBB via the binding of its outer membrane proteins with GRP94, avirulent DH5α outer membrane protein-coated nanocapsules (Omp@NCs) are developed to cross the BBB, avert normal brain cells, and target BMBCCs via recognizing GRP94. Embelin (EMB)-loaded Omp@EMB specifically reduce neuroserpin in BMBCCs, which inhibits vascular cooption growth and induces apoptosis of BMBCCs by restoring plasmin. Omp@EMB plus anti-angiogenic therapy prolongs the survival of mice with brain metastases. This platform holds the translational potential to maximize therapeutic effects on GRP94-positive brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
- MJiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yuteng Zeng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Ziyan Lv
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yang Tong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Pan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Mei Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Rui Mu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Ju Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P. R. China
| | - Yanming Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P. R. China
| | - Lin Wei
- MJiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, P. R. China
| | - Jiang Gu
- National Engineering Research Centre of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Qing Lan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P. R. China
| | - Xuechu Zhen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Liang Han
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
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18
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Kim AE, Nieblas-Bedolla E, de Sauvage MA, Brastianos PK. Leveraging translational insights toward precision medicine approaches for brain metastases. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:955-967. [PMID: 37491527 PMCID: PMC10644911 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00585-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Due to increasing incidence and limited treatments, brain metastases (BM) are an emerging unmet need in modern oncology. Development of effective therapeutics has been hindered by unique challenges. Individual steps of the brain metastatic cascade are driven by distinctive biological processes, suggesting that BM possess intrinsic biological differences compared to primary tumors. Here, we discuss the unique physiology and metabolic constraints specific to BM as well as emerging treatment strategies that leverage potential vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert E Kim
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edwin Nieblas-Bedolla
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Magali A de Sauvage
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Priscilla K Brastianos
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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19
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Maraqah HH, Abu-Asab MS, Lee HS, Aboud O. Astrocytoma and glioblastoma IDH1-wildtype cells colonize tumor vessels and deploy vascular mimicry. Ultrastruct Pathol 2023:1-8. [PMID: 37144386 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2023.2205927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Gliomas are the most prevalent type of malignant brain tumors with a very dismal prognosis. Angiogenesis in glioma has recently gotten more attention and its molecular aspects have been published; however, these were not complemented with ultrastructural evidence. Our ultrastructural examination of glioma vessels reveals several unique and critical features related to their mechanisms of progression and metastasis strategy. The detailed ultrastructural survey of 18 isocitrate dehydrogenase-wildtype (IDH1-wt) glioblastomas and 12 isocitrate dehydrogenase-mutant (IDH1-mt) High-grade gliomas indicated that tumor vessels of both types had undergone deformities such as the thickening of the vessel wall (VW) and proliferation of the basement membrane, contour distortions, abnormal and discontinuous basal lamina, tumor cells' invasion and colonization of VW, disappearance of endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes, and smooth muscle cells, as well as the formation of a continuous ring of tumor cells attached to the luminal side of VW in numerous cases. The latter feature is a clear sign of vascular mimicry (VM) that was previously suggested in gliomas but never shown by TEM. Additionally, the vascular invasion was carried out by a large number of tumor cells and was accompanied by the accumulation of tumor lipids in the vessels' lumina and VWs; these two features are distinct for gliomas and may alter the course of the clinical presentation and overall prognosis. This raises the issue of how to specifically target tumor cells involved in vascular invasion in order to optimize prognosis and overcome these mechanisms employed by the tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham H Maraqah
- Medicine & Health Science Faculty, School of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, PS, Palestine
| | - Mones S Abu-Asab
- EM Lab, Biological Imaging Core, National Eye Institute/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Han Sung Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Orwa Aboud
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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20
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Sakibuzzaman M, Mahmud S, Afroze T, Fathma S, Zakia UB, Afroz S, Zafar F, Hossain M, Barua A, Akter S, Chowdhury HI, Ahsan E, Eshan SH, Fariza TT. Pathology of breast cancer metastasis and a view of metastasis to the brain. Int J Neurosci 2023; 133:544-554. [PMID: 34044732 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2021.1935929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the advances in diagnosis and management of breast cancer, metastasis has been responsible for the staggering percentage of breast cancer-related death. Mortality threat can be explained mostly by the lack of proper understanding of the diversity of pathological features and underlying mechanism of breast cancer metastasis and effective targeted therapy. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are the potential source of tumor cells spread to distant organs. BCSCs targeted therapy can suppress the breast cancer progression to metastasis. Spreading of tumor cells to the bone, lung, liver, and brain occurs through a distinct non-random process; called metastasis organotropism. Recently, brain metastasis in breast cancer patients has been detected more frequently, causing a significant clinical burden. BRCA1 and BRCA2 associated breast cancers carry a remarkably higher propensity of CNS metastasis. BRCA1 and BRCA2 associated breast cancers commonly have the propensity to be the triple-negative (TN) and hormone receptors (HR)-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative molecular subtypes, respectively. Regardless of molecular subtypes, metastasis is most commonly evident at the bone. Heterogeneity is a critical pathological feature, leads to therapeutic resistance. BCSCs, biomarkers expression patterns, and mutations contribute to heterogeneity. In this paper, we discuss crucial pathological features of breast cancer metastasis, emphasizing metastasis organotropism and heterogeneity; and mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis, highlighting the pathways of metastasis to the brain. We consider that this paper reinforces future research areas and benefits the general readers, physicians, and researchers to identify potential areas to develop targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sakibuzzaman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shahriar Mahmud
- Sher-E-Bangla Medical College and Hospital, Barisal, Bangladesh
| | | | - Sawsan Fathma
- Bangladesh Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Sabrina Afroz
- Faridpur Medical College and Hospital, Faridpur, Bangladesh
| | - Farzina Zafar
- Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Maksuda Hossain
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Amit Barua
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Sabiha Akter
- Sher-E-Bangla Medical College and Hospital, Barisal, Bangladesh
| | | | - Eram Ahsan
- Medical College for Women and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shayet Hossain Eshan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amita Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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21
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Modvig S, Jeyakumar J, Marquart HV, Christensen C. Integrins and the Metastasis-like Dissemination of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia to the Central Nervous System. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092504. [PMID: 37173970 PMCID: PMC10177281 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) disseminates with high prevalence to the central nervous system (CNS) in a process resembling aspects of the CNS surveillance of normal immune cells as well as aspects of brain metastasis from solid cancers. Importantly, inside the CNS, the ALL blasts are typically confined within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled cavities of the subarachnoid space, which they use as a sanctuary protected from both chemotherapy and immune cells. At present, high cumulative doses of intrathecal chemotherapy are administered to patients, but this is associated with neurotoxicity and CNS relapse still occurs. Thus, it is imperative to identify markers and novel therapy targets specific to CNS ALL. Integrins represent a family of adhesion molecules involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, implicated in the adhesion and migration of metastatic cancer cells, normal immune cells, and leukemic blasts. The ability of integrins to also facilitate cell-adhesion mediated drug resistance, combined with recent discoveries of integrin-dependent routes of leukemic cells into the CNS, have sparked a renewed interest in integrins as markers and therapeutic targets in CNS leukemia. Here, we review the roles of integrins in CNS surveillance by normal lymphocytes, dissemination to the CNS by ALL cells, and brain metastasis from solid cancers. Furthermore, we discuss whether ALL dissemination to the CNS abides by known hallmarks of metastasis, and the potential roles of integrins in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Modvig
