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Hoch CC, Knoedler L, Knoedler S, Bashiri Dezfouli A, Schmidl B, Trill A, Douglas JE, Adappa ND, Stögbauer F, Wollenberg B. Integrated Molecular and Histological Insights for Targeted Therapies in Mesenchymal Sinonasal Tract Tumors. Curr Oncol Rep 2024; 26:272-291. [PMID: 38376625 PMCID: PMC10920452 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-024-01506-9] [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] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of mesenchymal sinonasal tract tumors (STTs), a distinct subset of STTs. Despite their rarity, mesenchymal STTs represent a unique clinical challenge, characterized by their rarity, often slow progression, and frequently subtle or overlooked symptoms. The complex anatomy of the sinonasal area, which includes critical structures such as the orbit, brain, and cranial nerves, further complicates surgical treatment options. This underscores an urgent need for more advanced and specialized therapeutic approaches. RECENT FINDINGS Advancements in molecular diagnostics, particularly in next-generation sequencing, have significantly enhanced our understanding of STTs. Consequently, the World Health Organization has updated its tumor classification to better reflect the distinct histological and molecular profiles of these tumors, as well as to categorize mesenchymal STTs with greater accuracy. The growing understanding of the molecular characteristics of mesenchymal STTs opens new possibilities for targeted therapeutic interventions, marking a significant shift in treatment paradigms. This review article concentrates on mesenchymal STTs, specifically addressing sinonasal tract angiofibroma, sinonasal glomangiopericytoma, biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma, and skull base chordoma. These entities are marked by unique histopathological and molecular features, which challenge conventional treatment approaches and simultaneously open avenues for novel targeted therapies. Our discussion is geared towards delineating the molecular underpinnings of mesenchymal STTs, with the objective of enhancing therapeutic strategies and addressing the existing shortcomings in the management of these intricate tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosima C Hoch
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Leonard Knoedler
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samuel Knoedler
- Institute of Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ali Bashiri Dezfouli
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technical University of Munich (TranslaTUM), Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Schmidl
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Anskar Trill
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technical University of Munich (TranslaTUM), Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Jennifer E Douglas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nithin D Adappa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Fabian Stögbauer
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Wollenberg
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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Martinez Moreno M, Wang E, Schroeder C, Sullivan P, Gokaslan Z. Shedding light on emerging therapeutic targets for chordoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:705-713. [PMID: 37647357 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2248382] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite encouraging advances in radiation and surgical treatment, chordomas remain resistant to chemotherapy and local recurrence is common. Although the primary mechanism of recurrence is local, metastatic disease occurs in a small subset of patients. Recurrence may also occur along the surgical trajectory if care is not taken to fully excise the open biopsy pathway. There is increasing morbidity with reoperation upon disease recurrence, and radiation is an option for cytoreduction in primary disease or for recurrent disease, although toxicity may be observed with high-dose therapies. Given these challenges, targeted chemotherapeutic agents for postoperative adjuvant treatment are needed. AREAS COVERED In this review, we summarize the genetic drivers of chordoma and the state of the current research in chordoma immunotherapy and epigenetics. EXPERT OPINION Chordoma is a heterogenous tumor that should be targeted from different angles and the study of its characteristics, from molecular to immunological to epigenetic, is necessary. Combining different approaches, such as studying noninvasive patient methylation patterns with tissue-based molecular and drug screening, can transform patient care by guiding treatment decisions based on prognostic mechanisms from different sources, while helping individualize surgical planning and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elaina Wang
- Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Providence, USA
| | | | - Patricia Sullivan
- Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Providence, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ziya Gokaslan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Mae H, Outani H, Imura Y, Chijimatsu R, Inoue A, Kotani Y, Yasuda N, Nakai S, Nakai T, Takenaka S, Okada S. Targeting the Clear Cell Sarcoma Oncogenic Driver Fusion Gene EWSR1::ATF1 by HDAC Inhibition. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1152-1165. [PMID: 37405123 PMCID: PMC10317042 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Clear cell sarcoma (CCS), a rare but extremely aggressive malignancy with no effective therapy, is characterized by the expression of the oncogenic driver fusion gene EWSR1::ATF1. In this study, we performed a high-throughput drug screening, finding that the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat exerted an antiproliferation effect with the reduced expression of EWSR1::ATF1. We expected the reduced expression of EWSR1::ATF1 to be due to the alteration of chromatin accessibility; however, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing and a cleavage under targets and release using nuclease assay revealed that chromatin structure was only slightly altered, despite histone deacetylation at the EWSR1::ATF1 promoter region. Alternatively, we found that vorinostat treatment reduced the level of BRD4, a member of the bromodomain and extraterminal motif protein family, at the EWSR1::ATF1 promoter region. Furthermore, the BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 downregulated EWSR1::ATF1 according to Western blotting and qPCR analyses. In addition, motif analysis revealed that vorinostat treatment suppressed the transcriptional factor SOX10, which directly regulates EWSR1::ATF1 expression and is involved in CCS proliferation. Importantly, we demonstrate that a combination therapy of vorinostat and JQ1 synergistically enhances antiproliferation effect and EWSR1::ATF1 suppression. These results highlight a novel fusion gene suppression mechanism achieved using epigenetic modification agents and provide a potential therapeutic target for fusion gene-related tumors. Significance This study reveals the epigenetic and transcriptional suppression mechanism of the fusion oncogene EWSR1::ATF1 in clear cell sarcoma by histone deacetylase inhibitor treatment as well as identifying SOX10 as a transcription factor that regulates EWSR1::ATF1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Mae
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidetatsu Outani
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Imura
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryota Chijimatsu
- Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Akitomo Inoue
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Kotani
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naohiro Yasuda
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sho Nakai
- Musculoskeletal Oncology Service, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takaaki Nakai
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takenaka
- Musculoskeletal Oncology Service, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Seiji Okada
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Seeling C, Mosca E, Mantel E, Möller P, Barth TFE, Mellert K. Prognostic Relevance and In Vitro Targeting of Concomitant PTEN and p16 Deficiency in Chordomas. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071977. [PMID: 37046638 PMCID: PMC10093147 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chordomas are rare bone tumors arising along the spine. Due to high resistance towards chemotherapy, surgical resection—often followed by radiation therapy—is currently the gold standard of treatment. So far, targeted systemic therapies have not been approved. The most frequent molecular alterations include the loss of PTEN and CDKN2A (encoding p16), being associated with poor prognoses in chordoma patients. Specific inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway as well as CDK4/6 have shown antitumor activity in preclinical studies and have recently been under investigation in phase II clinical trials; however, the clinical impacts and therapeutic consequences of concomitant PTEN and p16 deficiency have not yet been investigated in chordomas. In a cohort of 43 chordoma patients, 16% of the cases were immunohistochemically negative for both markers. The simultaneous loss of PTEN and p16 was associated with a higher KI-67 index, a tendency to metastasize, and significantly shorter overall survival. Additionally, 30% of chordoma cell lines (n = 19) were PTEN-/p16-negative. Treating these chordoma cells with palbociclib (CDK4/6 inhibitor), rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) or the pan-PI3K inhibitor buparlisib significantly reduced cell viability. Synergistic effects were observed when combining palbociclib with rapamycin. In conclusion, we show that patients with PTEN-/p16-negative chordomas have poor prognoses and provide strong preclinical evidence that these patients might benefit from a Palbociclib/rapamycin combination treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Seeling
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany (K.M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Elena Mosca
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany (K.M.)
