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Ahmad Zawawi SS, Salleh EA, Musa M. Spheroids and organoids derived from colorectal cancer as tools for in vitro drug screening. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:409-431. [PMID: 38745769 PMCID: PMC11090692 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease. Conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture employing cell lines was developed to study the molecular properties of CRC in vitro. Although these cell lines which are isolated from the tumor niche in which cancer develop, the translation to human model such as studying drug response is often hindered by the inability of cell lines to recapture original tumor features and the lack of heterogeneous clinical tumors represented by this 2D model, differed from in vivo condition. These limitations which may be overcome by utilizing three-dimensional (3D) culture consisting of spheroids and organoids. Over the past decade, great advancements have been made in optimizing culture method to establish spheroids and organoids of solid tumors including of CRC for multiple purposes including drug screening and establishing personalized medicine. These structures have been proven to be versatile and robust models to study CRC progression and deciphering its heterogeneity. This review will describe on advances in 3D culture technology and the application as well as the challenges of CRC-derived spheroids and organoids as a mode to screen for anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elyn Amiela Salleh
- Human Genome Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
| | - Marahaini Musa
- Human Genome Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
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2
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Abu-Serie MM. Synergistic eradicating impact of 5-fluouracil with FeO nanoparticles-diethyldithiocarbamate in colon cancer spheroids. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2024; 19:979-994. [PMID: 38578787 PMCID: PMC11221372 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2024-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer stem cells' (CSCs) resistance to 5-fluorouracil (Fu), which is the main obstacle in treating colon cancer (CC), can be overcome by ferroptosis. The latter, herein, can be triggered by FeO nanoparticles (inducer of iron accumulation) and diethyldithiocarbamate-inhibited glutathione system and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1A1-maintained stemness, therapeutic resistance and metastasis). Materials & methods: Nanocomplex of FeO nanoparticles and diethyldithiocarbamate (FD) was used in combination with Fu to investigate its potential synergistic anti-CSC influence using CC spheroid models. Results: In Fu + FD-treated spheroids, the strongest growth inhibition, the highest cell death percentage, and the lowest CD133+-CSCs percentage and stemness gene expressions (e.g., drug efflux transporter), and the strongest antimetastatic effect were recorded with high synergistic indexes. Conclusion: Fu + FD represents effective combination therapy for chemoresistant CC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M Abu-Serie
- Medical Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, 21934, Egypt
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3
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Abd El-Sadek I, Morishita R, Mori T, Makita S, Mukherjee P, Matsusaka S, Yasuno Y. Label-free visualization and quantification of the drug-type-dependent response of tumor spheroids by dynamic optical coherence tomography. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3366. [PMID: 38336794 PMCID: PMC10858208 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53171-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate label-free dynamic optical coherence tomography (D-OCT)-based visualization and quantitative assessment of patterns of tumor spheroid response to three anti-cancer drugs. The study involved treating human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7 cell-line) with paclitaxel (PTX), tamoxifen citrate (TAM), and doxorubicin (DOX) at concentrations of 0 (control), 0.1, 1, and 10 µM for 1, 3, and 6 days. In addition, fluorescence microscopy imaging was performed for reference. The D-OCT imaging was performed using a custom-built OCT device. Two algorithms, namely logarithmic intensity variance (LIV) and late OCT correlation decay speed (OCDS[Formula: see text]) were used to visualize the tissue dynamics. The spheroids treated with 0.1 and 1 µM TAM appeared similar to the control spheroid, whereas those treated with 10 µM TAM had significant structural corruption and decreasing LIV and OCDS[Formula: see text] over treatment time. The spheroids treated with PTX had decreasing volumes and decrease of LIV and OCDS[Formula: see text] signals over time at most PTX concentrations. The spheroids treated with DOX had decreasing and increasing volumes over time at DOX concentrations of 1 and 10 µM, respectively. Meanwhile, the LIV and OCDS[Formula: see text] signals decreased over treatment time at all DOX concentrations. The D-OCT, particularly OCDS[Formula: see text], patterns were consistent with the fluorescence microscopic patterns. The diversity in the structural and D-OCT results among the drug types and among the concentrations are explained by the mechanisms of the drugs. The presented results suggest that D-OCT is useful for evaluating the difference in the tumor spheroid response to different drugs and it can be a useful tool for anti-cancer drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Abd El-Sadek
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta City, Damietta, 34517, Egypt
| | - Rion Morishita
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan
| | - Tomoko Mori
- Clinical Research and Regional Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Shuichi Makita
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan
| | - Pradipta Mukherjee
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan
| | - Satoshi Matsusaka
- Clinical Research and Regional Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Yasuno
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan.
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Gao R, Zhou D, Qiu X, Zhang J, Luo D, Yang X, Qian C, Liu Z. Cancer Therapeutic Potential and Prognostic Value of the SLC25 Mitochondrial Carrier Family: A Review. Cancer Control 2024; 31:10732748241287905. [PMID: 39313442 PMCID: PMC11439189 DOI: 10.1177/10732748241287905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Transporters of the solute carrier family 25 (SLC25) regulate the intracellular distribution and concentration of nucleotides, amino acids, dicarboxylates, and vitamins within the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic matrices. This mechanism involves changes in mitochondrial function, regulation of cellular metabolism, and the ability to provide energy. In this review, important members of the SLC25 family and their pathways affecting tumorigenesis and progression are elucidated, highlighting the diversity and complexity of these pathways. Furthermore, the significant potential of the members of SLC25 as both cancer therapeutic targets and biomarkers will be emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renzhuo Gao
- School of Queen Mary, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xingpeng Qiu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- School of Queen Mary, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Daya Luo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Caiyun Qian
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Transfusion Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhuoqi Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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5
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Obreque J, Vergara-Gómez L, Venegas N, Weber H, Owen GI, Pérez-Moreno P, Leal P, Roa JC, Bizama C. Advances towards the use of gastrointestinal tumor patient-derived organoids as a therapeutic decision-making tool. Biol Res 2023; 56:63. [PMID: 38041132 PMCID: PMC10693174 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00476-9] [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] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In December 2022 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed the requirement that drugs in development must undergo animal testing before clinical evaluation, a declaration that now demands the establishment and verification of ex vivo preclinical models that closely represent tumor complexity and that can predict therapeutic response. Fortunately, the emergence of patient-derived organoid (PDOs) culture has enabled the ex vivo mimicking of the pathophysiology of human tumors with the reassembly of tissue-specific features. These features include histopathological variability, molecular expression profiles, genetic and cellular heterogeneity of parental tissue, and furthermore growing evidence suggests the ability to predict patient therapeutic response. Concentrating on the highly lethal and heterogeneous gastrointestinal (GI) tumors, herein we present the state-of-the-art and the current methodology of PDOs. We highlight the potential additions, improvements and testing required to allow the ex vivo of study the tumor microenvironment, as well as offering commentary on the predictive value of clinical response to treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera Obreque
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Diagonal Paraguay 362, Office 526, 8330024, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8331150, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Prevención y Control de Cáncer (CECAN), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Vergara-Gómez
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Medicine (CEMT) and Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Biomedicine and Translational Research Lab, Universidad de La Frontera, 4810296, Temuco, Chile
| | - Nicolás Venegas
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Diagonal Paraguay 362, Office 526, 8330024, Santiago, Chile
| | - Helga Weber
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Medicine (CEMT) and Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Biomedicine and Translational Research Lab, Universidad de La Frontera, 4810296, Temuco, Chile
| | - Gareth I Owen
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8331150, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8331150, Santiago, Chile
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Prevención y Control de Cáncer (CECAN), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Pérez-Moreno
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Diagonal Paraguay 362, Office 526, 8330024, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8331150, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pamela Leal
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Medicine (CEMT) and Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Biomedicine and Translational Research Lab, Universidad de La Frontera, 4810296, Temuco, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Roa
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Diagonal Paraguay 362, Office 526, 8330024, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8331150, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Prevención y Control de Cáncer (CECAN), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina Bizama
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Diagonal Paraguay 362, Office 526, 8330024, Santiago, Chile.
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8331150, Santiago, Chile.