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jenani Jeyakumar
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Vibeke Marquart
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Christensen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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22
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Mair MJ, Bartsch R, Le Rhun E, Berghoff AS, Brastianos PK, Cortes J, Gan HK, Lin NU, Lassman AB, Wen PY, Weller M, van den Bent M, Preusser M. Understanding the activity of antibody-drug conjugates in primary and secondary brain tumours. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:372-389. [PMID: 37085569 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00756-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), a class of targeted cancer therapeutics combining monoclonal antibodies with a cytotoxic payload via a chemical linker, have already been approved for the treatment of several cancer types, with extensive clinical development of novel constructs ongoing. Primary and secondary brain tumours are associated with high mortality and morbidity, necessitating novel treatment approaches. Pharmacotherapy of brain tumours can be limited by restricted drug delivery across the blood-brain or blood-tumour barrier, although data from phase II studies of the HER2-targeted ADC trastuzumab deruxtecan indicate clinically relevant intracranial activity in patients with brain metastases from HER2+ breast cancer. However, depatuxizumab mafodotin, an ADC targeting wild-type EGFR and EGFR variant III, did not provide a definitive overall survival benefit in patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent EGFR-amplified glioblastoma in phase II and III trials, despite objective radiological responses in some patients. In this Review, we summarize the available data on the central nervous system activity of ADCs from trials involving patients with primary and secondary brain tumours and discuss their clinical implications. Furthermore, we explore pharmacological determinants of intracranial activity and discuss the optimal design of clinical trials to facilitate development of ADCs for the treatment of gliomas and brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian J Mair
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Bartsch
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emilie Le Rhun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna S Berghoff
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Priscilla K Brastianos
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Javier Cortes
- International Breast Cancer Center (IBCC), Pangaea Oncology, Quirónsalud Group, Madrid and Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Medical Scientia Innovation Research (MEDSIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hui K Gan
- Cancer Therapies and Biology Group, Centre of Research Excellence in Brain Tumours, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Nancy U Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew B Lassman
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patrick Y Wen
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin van den Bent
- The Brain Tumour Center, Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Matthias Preusser
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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23
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The Journey of Cancer Cells to the Brain: Challenges and Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043854. [PMID: 36835266 PMCID: PMC9967224 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043854] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastases into the brain constitute one of the most severe, but not uncommon, manifestations of cancer progression. Several factors control how cancer cells interact with the brain to establish metastasis. These factors include mediators of signaling pathways participating in migration, infiltration of the blood-brain barrier, interaction with host cells (e.g., neurons, astrocytes), and the immune system. Development of novel therapies offers a glimpse of hope for increasing the diminutive life expectancy currently forecasted for patients suffering from brain metastasis. However, applying these treatment strategies has not been sufficiently effective. Therefore, there is a need for a better understanding of the metastasis process to uncover novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we follow the journey of various cancer cells from their primary location through the diverse processes that they undergo to colonize the brain. These processes include EMT, intravasation, extravasation, and infiltration of the blood-brain barrier, ending up with colonization and angiogenesis. In each phase, we focus on the pathways engaging molecules that potentially could be drug target candidates.
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24
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Gan S, Macalinao DG, Shahoei SH, Tian L, Jin X, Basnet H, Muller JT, Atri P, Seffar E, Chatila W, Hadjantonakis AK, Schultz N, Brogi E, Bale TA, Pe'er D, Massagué J. Distinct tumor architectures for metastatic colonization of the brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.27.525190. [PMID: 37034672 PMCID: PMC10081170 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.27.525190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Brain metastasis is a dismal cancer complication, hinging on the initial survival and outgrowth of disseminated cancer cells. To understand these crucial early stages of colonization, we investigated two prevalent sources of cerebral relapse, triple-negative (TNBC) and HER2+ breast cancer (HER2BC). We show that these tumor types colonize the brain aggressively, yet with distinct tumor architectures, stromal interfaces, and autocrine growth programs. TNBC forms perivascular sheaths with diffusive contact with astrocytes and microglia. In contrast, HER2BC forms compact spheroids prompted by autonomous extracellular matrix components and segregating stromal cells to their periphery. Single-cell transcriptomic dissection reveals canonical Alzheimer's disease-associated microglia (DAM) responses. Differential engagement of tumor-DAM signaling through the receptor AXL suggests specific pro-metastatic functions of the tumor architecture in both TNBC perivascular and HER2BC spheroidal colonies. The distinct spatial features of these two highly efficient modes of brain colonization have relevance for leveraging the stroma to treat brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siting Gan
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Danilo G Macalinao
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sayyed Hamed Shahoei
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lin Tian
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xin Jin
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310024, China
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310024, China
| | - Harihar Basnet
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - James T Muller
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Pranita Atri
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Evan Seffar
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Walid Chatila
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nikolaus Schultz
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Edi Brogi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tejus A Bale
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dana Pe'er
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Joan Massagué
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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25
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Maraqah HH, Abu-Asab MS, Lee HS, Aboud O. Astrocytoma and IDH1-Wildtype Glioblastoma (GBM) Cells Colonize Tumor Vessels and Deploy Vascular Mimicry. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2456733. [PMID: 36712042 PMCID: PMC9882681 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2456733/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Gliomas are the most prevalent type of malignant brain tumors with a very dismal prognosis. Angiogenesis in glioma has recently gotten more attention and its molecular aspects have been published; however, these were not complemented with ultrastructural evidence. Our ultrastructural examination of glioma vessels reveals several unique and critical features related to their mechanisms of progression and metastasis strategy. The detailed ultrastructural survey of 18 IDH1 -wildtype glioblastomas (GBM) and 12 IDH1 -mutant High-grade gliomas indicated that tumor vessels of both types had undergone deformities such as the thickening of the vessel wall (VW) and proliferation of the basement membrane, contour distortions, abnormal and discontinuous basal lamina, tumor cells' invasion and colonization of VW, disappearance of endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes, and smooth muscle cells, as well as the formation of a continuous ring of tumor cells attached to the luminal side of VW in numerous cases. The latter feature is a clear sign of vascular mimicry (VM) that was previously suggested in gliomas but never shown by TEM. Additionally, the vascular invasion was carried out by a large number of tumor cells and was accompanied by the accumulation of tumor lipids in the vessels' lumina and VWs; these two features are distinct for gliomas and may alter the course of the clinical presentation and overall prognosis. This raises the issue of how to specifically target tumor cells involved in vascular invasion in order to optimize prognosis and overcome these mechanisms employed by the tumor cells.