| | - Eva Mantel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany (K.M.)
| | - Peter Möller
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany (K.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Thomas F. E. Barth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany (K.M.)
| | - Kevin Mellert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany (K.M.)
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Chang C, Tang K, Gao Y, Dai J, Dai C. Bibliometric analysis of the global research trends and hotspots in chordoma from 2000 to 2020. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279181. [PMID: 36520826 PMCID: PMC9754290 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chordoma is formed from embryonic residues or ectopic chordae and locally aggressive or malignant tumors. We visually analyzed the research tendency and hotspot of chordoma. METHODS The bibliometric analysis was conducted from the Web of Science Core Collection database over the past two decades. The term and strategies were as follows: "TS = (chordoma) OR TS = (chordoblastoma) OR TS = (chordocarcinoma) OR TS = (chordoepithelioma) OR TS = (chordosarcoma) OR TS = (notochordoma). AND Language: English. AND Reference Type: Article OR Review". A total of 2,118 references were retrieved and used to make a visual analysis by VOSviewer 1.6.15. RESULTS The chordoma was on a steady rise and chordoma but remained the focus of scholars and organizations over the last two decades. The Chinese institutions and scholars lacked cooperation with their counterparts in other countries. The citations of documents and co-citation analysis of cited references suggested that M.L. McMaster, B.P. Walcott, P. Bergh, and S. Stacchiotti were leading researchers in this field of chordoma and their papers had been widely accepted and inspired recent researches. Keywords associated with recent chemotherapy, PD-1-related immunotherapy, and SMARCB1/integrase interactor 1 (INI1) in chordoma were a shortage of research and there may be more research ideas in the future by scholars. The research of chordoma will continue to be the hotspot. CONCLUSIONS Thus, explaining the molecular mechanism and potential role of transcriptional inhibition and immunologic responses to SMARCB1/INI1-negative poorly differentiated chordoma will be available for preclinical experiments and clinical trials and lead to new therapeutic opportunities for chordoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuicui Chang
- Central Laboratory of Medicine School, Xi’an Peihua University, Xi’an, China
| | - Kai Tang
- Central Laboratory of Medicine School, Xi’an Peihua University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi ’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yifan Gao
- Central Laboratory of Medicine School, Xi’an Peihua University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jingyao Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Air Force Medical Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- * E-mail: (JD); (CD)
| | - Chen Dai
- Orthopedics and Trauma Department, the 963rd (224th) Hospital of People’s Liberation Army, 963rd Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Medical Center, General Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (JD); (CD)
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Tian K, Ma J, Wang K, Li D, Zhang J, Wang L, Wu Z. PTEN is recognized as a prognostic-related biomarker and inhibits proliferation and invasiveness of skull base chordoma cells. Front Surg 2022; 9:1011845. [PMID: 36211273 PMCID: PMC9537766 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1011845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This work aimed to examine the function of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in skull base chordoma (SBC) at the clinical and cellular levels. Methods Totally 65 paraffin-embedded and 86 frozen specimens from 96 patients administered surgery were analyzed. Immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed, and the associations of PTEN expression with clinical features were assessed. At the cellular level, PTEN was knocked down by the siRNA approach in the UCH-1 cell line, and cell proliferation and invasion were detected by the CCK-8 and migration assays, respectively. Results At the protein level, PTEN expression was increased in non-bone-invasive tumor samples in comparison with bone-invasive specimens (p = 0.025), and elevated in soft SBCs in comparison with hard tumors (p = 0.017). Increased PTEN protein expression was associated with decreased risk of tumor progression (p = 0.002; hazard ratio = 0.981, 95% confidence interval: 0.969–0.993). At the gene expression level, the cut-off value was set at 10.5 after ROC curve analysis, and SBC specimens were divided into two groups: PTEN high group, ΔCt value below 10.5; PTEN low group, ΔCt value above 10.5. In multivariate regression analysis of PFS, the risk of tumor progression was increased in PTEN low group tumors in comparison with PTEN high group SBCs (p = 0.006). In the CCK-8 assay, in comparison with control cells, PTEN knockdown cells had increased absorbance, suggesting elevated cell proliferation rate. In the invasion assay, the number of tumor cells penetrating into the lower chamber was significantly increased in the PTEN knockdown group compared with control cells. Conclusions Decreased PTEN expression in SBC, at the protein and gene levels, is associated with reduced PFS. PTEN knockdown in chordoma cells led to enhanced proliferation and invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhen Wu
- Correspondence: Liang Wang Zhen Wu
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Heft Neal ME, Michmerhuizen NL, Kovatch KJ, Owen JHJ, Zhai J, Jiang H, McKean EL, Prince ME, Brenner JC. Advancement of PI3 Kinase Inhibitor Combination Therapies for PI3K-Aberrant Chordoma. J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2022; 83:87-98. [PMID: 35155075 PMCID: PMC8824629 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1716694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Targeted inhibitors of the PI3 kinase (PI3K) pathway have shown promising but incomplete antitumor activity in preclinical chordoma models. The aim of this study is to advance methodology for a high-throughput drug screen using chordoma models to identify new combination therapies for chordoma. Study Design Present work is an in vitro study. Setting The study conducted at an academic research laboratory. Materials and Methods An in vitro study on automated high-throughput screening of chordoma cells was performed using a library of 1,406 drugs as both mono- and combination therapies with PI3K inhibitors. Combination indices were determined for dual therapies and synergistic outliers were identified as potential therapeutic agents. T (brachyury) siRNA knockdown in combination with PI3K pathway inhibition was also assessed. Results Fifty-nine combination therapies were identified as having potential therapeutic efficacy. Effective combinations included PI3K inhibitors with GSK1838705A (ALK/IGF-1R inhibitor), LY2874455 (VEGFR/FGFR inhibitor), El1 (selective Ezh2 inhibitor), and (-)-p-bromotetramisole oxalate (alkaline phosphatase inhibitor). The top ranking targets identified included ALK, PDGFR, VEGFR, aurora kinase, and BCL-2. T (brachyury) inhibition produced significant reduction in cell viability and growth; however PI3K inhibition in combination with T (brachyury) knockdown did not result in further reduction in growth and viability in vitro. Conclusion High throughput with in vitro combination screening is feasible with chordoma cells and allows for rapid identification of synergistic dual-therapies. Potential combination therapies and targetable pathways were identified. T (brachyury) knockdown produced significant reduction in cell viability, but did not show additional benefit with PI3K pathway inhibition in this model. Further in vitro and in vivo validation of these therapeutic combinations is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly E. Heft Neal