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro de Prevención y Control de Cáncer (CECAN), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Gómez-Álvarez M, Agustina-Hernández M, Francés-Herrero E, Rodríguez-Eguren A, Bueno-Fernandez C, Cervelló I. Addressing Key Questions in Organoid Models: Who, Where, How, and Why? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16014. [PMID: 37958996 PMCID: PMC10650475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242116014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Organoids are three-dimensional cellular structures designed to recreate the biological characteristics of the body's native tissues and organs in vitro. There has been a recent surge in studies utilizing organoids due to their distinct advantages over traditional two-dimensional in vitro approaches. However, there is no consensus on how to define organoids. This literature review aims to clarify the concept of organoids and address the four fundamental questions pertaining to organoid models: (i) What constitutes organoids?-The cellular material. (ii) Where do organoids grow?-The extracellular scaffold. (iii) How are organoids maintained in vitro?-Via the culture media. (iv) Why are organoids suitable in vitro models?-They represent reproducible, stable, and scalable models for biological applications. Finally, this review provides an update on the organoid models employed within the female reproductive tract, underscoring their relevance in both basic biology and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Gómez-Álvarez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
| | - Marcos Agustina-Hernández
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
| | - Emilio Francés-Herrero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Adolfo Rodríguez-Eguren
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
| | - Clara Bueno-Fernandez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Irene Cervelló
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
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7
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Abd El-Sadek I, Shen LTW, Mori T, Makita S, Mukherjee P, Lichtenegger A, Matsusaka S, Yasuno Y. Label-free drug response evaluation of human derived tumor spheroids using three-dimensional dynamic optical coherence tomography. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15377. [PMID: 37717067 PMCID: PMC10505213 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41846-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims at demonstrating label-free drug-response-patterns assessment of different tumor spheroids and drug types by dynamic optical coherence tomography (D-OCT). The study involved human breast cancer (MCF-7) and colon cancer (HT-29) spheroids. The MCF-7 and HT-29 spheroids were treated with paclitaxel (Taxol; PTX) and the active metabolite of irinotecan SN-38, respectively. The drugs were applied with 0 (control), 0.1, 1, and 10 μM concentrations and the treatment durations were 1, 3, and 6 days. A swept-source OCT microscope equipped with a repeated raster scanning protocol was used to scan the spheroids. Logarithmic intensity variance (LIV) and late OCT correlation decay speed (OCDS[Formula: see text]) algorithms were used to visualize the tumor spheroid dynamics. LIV and OCDS[Formula: see text] images visualized different response patterns of the two types of spheroids. In addition, spheroid morphology, LIV, and OCDS[Formula: see text] quantification showed different time-courses among the spheroid and drug types. These results may indicate different action mechanisms of the drugs. The results showed the feasibility of D-OCT for the evaluation of drug response patterns of different cell spheroids and drug types and suggest that D-OCT can perform anti-cancer drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Abd El-Sadek
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta City, Damietta, 34517, Egypt
| | - Larina Tzu-Wei Shen
- Clinical Research and Regional Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Tomoko Mori
- Clinical Research and Regional Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Shuichi Makita
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan
| | - Pradipta Mukherjee
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan
| | - Antonia Lichtenegger
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 4L, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Satoshi Matsusaka
- Clinical Research and Regional Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Yasuno
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan.
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Yau JNN, Adriani G. Three-dimensional heterotypic colorectal cancer spheroid models for evaluation of drug response. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1148930. [PMID: 37469395 PMCID: PMC10352797 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1148930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Improved preclinical tumor models are needed to make treatment screening clinically relevant and address disease mortality. Advancements in 3D cell culture have enabled a greater recapitulation of the architecture and heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME). This has enhanced their pathophysiological relevance and enabled more accurate predictions of tumor progression and drug response in patients. An increasing number of 3D CRC spheroid models include cell populations such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells (ECs), immune cells, and gut bacteria to better mimic the in vivo regulation of signaling pathways. Furthermore, cell heterogeneity within the 3D spheroid models enables the identification of new therapeutic targets to develop alternative treatments and test TME-target therapies. In this mini review, we present the advances in mimicking tumor heterogeneity in 3D CRC spheroid models by incorporating CAFs, ECs, immune cells, and gut bacteria. We introduce how, in these models, the diverse cells influence chemoresistance and tumor progression of the CRC spheroids. We also highlight important parameters evaluated during drug screening in the CRC heterocellular spheroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ning Nicolette Yau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Giulia Adriani
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Jensen LH, Rogatto SR, Lindebjerg J, Havelund B, Abildgaard C, do Canto LM, Vagn-Hansen C, Dam C, Rafaelsen S, Hansen TF. Precision medicine applied to metastatic colorectal cancer using tumor-derived organoids and in-vitro sensitivity testing: a phase 2, single-center, open-label, and non-comparative study. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:115. [PMID: 37143108 PMCID: PMC10161587 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02683-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with colorectal metastatic disease have a poor prognosis, limited therapeutic options, and frequent development of resistance. Strategies based on tumor-derived organoids are a powerful tool to assess drug sensitivity at an individual level and to suggest new treatment options or re-challenge. Here, we evaluated the method's feasibility and clinical outcome as applied to patients with no satisfactory treatment options. METHODS In this phase 2, single-center, open-label, non-comparative study (ClinicalTrials.gov, register NCT03251612), we enrolled 90 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer following progression on or after standard therapy. Participants were 18 years or older with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2, adequate organ function, and metastasis available for biopsy. Biopsies from the metastatic site were cultured using organoids model. Sensitivity testing was performed with a panel of drugs with proven activity in phase II or III trials. At the discretion of the investigator considering toxicity, the drug with the highest relative activity was offered. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients alive without disease progression at two months per local assessment. RESULTS Biopsies available from 82 to 90 patients were processed for cell culture, of which 44 successfully generated organoids with at least one treatment suggested. The precision cohort of 34 patients started treatment and the primary endpoint, progression-free survival (PFS) at two months was met in 17 patients (50%, 95% CI 32-68), exceeding the pre-defined level (14 of 45; 31%). The median PFS was 67 days (95% CI 51-108), and the median overall survival was 189 days (95% CI 103-277). CONCLUSIONS Patient-derived organoids and in-vitro sensitivity testing were feasible in a cohort of metastatic colorectal cancer. The primary endpoint was met, as half of the patients were without progression at two months. Cancer patients may benefit from functional testing using tumor-derived organoids. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, register NCT03251612.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Henrik Jensen
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Lillebaelt Hospital, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, 7100, Denmark.
- Danish Colorectal Cancer Center South, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark.
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Silvia Regina Rogatto
- Danish Colorectal Cancer Center South, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Clinical Genetics Department, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Jan Lindebjerg
- Danish Colorectal Cancer Center South, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Lillebalt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Havelund
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Lillebaelt Hospital, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
- Danish Colorectal Cancer Center South, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Abildgaard
- Clinical Genetics Department, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Luisa Matos do Canto
- Clinical Genetics Department, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Chris Vagn-Hansen
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Lillebalt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Claus Dam
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Lillebalt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Søren Rafaelsen
- Danish Colorectal Cancer Center South, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Lillebalt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Torben Frøstrup Hansen
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Lillebaelt Hospital, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
- Danish Colorectal Cancer Center South, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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10
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Tosca EM, Ronchi D, Facciolo D, Magni P. Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of Animal Experiments in Anticancer Drug Development: The Contribution of 3D In Vitro Cancer Models in the Drug Efficacy Assessment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041058. [PMID: 37189676 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decades three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cancer models have been proposed as a bridge between bidimensional (2D) cell cultures and in vivo animal models, the gold standards in the preclinical assessment of anticancer drug efficacy. 3D in vitro cancer models can be generated through a multitude of techniques, from both immortalized cancer cell lines and primary patient-derived tumor tissue. Among them, spheroids and organoids represent the most versatile and promising models, as they faithfully recapitulate the complexity and heterogeneity of human cancers. Although their recent applications include drug screening programs and personalized medicine, 3D in vitro cancer models have not yet been established as preclinical tools for studying anticancer drug efficacy and supporting preclinical-to-clinical translation, which remains mainly based on animal experimentation. In this review, we describe the state-of-the-art of 3D in vitro cancer models for the efficacy evaluation of anticancer agents, focusing on their potential contribution to replace, reduce and refine animal experimentations, highlighting their strength and weakness, and discussing possible perspectives to overcome current challenges.
