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Biello F, Platini F, D’Avanzo F, Cattrini C, Mennitto A, Genestroni S, Martini V, Marzullo P, Aimaretti G, Gennari A. Insulin/IGF Axis in Breast Cancer: Clinical Evidence and Translational Insights. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11010125. [PMID: 33477996 PMCID: PMC7835955 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common neoplasm in women. Many clinical and preclinical studies investigated the possible relationship between host metabolism and BC. Significant differences among BC subtypes have been reported for glucose metabolism. Insulin can promote tumorigenesis through a direct effect on epithelial tissues or indirectly by affecting the levels of other modulators, such as the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family of receptors, sex hormones, and adipokines. The potential anti-cancer activity of metformin is based on two principal effects: first, its capacity for lowering circulating insulin levels with indirect endocrine effects that may impact on tumor cell proliferation; second, its direct influence on many pro-cancer signaling pathways that are key drivers of BC aggressiveness. Methods: In the present review, the interaction between BC, host metabolism, and patients’ prognosis has been reviewed across available literature evidence. Conclusions: Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance are all involved in BC growth and could have a relevant impact on prognosis. All these factors act through a pro-inflammatory state, mediated by cytokines originated in fat tissue, and seem to be related to a higher risk of BC development and worse prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Biello
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (P.M.); (G.A.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesca Platini
- Division of Oncology, University Hospital “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.P.); (F.D.); (C.C.); (A.M.); (S.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Francesca D’Avanzo
- Division of Oncology, University Hospital “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.P.); (F.D.); (C.C.); (A.M.); (S.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Carlo Cattrini
- Division of Oncology, University Hospital “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.P.); (F.D.); (C.C.); (A.M.); (S.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Alessia Mennitto
- Division of Oncology, University Hospital “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.P.); (F.D.); (C.C.); (A.M.); (S.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Silvia Genestroni
- Division of Oncology, University Hospital “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.P.); (F.D.); (C.C.); (A.M.); (S.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Veronica Martini
- Division of Oncology, University Hospital “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.P.); (F.D.); (C.C.); (A.M.); (S.G.); (V.M.)
- Lab of Immuno-Oncology, CAAD, Center of Autoimmune and Allergic Disease, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Paolo Marzullo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (P.M.); (G.A.); (A.G.)
- Division of General Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, 28921 Piancavallo-Verbania, Italy
| | - Gianluca Aimaretti
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (P.M.); (G.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Alessandra Gennari
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (P.M.); (G.A.); (A.G.)
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Xu J, Higgins MJ, Tolaney SM, Come SE, Smith MR, Fornier M, Mahmood U, Baselga J, Yeap BY, Chabner BA, Isakoff SJ. A Phase II Trial of Cabozantinib in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer with Bone Metastases. Oncologist 2020; 25:652-660. [PMID: 32463152 PMCID: PMC7418363 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2020-0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed the antitumor activity of cabozantinib, a potent multireceptor oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer with bone metastases. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this single-arm multicenter phase II study, patients received an initial starting dose of 100 mg, later reduced to 60 mg, per day. The primary endpoint was the bone scan response rate. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate by RECIST, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Of 52 women enrolled, 20 (38%) experienced a partial response on bone scan and 6 (12%) had stable disease. Prior to the first repeat bone scan at 12 weeks, 19 (35%) patients discontinued study treatment because of early clinical progression or unacceptable toxicity. RECIST evaluation based on best overall response by computed tomography revealed stable disease in extraosseous tissues in 26 patients (50%) but no complete or partial responses. In 25 patients with disease control on bone scan at 12 weeks, only 3 (12%) patients developed extraosseous progression. The median PFS was 4.3 months, and median OS was 19.6 months. The most common grade 3 or 4 toxicities were hypertension (10%), anorexia (6%), diarrhea (6%), fatigue (4%), and hypophosphatemia (4%). CONCLUSION Bone scans improved in 38% of patients with metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and remained stable in an additional 12% for a minimum duration of 12 weeks on cabozantinib. Further investigations should assess the activity of cabozantinib in combination with other hormonal and other breast cancer therapies and determine whether bone scan responses correlate with meaningful antitumor effects. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier. NCT01441947 IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Most patients with metastatic hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer have bone involvement, and many have bone-only disease, which is difficult to evaluate for response. This phase II single-arm study evaluated the clinical activity of the small molecule MET/RET/VEGFR2 inhibitor cabozantinib in patients with metastatic HR+ breast cancer with bone metastases. This study met its primary endpoint, and cabozantinib treatment resulted in a significant bone scan response rate correlating with improved survival. This is the first study to use bone scan response as a primary endpoint in breast cancer. The results support further study of cabozantinib in HR+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Michaela J. Higgins
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mater Misericordiae University HospitalDublinIreland
| | - Sara M. Tolaney
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Steven E. Come
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Matthew R. Smith
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Monica Fornier
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Umar Mahmood
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jose Baselga
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Research & Development Oncology, AstraZeneca PharmaceuticalsGaithersburgMarylandUSA
| | - Beow Y. Yeap
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Bruce A. Chabner
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Steven J. Isakoff
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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3
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Gennari A, Foca F, Zamarchi R, Rocca A, Amadori D, De Censi A, Bologna A, Cavanna L, Gianni L, Scaltriti L, Rossi E, Facchinetti A, Martini V, Bruzzi P, Nanni O. Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and metastatic breast cancer outcome: results from the TransMYME trial. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 181:61-68. [PMID: 32200486 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-020-05596-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the prognostic value of IGF-1R expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing chemotherapy plus metformin with chemotherapy alone in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. METHODS CTCs were collected at baseline and at the end of chemotherapy. An automated sample preparation and analysis system (CellSearch) were customized for detecting IGF-1R expression. The prognostic role of CTC count and IGF-1R was assessed for PFS and OS by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS Seventy-two out of 126 randomized patients were evaluated: 57% had ≥ 1 IGF-1R positive CTC and 37.5% ≥ 4 IGF-1R negative cells; 42% had CTC count ≥ 5/7.5 ml. At univariate analysis, the number of IGF-1R negative CTCs was strongly associated with risk of progression and death: HR 1.93 (P = 0.013) and 3.65 (P = 0.001), respectively; no association was detected between number of IGF-1R positive CTCs and PFS or OS (P = 0.322 and P = 0.840). The prognostic role of CTC count was confirmed: HR 1.69, P = 0.042 for PFS and HR 2.80 for OS, P = 0.002. By multivariate analysis, the prognostic role of the number of IGF-1R negative CTCs was maintained, while no residual prognostic role of CTC count or number of IGF-1R positive cells was found. CONCLUSION Loss of IGF-1R in CTCs is associated with a significantly worse outcome in MBC patients. This finding supports further evaluation for the role of IGF-1R on CTCs to improve patient stratification and to implement new targeted strategies. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01885013); European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT No.2009-014,662-26).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gennari
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Via Solaroli 17, 28100, Novara, Italy.