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Nicole L. Michmerhuizen
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Kevin J. Kovatch
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - John Henry J. Owen
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Jingyi Zhai
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Heath, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Heath, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Erin L. McKean
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Mark E.P. Prince
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - J. Chad Brenner
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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Scheipl S, Barnard M, Lohberger B, Zettl R, Brcic I, Liegl-Atzwanger B, Rinner B, Meindl C, Fröhlich E. Drug combination screening as a translational approach toward an improved drug therapy for chordoma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:1231-1242. [PMID: 34550531 PMCID: PMC8648636 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-021-00632-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Drug screening programmes have revealed epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRis) as promising therapeutics for chordoma, an orphan malignant bone tumour, in the absence of a known genetic driver. Concurrently, the irreversible EGFRi afatinib (Giotrif®) is being evaluated in a multicentric Phase II trial. As tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) monotherapies are invariably followed by resistance, we aimed to evaluate potential therapeutic combinations with EGFRis. Methods We screened 133 clinically approved anticancer drugs as single agents and in combination with two EGFRis (afatinib and erlotinib) in the clival chordoma cell line UM-Chor1. Synergistic combinations were analysed in a 7 × 7 matrix format. The most promising combination was further explored in clival (UM-Chor1, MUG-CC1) and sacral (MUG-Chor1, U-CH1) chordoma cell lines. Secretomes were analysed for receptor tyrosine kinase ligands (EGF, TGF-α, FGF-2 and VEGF-A) upon drug treatment. Results Drugs that were active as single agents (n = 45) included TKIs, HDAC and proteasome inhibitors, and cytostatic drugs. Six combinations were analysed in a matrix format: n = 4 resulted in a significantly increased cell killing (crizotinib, dabrafenib, panobinostat and doxorubicin), and n = 2 exhibited no or negligible effects (regorafenib, venetoclax). Clival chordoma cell lines were more responsive to combined EGFR-MET inhibition. EGFR-MET cross-talk (e.g. via TGF-α secretion) likely accounts for the synergistic effects of EGFR-MET inhibition. Conclusion Our screen revealed promising combinations with EGFRis, such as the ALK/MET-inhibitor crizotinib, the HDAC-inhibitor panobinostat or the topoisomerase-II-inhibitor doxorubicin, which are part of standard chemotherapy regimens for various bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13402-021-00632-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Scheipl
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Michelle Barnard
- Cancer Research UK - AstraZeneca Antibody Alliance Laboratory, Cambridge, UK
| | - Birgit Lohberger
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Richard Zettl
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Iva Brcic
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Beate Rinner
- Division of Biomedical Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Claudia Meindl
- Center for Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Eleonore Fröhlich
- Center for Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Dai D, Xie L, Shui Y, Li J, Wei Q. Identification of Tumor Microenvironment-Related Prognostic Genes in Sarcoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:620705. [PMID: 33597971 PMCID: PMC7882740 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.620705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Immune cells that infiltrate the tumor microenvironment (TME) are associated with cancer prognosis. The aim of the current study was to identify TME related gene signatures related to the prognosis of sarcoma (SARC) by using the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Methods Immune and stromal scores were calculated by estimation of stromal and immune cells in malignant tumor tissues using expression data algorithms. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) based cox model was then used to select hub survival genes. A risk score model and nomogram were used to predict the overall survival of patients with SARC. Results We selected 255 patients with SARC for our analysis. The Kaplan–Meier method found that higher immune (p = 0.0018) or stromal scores (p = 0.0022) were associated with better prognosis of SARC. The estimated levels of CD4+ (p = 0.0012) and CD8+ T cells (p = 0.017) via the tumor immune estimation resource were higher in patients with SARC with better overall survival. We identified 393 upregulated genes and 108 downregulated genes (p < 0.05, fold change >4) intersecting between the immune and stromal scores based on differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis. The univariate Cox analysis of each intersecting DEG and subsequent lasso-based Cox model identified 11 hub survival genes (MYOC, NNAT, MEDAG, TNFSF14, MYH11, NRXN1, P2RY13, CXCR3, IGLV3-25, IGHV1-46, and IGLV2-8). Then, a hub survival gene-based risk score gene signature was constructed; higher risk scores predicted worse SARC prognosis (p < 0.0001). A nomogram including the risk scores, immune/stromal scores and clinical factors showed a good prediction value for SARC overall survival (C-index = 0.716). Finally, connectivity mapping analysis identified that the histone deacetylase inhibitors trichostatin A and vorinostat might have the potential to reverse the harmful TME for patients with SARC. Conclusion The current study provided new indications for the association between the TME and SARC. Lists of TME related survival genes and potential therapeutic drugs were identified for SARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjun Dai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lanyu Xie
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Fuzhou Medical College of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yongjie Shui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinfan Li
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qichun Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Sheppard HE, Dall’Agnese A, Park WD, Shamim MH, Dubrulle J, Johnson HL, Stossi F, Cogswell P, Sommer J, Levy J, Sharifnia T, Wawer MJ, Nabet B, Gray NS, Clemons PA, Schreiber SL, Workman P, Young RA, Lin CY. Targeted brachyury degradation disrupts a highly specific autoregulatory program controlling chordoma cell identity. CELL REPORTS MEDICINE 2021; 2:100188. [PMID: 33521702 PMCID: PMC7817874 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2020.100188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chordomas are rare spinal tumors addicted to expression of the developmental transcription factor brachyury. In chordomas, brachyury is super-enhancer associated and preferentially downregulated by pharmacologic transcriptional CDK inhibition, leading to cell death. To understand the underlying basis of this sensitivity, we dissect the brachyury transcription regulatory network and compare the consequences of brachyury degradation with transcriptional CDK inhibition. Brachyury defines the chordoma super-enhancer landscape and autoregulates through binding its super-enhancer, and its locus forms a transcriptional condensate. Transcriptional CDK inhibition and brachyury degradation disrupt brachyury autoregulation, leading to loss of its transcriptional condensate and transcriptional program. Compared with transcriptional CDK inhibition, which globally downregulates transcription, leading to cell death, brachyury degradation is much more selective, inducing senescence and sensitizing cells to anti-apoptotic inhibition. These data suggest that brachyury downregulation is a core tenet of transcriptional CDK inhibition and motivates developing strategies to target brachyury and its autoregulatory feedback loop. Brachyury defines the chordoma super-enhancer landscape Brachyury autoregulates through a transcriptional condensate CDK7/12/13i and brachyury degradation target the brachyury transcriptional condensate Brachyury degradation inhibits chordoma identity genes and induces senescence