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11
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Brown HM, Juanes MA. Automated Quantitative Analysis of Shape Features in Human Epithelial Monolayers and Spheroids Generated from Colorectal Cancer Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2650:261-271. [PMID: 37310638 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3076-1_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in microscopy techniques permit us to acquire endless datasets of images. A major bottleneck in cell imaging is how to analyze petabytes of data in an effective, reliable, objective, and effortless way. Quantitative imaging is becoming crucial to disentangle the complexity of many biological and pathological processes. For instance, cell shape is a summary readout of a myriad of cellular processes. Changes in cell shape use to reflect changes in growth, migration mode (including speed and persistence), differentiation stage, apoptosis, or gene expression, serving to predict health or disease. However, in certain contexts, e.g., tissues or tumors, cells are tightly packed together, and measurement of individual cellular shapes can be challenging and laborious. Bioinformatics solutions like automated computational image methods provide a blind and efficient analysis of large image datasets. Here we describe a detailed and friendly step-by-step protocol to extract various cellular shape parameters quickly and accurately from colorectal cancer cells forming either monolayers or spheroids. We envision those similar settings could be extended to other cell lines, colorectal and beyond, either label/unlabeled or in 2D/3D environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Brown
- School of Health and Life Science, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
- National Horizons Centre, Teesside University, Darlington, UK
| | - M Angeles Juanes
- School of Health and Life Science, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.
- National Horizons Centre, Teesside University, Darlington, UK.
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain.
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12
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Stojanovska V, Arnold S, Bauer M, Voss H, Fest S, Zenclussen AC. Characterization of Three-Dimensional Trophoblast Spheroids: An Alternative Model to Study the Physiological Properties of the Placental Unit. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182884. [PMID: 36139458 PMCID: PMC9497053 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It was postulated that 3D cell culture models more accurately reflect the complex tissue physiology and morphology in comparison to 2D cell monolayers. Currently, there is a shortage of well-characterized and easily maintainable high-throughput experimental models of the human placenta. Here, we characterized three different 3D cultures (e.g., spheroids) derived from trophoblast cell lines and studied their functionality in comparison to primary fetal trophoblasts and placental tissue. The spheroid growth rates of JEG3, BeWo and HTR8/SVneo cell lines were similar among each other and were significantly larger in comparison to primary trophoblast spheroids. All spheroids exhibited migratory properties and shortest distances were registered for JEG3 spheroids. Even though all spheroids displayed invasive capabilities, only the invasive features of HTR8/SVneo spheroids resulted in specific branching. This was in agreement with the invasive properties of the spheroids obtained from primary trophoblasts. Human chorionic gonadotropin production was highest in JEG3 spheroids and only increased when stimulated with cAMP and forskolin in BeWo, but not HTR8/SVneo spheroids. The gene expression analysis confirmed that 3D trophoblast cell cultures and especially HTR8/SVneo spheroids showed considerable similarities with the gene expression profile of primary placental tissue. This study offers a broad characterization of 3D trophoblast spheroids that, in turn, can help in selecting the best model depending on the scientific question that needs to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Stojanovska
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Susanne Arnold
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mario Bauer
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hermann Voss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Städtisches Klinikum Dessau, Academic Hospital of University Brandenburg, 06847 Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
| | - Stefan Fest
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Städtisches Klinikum Dessau, Academic Hospital of University Brandenburg, 06847 Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
| | - Ana Claudia Zenclussen
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Saxonian Incubator for Translational Research, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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13
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Quadri M, Marconi A, Sandhu SK, Kiss A, Efimova T, Palazzo E. Investigating Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in vitro and in vivo: Novel 3D Tools and Animal Models. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:875517. [PMID: 35646967 PMCID: PMC9131878 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.875517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) represents the second most common type of skin cancer, which incidence is continuously increasing worldwide. Given its high frequency, cSCC represents a major public health problem. Therefore, to provide the best patients’ care, it is necessary having a detailed understanding of the molecular processes underlying cSCC development, progression, and invasion. Extensive efforts have been made in developing new models allowing to study the molecular pathogenesis of solid tumors, including cSCC tumors. Traditionally, in vitro studies were performed with cells grown in a two-dimensional context, which, however, does not represent the complexity of tumor in vivo. In the recent years, new in vitro models have been developed aiming to mimic the three-dimensionality (3D) of the tumor, allowing the evaluation of tumor cell-cell and tumor-microenvironment interaction in an in vivo-like setting. These models include spheroids, organotypic cultures, skin reconstructs and organoids. Although 3D models demonstrate high potential to enhance the overall knowledge in cancer research, they lack systemic components which may be solved only by using animal models. Zebrafish is emerging as an alternative xenotransplant model in cancer research, offering a high-throughput approach for drug screening and real-time in vivo imaging to study cell invasion. Moreover, several categories of mouse models were developed for pre-clinical purpose, including xeno- and syngeneic transplantation models, autochthonous models of chemically or UV-induced skin squamous carcinogenesis, and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of cSCC. These models have been instrumental in examining the molecular mechanisms of cSCC and drug response in an in vivo setting. The present review proposes an overview of in vitro, particularly 3D, and in vivo models and their application in cutaneous SCC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Quadri
- DermoLAB, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Marconi
- DermoLAB, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Simran K Sandhu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States.,The George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Dermatology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alexi Kiss
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States.,The George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Tatiana Efimova
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States.,The George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Dermatology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Elisabetta Palazzo
- DermoLAB, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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14
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Raghavan S. How inclusive are cell lines in preclinical engineered cancer models? Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:275571. [PMID: 35642685 PMCID: PMC9187871 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse factors contribute to significant and dire disparities in cancer risk and treatment outcomes. To address this, there was a call for inclusion of sex as a biological variable, which resulted in more instances of careful inclusion of sex in preclinical studies of cancer. Another variable in cancer treatment is genetic ancestry. Although this is considered explicitly in clinical research, it is considerably neglected in preclinical studies. Preclinical research can use several 3D in vitro model systems, such as spheroids/organoids, xenografts, or other bioengineered systems that combine biomaterials and cellular material. Ultimately, the cellular base for all of these in vitro model systems is derived from human cell lines or patient samples, to investigate mechanisms of cancer and screen novel therapeutics, all of which aim to maximize successful outcomes in clinical trials. This in itself offers an opportunity to potentiate effective treatments for many groups of people, when diverse variables like genetic ancestry are consciously included into study design. This Perspective highlights the need for conscious inclusion of genetic ancestry in preclinical cancer tissue engineering, especially when it pertains to determining therapeutic outcomes. Summary: Genetic determinants, like ancestry, impact cancer risk and therapeutic outcomes. Hence, this is an important variable to consider at the very initial stages of biomedical research at the bench.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Raghavan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3120 TAMU, 5016 Emerging Technologies Building, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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15
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Patient-Derived Organoids of Colorectal Cancer: A Useful Tool for Personalized Medicine. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050695. [PMID: 35629118 PMCID: PMC9147270 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the most important malignancies worldwide, with high incidence and mortality rates. Several studies have been conducted using two-dimensional cultured cell lines; however, these cells do not represent a study model of patient tumors very well. In recent years, advancements in three-dimensional culture methods have facilitated the establishment of patient-derived organoids, which have become indispensable for molecular biology-related studies of colorectal cancer. Patient-derived organoids are useful in both basic science and clinical practice; they can help predict the sensitivity of patients with cancer to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and provide the right treatment to the right patient. Regarding precision medicine, combining gene panel testing and organoid-based screening can increase the effectiveness of medical care. In this study, we review the development of three-dimensional culture methods and present the most recent information on the clinical application of patient-derived organoids. Moreover, we discuss the problems and future prospects of organoid-based personalized medicine.
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16
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Baião A, Dias S, Soares AF, Pereira CL, Oliveira C, Sarmento B. Advances in the use of 3D colorectal cancer models for novel drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:569-580. [PMID: 35343351 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2056162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and deadly tumors worldwide. CRC in vitro and in vivo models that recapitulate key features of human disease are essential to the development of novel and effective therapeutics. However, two-dimensional (2D) in vitro culture systems are considered too simple and do not represent the complex nature of the human tumor. However, three-dimensional (3D) models have emerged in recent years as more advanced and complex cell culture systems, able to closely resemble key features of human cancer tissues. AREAS COVERED The authors' review the currently established in vitro cell culture models and describe the advances in the development of 3D scaffold-free models to study CRC. The authors also discuss intestinal spheroids and organoids. As well as in vitro models for drug screening and metastatic CRC (mCRC). EXPERT OPINION The ideal CRC in vitro model is not yet established. Spheroid-based 3D models represent one of the most used approaches to recapitulate the tumor environment, overcoming some limitations of 2D models. Mouse and patient-derived organoids are more advanced models that can mimic more closely the characteristics and properties of CRC, with the possibility of including cells derived from patients with metastatic CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Baião
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,INEB, Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Dias
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,INEB, Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Francisca Soares
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,INEB, Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Leite Pereira
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,INEB, Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Oliveira
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,INEB, Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,CESPU - Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
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17
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Spheroids of Bladder Smooth Muscle Cells for Bladder Tissue Engineering. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:9391575. [PMID: 34805410 PMCID: PMC8601859 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9391575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based tissue engineering (TE) has been proposed to improve treatment outcomes in end-stage bladder disease, but TE approaches with 2D smooth muscle cell (SMC) culture have so far been unsuccessful. Here, we report the development of primary bladder-derived 3D SMC spheroids that outperform 2D SMC cultures in differentiation, maturation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Bladder SMC spheroids were compared with 2D cultures using live-dead staining, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting to investigate culture conditions, contractile phenotype, and ECM deposition. The SMC spheroids were viable for up to 14 days and differentiated rather than proliferating. Spheroids predominantly expressed the late myogenic differentiation marker MyH11, whereas 2D SMC expressed more of the general SMC differentiation marker α-SMA and less MyH11. Furthermore, the expression of bladder wall-specific ECM proteins in SMC spheroids was markedly higher. This first establishment and analysis of primary bladder SMC spheroids are particularly promising for TE because differentiated SMCs and ECM deposition are a prerequisite to building a functional bladder wall substitute. We were able to confirm that SMC spheroids are promising building blocks for studying detrusor regeneration in detail and may provide improved function and regenerative potential, contributing to taking bladder TE a significant step forward.