| | - Flavia Foca
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Rita Zamarchi
- Department of Immunology and Oncological Molecular Diagnostics, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV) IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Rocca
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Dino Amadori
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Andrea De Censi
- Division of Medical Oncology, EO Ospedali Galliera, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bologna
- Department of Oncology, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Luigi Cavanna
- Oncology-Hematology Department, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Gianni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ospedale Infermi, Rimini, Italy
| | - Laura Scaltriti
- Oncology Day Hospital Unit, Ospedale Civile Di Guastalla, Guastalla, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rossi
- Department of Immunology and Oncological Molecular Diagnostics, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV) IRCCS, Padua, Italy.,Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Paduva, Paduva, Italy
| | - Antonella Facchinetti
- Department of Immunology and Oncological Molecular Diagnostics, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV) IRCCS, Padua, Italy.,Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Paduva, Paduva, Italy
| | - Veronica Martini
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Via Solaroli 17, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Paolo Bruzzi
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS San Martino - IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Oriana Nanni
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
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4
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Lu RM, Chiu CY, Liu IJ, Chang YL, Liu YJ, Wu HC. Novel human Ab against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 shows therapeutic potential for leukemia and prostate cancer. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:3773-3787. [PMID: 31578782 PMCID: PMC6890446 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is highly expressed in tumor‐associated endothelial cells, where it modulates tumor‐promoting angiogenesis, and it is also found on the surface of tumor cells. Currently, there are no Ab therapeutics targeting VEGFR2 approved for the treatment of prostate cancer or leukemia. Therefore, development of novel efficacious anti‐VEGFR2 Abs will benefit cancer patients. We used the Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology human Ab library and affinity maturation to develop a fully human Ab, anti‐VEGFR2‐AF, which shows excellent VEGFR2 binding activity. Anti‐VEGFR2‐AF bound Ig‐like domain 3 of VEGFR2 extracellular region to disrupt the interaction between VEGF‐A and VEGFR2, neutralizing downstream signaling of the receptor. Moreover, anti‐VEGFR2‐AF inhibited capillary structure formation and exerted Ab‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity in vitro. We found that VEGFR2 is expressed in PC‐3 human prostate cancer cell line and associated with malignancy and metastasis of human prostate cancer. In a PC‐3 xenograft mouse model, treatment with anti‐VEGFR2‐AF repressed tumor growth and angiogenesis as effectively and safely as US FDA‐approved anti‐VEGFR2 therapeutic, ramucirumab. We also report for the first time that addition of anti‐VEGFR2 Ab can enhance the efficacy of docetaxel in the treatment of a prostate cancer mouse model. In HL‐60 human leukemia‐xenografted mice, anti‐VEGFR2‐AF showed better efficacy than ramucirumab with prolonged survival and reduced metastasis of leukemia cells to ovaries and lymph nodes. Our findings suggest that anti‐VEGFR2‐AF has strong potential as a cancer therapy that could directly target VEGFR2‐expressing tumor cells in addition to its anti‐angiogenic action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruei-Min Lu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Yi Chiu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Ju Liu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ling Chang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yaw-Jen Liu
- Research and Development Center, United Biopharma Inc., Hsinshu, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chung Wu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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5
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Role of Liquid Biopsy in Clinical Decision-Making for Breast Cancer. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12609-019-0308-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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6
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Chen W, Yu J, Zhang Y, Wang W, Yu W, Shi X, Xu Z, Liu H. First-line application of apatinib combined with S-1 based on peripheral circulating tumor cell screening to treat advanced gastric adenocarcinoma: a case report. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:181. [PMID: 31168462 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.03.