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadley E. Sheppard
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Woojun D. Park
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - M. Hamza Shamim
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Julien Dubrulle
- Integrated Microscopy Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hannah L. Johnson
- Integrated Microscopy Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Fabio Stossi
- Integrated Microscopy Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | - Joan Levy
- Chordoma Foundation, Durham, NC 27713, USA
| | - Tanaz Sharifnia
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Behnam Nabet
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Paul A. Clemons
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Stuart L. Schreiber
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Paul Workman
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Richard A. Young
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Charles Y. Lin
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Corresponding author
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11
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Cottone L, Cribbs AP, Khandelwal G, Wells G, Ligammari L, Philpott M, Tumber A, Lombard P, Hookway ES, Szommer T, Johansson C, Brennan PE, Pillay N, Jenner RG, Oppermann U, Flanagan AM. Inhibition of Histone H3K27 Demethylases Inactivates Brachyury (TBXT) and Promotes Chordoma Cell Death. Cancer Res 2020; 80:4540-4551. [PMID: 32855205 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-1387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Expression of the transcription factor brachyury (TBXT) is normally restricted to the embryo, and its silencing is epigenetically regulated. TBXT promotes mesenchymal transition in a subset of common carcinomas, and in chordoma, a rare cancer showing notochordal differentiation, TBXT acts as a putative oncogene. We hypothesized that TBXT expression is controlled through epigenetic inhibition to promote chordoma cell death. Screening of five human chordoma cell lines revealed that pharmacologic inhibition of the histone 3 lysine 27 demethylases KDM6A (UTX) and KDM6B (JMJD3) leads to cell death. This effect was phenocopied by dual genetic inactivation of KDM6A/B using CRISPR/Cas9. Inhibition of KDM6A/B with a novel compound KDOBA67 led to a genome-wide increase in repressive H3K27me3 marks with concomitant reduction in active H3K27ac, H3K9ac, and H3K4me3 marks. TBXT was a KDM6A/B target gene, and chromatin changes at TBXT following KDOBA67 treatment were associated with a reduction in TBXT protein levels in all models tested, including primary patient-derived cultures. In all models tested, KDOBA67 treatment downregulated expression of a network of transcription factors critical for chordoma survival and upregulated pathways dominated by ATF4-driven stress and proapoptotic responses. Blocking the AFT4 stress response did not prevent suppression of TBXT and induction of cell death, but ectopic overexpression of TBXT increased viability, therefore implicating TBXT as a potential therapeutic target of H3K27 demethylase inhibitors in chordoma. Our work highlights how knowledge of normal processes in fetal development can provide insight into tumorigenesis and identify novel therapeutic approaches. SIGNIFICANCE: Pharmacologic inhibition of H3K27-demethylases in human chordoma cells promotes epigenetic silencing of oncogenic TBXT, alters gene networks critical to survival, and represents a potential novel therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cottone
- Department of Pathology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam P Cribbs
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Garima Khandelwal
- Department of Cancer Biology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Wells
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lorena Ligammari
- Department of Pathology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Philpott
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Tumber
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Lombard
- Department of Pathology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edward S Hookway
- Department of Pathology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tamas Szommer
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Catrine Johansson
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul E Brennan
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nischalan Pillay
- Department of Pathology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Histopathology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, United Kingdom
| | - Richard G Jenner
- Department of Cancer Biology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Udo Oppermann
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- FRIAS - Freiburg Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Adrienne M Flanagan
- Department of Pathology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
- Department of Histopathology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, United Kingdom
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12
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Hoffman SE, Al Abdulmohsen SA, Gupta S, Hauser BM, Meredith DM, Dunn IF, Bi WL. Translational Windows in Chordoma: A Target Appraisal. Front Neurol 2020; 11:657. [PMID: 32733369 PMCID: PMC7360834 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chordomas are rare tumors that are notoriously refractory to chemotherapy and radiotherapy when radical surgical resection is not achieved or upon recurrence after maximally aggressive treatment. The study of chordomas has been complicated by small patient cohorts and few available model systems due to the rarity of these tumors. Emerging next-generation sequencing technologies have broadened understanding of this disease by implicating novel pathways for possible targeted therapy. Mutations in cell-cycle regulation and chromatin remodeling genes have been identified in chordomas, but their significance remains unknown. Investigation of the immune microenvironment of these tumors suggests that checkpoint protein expression may influence prognosis, and adjuvant immunotherapy may improve patient outcome. Finally, growing evidence supports aberrant growth factor signaling as potential pathogenic mechanisms in chordoma. In this review, we characterize the impact on treatment opportunities offered by the genomic and immunologic landscape of this tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E Hoffman
- Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sally A Al Abdulmohsen
- Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Saksham Gupta
- Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Blake M Hauser
- Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David M Meredith
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ian F Dunn
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Wenya Linda Bi
- Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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13