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18
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Thomas A, do Canto Alvim LM, Rainho CA, Juengel E, Blaheta RA, Spiess PE, Rogatto SR, Tsaur I. Systemic treatment of penile squamous cell carcinoma-hurdles and hopes of preclinical models and clinical regimens: a narrative review. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:4085-4098. [PMID: 34804850 PMCID: PMC8575571 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite contemporary research efforts, the prognosis of penile squamous cell carcinoma (PeSCC) has not significantly improved over the past decade. Despite frequently encountered patient-related delayed medical consultations impairing outcomes, several other aspects contribute to the lack of advancement in the treatment of this condition. One essential reason is that translational research, a prerequisite for the clinically successful disease management, is still at an early stage in PeSCC as compared to many other malignancies. Preclinical experimental models are indispensable for the evaluation of tumor biology and identification of genomic alterations. However, since neither commercial PeSCC cell lines are available nor xenograft models sustainably established, such analyses are challenging in this field of research. In addition, systemic therapies are less effective and toxic without decisive breakthroughs over recent years. Current systemic management of PeSCC is based on protocols that have been investigated in small series of only up to 30 patients. Thus, there is an unmet medical need for new approaches necessitating research efforts to develop more efficacious systemic strategies. This review aims to highlight the current state of knowledge in the molecular alterations involved in the etiology and ensuing steps for cancer progression, existing preclinical models of translational research, clinically relevant systemic protocols, and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Thomas
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medicine Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Luisa Matos do Canto Alvim
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Claudia Aparecida Rainho
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eva Juengel
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medicine Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Philippe E Spiess
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Silvia Regina Rogatto
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Igor Tsaur
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medicine Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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19
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Yeoh Y, Low TY, Abu N, Lee PY. Regulation of signal transduction pathways in colorectal cancer: implications for therapeutic resistance. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12338. [PMID: 34733591 PMCID: PMC8544255 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to anti-cancer treatments is a critical and widespread health issue that has brought serious impacts on lives, the economy and public policies. Mounting research has suggested that a selected spectrum of patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) tend to respond poorly to both chemotherapeutic and targeted therapeutic regimens. Drug resistance in tumours can occur in an intrinsic or acquired manner, rendering cancer cells insensitive to the treatment of anti-cancer therapies. Multiple factors have been associated with drug resistance. The most well-established factors are the emergence of cancer stem cell-like properties and overexpression of ABC transporters that mediate drug efflux. Besides, there is emerging evidence that signalling pathways that modulate cell survival and drug metabolism play major roles in the maintenance of multidrug resistance in CRC. This article reviews drug resistance in CRC as a result of alterations in the MAPK, PI3K/PKB, Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeelon Yeoh
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Teck Yew Low
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nadiah Abu
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pey Yee Lee
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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20
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El-Sadek IA, Miyazawa A, Shen LTW, Makita S, Mukherjee P, Lichtenegger A, Matsusaka S, Yasuno Y. Three-dimensional dynamics optical coherence tomography for tumor spheroid evaluation. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2021; 12:6844-6863. [PMID: 34858684 PMCID: PMC8606131 DOI: 10.1364/boe.440444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
We present a completely label-free three-dimensional (3D) optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based tissue dynamics imaging method for visualization and quantification of the metabolic and necrotic activities of tumor spheroid. Our method is based on a custom 3D scanning protocol that is designed to capture volumetric tissue dynamics tomography images only in a few tens of seconds. The method was applied to the evaluation of a tumor spheroid. The time-course viability alteration and anti-cancer drug response of the spheroid were visualized qualitatively and analyzed quantitatively. The similarity between the OCT-based dynamics images and fluorescence microscope images was also demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Abd El-Sadek
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta City, 34517, Damietta, Egypt
| | | | - Larina Tzu-Wei Shen
- Clinical Research and Regional Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Shuichi Makita
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - Pradipta Mukherjee
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - Antonia Lichtenegger
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 4L, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Satoshi Matsusaka
- Clinical Research and Regional Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Yasuno
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
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21
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da Mata S, Franchi-Mendes T, Abreu S, Filipe B, Morgado S, Mesquita M, Albuquerque C, Fonseca R, Santo VE, Boghaert ER, Rosa I, Brito C. Patient-Derived Explants of Colorectal Cancer: Histopathological and Molecular Analysis of Long-Term Cultures. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184695. [PMID: 34572922 PMCID: PMC8465429 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer type among men and women. Prescription of medical treatments for cancer often relies on a process of trial and potential error, more recently guided by patient stratification based on biomarkers. Nonetheless, available biomarkers do not accurately predict patient response and there is a need for predictive and translational models to provide proper clinical information on treatment guidance. Herein, we developed an ex vivo model of colorectal cancer, using fresh tumour samples to establish explant cultures, taking advantage of agitation-based culture systems. We performed a thorough characterisation over one month in culture and observed preservation of original tumour genetic features and partial preservation of architecture and non-malignant cells that compose the tumour microenvironment. Our findings highlight the importance of detailed model characterisation and support the applicability of our model in pre- and co-clinical settings. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Although short-term cultures of tumour sections and xenotransplants have been used to determine drug efficacy, the results frequently fail to confer clinically useful information. Biomarker discovery has changed the paradigm for advanced CRC, though the presence of a biomarker does not necessarily translate into therapeutic success. To improve clinical outcomes, translational models predictive of drug response are needed. We describe a simple method for the fast establishment of CRC patient-derived explant (CRC-PDE) cultures from different carcinogenesis pathways, employing agitation-based platforms. A total of 26 CRC-PDE were established and a subset was evaluated for viability (n = 23), morphology and genetic key alterations (n = 21). CRC-PDE retained partial tumor glandular architecture and microenvironment features were partially lost over 4 weeks of culture. Key proteins (p53 and Mismatch repair) and oncogenic driver mutations of the original tumours were sustained throughout the culture. Drug challenge (n = 5) revealed differential drug response from distinct CRC-PDE cases. These findings suggest an adequate representation of the original tumour and highlight the importance of detailed model characterisation. The preservation of key aspects of the CRC microenvironment and genetics supports CRC-PDE potential applicability in pre- and co-clinical settings, as long as temporal dynamics are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara da Mata
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG, EPE), Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.d.M.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (R.F.)
- NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa Franchi-Mendes
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (S.A.); (V.E.S.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Sofia Abreu
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (S.A.); (V.E.S.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Bruno Filipe
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG, EPE), Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; (B.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Sónia Morgado
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG, EPE), Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.d.M.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (R.F.)
| | - Marta Mesquita
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG, EPE), Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.d.M.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (R.F.)
| | - Cristina Albuquerque
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG, EPE), Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; (B.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Ricardo Fonseca
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG, EPE), Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.d.M.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (R.F.)
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Prof. Egas Moniz MB, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vítor E. Santo
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (S.A.); (V.E.S.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Erwin R. Boghaert
- Abbvie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064-6098, USA;
| | - Isadora Rosa
- Serviço de Gastrenterologia, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG, EPE), Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: (I.R.); (C.B.)
| | - Catarina Brito
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (S.A.); (V.E.S.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
- The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Lisbon Campus, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
- Correspondence: (I.R.); (C.B.)