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26
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Ji W, Wu Z, Wen J, Tang H, Chen Z, Xue B, Tian Z, Ba Y, Zhang N, Wen X, Hou B. A simple method to isolate structurally and chemically intact brain vascular basement membrane for neural regeneration following traumatic brain injury. Biomater Res 2023; 27:2. [PMID: 36635718 PMCID: PMC9837976 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00341-6] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The brain vascular basement membrane (brain-VBM) is an important component of the brain extracellular matrix, and the three-dimensional structure of the cerebrovascular network nested with many cell-adhesive proteins may provide guidance for brain tissue regeneration. However, the potential of ability of brain-VBM to promote neural tissue regeneration has not been examined due to the technical difficulty of isolating intact brain-VBM. METHODS The present study developed a simple, effective method to isolate structurally and compositionally intact brain-VBM. Structural and component properties of the brain-VBM were characterized to confirm the technique. Seed cells were cocultured with brain-VBM in vitro to analyze biocompatibility and neurite extension. An experimental rat model of focal traumatic brain injury (TBI) induced by controlled cortical impact were conducted to further test the tissue regeneration ability of brain-VBM. RESULTS Brain-VBM isolated using genipin showed significantly improved mechanical properties, was easy to handle, supported high cell viability, exhibited strong cell adhesive properties, and promoted neurite extension and outgrowth. Further testing of the isolated brain-VBM transplanted at lesion sites in an experimental rat model of focal TBI demonstrated considerable promise for reconstructing a complete blood vessel network that filled in the lesion cavity and promoting repopulation of neural progenitor cells and neurons. CONCLUSION The technique allows isolation of intact brain-VBM as a 3D microvascular scaffold to support brain tissue regeneration following TBI and shows considerable promise for the production of naturally-derived biomaterials for neural tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqing Ji
- grid.410737.60000 0000 8653 1072Department of Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623 China
| | - Zhiru Wu
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Nephrology, Dongcheng branch of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiaming Wen
- grid.410737.60000 0000 8653 1072Department of Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623 China
| | - Hengxin Tang
- grid.79703.3a0000 0004 1764 3838Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuopeng Chen
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong Province China
| | - Bo Xue
- grid.268154.c0000 0001 2156 6140Shared Research Facilities, West Virginia University, 1306 Evansdale Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA
| | - Zhenming Tian
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong Province China
| | - Yueyang Ba
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong Province China
| | - Ning Zhang
- grid.224260.00000 0004 0458 8737Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute For Engineering and Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Room 399, 601 West Main Street, Richmond, VA 23220 USA
| | - Xuejun Wen
- grid.224260.00000 0004 0458 8737Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 601 West Main Street, Richmond, VA 23220 USA
| | - Bo Hou
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong Province China
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27
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Single-cell spatial immune landscapes of primary and metastatic brain tumours. Nature 2023; 614:555-563. [PMID: 36725935 PMCID: PMC9931580 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05680-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell technologies have enabled the characterization of the tumour microenvironment at unprecedented depth and have revealed vast cellular diversity among tumour cells and their niche. Anti-tumour immunity relies on cell-cell relationships within the tumour microenvironment1,2, yet many single-cell studies lack spatial context and rely on dissociated tissues3. Here we applied imaging mass cytometry to characterize the immunological landscape of 139 high-grade glioma and 46 brain metastasis tumours from patients. Single-cell analysis of more than 1.1 million cells across 389 high-dimensional histopathology images enabled the spatial resolution of immune lineages and activation states, revealing differences in immune landscapes between primary tumours and brain metastases from diverse solid cancers. These analyses revealed cellular neighbourhoods associated with survival in patients with glioblastoma, which we leveraged to identify a unique population of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-positive macrophages associated with long-term survival. Our findings provide insight into the biology of primary and metastatic brain tumours, reinforcing the value of integrating spatial resolution to single-cell datasets to dissect the microenvironmental contexture of cancer.
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28
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Kanno H, Hisaka T, Fujiyoshi K, Akiba J, Hashimoto K, Fujita F, Akagi Y. Prognostic Significance of the Histopathological Growth Pattern and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Stratifying Survival After Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastases. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 30:3139-3147. [PMID: 36520232 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-12905-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A histopathological growth pattern (HGP) occurs at the interface between tumor cells and the surrounding liver parenchyma. Desmoplastic HGP (dHGP) is associated with a favorable prognosis and shows denser infiltration of lymphocytes than other HGPs. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) exert antitumor immunity, nonetheless, their prognostic significance in patients with dHGP is unknown. This study aimed to identify the prognostic significance of HGP and TILs in colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). METHODS The study analyzed 140 patients who underwent hepatectomy for CRLM. Depending on the type of HGP and TIL, the patients were categorized into four groups (dHGP/high TIL, dHGP/low TIL, non-dHGP/high TIL, and non-dHGP/low TIL) for a comparison of their recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed using a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS The RFS and OS curves differed significantly between the groups. The multivariate analysis showed that a combination of HGP and TIL could stratify the recurrence and survival outcomes. CONCLUSION This study indicated that a combination of HGP and TIL can stratify the risk of survival after hepatectomy in patients with CRLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kanno
- Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan.
| | - Toru Hisaka
- Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Kenji Fujiyoshi
- Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Jun Akiba
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Hashimoto
- Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Fujita
- Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Yoshito Akagi
- Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
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29
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Adua SJ, Arnal-Estapé A, Zhao M, Qi B, Liu ZZ, Kravitz C, Hulme H, Strittmatter N, López-Giráldez F, Chande S, Albert AE, Melnick MA, Hu B, Politi K, Chiang V, Colclough N, Goodwin RJA, Cross D, Smith P, Nguyen DX. Brain metastatic outgrowth and osimertinib resistance are potentiated by RhoA in EGFR-mutant lung cancer. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7690. [PMID: 36509758 PMCID: PMC9744876 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34889-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is a major sanctuary site for metastatic cancer cells that evade systemic therapies. Through pre-clinical pharmacological, biological, and molecular studies, we characterize the functional link between drug resistance and central nervous system (CNS) relapse in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor- (EGFR-) mutant non-small cell lung cancer, which can progress in the brain when treated with the CNS-penetrant EGFR inhibitor osimertinib. Despite widespread osimertinib distribution in vivo, the brain microvascular tumor microenvironment (TME) is associated with the persistence of malignant cell sub-populations, which are poised to proliferate in the brain as osimertinib-resistant lesions over time. Cellular and molecular features of this poised state are regulated through a Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and Serum Responsive Factor (SRF) gene expression program. RhoA potentiates the outgrowth of disseminated tumor cells on osimertinib treatment, preferentially in response to extracellular laminin and in the brain. Thus, we identify pre-existing and adaptive features of metastatic and drug-resistant cancer cells, which are enhanced by RhoA/SRF signaling and the brain TME during the evolution of osimertinib-resistant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally J Adua
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anna Arnal-Estapé
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Minghui Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Bowen Qi
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zongzhi Z Liu
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Carolyn Kravitz
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Heather Hulme
- Imaging and Data Analytics, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nicole Strittmatter
- Imaging and Data Analytics, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Sampada Chande
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Mary-Ann Melnick
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Bomiao Hu
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Katerina Politi
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Medicine (Medical Oncology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Veronica Chiang
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Richard J A Goodwin
- Imaging and Data Analytics, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Darren Cross
- Global Oncology Medical Affairs, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul Smith
- Bioscience, Early Oncology TDE, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Don X Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Medicine (Medical Oncology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Maurya SK, Khan P, Rehman AU, Kanchan RK, Perumal N, Mahapatra S, Chand HS, Santamaria-Barria JA, Batra SK, Nasser MW. Rethinking the chemokine cascade in brain metastasis: Preventive and therapeutic implications. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:914-930. [PMID: 34968667 PMCID: PMC9234104 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Brain metastasis (BrM) is one of the major causes of death in cancer patients and is associated with an estimated 10-40 % of total cancer cases. The survival rate of brain metastatic patients has not improved due to intratumor heterogeneity, the survival adaptations of brain homing metastatic cells, and the lack of understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms that limit the availability of effective therapies. The heterogeneous population of immune cells and tumor-initiating cells or cancer stem cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) release various factors, such as chemokines that upon binding to their cognate receptors enhance tumor growth at primary sites and help tumor cells metastasize to the brain. Furthermore, brain metastatic sites have unique heterogeneous microenvironment that fuels cancer cells in establishing BrM. This review explores the crosstalk of chemokines with the heterogeneous TME during the progression of BrM and recognizes potential therapeutic approaches. We also discuss and summarize different targeted, immunotherapeutic, chemotherapeutic, and combinatorial strategies (with chemo-/immune- or targeted-therapies) to attenuate chemokines mediated BrM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra Kumar Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA
| | - Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA
| | - Asad Ur Rehman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA
| | - Ranjana K Kanchan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA
| | - Naveenkumar Perumal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA
| | - Sidharth Mahapatra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA
| | - Hitendra S Chand
- Department of Immunology and Nanomedicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | | | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA.