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Yang C, Sun J, Yong L, Liang C, Liu T, Xu Y, Yang J, Liu X. Deficiency of PTEN and CDKN2A Tumor-Suppressor Genes in Conventional and Chondroid Chordomas: Molecular Characteristics and Clinical Relevance. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:4649-4663. [PMID: 32547095 PMCID: PMC7259488 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s252990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chordoma is a malignant tumor predominantly involving the skull base and vertebral column. This study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics of PTEN and CDKN2A in conventional and chondroid chordomas and their correlation with clinical prognosis. Materials and Methods A total of 42 patients were enrolled, including 26 patients with conventional chordoma and 16 patients with chondroid chordoma. Clinicopathological profiles and tissue specimens were collected. Gene sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization were performed to identify genetic alterations in the PTEN and CDKN2A genes. Immunohistochemical staining was used for semiquantitative evaluation of PTEN and CDKN2A expression. Results Gene sequencing revealed an intron SNP (c.80–96A>G) and a missense mutation (c.10G>A; p.Gly4Arg) in the PTEN gene and a missense mutation (c.442G>A; p.Ala148Thr) in the CDKN2A gene. Loss of the PTEN locus was identified in 25 (59.5%) cases, and loss of the CDKN2A locus was found in 28 (66.7%) cases. There was no significant correlation between progression-free survival (PFS)/overall survival (OS) and loss of PTEN or CDKN2A. The patients with lower PTEN expression showed significantly shorter PFS and OS than those with higher expression, while there was no significant difference in PFS or OS between patients with lower CDKN2A expression and those with higher CDKN2A expression. Conclusion Our findings delineated the genetic landscape and expression of PTEN and CDKN2A in chordomas. PTEN expression may serve as a prognostic and predictive biomarker for chordomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlong Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Yong
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Tie Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulun Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoguang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
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14
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Michmerhuizen NL, Owen JH, Heft Neal ME, Mann JE, Leonard E, Wang J, Zhai J, Jiang H, McHugh JB, Brenner JC, Prince MEP. Rationale for the advancement of PI3K pathway inhibitors for personalized chordoma therapy. J Neurooncol 2020; 147:25-35. [PMID: 32067197 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-020-03418-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chordomas are rare and serious tumors with few effective treatments outside of aggressive surgery and radiation. Targeted therapies may present a more effective option for a subset of patients with lesions possessing certain genetic biomarkers. METHODS A small molecule inhibitor library was tested in patient-derived UM-Chor1 cells to identify targeted therapies with potential efficacy. Targeted exome sequencing of UM-Chor1 and UM-Chor2 cells was performed to investigate genetic aberrations in relevant pathways. Chordoma cell lines were treated with inhibitors of the phosphotidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) pathways, and responses were determined using resazurin cell viability assays, Annexin V apoptosis assays, and western blotting. Pan-PI3K inhibitor BKM120 was also tested in five chordoma xenograft models. RESULTS Unbiased small molecule profiling nominated PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway inhibitors as a promising therapy in chordoma, and genetic analyses of UM-Chor1 and UM-Chor2 cell lines revealed aberrations in PTEN, EGFR, and CDKN2A. Treatment of UM-Chor1 and UM-Chor2 with targeted PI3K, EGFR, and CDK inhibitors inhibited growth and proliferation and induced apoptosis more robustly than imatinib, a currently used chordoma therapy. Furthermore, BKM120 significantly inhibited tumor growth in a subset of the xenograft models tested. CONCLUSION Targeted therapies, especially those inhibiting PI3K, display promising effects in multiple chordoma cell line and xenograft models. Nevertheless, the limited effects of PI3K, EGFR, and CDK targeting agents in other models reveal the presence of resistance mechanisms, which motivates future research to both identify biomarkers of response and develop combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- N L Michmerhuizen
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 E. Medical Center Dr., 9301B MSRB3, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0602, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - J H Owen
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 E. Medical Center Dr., 9301B MSRB3, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0602, USA
| | - M E Heft Neal
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 E. Medical Center Dr., 9301B MSRB3, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0602, USA
| | - J E Mann
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 E. Medical Center Dr., 9301B MSRB3, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0602, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - E Leonard
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 E. Medical Center Dr., 9301B MSRB3, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0602, USA
| | - J Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 E. Medical Center Dr., 9301B MSRB3, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0602, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - J Zhai
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - H Jiang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - J B McHugh
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - J C Brenner
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 E. Medical Center Dr., 9301B MSRB3, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0602, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - M E P Prince
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 E. Medical Center Dr., 9301B MSRB3, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0602, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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15
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Ozair MZ, Shah PP, Mathios D, Lim M, Moss NS. New Prospects for Molecular Targets for Chordomas. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2020; 31:289-300. [PMID: 32147018 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chordomas are malignant, highly recurrent tumors of the midline skeleton that arise from the remnants of the notochord. The development of systemic therapy is critically important to ultimately managing this tumor. Several ongoing trials are attempting to use molecular targeted therapies for mutated pathways in recurrent and advanced chordomas and have shown promise. In addition, immunotherapies, including brachyury-directed vaccination and checkpoint inhibition, have also been attempted with encouraging results. This article discusses the major pathways that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chordoma with an emphasis on molecular vulnerabilities that future therapies are attempting to exploit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zeeshan Ozair
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Pavan Pinkesh Shah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Dimitrios Mathios
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Michael Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Nelson S Moss
- Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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16