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Franchi-Mendes T, Eduardo R, Domenici G, Brito C. 3D Cancer Models: Depicting Cellular Crosstalk within the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4610. [PMID: 34572836 PMCID: PMC8468887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment plays a critical role in tumour progression and drug resistance processes. Non-malignant cell players, such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells and others, interact with each other and with the tumour cells, shaping the disease. Though the role of each cell type and cell communication mechanisms have been progressively studied, the complexity of this cellular network and its role in disease mechanism and therapeutic response are still being unveiled. Animal models have been mainly used, as they can represent systemic interactions and conditions, though they face recognized limitations in translational potential due to interspecies differences. In vitro 3D cancer models can surpass these limitations, by incorporating human cells, including patient-derived ones, and allowing a range of experimental designs with precise control of each tumour microenvironment element. We summarize the role of each tumour microenvironment component and review studies proposing 3D co-culture strategies of tumour cells and non-malignant cell components. Moreover, we discuss the potential of these modelling approaches to uncover potential therapeutic targets in the tumour microenvironment and assess therapeutic efficacy, current bottlenecks and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Franchi-Mendes
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Eduardo
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Giacomo Domenici
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Brito
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
- The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Lisbon Campus, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
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23
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Mousavi N. Characterization of in vitro 3D cultures. APMIS 2021; 129 Suppl 142:1-30. [PMID: 34399444 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, 3D culture models of human and animal cells have found their way into tissue differentiation, drug development, personalized medicine and tumour behaviour studies. Embryoid bodies (EBs) are in vitro 3D cultures established from murine pluripotential stem cells, whereas tumoroids are patient-derived in vitro 3D cultures. This thesis aims to describe a new implication of an embryoid body model and to characterize the patient-specific microenvironment of the parental tumour in relation to tumoroid growth rate. In this thesis, we described a high-throughput monitoring method, where EBs are used as a dynamic angiogenesis model. In this model, digital image analysis (DIA) is implemented on immunohistochemistry (IHC) stained sections of the cultures over time. Furthermore, we have investigated the correlation between the genetic profile and inflammatory microenvironment of parental tumours on the in vitro growth rate of tumoroids. The EBs were cultured in spinner flasks. The samples were collected at days 4, 6, 9, 14, 18 and 21, dehydrated and embedded in paraffin. The histological sections were IHC stained for the endothelial marker CD31 and digitally scanned. The virtual whole-image slides were digitally analysed by Visiopharm® software. Histological evaluation showed vascular-like structures over time. The quantitative DIA was plausible to monitor significant increase in the total area of the EBs and an increase in endothelial differentiation. The tumoroids were established from 32 colorectal adenocarcinomas. The in vitro growth rate of the tumoroids was followed by automated microscopy over an 11-day period. The parental tumours were analysed by next-generation sequencing for KRAS, TP53, PIK3CA, SMAD4, MAP2K1, BRAF, FGFR3 and FBXW7 status. The tumoroids established from KRAS-mutated parental tumours showed a significantly higher growth rate compared to their wild-type counterparts. The density of CD3+ T lymphocytes and CD68+ macrophages was calculated in the centre of the tumours and at the invasive margin of the tumours. The high density of CD3+ cells and the low density of CD68+ cells showed a significant correlation with a higher growth rate of the tumoroids. In conclusion, a novel approach for histological monitoring of endothelial differentiation is presented in the stem cell-derived EBs. Furthermore, the KRAS status and density of CD3+ T cells and macrophages in the parental tumour influence the growth rate of the tumoroids. Our results indicate that these parameters should be included when tumoroids are to be implemented in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabi Mousavi
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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24
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Warwas KM, Meyer M, Gonçalves M, Moldenhauer G, Bulbuc N, Knabe S, Luckner-Minden C, Ziegelmeier C, Heussel CP, Zörnig I, Jäger D, Momburg F. Co-Stimulatory Bispecific Antibodies Induce Enhanced T Cell Activation and Tumor Cell Killing in Breast Cancer Models. Front Immunol 2021; 12:719116. [PMID: 34484225 PMCID: PMC8415424 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.719116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although T cell-recruiting CD3-binding bispecific antibodies (BiMAb) have been proven to be clinically effective for hematologic malignancies, the success of BiMAb targeting solid tumor-associated antigens (TAA) in carcinomas so far remains poor. We reasoned that provision of co-stimulatory BiMAb in combination with αTAA-αCD3 BiMAb would boost T cell activation and proliferative capacity, and thereby facilitate the targeting of weakly or heterogeneously expressed tumor antigens. Various αTAA-αCD3 and αTAA-αCD28 BiMAb in a tetravalent IgG1-Fc based format have been analyzed, targeting multiple breast cancer antigens including HER2, EGFR, CEA, and EpCAM. Moreover, bifunctional fusion proteins of αTAA-tumor necrosis factor ligand (TNFL) superfamily members including 4-1BBL, OX40L, CD70 and TL1A have been tested. The functional activity of BiMAb was assessed using co-cultures of tumor cell lines and purified T cells in monolayer and tumor spheroid models. Only in the presence of tumor cells, αTAA-αCD3 BiMAb activated T cells and induced cytotoxicity in vitro, indicating a strict dependence on cross-linking. Combination treatment of αTAA-αCD3 BiMAb and co-stimulatory αTAA-αCD28 or αTAA-TNFL fusion proteins drastically enhanced T cell activation in terms of proliferation, activation marker expression, cytokine secretion and tumor cytotoxicity. Furthermore, BiMAb providing co-stimulation were shown to reduce the minimally required dose to achieve T cell activation by at least tenfold. Immuno-suppressive effects of TGF-β and IL-10 on T cell activation and memory cell formation could be overcome by co-stimulation. BiMAb-mediated co-stimulation was further augmented by immune checkpoint-inhibiting antibodies. Effective co-stimulation could be achieved by targeting a second breast cancer antigen, or by targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expressed on another target cell. In tumor spheroids derived from pleural effusions of breast cancer patients, co-stimulatory BiMAb were essential for the activation tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and cytotoxic anti-tumor responses against breast cancer cells. Taken together we showed that co-stimulation significantly potentiated the tumoricidal activity of T cell-activating BiMAb while preserving the dependence on TAA recognition. This approach could provide for a more localized activation of the immune system with higher efficacy and reduced peripheral toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten M. Warwas
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Immunity, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation Group, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marten Meyer
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Immunity, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation Group, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Márcia Gonçalves
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Immunity, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation Group, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Nadja Bulbuc
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation Group, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Knabe
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Immunity, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Luckner-Minden
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Ziegelmeier
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claus Peter Heussel
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology With Nuclear Medicine, Thoraxklinik at Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Lung Research Center (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Inka Zörnig
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Jäger
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Immunity, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Momburg
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation Group, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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25
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Castro F, Leite Pereira C, Helena Macedo M, Almeida A, José Silveira M, Dias S, Patrícia Cardoso A, José Oliveira M, Sarmento B. Advances on colorectal cancer 3D models: The needed translational technology for nanomedicine screening. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 175:113824. [PMID: 34090966 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous and molecularly complex disease, associated with high mortality worldwide, exposing the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Their development and translation to the clinic have been hampered, partially due to the absence of reliable cellular models that resemble key features of the human disease. While traditional 2D models are not able to provide consistent and predictive responses about the in vivo efficiency of the formulation, animal models frequently fail to recapitulate cancer progression and to reproduce adverse effects. On its turn, multicellular 3D systems, by mimicking key genetic, physical and mechanical cues of the tumor microenvironment, constitute a promising tool in cancer research. In addition, they constitute more physiological and relevant environment for anticancer drugs screening and for predicting patient's response towards personalized approaches, bridging the gap between simplified 2D models and unrepresentative animal models. In this review, we provide an overview of CRC 3D models for translational research, with focus on their potential for nanomedicines screening.