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31
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Lorusso G, Wyss CB, Kuonen F, Vannini N, Billottet C, Duffey N, Pineau R, Lan Q, Wirapati P, Barras D, Tancredi A, Lyck R, Lehr HA, Engelhardt B, Delorenzi M, Bikfalvi A, Rüegg C. Connexins orchestrate progression of breast cancer metastasis to the brain by promoting FAK activation. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eaax8933. [PMID: 36070364 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aax8933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Brain metastasis is a complication of increasing incidence in patients with breast cancer at advanced disease stage. It is a severe condition characterized by a rapid decline in quality of life and poor prognosis. There is a critical clinical need to develop effective therapies to prevent and treat brain metastases. Here, we describe a unique and robust spontaneous preclinical model of breast cancer metastasis to the brain (4T1-BM2) in mice that has been instrumental in uncovering molecular mechanisms guiding metastatic dissemination and colonization of the brain. Key experimental findings were validated in the additional murine D2A1-BM2 model and in human MDA231-BrM2 model. Gene expression analyses and functional studies, coupled with clinical transcriptomic and histopathological investigations, identified connexins (Cxs) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as master molecules orchestrating breast cancer colonization of the brain. Cx31 promoted homotypic tumor cell adhesion, heterotypic tumor-astrocyte interaction, and FAK phosphorylation. FAK signaling prompted NF-κB activation inducing Lamc2 expression and laminin 332 (laminin 5) deposition, α6 integrin-mediated adhesion, and sustained survival and growth within brain parenchyma. In the MDA231-BrM2 model, the human homologous molecules CX43, LAMA4, and α3 integrin were involved. Systemic treatment with FAK inhibitors reduced brain metastasis progression. In conclusion, we report a spontaneous model of breast cancer metastasis to the brain and identified Cx-mediated FAK-NF-κB signaling as a mechanism promoting cell-autonomous and microenvironmentally controlled cell survival for brain colonization. Considering the limited therapeutic options for brain metastatic disease in cancer patients, we propose FAK as a therapeutic candidate to further pursue in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girieca Lorusso
- Experimental and Translational Oncology, Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.,Division of Experimental Oncology, Multidisciplinary Oncology Center (CePO), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland.,National Center for Competence in Research (NCCR) Molecular Oncology, Swiss Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (ISREC-EPFL), Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Christof B Wyss
- Experimental and Translational Oncology, Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland
| | - François Kuonen
- Division of Experimental Oncology, Multidisciplinary Oncology Center (CePO), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland.,National Center for Competence in Research (NCCR) Molecular Oncology, Swiss Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (ISREC-EPFL), Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Vannini
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR), Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Epalinges 1066, Switzerland
| | | | - Nathalie Duffey
- Experimental and Translational Oncology, Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Pineau
- INSERM U1029 and University of Bordeaux, Pessac Cedex 33615, France
| | - Qiang Lan
- Experimental and Translational Oncology, Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.,Division of Experimental Oncology, Multidisciplinary Oncology Center (CePO), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland.,National Center for Competence in Research (NCCR) Molecular Oncology, Swiss Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (ISREC-EPFL), Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Pratyaksha Wirapati
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - David Barras
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Tancredi
- Experimental and Translational Oncology, Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland
| | - Ruth Lyck
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern (UNIBE), Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Anton Lehr
- Institute of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Britta Engelhardt
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern (UNIBE), Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Mauro Delorenzi
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Bikfalvi
- INSERM U1029 and University of Bordeaux, Pessac Cedex 33615, France
| | - Curzio Rüegg
- Experimental and Translational Oncology, Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.,Division of Experimental Oncology, Multidisciplinary Oncology Center (CePO), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland.,National Center for Competence in Research (NCCR) Molecular Oncology, Swiss Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (ISREC-EPFL), Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
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32
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Cuypers A, Truong ACK, Becker LM, Saavedra-García P, Carmeliet P. Tumor vessel co-option: The past & the future. Front Oncol 2022; 12:965277. [PMID: 36119528 PMCID: PMC9472251 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.965277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor vessel co-option (VCO) is a non-angiogenic vascularization mechanism that is a possible cause of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy (AAT). Multiple tumors are hypothesized to primarily rely on growth factor signaling-induced sprouting angiogenesis, which is often inhibited during AAT. During VCO however, tumors invade healthy tissues by hijacking pre-existing blood vessels of the host organ to secure their blood and nutrient supply. Although VCO has been described in the context of AAT resistance, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process and the profile and characteristics of co-opted vascular cell types (endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes) remain poorly understood, resulting in the lack of therapeutic strategies to inhibit VCO (and to overcome AAT resistance). In the past few years, novel next-generation technologies (such as single-cell RNA sequencing) have emerged and revolutionized the way of analyzing and understanding cancer biology. While most studies utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing with focus on cancer vascularization have centered around ECs during sprouting angiogenesis, we propose that this and other novel technologies can be used in future investigations to shed light on tumor EC biology during VCO. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms driving VCO known to date and introduce the models used to study this phenomenon to date. We highlight VCO studies that recently emerged using sequencing approaches and propose how these and other novel state-of-the-art methods can be used in the future to further explore ECs and other cell types in the VCO process and to identify potential vulnerabilities in tumors relying on VCO. A better understanding of VCO by using novel approaches could provide new answers to the many open questions, and thus pave the way to develop new strategies to control and target tumor vascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Cuypers
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) and Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anh-Co Khanh Truong
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) and Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lisa M. Becker
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) and Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paula Saavedra-García
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) and Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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33