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Apatinib mesylate, a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), has been recommended as a third-line class A agent for patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma in China since April 2018. Thus far, there is no case report on the combined use of apatinib and S-1 as the first-line treatment option for metastatic gastric cancer (GC) patients based on peripheral circulating tumor cell (pCTC) monitoring. We present a unique case in which liver metastases originating from GC gradually shrank and disappeared in the presence of pCTC-positive disease after treatment with apatinib for 17 months. More surprisingly, the pCTCs became negative after the addition of S-1 halfway through treatment. A 71-year-old Chinese man who underwent gastroscopic biopsy and laparoscopy was diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma with multiple liver metastases. The pathological stage was T4NxM1. The patient obtained clinical benefit from first-line apatinib within 4 weeks. After developing grade 2 hand-foot syndrome, the patient began to take S-1 alone. When the condition was significantly relieved, the elderly patient continued to take apatinib combined with S-1 and achieved satisfactory therapeutic results. Many studies suggest that the prognosis of this type of GC is grim. However, apatinib increased the overall survival (OS) duration of the patient to 34 months. We hypothesize that combining apatinib with S-1 as a first-line therapeutic option for pCTC-positive advanced GC is feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikai Chen
- Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Department of General Surgery, No. 940 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Jianping Yu
- Department of General Surgery, No. 940 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Department of General Surgery, No. 940 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Wenjie Wang
- Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Wenwen Yu
- Department of General Surgery, No. 940 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xin Shi
- Department of General Surgery, No. 940 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Zipeng Xu
- Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Department of General Surgery, No. 940 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force, Lanzhou 730050, China.,Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
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7
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Aaltonen KE, Novosadová V, Bendahl PO, Graffman C, Larsson AM, Rydén L. Molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells from patients with metastatic breast cancer reflects evolutionary changes in gene expression under the pressure of systemic therapy. Oncotarget 2018; 8:45544-45565. [PMID: 28489591 PMCID: PMC5542207 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to systemic therapy is a major problem in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) that can be explained by initial tumor heterogeneity as well as by evolutionary changes during therapy and tumor progression. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detected in a liquid biopsy can be sampled and characterized repeatedly during therapy in order to monitor treatment response and disease progression. Our aim was to investigate how CTC derived gene expression of treatment predictive markers (ESR1/HER2) and other cancer associated markers changed in patient blood samples during six months of first-line systemic treatment for MBC. CTCs from 36 patients were enriched using CellSearch (Janssen Diagnostics) and AdnaTest (QIAGEN) before gene expression analysis was performed with a customized gene panel (TATAA Biocenter). Our results show that antibodies against HER2 and EGFR were valuable to isolate CTCs unidentified by CellSearch and possibly lacking EpCAM expression. Evaluation of patients with clinically different breast cancer subgroups demonstrated that gene expression of treatment predictive markers changed over time. This change was especially prominent for HER2 expression. In conclusion, we found that changed gene expression during first-line systemic therapy for MBC could be a possible explanation for treatment resistance. Characterization of CTCs at several time-points during therapy could be informative for treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina E Aaltonen
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Oncology and Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Vendula Novosadová
- Institute of Biotechnology, BIOCEV Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec u Prahy, Czech Republic
| | - Pär-Ola Bendahl
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Oncology and Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Graffman
- Skåne Department of Oncology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna-Maria Larsson
- Skåne Department of Oncology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lisa Rydén
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Surgery, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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8
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Spiliotaki M, Mavroudis D, Kokotsaki M, Vetsika EK, Stoupis I, Matikas A, Kallergi G, Georgoulias V, Agelaki S. Expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor in circulating tumor cells of patients with breast cancer is associated with patient outcomes. Mol Oncol 2017; 12:21-32. [PMID: 28766847 PMCID: PMC5748482 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with breast cancer, markers of aggressiveness such as dysregulation of the insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) system and E-cadherin loss are commonly observed. Reduced IGF1R expression is correlated with decreased E-cadherin levels and increased cell motility. We assessed IGF1R and E-cadherin expression in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with breast cancer. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of early (n = 87)- and metastatic (n = 126)-stage breast cancer patients (obtained prior to adjuvant and first-line chemotherapy) were evaluated using double immunofluorescence (IF) staining for cytokeratin (CK) and IGF1R. Triple IF using CK, IGF1R, and E-cadherin antibodies was performed in selected CTC(+) patients. IGF1R(+) CTCs were more frequently observed in early disease than in metastatic disease (86% vs 68% of CTCs, P = 0.04) stage, whereas IGF1R(-) CTCs were more common in metastatic than in early disease (32% vs 14% of CTCs, P = 0.002). 100% of CTC(+) patients with early disease, compared to 79% of those with metastatic disease, harbored IGF1R(+) CTCs (P = 0.007). Patients with early disease and exclusively IGF1R(+) CTCs had longer disease-free (P = 0.02) and overall survival (P = 0.001) compared to patients with both IGF1R(+) and IGF1R(-) CTC populations. 67% of early-stage CTC(+) patients evaluated had exclusively IGF1R(+)/E-cadherin(+) CTCs, 33% also had IGF1R(-)/E-cadherin(-) CTCs, and none had exclusively IGF1R(-)/E-cadherin(-) CTCs compared to 17%, 75%, and 8% of metastatic patients, respectively (P = 0.027). Similarly, in paired samples of patients with early disease that progressed to metastatic disease, the proportion of IGF1R(+)/E-cadherin(+) CTCs was reduced and IGF1R(-)/E-cadherin(-) CTCs were increased in the metastatic stage compared to early disease stage. IGF1R(+) CTCs are commonly detected in breast cancer, and their frequency decreases in the metastatic disease stage. IGF1R(+)/E-cadherin(+) CTCs also decrease in metastatic patients. IGF1R(+) CTCs are associated with favorable outcomes in early disease stage, suggesting that IGF1R expression is correlated with reduced metastatic potential in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Spiliotaki
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitris Mavroudis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.,Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Greece
| | - Maria Kokotsaki
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Eleni-Kyriaki Vetsika
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioannis Stoupis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Greece
| | - Alexios Matikas
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Greece
| | - Galatea Kallergi
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vassilis Georgoulias
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Sofia Agelaki
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.,Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Greece
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9
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Papadakis GZ, Mavroudis D, Georgoulias V, Souglakos J, Alegakis AK, Samonis G, Bagci U, Makrigiannakis A, Zoras O. Serum IGF-1, IGFBP-3 levels and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in early breast cancer patients. Growth Horm IGF Res 2017; 33:28-34. [PMID: 28258988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-axis is involved in human oncogenesis and metastasis development for various solid tumors including breast cancer. Aim of this study was to assess the association between IGF-1, IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) serum levels and the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood of women diagnosed with early breast cancer (EBC), before and after adjuvant chemotherapy. DESIGN 171 patients with early-stage breast adenocarcinomas were retrospectively evaluated. Immunoradiometric (IRMA) assays were employed for the in-vitro determination of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 serum levels in blood samples collected after surgical treatment and before initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy. CTCs' presence was assessed through detection of cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) mRNA transcripts using quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). IGF-1, IGFBP-3 serum levels were correlated with CTCs' presence before and after adjuvant chemotherapy as well as with tumor characteristics including tumor size, axillary lymph node status, oestrogen (ER)/progestorene (PR) and human epidermural growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptor status. Log-rank test was applied to investigate possible association between IGF-1, IGFBP-3 serum levels and disease-free interval (DFI) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Before initiation of adjuvant therapy IGF-1, IGFBP-3 serum levels were moderately associated (Spearman's rho=0.361, p<0.001) with each other, while presenting significant differences across age groups (all p values<0.05). IGF-1 serum levels did not correlate with the presence of CTCs before initiation (p=0.558) or after completion (p=0.474) of adjuvant chemotherapy. Similarly, IGFBP-3 serum levels did not show significant association with detectable CTCs either before (p=0.487) or after (p=0.134) completion of adjuvant chemotherapy. There was no statistically significant association between the clinical outcome of patients in terms of DFI, OS and IGF-1(DFI: p=0.499; OS: p=0.220) or IGFBP-3 (DFI: p=0.900; OS: p=0.406) serum levels. CONCLUSIONS IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 serum levels before initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy are not indicative of CTCs' presence in the blood and do not correlate with clinical outcome of women with early-stage breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Z Papadakis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece; Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center (CC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Dimitrios Mavroudis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece; Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece
| | - Vasilios Georgoulias