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Meng T, Jin J, Jiang C, Huang R, Yin H, Song D, Cheng L. Molecular Targeted Therapy in the Treatment of Chordoma: A Systematic Review. Front Oncol 2019; 9:30. [PMID: 30775316 PMCID: PMC6367227 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Chordoma is a rare bone malignancy that affects the spine and skull base. Treatment dilemma leads to a high rate of local relapse and distant metastases. Molecular targeted therapy (MTT) is an option for advanced chordoma, but its therapeutic efficacy and safety have not been investigated systematically. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted on studies reporting MTT regimens for chordoma. Methods: Clinical trials, case series and case reports on chordoma MTT were identified using MEDLINE, Cochrane library and EMBASE, and systematically reviewed. Data on clinical outcomes, such as median overall survival, progression-free survival, response rate and adverse events (AEs) were extracted and analyzed. Results: Thirty-three eligible studies were selected for the systematic review, which indicated that imatinib and erlotinib were the most frequently used molecular targeted inhibitors (MTIs) for chordoma. For PDGFR-positive and/or EGFR-positive chordoma, clinical benefits were achieved with acceptable AEs. Monotherapy is preferred as the first-line of treatment, and combined drug therapy as the second-line treatment. In addition, the brachyury vaccine has shown promising results. Conclusions: The selection of MTIs for patients with advanced or relapsed chordoma should be based on gene mutation screening and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Monotherapy of TKIs is recommended as the first-line management, and combination therapy (two TKIs or TKI plus mTOR inhibitor) may be the choice for drug-resistant chordoma. Brachyury vaccine is a promising therapeutic strategy and requires more clinical trials to evaluate its safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Meng
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiali Jin
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Jiang
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, BIDMC Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Cancer Research Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Runzhi Huang
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huabin Yin
- Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dianwen Song
- Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liming Cheng
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Hao S, Song H, Zhang W, Seldomridge A, Jung J, Giles AJ, Hutchinson MK, Cao X, Colwell N, Lita A, Larion M, Maric D, Abu-Asab M, Quezado M, Kramp T, Camphausen K, Zhuang Z, Gilbert MR, Park DM. Protein phosphatase 2A inhibition enhances radiation sensitivity and reduces tumor growth in chordoma. Neuro Oncol 2019; 20:799-809. [PMID: 29294092 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nox241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Standard therapy for chordoma consists of surgical resection followed by high-dose irradiation. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine phosphatase involved in signal transduction, cell cycle progression, cell differentiation, and DNA repair. LB100 is a small-molecule inhibitor of PP2A designed to sensitize cancer cells to DNA damage from irradiation and chemotherapy. A recently completed phase I trial of LB100 in solid tumors demonstrated its safety. Here, we show the therapeutic potential of LB100 in chordoma. Methods Three patient-derived chordoma cell lines were used: U-CH1, JHC7, and UM-Chor1. Cell proliferation was determined with LB100 alone and in combination with irradiation. Cell cycle progression was assessed by flow cytometry. Quantitative γ-H2AX immunofluorescence and immunoblot evaluated the effect of LB100 on radiation-induced DNA damage. Ultrastructural evidence for nuclear damage was investigated using Raman imaging and transmission electron microscopy. A xenograft model was established to determine potential clinical utility of adding LB100 to irradiation. Results PP2A inhibition in concert with irradiation demonstrated in vitro growth inhibition. The combination of LB100 and radiation also induced accumulation at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, the stage most sensitive to radiation-induced damage. LB100 enhanced radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks. Animals implanted with chordoma cells and treated with the combination of LB100 and radiation demonstrated tumor growth delay. Conclusions Combining LB100 and radiation enhanced DNA damage-induced cell death and delayed tumor growth in an animal model of chordoma. PP2A inhibition by LB100 treatment may improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy for chordoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Hao
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Song
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ashlee Seldomridge
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jinkyu Jung
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Amber J Giles
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marsha-Kay Hutchinson
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Cao
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicole Colwell
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Adrian Lita
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mioara Larion
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dragan Maric
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mones Abu-Asab
- Ultrastructural Pathology Section, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Martha Quezado
- Neuropathology Section, Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tamalee Kramp
- Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kevin Camphausen
- Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhengping Zhuang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark R Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Deric M Park
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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18
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Brito da Silva H, Sekhar LN. In Reply: Cranial Chordoma: A New Preoperative Grading System. Neurosurgery 2018; 83:E52-E53. [DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyy130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Immunophenotypic features of dedifferentiated skull base chordoma: An insight into the intratumoural heterogeneity. Contemp Oncol (Pozn) 2018; 21:267-273. [PMID: 29416431 PMCID: PMC5798418 DOI: 10.5114/wo.2017.72385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chordomas are rare and low-grade malignant solid tumours, despite their histologically benign appearance, that arise in the bone from embryonic notochordal vestiges of the axial skeleton, a mesoderm-derived structure that is involved in the process of neurulation and embryonic development. Chordomas occurring in the skull base tend to arise in the basiocciput along the clivus. Three major morphological variants have been described (classical, chondroid, and atypical/dedifferentiated). The pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms involved in chordoma development remain uncertain. From a pathological standpoint, the microenvironment of a chordoma is heterogeneous, showing a dual epithelial-mesenchymal differentiation. These tumours are characterised by slow modality of biologic growth, local recurrence, low incidence of metastasis rates, and cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype. The main molecular findings are connected with brachyury immunoexpression and activation of the downstream Akt and mTOR signalling pathways. The differentiation between typical and atypical chordomas is relevant because the tumoural microenvironment and prognosis are partially different. This review provides an insight into the recent and relevant concepts and histochemical markers expressed in chordomas, with special emphasis on dedifferentiated chordomas and their prognostic implications.