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Cardinal T, Pangal D, Strickland BA, Newton P, Mahmoodifar S, Mason J, Craig D, Simon T, Tew BY, Yu M, Yang W, Chang E, Cabeen RP, Ruzevick J, Toga AW, Neman J, Salhia B, Zada G. Anatomical and topographical variations in the distribution of brain metastases based on primary cancer origin and molecular subtypes: a systematic review. Neurooncol Adv 2022; 4:vdab170. [PMID: 35024611 PMCID: PMC8739649 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdab170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While it has been suspected that different primary cancers have varying predilections for metastasis in certain brain regions, recent advances in neuroimaging and spatial modeling analytics have facilitated further exploration into this field. Methods A systematic electronic database search for studies analyzing the distribution of brain metastases (BMs) from any primary systematic cancer published between January 1990 and July 2020 was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Results Two authors independently reviewed 1957 abstracts, 46 of which underwent full-text analysis. A third author arbitrated both lists; 13 studies met inclusion/exclusion criteria. All were retrospective single- or multi-institution database reviews analyzing over 8227 BMs from 2599 patients with breast (8 studies), lung (7 studies), melanoma (5 studies), gastrointestinal (4 studies), renal (3 studies), and prostate (1 study) cancers. Breast, lung, and colorectal cancers tended to metastasize to more posterior/caudal topographic and vascular neuroanatomical regions, particularly the cerebellum, with notable differences based on subtype and receptor expression. HER-2-positive breast cancers were less likely to arise in the frontal lobes or subcortical region, while ER-positive and PR-positive breast metastases were less likely to arise in the occipital lobe or cerebellum. BM from lung adenocarcinoma tended to arise in the frontal lobes and squamous cell carcinoma in the cerebellum. Melanoma metastasized more to the frontal and temporal lobes. Conclusion The observed topographical distribution of BM likely develops based on primary cancer type, molecular subtype, and genetic profile. Further studies analyzing this association and relationships to vascular distribution are merited to potentially improve patient treatment and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Cardinal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Dhiraj Pangal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ben A Strickland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Paul Newton
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics and The Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Saeedeh Mahmoodifar
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jeremy Mason
- Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David Craig
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Thomas Simon
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ben Yi Tew
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Min Yu
- Broad Stem Cell Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Wensha Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Eric Chang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ryan P Cabeen
- USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jacob Ruzevick
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Arthur W Toga
- USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Josh Neman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Bodour Salhia
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gabriel Zada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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34
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Dai J, Cimino PJ, Gouin KH, Grzelak CA, Barrett A, Lim AR, Long A, Weaver S, Saldin LT, Uzamere A, Schulte V, Clegg N, Pisarsky L, Lyden D, Bissell MJ, Knott S, Welm AL, Bielas JH, Hansen KC, Winkler F, Holland EC, Ghajar CM. Astrocytic laminin-211 drives disseminated breast tumor cell dormancy in brain. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:25-42. [PMID: 35121993 PMCID: PMC9469899 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-021-00297-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although dormancy is thought to play a key role in the metastasis of breast tumor cells to the brain, our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms regulating disseminated tumor cell (DTC) dormancy in this organ is limited. Here using serial intravital imaging of dormant and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer lines, we identify escape from the single-cell or micrometastatic state as the rate-limiting step towards brain metastasis. We show that every DTC occupies a vascular niche, with quiescent DTCs residing on astrocyte endfeet. At these sites, astrocyte-deposited laminin-211 drives DTC quiescence by inducing the dystroglycan receptor to associate with yes-associated protein, thereby sequestering it from the nucleus and preventing its prometastatic functions. These findings identify a brain-specific mechanism of DTC dormancy and highlight the need for a more thorough understanding of tumor dormancy to develop therapeutic approaches that prevent brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxiang Dai
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Patrick J. Cimino
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (USA)
| | - Kenneth H. Gouin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Applied Genomics, Computation and Translational Core, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA (USA)
| | - Candice A. Grzelak
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (USA)
| | - Alexander Barrett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO (USA)
| | - Andrea R. Lim
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (USA),Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (USA)
| | - Annalyssa Long
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (USA)
| | - Stephanie Weaver
- Experimental Histopathology Core, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (USA)
| | - Lindsey T. Saldin
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA (USA)
| | - Aiyedun Uzamere
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (USA)
| | - Vera Schulte
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (USA)
| | - Nigel Clegg
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (USA)
| | - Laura Pisarsky
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (USA)
| | - David Lyden
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, (USA)
| | - Mina J. Bissell
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA (USA)
| | - Simon Knott
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Applied Genomics, Computation and Translational Core, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA (USA)
| | - Alana L. Welm
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (USA)
| | - Jason H. Bielas
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (USA),Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (USA),Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (USA)
| | - Kirk C. Hansen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO (USA)
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumour Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, DKTK & Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg (Germany)
| | - Eric C. Holland
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (USA)
| | - Cyrus M. Ghajar
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (USA),Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (USA),To whom correspondence should be addressed: Cyrus M. Ghajar, PhD, Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N., M5-A864, Seattle, WA 98109 (USA), , P. 206.667.7080, F. 206.667.2537, Jinxiang Dai, PhD, Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N., M5-A864, Seattle, WA 98109 (USA), , P. 206.667.7082, F. 206.667.2537
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Srinivasan ES, Deshpande K, Neman J, Winkler F, Khasraw M. The microenvironment of brain metastases from solid tumors. Neurooncol Adv 2021; 3:v121-v132. [PMID: 34859239 PMCID: PMC8633769 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdab121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis (BrM) is an area of unmet medical need that poses unique therapeutic challenges and heralds a dismal prognosis. The intracranial tumor microenvironment (TME) presents several challenges, including the therapy-resistant blood-brain barrier, a unique immune milieu, distinct intercellular interactions, and specific metabolic conditions, that are responsible for treatment failures and poor clinical outcomes. There is a complex interplay between malignant cells that metastasize to the central nervous system (CNS) and the native TME. Cancer cells take advantage of vascular, neuronal, immune, and anatomical vulnerabilities to proliferate with mechanisms specific to the CNS. In this review, we discuss unique aspects of the TME in the context of brain metastases and pathways through which the TME may hold the key to the discovery of new and effective therapies for patients with BrM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan S Srinivasan
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Krutika Deshpande
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Josh Neman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Physiology and Neuroscience, USC Brain Tumor Center, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mustafa Khasraw
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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36