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26
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Balachander GM, Kotcherlakota R, Nayak B, Kedaria D, Rangarajan A, Chatterjee K. 3D Tumor Models for Breast Cancer: Whither We Are and What We Need. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:3470-3486. [PMID: 34286955 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) models have led to a paradigm shift in disease modeling in vitro, particularly for cancer. The past decade has seen a phenomenal increase in the development of 3D models for various types of cancers with a focus on studying stemness, invasive behavior, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance of cancer cells, as well as contributions of its stroma, which has expanded our understanding of these processes. Cancer biology is moving into exploring the emerging hallmarks of cancer, such as inflammation, immune evasion, and reprogramming of energy metabolism. Studies into these emerging concepts have provided novel targets and treatment options such as antitumor immunotherapy. However, 3D models that can investigate the emerging hallmarks are few and underexplored. As commonly used immunocompromised mice and syngenic mice cannot accurately mimic human immunology, stromal interactions, and metabolism and require the use of prohibitively expensive humanized mice, there is tremendous scope to develop authentic 3D tumor models in these areas. Taking the specific case of breast cancer, we discuss the currently available 3D models, their applications to mimic signaling in cancer, tumor-stroma interactions, drug responses, and assessment of drug delivery systems and therapies. We discuss the lacunae in the development of 3D tumor models for the emerging hallmarks of cancer, for lesser-explored forms of breast cancer, and provide insights to develop such models. We discuss how the next generation of 3D models can provide a better mimic of human cancer modeling compared to xenograft models and the scope toward preclinical models and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gowri Manohari Balachander
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, MD9-04-11, 2 Medical Drive, Singapore 117593, Singapore
| | - Rajesh Kotcherlakota
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
| | - Biswadeep Nayak
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States.,Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
| | - Dhaval Kedaria
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
| | - Annapoorni Rangarajan
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India.,Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
| | - Kaushik Chatterjee
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India.,Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
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27
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Truelsen SLB, Mousavi N, Wei H, Harvey L, Stausholm R, Spillum E, Hagel G, Qvortrup K, Thastrup O, Harling H, Mellor H, Thastrup J. The cancer angiogenesis co-culture assay: In vitro quantification of the angiogenic potential of tumoroids. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253258. [PMID: 34234354 PMCID: PMC8263287 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment response to anti-angiogenic agents varies among cancer patients and predictive biomarkers are needed to identify patients with resistant cancer or guide the choice of anti-angiogenic treatment. We present “the Cancer Angiogenesis Co-Culture (CACC) assay”, an in vitro Functional Precision Medicine assay which enables the study of tumouroid induced angiogenesis. This assay can quantify the ability of a patient-derived tumouroid to induce vascularization by measuring the induction of tube formation in a co-culture of vascular cells and tumoroids established from the primary colorectal tumour or a metastasis. Furthermore, the assay can quantify the sensitivity of patient-derived tumoroids to anti-angiogenic therapies. We observed that tube formation increased in a dose-dependent manner upon treatment with the pro-angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). When investigating the angiogenic potential of tumoroids from 12 patients we found that 9 tumoroid cultures induced a significant increase in tube formation compared to controls without tumoroids. In these 9 angiogenic tumoroid cultures the tube formation could be abolished by treatment with one or more of the investigated anti-angiogenic agents. The 3 non-angiogenic tumoroid cultures secreted VEGF-A but we observed no correlation between the amount of tube formation and tumoroid-secreted VEGF-A. Our data suggests that the CACC assay recapitulates the complexity of tumour angiogenesis, and when clinically verified, could prove a valuable tool to quantify sensitivity towards different anti-angiogenic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nabi Mousavi
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Haoche Wei
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Harvey
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Klaus Qvortrup
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Henrik Harling
- 2cureX, Symbion, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Harry Mellor
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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28
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Van Meenen J, Ní Dhubhghaill S, Van den Bogerd B, Koppen C. An Overview of Advanced In Vitro Corneal Models: Implications for Pharmacological Testing. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2021; 28:506-516. [PMID: 33878935 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2021.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is an important barrier to consider when developing ophthalmic formulations, but proper modeling of this multilayered tissue remains a challenge. This is due to the varying properties associated with each layer in addition to the dynamics of the tear film. Hence, the most representative models to date rely on animals. Animal models, however, differ from humans in several aspects and are subject to ethical limitations. Consequently, in vitro approaches are being developed to address these issues. This review focuses on the barrier properties of the cornea and evaluates the most advanced three-dimensional cultures of human corneal equivalents in literature. Their application potential is subsequently assessed and discussed in the context of preclinical testing along with our perspective toward the future. Impact statement Most ocular drugs are applied topically, with the transcorneal pathway as the main administration route. Animal corneas are currently the only advanced models available, contributing to the drug attrition rate. Anatomical and physiological interspecies differences might account for a poor translatability of preclinical results to clinical trials, urging researchers to devise better corneal equivalents. This review elaborates on the emerging generation of three-dimensional in vitro models, which comprises spheroids, organoids, and organs-on-chips, which can serve as a stepping stone for advancements in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Van Meenen
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science, Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sorcha Ní Dhubhghaill
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science, Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Bert Van den Bogerd
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science, Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Carina Koppen
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science, Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
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29
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Sánchez-Salazar MG, Álvarez MM, Trujillo-de Santiago G. Advances in 3D bioprinting for the biofabrication of tumor models. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bprint.2020.e00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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30
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Organoid and Spheroid Tumor Models: Techniques and Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040874. [PMID: 33669619 PMCID: PMC7922036 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cell cultures can be carried out in three dimensions (3D). Organoids and spheroids are different 3D cell culture models that can be cultured with different techniques. These 3D cell culture units established from a patient tumor have several similarities to the original tumor tissue and possess several advantages in conducting basic and clinical cancer research. Organoids prepared from a patient tissue can be preserved in a living biobank. Testing chemo-, radio- and immuno-therapies on these organoids has the potential to predict the patient responses and these models have incredible promise for personalized medicine. This review presents different organoid models, the techniques to prepare them and recent advances in their applications. Abstract Techniques to develop three-dimensional cell culture models are rapidly expanding to bridge the gap between conventional cell culture and animal models. Organoid and spheroid cultures have distinct and overlapping purposes and differ in cellular sources and protocol for establishment. Spheroids are of lower complexity structurally but are simple and popular models for drug screening. Organoids histologically and genetically resemble the original tumor from which they were derived. Ease of generation, ability for long-term culture and cryopreservation make organoids suitable for a wide range of applications. Organoids-on-chip models combine organoid methods with powerful designing and fabrication of micro-chip technology. Organoid-chip models can emulate the dynamic microenvironment of tumor pathophysiology as well as tissue–tissue interactions. In this review, we outline different tumor spheroid and organoid models and techniques to establish them. We also discuss the recent advances and applications of tumor organoids with an emphasis on tumor modeling, drug screening, personalized medicine and immunotherapy.
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31
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Dual inhibition of TGFβ and AXL as a novel therapy for human colorectal adenocarcinoma with mesenchymal phenotype. Med Oncol 2021; 38:24. [PMID: 33570712 PMCID: PMC7878213 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01464-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A subset of colorectal cancer (CRC) with a mesenchymal phenotype (CMS4) displays an aggressive disease, with an increased risk of recurrence after surgery, reduced survival, and resistance to standard treatments. It has been shown that the AXL and TGFβ signaling pathways are involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, migration, metastatic spread, and unresponsiveness to targeted therapies. However, the prognostic role of the combination of these biomarkers and the anti-tumor effect of AXL and TGFβ inhibition in CRC still has to be assessed. To evaluate the role of AXL and TGFβ as negative biomarker in CRC, we conducted an in-depth in silico analysis of CRC samples derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus. We found that AXL and TGFβ receptors are upregulated in CMS4 tumors and are correlated with an increased risk of recurrence after surgery in stage II/III CRC and a reduced overall survival. Moreover, we showed that AXL receptor is differently expressed in human CRC cell lines. Dual treatment with the TGFβ galunisertib and the AXL inhibitor, bemcentinib, significantly reduced colony formation and migration capabilities of tumor cells and displayed a strong anti-tumor activity in 3D spheroid cultures derived from patients with advanced CRC. Our work shows that AXL and TGFβ receptors identify a subgroup of CRC with a mesenchymal phenotype and correlate with poor prognosis. Dual inhibition of AXL and TGFβ could represent a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with this aggressive disease.