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20
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Zou MX, Guo KM, Lv GH, Huang W, Li J, Wang XB, Jiang Y, She XL. Clinicopathologic implications of CD8 +/Foxp3 + ratio and miR-574-3p/PD-L1 axis in spinal chordoma patients. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:209-224. [PMID: 29051990 PMCID: PMC11028121 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-017-2080-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Currently, little is known about the interactions between microRNAs (miRNAs) and the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway in chordoma, and data discussing the role of the immune milieu in chordoma prognosis are limited. We aimed to analyze the relationship between PD-L1, miR-574-3p, microenvironmental tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and clinicopathological features of spinal chordoma patients. PD-L1 expression and TILs (including Foxp3+, CD8+, PD-1+ and PD-L1+) were assessed by immunohistochemistry in tumor specimens of 54 spinal chordoma patients. MiRNAs microarray and bioinformatical analysis were used to identify miRNAs potentially regulating PD-L1 expression, which were further validated by quantitative RT-PCR. miR-574-3p was identified to potentially regulate PD-L1 expression in chordoma, which inversely correlated with PD-L1. Positive PD-L1 expression on tumor cells was associated with advanced stages (P = 0.041) and TILs infiltration (P = 0.005), whereas decreased miR-574-3p level correlated with higher muscle invasion (P = 0.012), more severe tumor necrosis (P = 0.022) and poor patient survival. Importantly, a patient subgroup with PD-L1+/miR-574-3plow chordoma phenotype was significantly associated with worse local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) (P = 0.026). PD-1+ TILs density was associated with surrounding muscle invasion (P = 0.014), and independently portended poor LRFS (P = 0.040), while PD-L1+ TILs showed tendencies of less aggressive clinical outcomes. Multivariate analysis of OS only found CD8+/Foxp3+ ratio to be independent prognostic factor (P = 0.022). These findings may be useful to stratify patients into prognostic groups and provide a rationale for the use of checkpoint blockade therapy, possibly by administering miR-574-3p mimics, in spinal chordoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Xiang Zou
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Renminzhong Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Ke-Miao Guo
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Renminzhong Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Guo-Hua Lv
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Renminzhong Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Renminzhong Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
| | - Xiao-Bin Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Renminzhong Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
| | - Yi Jiang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Xiao-Ling She
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
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21
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Tang F, Choy E, Tu C, Hornicek F, Duan Z. Therapeutic applications of histone deacetylase inhibitors in sarcoma. Cancer Treat Rev 2017; 59:33-45. [PMID: 28732326 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Sarcomas are a rare group of malignant tumors originating from mesenchymal stem cells. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are currently the only standard treatments for sarcoma. However, their response rates to chemotherapy are quite low. Toxic side effects and multi-drug chemoresistance make treatment even more challenging. Therefore, better drugs to treat sarcomas are needed. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDAC inhibitors, HDACi, HDIs) are epigenetic modifying agents that can inhibit sarcoma growth in vitro and in vivo through a variety of pathways, including inducing tumor cell apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest, impairing tumor invasion and preventing metastasis. Importantly, preclinical studies have revealed that HDIs can not only sensitize sarcomas to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but also increase treatment responses when combined with other chemotherapeutic drugs. Several phase I and II clinical trials have been conducted to assess the efficacy of HDIs either as monotherapy or in combination with standard chemotherapeutic agents or targeted therapeutic drugs for sarcomas. Combination regimen for sarcomas appear to be more promising than monotherapy when using HDIs. This review summarizes our current understanding and therapeutic applications of HDIs in sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Tang
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Jackson 1115, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Edwin Choy
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Jackson 1115, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Chongqi Tu
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Francis Hornicek
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Jackson 1115, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Jackson 1115, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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22
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Yamaguchi T, Imada H, Iida S, Szuhai K. Notochordal Tumors: An Update on Molecular Pathology with Therapeutic Implications. Surg Pathol Clin 2017; 10:637-656. [PMID: 28797506 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Recent molecular investigations of chordoma show common expression of various receptor tyrosine kinases and activation of downstream signaling pathways contributing to tumor growth and progression. The transcription factor brachyury (also known as T) is important in notochord differentiation, and germline duplication of the gene is often found in familial chordomas. Nuclear expression of brachyury is consistent in chordoma and in benign notochordal cell tumor. Based on the molecular evidence, targeting of several kinds of molecular agents has been attempted for the treatment of uncontrolled chordomas and achieved partial response or stable condition in many cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiko Yamaguchi
- Department of Pathology, Koshigaya Hospital, Dokkyo Medical University, 2-1-50 Minami-Koshigaya, Koshigaya, Saitama 343-8555, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Imada
- Department of Pathology, Koshigaya Hospital, Dokkyo Medical University, 2-1-50 Minami-Koshigaya, Koshigaya, Saitama 343-8555, Japan
| | - Shun Iida
- Department of Pathology, Koshigaya Hospital, Dokkyo Medical University, 2-1-50 Minami-Koshigaya, Koshigaya, Saitama 343-8555, Japan
| | - Karoly Szuhai
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box: 9600, Post Zone: R-01-P, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands
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23