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Carney CP, Pandey N, Kapur A, Woodworth GF, Winkles JA, Kim AJ. Harnessing nanomedicine for enhanced immunotherapy for breast cancer brain metastases. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 11:2344-2370. [PMID: 34716900 PMCID: PMC8568876 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-01039-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Brain metastases (BMs) are the most common type of brain tumor, and the incidence among breast cancer (BC) patients has been steadily increasing over the past two decades. Indeed, ~ 30% of all patients with metastatic BC will develop BMs, and due to few effective treatments, many will succumb to the disease within a year. Historically, patients with BMs have been largely excluded from clinical trials investigating systemic therapies including immunotherapies (ITs) due to limited brain penetration of systemically administered drugs combined with previous assumptions that BMs are poorly immunogenic. It is now understood that the central nervous system (CNS) is an immunologically distinct site and there is increasing evidence that enhancing immune responses to BCBMs will improve patient outcomes and the efficacy of current treatment regimens. Progress in IT for BCBMs, however, has been slow due to several intrinsic limitations to drug delivery within the brain, substantial safety concerns, and few known targets for BCBM IT. Emerging studies demonstrate that nanomedicine may be a powerful approach to overcome such limitations, and has the potential to greatly improve IT strategies for BMs specifically. This review summarizes the evidence for IT as an effective strategy for BCBM treatment and focuses on the nanotherapeutic strategies currently being explored for BCBMs including targeting the blood-brain/tumor barrier (BBB/BTB), tumor cells, and tumor-supporting immune cells for concentrated drug release within BCBMs, as well as use of nanoparticles (NPs) for delivering immunomodulatory agents, for inducing immunogenic cell death, or for potentiating anti-tumor T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine P Carney
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Nikhil Pandey
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Anshika Kapur
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Graeme F Woodworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Winkles
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Department of Surgery and Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 800 West Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | - Anthony J Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Pharmacology, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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37
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Steeg PS. The blood-tumour barrier in cancer biology and therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2021; 18:696-714. [PMID: 34253912 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-021-00529-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The protective blood-brain barrier has a major role in ensuring normal brain function by severely limiting and tightly controlling the ingress of substances into the brain from the circulation. In primary brain tumours, such as glioblastomas, as well as in brain metastases from cancers in other organs, including lung and breast cancers and melanoma, the blood-brain barrier is modified and is referred to as the blood-tumour barrier (BTB). Alterations in the BTB affect its permeability, and this structure participates in reciprocal regulatory pathways with tumour cells. Importantly, the BTB typically retains a heterogeneous capacity to restrict the penetration of many therapeutic agents into intracranial tumours, and overcoming this challenge is a key to improving the effectiveness of treatment and patient quality of life. Herein, current knowledge of BTB structure and function is reviewed from a cell and cancer biology standpoint, with a focus on findings derived from in vivo models and human tumour specimens. Additionally, how this knowledge can be translated into clinical advances for patients with cancer is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia S Steeg
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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38
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Singh M, Dahal A, Brastianos PK. Preclinical Solid Tumor Models to Study Novel Therapeutics in Brain Metastases. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e284. [PMID: 34762346 PMCID: PMC8597918 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.284] [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] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Metastases are the most common malignancy of the adult central nervous system and are becoming an increasingly troubling problem in oncology largely due to the lack of successful therapeutic options. The limited selection of treatments is a result of the currently poor understanding of the biological mechanisms of metastatic development, which in turn is difficult to achieve because of limited preclinical models that can accurately represent the clinical progression of metastasis. Described in this article are in vitro and in vivo model systems that are used to enhance the understanding of metastasis and to identify new therapies for the treatment of brain metastasis. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohini Singh
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ashish Dahal
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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The emerging roles of circular RNAs in vessel co-option and vasculogenic mimicry: clinical insights for anti-angiogenic therapy in cancers. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 41:173-191. [PMID: 34664157 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10000-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Unexpected resistance to anti-angiogenic treatment prompted the investigation of non-angiogenic tumor processes. Vessel co-option (VC) and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) are recognized as primary non-angiogenic mechanisms. In VC, cancer cells utilize pre-existing blood vessels for support, whereas in VM, cancer cells channel and provide blood flow to rapidly growing tumors. Both processes have been implicated in the development of tumor and resistance to anti-angiogenic drugs in many tumor types. The morphology, but rare molecular alterations have been investigated in VC and VM. There is a pressing need to better understand the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Here, we review the emerging circular RNA (circRNA)-mediated regulation of non-angiogenic processes, VC and VM.
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40
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Local blood coagulation drives cancer cell arrest and brain metastasis in a mouse model. Blood 2021; 137:1219-1232. [PMID: 33270819 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020005710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinically relevant brain metastases (BMs) frequently form in cancer patients, with limited options for effective treatment. Circulating cancer cells must first permanently arrest in brain microvessels to colonize the brain, but the critical factors in this process are not well understood. Here, in vivo multiphoton laser-scanning microscopy of the entire brain metastatic cascade allowed unprecedented insights into how blood clot formation and von Willebrand factor (VWF) deposition determine the arrest of circulating cancer cells and subsequent brain colonization in mice. Clot formation in brain microvessels occurred frequently (>95%) and specifically at intravascularly arrested cancer cells, allowing their long-term arrest. An extensive clot embedded ∼20% of brain-arrested cancer cells, and those were more likely to successfully extravasate and form a macrometastasis. Mechanistically, the generation of tissue factor-mediated thrombin by cancer cells accounted for local activation of plasmatic coagulation in the brain. Thrombin inhibition by treatment with low molecular weight heparin or dabigatran and an anti-VWF antibody prevented clot formation, cancer cell arrest, extravasation, and the formation of brain macrometastases. In contrast, tumor cells were not able to directly activate platelets, and antiplatelet treatments did reduce platelet dispositions at intravascular cancer cells but did not reduce overall formation of BMs. In conclusion, our data show that plasmatic coagulation is activated early by intravascular tumor cells in the brain with subsequent clot formation, which led us to discover a novel and specific mechanism that is crucial for brain colonization. Direct or indirect thrombin and VWF inhibitors emerge as promising drug candidates for trials on prevention of BMs.
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41
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Breast cancer brain metastasis: insight into molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:1056-1067. [PMID: 34226684 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01424-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies in women worldwide. Early-stage breast cancer is considered a curable disease; however, once distant metastasis occurs, the 5-year overall survival rate of patients becomes significantly reduced. There are four distinct metastatic patterns in breast cancer: bone, lung, liver and brain. Among these, breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) is the leading cause of death; it is highly associated with impaired quality of life and poor prognosis due to the limited permeability of the blood-brain barrier and consequent lack of effective treatments. Although the sequence of events in BCBM is universally accepted, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. In this review, we outline progress surrounding the molecular mechanisms involved in BCBM as well as experimental methods and research models to better understand the process. We further discuss the challenges in the management of brain metastases, as well as providing an overview of current therapies and highlighting innovative research towards developing novel efficacious targeted therapies.