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece; Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece
| | - John Souglakos
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece; Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece
| | - Athanasios K Alegakis
- Center of Toxicology Science & Research, Division of Morphology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - George Samonis
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ulas Bagci
- Center for Research in Computer Vision (CRCV), Electrical and Computer Science Department, University of Central Florida (UCF), Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - Antonis Makrigiannakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Odysseas Zoras
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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10
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Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is primarily known as a proangiogenic factor and is one of the most important growth and survival factors affecting the vascular endothelium. However, recent studies have shown that VEGF also plays a vital role in the immune environment. In addition to the traditional growth factor role of VEGF and VEGF receptors (VEGFRs), they have a complicated relationship with various immune cells. VEGF also reportedly inhibits the differentiation and function of immune cells during hematopoiesis. Dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, and lymphocytes further express certain types of VEGF receptors. VEGF can be secreted as well by tumor cells through the autocrine pathway and can stimulate the function of cancer stemness. This review will provide a paradigm shift in our understanding of the role of VEGF/VEGFR signaling in the immune and cancer environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Hua Zhao
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Research Center of Lung Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xiu-Bao Ren
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Research Center of Lung Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
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11
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Lv XZ, Zheng MY, Lin ZQ, Zhao M, Wang H, Zeng WS. Granzyme B-truncated VEGF fusion protein represses angiogenesis and tumor growth of OSCC. Oral Dis 2016; 22:688-96. [PMID: 27291760 DOI: 10.1111/odi.12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the antitumor effects of fusion protein hGrB-TV of human granzyme B (hGrB) and truncated vascular endothelial growth factor (tVEGF) on human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in vitro and in vivo. METHODS The fusion protein hGrB-TV was expressed and purified from E. coli bacteria by affinity chromatography. The cytotoxcity of hGrB-TV on VEGFR-2 (Flk-1)(+) OSCC cells was analyzed in vitro. The antitumor therapeutic study was conducted on OSCC xenografts in vivo. RESULTS The purified hGrB-TV fusion protein was selectively internalized into VEGFR-2 (Flk-1)(+) OSCC cells and endothelial cells. It can cleave inactive caspase 3 into its active p20 form. The hGrB-TV showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity on VEGFR-2(+) SCC-9 cells. The morphological changes and cytolysis were appeared within dozen minutes. However, no cytotoxicity was observed on VEGFR-2(-) cells. The hGrB alone or tVEGF alone did not have any toxicity on SCC-9 cells. In addition, hGrB-TV treatment completely destroyed the vasculature of the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) in vivo and consequently led to chick embryo development arrest. Most importantly, the fusion protein hGrB-TV inhibited tumor angiogenesis and growth of human OSCC xenografts in nude mice without any apparent toxicity. CONCLUSIONS The fusion protein hGrB-TV specifically inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth of OSCC; hGrB-TV is a powerful and safe therapeutic molecule for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- X-Z Lv
- Department Oral & Head and Neck Surgery, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - M-Y Zheng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Z-Q Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - M Zhao
- Department Oral & Head and Neck Surgery, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - H Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - W-S Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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12
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Bahhnassy A, Mohanad M, Shaarawy S, Ismail MF, El-Bastawisy A, Ashmawy AM, Zekri AR. Transforming growth factor-β, insulin-like growth factor I/insulin-like growth factor I receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor-A: prognostic and predictive markers in triple-negative and non-triple-negative breast cancer. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:851-64. [PMID: 25824321 PMCID: PMC4438878 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current study, the prognostic and predictive values of serum transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I)/IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) were evaluated in triple-negative and non-triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC and non-TNBC). The aim was to identify a group of serological biomarkers and to identify possible candidates for targeted therapy in patients with TNBC and non-TNBC. Protein levels of TGF-β1, IGF-I/IGF-IR and VEGF-A in the serum were measured in 43 TNBC, 53 non-TNBC and 20 normal control participants using quantitative ELISA assays. Results were correlated against standard prognostic factors, response to treatment and survival. TNBC was identified to be associated with poor prognosis and serum levels of VEGF-A and IGF/IGF-IR were significantly higher in the TNBC group compared with the non-TNBC group. IGF-IR and VEGF-A overexpression was observed to be correlated with TGF-β1 expression and all of the markers investigated were associated with metastasis and disease progression. In the multivariate analysis, VEGF-A, IGF-I and IGF-IR were observed to be independent predictors for overall survival, whereas TGF-β1 and lymph node status were identified as independent predictors for disease-free survival. The overall response rate was significantly lower in patients with TNBC and those with high levels of TGF-β1, IGF-I/IGF-IR and VEGF-A. In view of the present results, it was concluded that TGF-β1, IGF-I/IGF-IR and VEGF-A overexpression is associated with the presence of aggressive tumors, which exhibit an increased probability of metastasis, a poor response to treatment and reduced survival rate. This indicates that VEGF-A, IGF-IR and IGF-I have the potential to be used as surrogate biomarkers and are promising candidates for targeted therapy, particularly in patients with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Bahhnassy
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt
| | - Marwa Mohanad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr University for Science and Technology, Cairo 11796, Egypt
| | - Sabry Shaarawy
- Department of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt
| | - Manal F Ismail
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt
| | - Ahmed El-Bastawisy
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt
| | - Abeer M Ashmawy
- Department of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt
| | - Abdel-Rahman Zekri
- Department of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt
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13
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Christopoulos PF, Msaouel P, Koutsilieris M. The role of the insulin-like growth factor-1 system in breast cancer. Mol Cancer 2015; 14:43. [PMID: 25743390 PMCID: PMC4335664 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-015-0291-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
IGF-1 is a potent mitogen of major importance in the mammary gland. IGF-1 binding to the cognate receptor, IGF-1R, triggers a signaling cascade leading to proliferative and anti-apoptotic events. Although many of the relevant molecular pathways and intracellular cascades remain to be elucidated, a growing body of evidence points to the important role of the IGF-1 system in breast cancer development, progression and metastasis. IGF-1 is a point of convergence for major signaling pathways implicated in breast cancer growth. In this review, we provide an overview and concise update on the function and regulation of IGF-1 as well as the role it plays in breast malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis F Christopoulos
- Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Goudi, Athens, Greece.
| | - Pavlos Msaouel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Michael Koutsilieris
- Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Goudi, Athens, Greece.
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14
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Mego M, Reuben JM. Prognostic and Predictive Role of Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12609-014-0164-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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15
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Modeling of hypo/hyperglycemia and their impact on breast cancer progression related molecules. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113103. [PMID: 25401697 PMCID: PMC4234670 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) arises commonly in women with metabolic dysfunction. The underlying mechanism by which glycemic load can exert its action on tumor metastasis is under investigated. In this study we showed that glycemic microenvironment alters the expression of three classes of proteins, VEGF and its receptors, cell to cell, and cell to extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion proteins in MDA-MB-231 parental cells and its two metastatic variants to the bone and brain (MDA-MB-231BO and MDA-MB-231BR, respectively). Using western blotting, we showed that VEGFR2 levels were higher in these variant cells and persisted in the cells under extreme hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia did not alter VEGFR2 expression per se but rather suppressed its posttranslational glycosylation. This was reversed rapidly upon the restoration of glucose, and cyclohexamide (CHX) treatment demonstrated that this deglycosylated VEGFR2 was not a product of de-novo protein synthesis. VEGFR2 co-receptor Neuropilin-1 was up-regulated four-fold in all MDA-MB-231 cells (parental and two variants) compared to VEGFR2 expression, and was also susceptible to glycemic changes but resistant to CHX treatment for up to 72 hrs. Hypoglycemia also resulted in a significant decrease in specific catenin, cadherin, and integrin proteins, as well as cellular proliferation and colony forming ability. However, MDA-MB-231BR cells showed a unique sensitivity to hypo/hyperglycemia in terms of morphological changes, colony formation ability, integrin β3 expression and secreted VEGF levels. In conclusion, this study can be translated clinically to provide insight into breast cancer cell responses to glycemic levels relevant for our understanding of the interaction between diabetes and cancer.
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