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32
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Liu J, Qiu J, Zhang Z, Zhou L, Li Y, Ding D, Zhang Y, Zou D, Wang D, Zhou Q, Lang T. SOX4 maintains the stemness of cancer cells via transcriptionally enhancing HDAC1 revealed by comparative proteomics study. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:23. [PMID: 33482915 PMCID: PMC7821488 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00539-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the root of human cancer development and the major cause of treatment failure. Aberrant elevation of SOX4, a member of SOX (SRY-related HMG-box) family transcription factors, has been identified in many types of human cancer and promotes cancer development. However, the role of SOX4 in CSCs, especially at a proteome-wide level, has remained elusive. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of SOX4 on the stemness of CSCs and reveal the underlying mechanisms by identification of SOX4-induced proteome changes through proteomics study. Results Overexpression of SOX4 promotes sphere formation and self-renewal of colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and elevates the expression levels of CSCs markers. Through iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis, 215 differentially expressed proteins (128 upregulated, 87 downregulated) in SOX4-overexpressing HCT-116 spheres were identified. The bioinformatic analysis highlighted the importance of HDAC1 as the fundamental roles of its impacted pathways in stem cell maintenance, including Wnt, Notch, cell cycle, and transcriptional misregulation in cancer. The mechanistic study showed that SOX4 directly binds to the promoter of HDAC1, promotes HDAC1 transcription, thereby supporting the stemness of colorectal cancer cells. HDAC1 hallmarks colorectal cancer stem cells and depletion of HDAC1 abolished the stimulatory effect of SOX4. Furthermore, SOX4-HDAC1 axis is conserved in multiple types of cancer. Conclusions The results of this study reveal SOX4-induced proteome changes in HCT-116 spheres and demonstrates that transcriptional activation of HDAC1 is the primary mechanism underlying SOX4 maintaining CSCs. This finding suggests that HDAC1 is a potential drug target for eradicating SOX4-driven human CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshu Liu
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, 400044, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, 400030, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, 400030, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education (Chongqing University), Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, 400044, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangfeng Qiu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200081, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, The academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower Level 6, 169856, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Research Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yunzhe Li
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, 400044, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, 400030, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongyan Ding
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, 400044, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, 400030, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Laboratory Department, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, 400030, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongling Zou
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, 400030, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, 400030, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhou
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, 400044, Chongqing, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, 400030, Chongqing, People's Republic of China. .,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, 400030, Chongqing, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education (Chongqing University), Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, 400044, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tingyuan Lang
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, 400044, Chongqing, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, 400030, Chongqing, People's Republic of China. .,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, 400030, Chongqing, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education (Chongqing University), Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, 400044, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
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Reidy E, Leonard NA, Treacy O, Ryan AE. A 3D View of Colorectal Cancer Models in Predicting Therapeutic Responses and Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:E227. [PMID: 33435170 PMCID: PMC7827038 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there have been many advances in recent years for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), it still remains the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Many patients with late stage CRC display resistance to multiple different therapeutics. An important aspect in developing effective therapeutics for CRC patients is understanding the interactions that take place in the tumor microenvironment (TME), as it has been shown to contribute to drug resistance in vivo. Much research over the past 100 years has focused on 2D monolayer cultures or in vivo studies, however, the efficacy in translating these to the clinic is very low. More recent studies are turning towards developing an effective 3D model of CRC that is clinically relevant, that can recapitulate the TME in vitro and bridge the gap between 2D cultures and in vivo studies, with the aim of reducing the use of animal models in the future. This review summarises the advantages and limitations of different 3D CRC models. It emphasizes how different 3D models may be optimised to study cellular and extracellular interactions that take place in the TME of CRC in an effort to allow the development of more translatable effective treatment options for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Reidy
- Lambe Institute for Translational research, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 V4AY Galway, Ireland; (E.R.); (N.A.L.); (O.T.)
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland
- Discipline of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, NUI Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland
| | - Niamh A. Leonard
- Lambe Institute for Translational research, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 V4AY Galway, Ireland; (E.R.); (N.A.L.); (O.T.)
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland
- Discipline of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland
| | - Oliver Treacy
- Lambe Institute for Translational research, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 V4AY Galway, Ireland; (E.R.); (N.A.L.); (O.T.)
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland
- Discipline of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland
| | - Aideen E. Ryan
- Lambe Institute for Translational research, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 V4AY Galway, Ireland; (E.R.); (N.A.L.); (O.T.)
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland
- Discipline of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, NUI Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland
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Wei H, Sundararaman A, Truelsen SLB, Gurevich D, Thastrup J, Mellor H. In Vitro Coculture Assays of Angiogenesis. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2206:39-46. [PMID: 32754809 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0916-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
During angiogenesis, endothelial cells must undergo a coordinated set of morphological changes in order to form a new vessel. There is a need for endothelial cells to communicate with each other in order to take up different identities in the sprout and to migrate collectively as a connected chord. Endothelial cells must also interact with a wide range of other cells that contribute to vessel formation. In ischemic disease, hypoxic cells in tissue will generate proangiogenic signals that promote and guide angiogenesis. In solid tumors, this function is co-opted by tumor cells, which make a complex range of interactions with endothelial cells, even integrating into the walls of vessels. In vessel repair, cells from the immune system contribute to the promotion and remodeling of new vessels. The coculture angiogenesis assay is a long-term in vitro protocol that uses fibroblasts to secrete and condition an artificial stromal matrix for tubules to grow through. We show here how the assay can be easily adapted to include additional cell types, facilitating the study of cellular interactions during neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoche Wei
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - David Gurevich
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Harry Mellor
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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35
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Lee SW, Jung DJ, Jeong GS. Gaining New Biological and Therapeutic Applications into the Liver with 3D In Vitro Liver Models. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 17:731-745. [PMID: 32207030 PMCID: PMC7710770 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-020-00245-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures with architectural and biomechanical properties similar to those of natural tissue have been the focus for generating liver tissue. Microarchitectural organization is believed to be crucial to hepatic function, and 3D cell culture technologies have enabled the construction of tissue-like microenvironments, thereby leading to remarkable progress in vitro models of human tissue and organs. Recently, to recapitulate the 3D architecture of tissues, spheroids and organoids have become widely accepted as new practical tools for 3D organ modeling. Moreover, the combination of bioengineering approach offers the promise to more accurately model the tissue microenvironment of human organs. Indeed, the employment of sophisticated bioengineered liver models show long-term viability and functional enhancements in biochemical parameters and disease-orient outcome. RESULTS Various 3D in vitro liver models have been proposed as a new generation of liver medicine. Likewise, new biomedical engineering approaches and platforms are available to more accurately replicate the in vivo 3D microarchitectures and functions of living organs. This review aims to highlight the recent 3D in vitro liver model systems, including micropatterning, spheroids, and organoids that are either scaffold-based or scaffold-free systems. Finally, we discuss a number of challenges that will need to be addressed moving forward in the field of liver tissue engineering for biomedical applications. CONCLUSION The ongoing development of biomedical engineering holds great promise for generating a 3D biomimetic liver model that recapitulates the physiological and pathological properties of the liver and has biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Woo Lee
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-Ro 43 Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Jung Jung
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-Ro 43 Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Seok Jeong
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-Ro 43 Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43 Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
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36
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Gilazieva Z, Ponomarev A, Rutland C, Rizvanov A, Solovyeva V. Promising Applications of Tumor Spheroids and Organoids for Personalized Medicine. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2727. [PMID: 32977530 PMCID: PMC7598156 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the promising directions in personalized medicine is the use of three-dimensional (3D) tumor models such as spheroids and organoids. Spheroids and organoids are three-dimensional cultures of tumor cells that can be obtained from patient tissue and, using high-throughput personalized medicine methods, provide a suitable therapy for that patient. These 3D models can be obtained from most types of tumors, which provides opportunities for the creation of biobanks with appropriate patient materials that can be used to screen drugs and facilitate the development of therapeutic agents. It should be noted that the use of spheroids and organoids would expand the understanding of tumor biology and its microenvironment, help develop new in vitro platforms for drug testing and create new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we discuss 3D tumor spheroid and organoid models, their advantages and disadvantages, and evaluate their promising use in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarema Gilazieva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (Z.G.); (A.P.); (A.R.)
| | - Aleksei Ponomarev
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (Z.G.); (A.P.); (A.R.)
| | - Catrin Rutland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK;
| | - Albert Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (Z.G.); (A.P.); (A.R.)
| | - Valeriya Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (Z.G.); (A.P.); (A.R.)