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Zarghami N, Soto MS, Perez-Balderas F, Khrapitchev AA, Karali CS, Johanssen VA, Ansorge O, Larkin JR, Sibson NR. A novel molecular magnetic resonance imaging agent targeting activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule as demonstrated in mouse brain metastasis models. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:1592-1607. [PMID: 33153376 PMCID: PMC8217895 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x20968943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows visualization of biological processes at the molecular level. Upregulation of endothelial ALCAM (activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule) is a key element for leukocyte recruitment in neurological disease. The aim of this study, therefore, was to develop a novel molecular MRI contrast agent, by conjugating anti-ALCAM antibodies to microparticles of iron oxide (MPIO), for detection of endothelial ALCAM expression in vivo. Binding specificity of ALCAM-MPIO was demonstrated in vitro under static and flow conditions. Subsequently, in a proof-of-concept study, mouse models of brain metastasis were induced by intracardial injection of brain-tropic human breast carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma or melanoma cells to upregulate endothelial ALCAM. At selected time-points, mice were injected intravenously with ALCAM-MPIO, and ALCAM-MPIO induced hypointensities were observed on T2*-weighted images in all three models. Post-gadolinium MRI confirmed an intact blood-brain barrier, indicating endoluminal binding. Correlation between endothelial ALCAM expression and ALCAM-MPIO binding was confirmed histologically. Statistical analysis indicated high sensitivity (80-90%) and specificity (79-83%) for detection of endothelial ALCAM in vivo with ALCAM-MPIO. Given reports of endothelial ALCAM upregulation in numerous neurological diseases, this advance in our ability to image ALCAM in vivo may yield substantial improvements for both diagnosis and targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Zarghami
- Cancer Research UK and Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Manuel Sarmiento Soto
- Cancer Research UK and Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Francisco Perez-Balderas
- Cancer Research UK and Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexandre A Khrapitchev
- Cancer Research UK and Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christina Simoglou Karali
- Cancer Research UK and Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vanessa A Johanssen
- Cancer Research UK and Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Olaf Ansorge
- Department of Clinical Neuropathology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - James R Larkin
- Cancer Research UK and Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicola R Sibson
- Cancer Research UK and Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Lau D, Wadhwa H, Sudhir S, Chang ACC, Jain S, Chandra A, Nguyen AT, Spatz JM, Pappu A, Shah SS, Cheng J, Safaee MM, Yagnik G, Jahangiri A, Aghi MK. Role of c-Met/β1 integrin complex in the metastatic cascade in breast cancer. JCI Insight 2021; 6:138928. [PMID: 34003803 PMCID: PMC8262466 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.138928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastases cause 90% of human cancer deaths. The metastatic cascade involves local invasion, intravasation, extravasation, metastatic site colonization, and proliferation. Although individual mediators of these processes have been investigated, interactions between these mediators remain less well defined. We previously identified a complex between receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met and β1 integrin in metastases. Using cell culture and in vivo assays, we found that c-Met/β1 complex induction promoted intravasation and vessel wall adhesion in triple-negative breast cancer cells, but did not increase extravasation. These effects may have been driven by the ability of the c-Met/β1 complex to increase mesenchymal and stem cell characteristics. Multiplex transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulated Wnt and hedgehog pathways after c-Met/β1 complex induction. A β1 integrin point mutation that prevented binding to c-Met reduced intravasation. OS2966, a therapeutic antibody disrupting c-Met/β1 binding, decreased breast cancer cell invasion and mesenchymal gene expression. Bone-seeking breast cancer cells exhibited higher levels of c-Met/β1 complex than parental controls and preferentially adhered to tissue-specific matrix. Patient bone metastases demonstrated higher c-Met/β1 complex than brain metastases. Thus, the c-Met/β1 complex drove intravasation of triple-negative breast cancer cells and preferential affinity for bone-specific matrix. Pharmacological targeting of the complex may have prevented metastases, particularly osseous metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl Lau
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Harsh Wadhwa
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sweta Sudhir
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Saket Jain
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ankush Chandra
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alan T Nguyen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jordan M Spatz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ananya Pappu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sumedh S Shah
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Justin Cheng
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael M Safaee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Garima Yagnik
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Arman Jahangiri
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Manish K Aghi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
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Haas G, Fan S, Ghadimi M, De Oliveira T, Conradi LC. Different Forms of Tumor Vascularization and Their Clinical Implications Focusing on Vessel Co-option in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:612774. [PMID: 33912554 PMCID: PMC8072376 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.612774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In modern anti-cancer therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) the anti-angiogenic treatment targeting sprouting angiogenesis is firmly established for more than a decade. However, its clinical benefits still remain limited. As liver metastases (LM) represent the most common metastatic site of colorectal cancer and affect approximately one-quarter of the patients diagnosed with this malignancy, its treatment is an essential aspect for patients' prognosis. Especially in the perioperative setting, the application of anti-angiogenic drugs represents a therapeutic option that may be used in case of high-risk or borderline resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) in order to achieve secondary resectability. Regarding CRCLM, one reason for the limitations of anti-angiogenic treatment may be represented by vessel co-option (VCO), which is an alternative mechanism of blood supply that differs fundamentally from the well-known sprouting angiogenesis and occurs in a significant fraction of CRCLM. In this scenario, tumor cells hijack pre-existing mature vessels of the host organ independently from stimulating new vessels formation. This represents an escape mechanism from common anti-angiogenic anti-cancer treatments, as they primarily target the main trigger of sprouting angiogenesis, the vascular endothelial growth factor A. Moreover, the mechanism of blood supply in CRCLM can be deduced from their phenotypic histopathological growth pattern (HGP). For that, a specific guideline has already been implemented. These HGP vary not only regarding their blood supply, but also concerning their tumor microenvironment (TME), as notable differences in immune cell infiltration and desmoplastic reaction surrounding the CRCLM can be observed. The latter actually serves as one of the central criteria for the classification of the HGP. Regarding the clinically relevant effects of the HGP, it is still a topic of research whether the VCO-subgroup of CRCLM results in an impaired treatment response to anti-angiogenic treatment when compared to an angiogenic subgroup. However, it is well-proved, that VCO in CRCLM generally relates to an inferior survival compared to the angiogenic subgroup. Altogether the different types of blood supply result in a relevant influence on the patients' prognosis. This reinforces the need of an extended understanding of the underlying mechanisms of VCO in CRCLM with the aim to generate more comprehensive approaches which can target tumor vessels alternatively or even other components of the TME. This review aims to augment the current state of knowledge on VCO in CRCLM and other tumor entities and its impact on anti-angiogenic anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn Haas
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shuang Fan
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Ghadimi
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tiago De Oliveira
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lena-Christin Conradi
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Srinivasan ES, Tan AC, Anders CK, Pendergast AM, Sipkins DA, Ashley DM, Fecci PE, Khasraw M. Salting the Soil: Targeting the Microenvironment of Brain Metastases. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:455-466. [PMID: 33402399 PMCID: PMC8041238 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Paget's "seed and soil" hypothesis of metastatic spread has acted as a foundation of the field for over a century, with continued evolution as mechanisms of the process have been elucidated. The central nervous system (CNS) presents a unique soil through this lens, relatively isolated from peripheral circulation and immune surveillance with distinct cellular and structural composition. Research in primary and metastatic brain tumors has demonstrated that this tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an essential role in the growth of CNS tumors. In each case, the cancerous cells develop complex and bidirectional relationships that reorganize the local TME and reprogram the CNS cells, including endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, microglia, infiltrating monocytes, and lymphocytes. These interactions create a structurally and immunologically permissive TME with malignant processes promoting positive feedback loops and systemic consequences. Strategies to interrupt interactions with the native CNS components, on "salting the soil," to create an inhospitable environment are promising in the preclinical setting. This review aims to examine the general and specific pathways thus far investigated in brain metastases and related work in glioma to identify targetable mechanisms that may have general application across the spectrum of intracranial tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan S Srinivasan
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Aaron C Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Carey K Anders
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Dorothy A Sipkins
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - David M Ashley
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Peter E Fecci
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mustafa Khasraw
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