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Schuetze SM, Bolejack V, Choy E, Ganjoo KN, Staddon AP, Chow WA, Tawbi HA, Samuels BL, Patel SR, von Mehren M, D'Amato G, Leu KM, Loeb DM, Forscher CA, Milhem MM, Rushing DA, Lucas DR, Chugh R, Reinke DK, Baker LH. Phase 2 study of dasatinib in patients with alveolar soft part sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, chordoma, epithelioid sarcoma, or solitary fibrous tumor. Cancer 2016; 123:90-97. [PMID: 27696380 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS), chondrosarcoma (CS), chordoma, epithelioid sarcoma, and solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) are malignant tumors that are relatively resistant to chemotherapy and for which more effective drug therapy is needed. METHODS The 5 listed subtypes were enrolled into a single indolent sarcoma cohort in a phase 2 study of dasatinib using a Bayesian continuous monitoring rule for enrollment. The primary objective was to estimate the 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate according to the Choi criteria with a target of ≥50%. Cross-sectional imaging was performed before the start of treatment, every 2 months for 6 months, and then every 3 months during treatment. The 2- and 5-year survival rates were determined. RESULTS One hundred sixteen patients were enrolled within 45 months, and 109 began treatment with dasatinib. The 6-month PFS rate and the median PFS were 48% and 5.8 months, respectively. The PFS rate at 6 months was highest with ASPS (62%) and lowest with SFT (30%). More than 10% of the patients with ASPS, CS, or chordoma had stable disease for more than 1 year. Collectively, for all 5 subtypes, the 2- and 5-year overall survival rates were 44% and 13%, respectively. An objective response was observed in 18% of the patients with CS or chordoma. CONCLUSIONS Dasatinib failed to achieve control of sarcoma growth for at least 6 months in more than 50% of the patients in this trial according to the Choi tumor response criteria. An objective tumor response and prolonged stable disease was observed in >10% of patients with CS or chordoma. Cancer 2017;90-97. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Edwin Choy
- Massachussetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Arthur P Staddon
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Hussein A Tawbi
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | | - Gina D'Amato
- Georgia Cancer Specialists, Sandy Springs, Georgia
| | | | - David M Loeb
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Denise K Reinke
- Sarcoma Alliance Through Research and Collaboration, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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25
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Scheipl S, Barnard M, Cottone L, Jorgensen M, Drewry DH, Zuercher WJ, Turlais F, Ye H, Leite AP, Smith JA, Leithner A, Möller P, Brüderlein S, Guppy N, Amary F, Tirabosco R, Strauss SJ, Pillay N, Flanagan AM. EGFR inhibitors identified as a potential treatment for chordoma in a focused compound screen. J Pathol 2016; 239:320-34. [PMID: 27102572 PMCID: PMC4922416 DOI: 10.1002/path.4729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Chordoma is a rare malignant bone tumour with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. We undertook a focused compound screen (FCS) against 1097 compounds on three well-characterized chordoma cell lines; 154 compounds were selected from the single concentration screen (1 µm), based on their growth-inhibitory effect. Their half-maximal effective concentration (EC50 ) values were determined in chordoma cells and normal fibroblasts. Twenty-seven of these compounds displayed chordoma selective cell kill and 21/27 (78%) were found to be EGFR/ERBB family inhibitors. EGFR inhibitors in clinical development were then studied on an extended cell line panel of seven chordoma cell lines, four of which were sensitive to EGFR inhibition. Sapitinib (AstraZeneca) emerged as the lead compound, followed by gefitinib (AstraZeneca) and erlotinib (Roche/Genentech). The compounds were shown to induce apoptosis in the sensitive cell lines and suppressed phospho-EGFR and its downstream pathways in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis of substituent patterns suggested that EGFR-inhibitors with small aniline substituents in the 4-position of the quinazoline ring were more effective than inhibitors with large substituents in that position. Sapitinib showed significantly reduced tumour growth in two xenograft mouse models (U-CH1 xenograft and a patient-derived xenograft, SF8894). One of the resistant cell lines (U-CH2) was shown to express high levels of phospho-MET, a known bypass signalling pathway to EGFR. Neither amplifications (EGFR, ERBB2, MET) nor mutations in EGFR, ERBB2, ERBB4, PIK3CA, BRAF, NRAS, KRAS, PTEN, MET or other cancer gene hotspots were detected in the cell lines. Our findings are consistent with the reported (p-)EGFR expression in the majority of clinical samples, and provide evidence for exploring the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors in the treatment of patients with chordoma and studying possible resistance mechanisms to these compounds in vitro and in vivo. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Scheipl
- University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Department of Orthopaedics and Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Michelle Barnard
- University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Cancer Research Technology Discovery Laboratories, Cambridge, UK
- CRUK-MedImmune Alliance Laboratory, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lucia Cottone
- University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | | | - David H Drewry
- GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
- SGC-UNC, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - William J Zuercher
- GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
- SGC-UNC, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Fabrice Turlais
- Cancer Research Technology Discovery Laboratories, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hongtao Ye
- Department of Histopathology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK
| | - Ana P Leite
- University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - James A Smith
- Cancer Research Technology Discovery Laboratories, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andreas Leithner
- Department of Orthopaedics and Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Naomi Guppy
- University College London Advanced Diagnostics, London, UK
| | - Fernanda Amary
- Department of Histopathology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK
| | - Roberto Tirabosco
- Department of Histopathology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK
| | | | - Nischalan Pillay
- University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Department of Histopathology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK
| | - Adrienne M Flanagan
- University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Department of Histopathology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK
- University College London Advanced Diagnostics, London, UK
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26
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Abstract
Chordoma is an extremely rare cancer, with an incidence of about one case per million persons per year in the USA and Europe (about 300 and 450 cases per year, respectively). The estimated median overall survival of patients with chordoma is approximately 6–7 years, yielding a rough estimate of chordoma prevalence at about 2000 in the USA and 3000 in Europe. Primary tumor develops along the axial spine between the clivus and sacrum and develops from the residual embryonic notochord. Brachyury (T), a transcription factor required for normal embryonic development, is expressed in the notochord and overexpressed in almost all cases of chordoma. The primary treatment for chordoma is surgical excision with wide local margins, when possible. Radiotherapy also plays a significant role in the adjuvant setting and when surgery is not possible. Unfortunately, in the advanced and/or metastatic setting, where the role of surgery and/or radiation is less clear, treatment options are very limited. To date, there have been no randomized, controlled trials in chordoma that have resulted in defined agents of clinical benefit for systemic treatment. This review briefly describes the natural history and initial treatment of chordoma and focuses on treatment options for advanced disease and potential avenues of research that may lead to improved treatment options in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Heery
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
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