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46
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Lv Y, Ma X, Du Y, Feng J. Understanding Patterns of Brain Metastasis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Exploring Potential Therapeutic Targets. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:589-607. [PMID: 33519208 PMCID: PMC7837592 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s293685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly malignant subtype of breast cancer. High invasiveness and heterogeneity, as well as a lack of drug targets, are the main factors leading to poor prognosis. Brain metastasis (BM) is a serious event threatening the life of breast cancer patients, especially those with TNBC. Compared with that for hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive breast cancers, TNBC-derived BM (TNBCBM) occurs earlier and more frequently, and has a worse prognosis. There is no standard treatment for BM to date, and one is urgently required. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge regarding the developmental patterns of TNBCBM, focusing on the key events in BM formation. Specifically, we consider (i) the nature and function of TNBC cells; (ii) how TNBC cells cross the blood–brain barrier and form a fenestrated, more permeable blood–tumor barrier; (iii) the biological characteristics of TNBCBM; and (iv) the infiltration and colonization of the central nervous system (CNS) by TNBC cells, including the establishment of premetastatic niches, immunosurveillance escape, and metabolic adaptations. We also discuss putative therapeutic targets and precision therapy with the greatest potential to treat TNBCBM, and summarize the relevant completed and ongoing clinical trials. These findings may provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of BM in TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lv
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Du
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jifeng Feng
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
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47
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Linke F, Aldighieri M, Lourdusamy A, Grabowska AM, Stolnik S, Kerr ID, Merry CL, Coyle B. 3D hydrogels reveal medulloblastoma subgroup differences and identify extracellular matrix subtypes that predict patient outcome. J Pathol 2020; 253:326-338. [PMID: 33206391 PMCID: PMC7986745 DOI: 10.1002/path.5591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumour in children and is subdivided into four subgroups: WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4. These molecular subgroups differ in their metastasis patterns and related prognosis rates. Conventional 2D cell culture methods fail to recapitulate these clinical differences. Realistic 3D models of the cerebellum are therefore necessary to investigate subgroup‐specific functional differences and their role in metastasis and chemoresistance. A major component of the brain extracellular matrix (ECM) is the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan. MB cell lines encapsulated in hyaluronan hydrogels grew as tumour nodules, with Group 3 and Group 4 cell lines displaying clinically characteristic laminar metastatic patterns and levels of chemoresistance. The glycoproteins, laminin and vitronectin, were identified as subgroup‐specific, tumour‐secreted ECM factors. Gels of higher complexity, formed by incorporation of laminin or vitronectin, revealed subgroup‐specific adhesion and growth patterns closely mimicking clinical phenotypes. ECM subtypes, defined by relative levels of laminin and vitronectin expression in patient tissue microarrays and gene expression data sets, were able to identify novel high‐risk MB patient subgroups and predict overall survival. Our hyaluronan model system has therefore allowed us to functionally characterize the interaction between different MB subtypes and their environment. It highlights the prognostic and pathological role of specific ECM factors and enables preclinical development of subgroup‐specific therapies. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Linke
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Macha Aldighieri
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anbarasu Lourdusamy
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Snow Stolnik
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ian D Kerr
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Catherine Lr Merry
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Beth Coyle
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Sarmiento Soto M, Larkin JR, Martin C, Khrapitchev AA, Maczka M, Economopoulos V, Scott H, Escartin C, Bonvento G, Serres S, Sibson NR. STAT3-Mediated Astrocyte Reactivity Associated with Brain Metastasis Contributes to Neurovascular Dysfunction. Cancer Res 2020; 80:5642-5655. [PMID: 33106335 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are thought to play a pivotal role in coupling neural activity and cerebral blood flow. However, it has been shown that astrocytes undergo morphologic changes in response to brain metastasis, switching to a reactive phenotype, which has the potential to significantly compromise cerebrovascular function and contribute to the neurological sequelae associated with brain metastasis. Given that STAT3 is a key regulator of astrocyte reactivity, we aimed here to determine the impact of STAT3-mediated astrocyte reactivity on neurovascular function in brain metastasis. Rat models of brain metastasis and ciliary neurotrophic factor were used to induce astrocyte reactivity. Multimodal imaging, electrophysiology, and IHC were performed to determine the relationship between reactive astrocytes and changes in the cerebrovascular response to electrical and physiological stimuli. Subsequently, the STAT3 pathway in astrocytes was inhibited with WP1066 to determine the role of STAT3-mediated astrocyte reactivity, specifically, in brain metastasis. Astrocyte reactivity associated with brain metastases impaired cerebrovascular responses to stimuli at both the cellular and functional level and disrupted astrocyte-endothelial interactions in both animal models and human brain metastasis samples. Inhibition of STAT3-mediated astrocyte reactivity in rats with brain metastases restored cerebrovascular function, as shown by in vivo imaging, and limited cerebrovascular changes associated with tumor growth. Together these findings suggest that inhibiting STAT3-mediated astrocyte reactivity may confer significant improvements in neurological outcome for patients with brain metastases and could potentially be tested in other brain tumors. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings demonstrate that selectively targeting STAT3-mediated astrocyte reactivity ameliorates the cerebrovascular dysfunction associated with brain metastasis, providing a potential therapeutic avenue for improved patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Sarmiento Soto
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Seville, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - James R Larkin
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Martin
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandre A Khrapitchev
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Maczka
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Vasiliki Economopoulos
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Scott
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Carole Escartin
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Gilles Bonvento
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Sébastien Serres
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola R Sibson
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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George CN, Canuas-Landero V, Theodoulou E, Muthana M, Wilson C, Ottewell P. Oestrogen and zoledronic acid driven changes to the bone and immune environments: Potential mechanisms underlying the differential anti-tumour effects of zoledronic acid in pre- and post-menopausal conditions. J Bone Oncol 2020; 25:100317. [PMID: 32995253 PMCID: PMC7516134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2020.100317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Late stage breast cancer commonly metastasises to bone and patient survival averages 2-3 years following diagnosis of bone involvement. One of the most successful treatments for bone metastases is the bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid (ZOL). ZOL has been used in the advanced setting for many years where it has been shown to reduce skeletal complications associated with bone metastasis. More recently, several large adjuvant clinical trials have demonstrated that administration of ZOL can prevent recurrence and improve survival when given in early breast cancer. However, these promising effects were only observed in post-menopausal women with confirmed low concentrations of circulating ovarian hormones. In this review we focus on potential interactions between the ovarian hormone, oestrogen, and ZOL to establish credible hypotheses that could explain why anti-tumour effects are specific to post-menopausal women. Specifically, we discuss the molecular and immune cell driven mechanisms by which ZOL and oestrogen affect the tumour microenvironment to inhibit/induce tumour growth and how oestrogen can interact with zoledronic acid to inhibit its anti-tumour actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher N. George
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, United Kingdom
| | - Victor Canuas-Landero
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, United Kingdom
| | - Elizavet Theodoulou
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, United Kingdom
| | - Munitta Muthana
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Wilson
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, United Kingdom
| | - Penelope Ottewell
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, United Kingdom
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Drug Repurposing in Medulloblastoma: Challenges and Recommendations. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2020; 22:6. [PMID: 33245404 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-020-00805-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Medulloblastoma is the most frequently diagnosed primary malignant brain tumor among children. Currently available therapeutic strategies are based on surgical resection, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy. However, majority of patients quickly develop therapeutic resistance and are often left with long-term therapy-related side effects and sequelae. Therefore, there remains a dire need to develop more effective therapeutics to overcome the acquired resistance to currently available therapies. Unfortunately, the process of developing novel anti-neoplastic drugs from bench to bedside is highly time-consuming and very expensive. A wide range of drugs that are already in clinical use for treating non-cancerous diseases might commonly target tumor-associated signaling pathways as well and hence be of interest in treating different cancers. This is referred to as drug repurposing or repositioning. In medulloblastoma, drug repurposing has recently gained a remarkable interest as an alternative therapy to overcome therapy resistance, wherein existing non-tumor drugs are being tested for their potential anti-neoplastic effects outside the scope of their original use.
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