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37
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Mäkelä R, Arjonen A, Härmä V, Rintanen N, Paasonen L, Paprotka T, Rönsch K, Kuopio T, Kononen J, Rantala JK. Ex vivo modelling of drug efficacy in a rare metastatic urachal carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:590. [PMID: 32576176 PMCID: PMC7313172 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07092-w] [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: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ex vivo drug screening refers to the out-of-body assessment of drug efficacy in patient derived vital tumor cells. The purpose of these methods is to enable functional testing of patient specific efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutics and personalized treatment strategies. Such approaches could prove powerful especially in context of rare cancers for which demonstration of novel therapies is difficult due to the low numbers of patients. Here, we report comparison of different ex vivo drug screening methods in a metastatic urachal adenocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive non-urothelial bladder malignancy that arises from the remnant embryologic urachus in adults. METHODS To compare the feasibility and results obtained with alternative ex vivo drug screening techniques, we used three different approaches; enzymatic cell viability assay of 2D cell cultures and image-based cytometry of 2D and 3D cell cultures in parallel. Vital tumor cells isolated from a biopsy obtained in context of a surgical debulking procedure were used for screening of 1160 drugs with the aim to evaluate patterns of efficacy in the urachal cancer cells. RESULTS Dose response data from the enzymatic cell viability assay and the image-based assay of 2D cell cultures showed the best consistency. With 3D cell culture conditions, the proliferation rate of the tumor cells was slower and potency of several drugs was reduced even following growth rate normalization of the responses. MEK, mTOR, and MET inhibitors were identified as the most cytotoxic targeted drugs. Secondary validation analyses confirmed the efficacy of these drugs also with the new human urachal adenocarcinoma cell line (MISB18) established from the patient's tumor. CONCLUSIONS All the tested ex vivo drug screening methods captured the patient's tumor cells' sensitivity to drugs that could be associated with the oncogenic KRASG12V mutation found in the patient's tumor cells. Specific drug classes however resulted in differential dose response profiles dependent on the used cell culture method indicating that the choice of assay could bias results from ex vivo drug screening assays for selected drug classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Mäkelä
- Misvik Biology Ltd, Karjakatu 35 B, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Antti Arjonen
- Misvik Biology Ltd, Karjakatu 35 B, FI-20520, Turku, Finland.,Brinter Ltd, Turku, Finland
| | - Ville Härmä
- Misvik Biology Ltd, Karjakatu 35 B, FI-20520, Turku, Finland.,University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nina Rintanen
- Central Finland Health Care District, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | | | - Tobias Paprotka
- Eurofins Genomics Europe Sequencing GmbH, Constance, Germany
| | - Kerstin Rönsch
- Eurofins Genomics Europe Sequencing GmbH, Constance, Germany
| | - Teijo Kuopio
- Central Finland Health Care District, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Juha Kononen
- Central Finland Health Care District, Jyväskylä, Finland.,Docrates Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juha K Rantala
- Misvik Biology Ltd, Karjakatu 35 B, FI-20520, Turku, Finland. .,University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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Ramzy GM, Koessler T, Ducrey E, McKee T, Ris F, Buchs N, Rubbia-Brandt L, Dietrich PY, Nowak-Sliwinska P. Patient-Derived In Vitro Models for Drug Discovery in Colorectal Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061423. [PMID: 32486365 PMCID: PMC7352800 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lack of relevant preclinical models that reliably recapitulate the complexity and heterogeneity of human cancer has slowed down the development and approval of new anti-cancer therapies. Even though two-dimensional in vitro culture models remain widely used, they allow only partial cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions and therefore do not represent the complex nature of the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, better models reflecting intra-tumor heterogeneity need to be incorporated in the drug screening process to more reliably predict the efficacy of drug candidates. Classic methods of modelling colorectal carcinoma (CRC), while useful for many applications, carry numerous limitations. In this review, we address the recent advances in in vitro CRC model systems, ranging from conventional CRC patient-derived models, such as conditional reprogramming-based cell cultures, to more experimental and state-of-the-art models, such as cancer-on-chip platforms or liquid biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- George M. Ramzy
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (G.M.R.); (E.D.)
- Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thibaud Koessler
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (T.K.); (P.-Y.D.)
| | - Eloise Ducrey
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (G.M.R.); (E.D.)
- Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas McKee
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Diagnostic Department, University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (T.M.); (L.R.-B.)
| | - Frédéric Ris
- Translational Department of Digestive and Transplant Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (F.R.); (N.B.)
| | - Nicolas Buchs
- Translational Department of Digestive and Transplant Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (F.R.); (N.B.)
| | - Laura Rubbia-Brandt
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Diagnostic Department, University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (T.M.); (L.R.-B.)
| | - Pierre-Yves Dietrich
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (T.K.); (P.-Y.D.)
| | - Patrycja Nowak-Sliwinska
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (G.M.R.); (E.D.)
- Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-22-379-3352
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Foglietta F, Canaparo R, Muccioli G, Terreno E, Serpe L. Methodological aspects and pharmacological applications of three-dimensional cancer cell cultures and organoids. Life Sci 2020; 254:117784. [PMID: 32416169 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures, in which cells grow in flat layers on plastic surfaces, are considered the standard model for use in drug screening and for biological assays. However, these models do not accurately represent in vivo cell organization due to a lack in cell-cell/matrix interactions and in tissue and microenvironment structure. For that reason, three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures have been introduced as an innovative platform in recent years, allowing cells to grow and interact with each other in all three dimensions thanks to an artificial environment. In a 3D model cells show more interesting aspects from a physiological point of view, demonstrating several improvements in viability, morphology, proliferation and differentiations, response to external and internal stimuli, drug metabolism and efficacy and in vivo relevance. This review explores recent techniques in the development of 3D cell models with a particular focus on their application from a pharmacological point of view, starting from the concept of spheroid models generated by scaffold-free or scaffold-based techniques. Finally, special attention is paid to the concept of organoids, 3D constructs that replicate the 3D architecture of intact organs and the technology involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Foglietta
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Roberto Canaparo
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 13, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Giampiero Muccioli
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 13, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Enzo Terreno
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Loredana Serpe
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 13, 10125 Torino, Italy
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Bhattacharya S, Calar K, de la Puente P. Mimicking tumor hypoxia and tumor-immune interactions employing three-dimensional in vitro models. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2020; 39:75. [PMID: 32357910 PMCID: PMC7195738 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01583-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) is highly complex and not entirely understood. These complex configurations lead to the generation of oxygen-deprived conditions within the tumor niche, which modulate several intrinsic TME elements to promote immunosuppressive outcomes. Decoding these communications is necessary for designing effective therapeutic strategies that can effectively reduce tumor-associated chemotherapy resistance by employing the inherent potential of the immune system.While classic two-dimensional in vitro research models reveal critical hypoxia-driven biochemical cues, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models more accurately replicate the TME-immune manifestations. In this study, we review various 3D cell culture models currently being utilized to foster an oxygen-deprived TME, those that assess the dynamics associated with TME-immune cell penetrability within the tumor-like spatial structure, and discuss state of the art 3D systems that attempt recreating hypoxia-driven TME-immune outcomes. We also highlight the importance of integrating various hallmarks, which collectively might influence the functionality of these 3D models.This review strives to supplement perspectives to the quickly-evolving discipline that endeavors to mimic tumor hypoxia and tumor-immune interactions using 3D in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somshuvra Bhattacharya
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E 60th Street N, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Kristin Calar
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E 60th Street N, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Pilar de la Puente
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E 60th Street N, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA.
- Department of Surgery, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA.
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41
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Human Colon Organoids and Other Laboratory Strategies to Enhance Patient Treatment Selection. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2020; 21:35. [PMID: 32328818 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-020-00737-9] [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: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Though many advancements in personalized medicine have been made, better methods are still needed to predict treatment benefit for patients with colorectal cancer. Patient-derived cancer organoids (PDCOs) are a major advance towards true personalization of treatment strategies. A growing body of literature is demonstrating the feasibility of PDCOs as an accurate and high-throughput preclinical tool for patient treatment selection. Many studies demonstrate that these cultures are readily generated and represent the tumors they were derived from phenotypically and based on their mutation profile. This includes maintenance of the driver muatations giving the cancer cells a selective growth advantage, and also heterogeneity, including molecular and metabolic heterogeneity. Additionally, PDCOs are now being utilized to develop patient biospecimen repositories, perform high to moderate-throughput drug screening, and to potentially predict treatment response for individual patients that are undergoing anti-cancer treatments. In order to develop PDCOs as a true clinical tool, further studies are required to determine the reproducibility and accuracy of these models to predict patient response.
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Brüningk SC, Rivens I, Box C, Oelfke U, Ter Haar G. 3D tumour spheroids for the prediction of the effects of radiation and hyperthermia treatments. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1653. [PMID: 32015396 PMCID: PMC6997397 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58569-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
For multimodality therapies such as the combination of hyperthermia and radiation, quantification of biological effects is key for dose prescription and response prediction. Tumour spheroids have a microenvironment that more closely resembles that of tumours in vivo and may thus be a superior in vitro cancer model than monolayer cultures. Here, the response of tumour spheroids formed from two established human cancer cell lines (HCT116 and CAL27) to single and combination treatments of radiation (0-20 Gy), and hyperthermia at 47 °C (0-780 CEM43) has been evaluated. Response was analysed in terms of spheroid growth, cell viability and the distribution of live/dead cells. Time-lapse imaging was used to evaluate mechanisms of cell death and cell detachment. It was found that sensitivity to heat in spheroids was significantly less than that seen in monolayer cultures. Spheroids showed different patterns of shrinkage and regrowth when exposed to heat or radiation: heated spheroids shed dead cells within four days of heating and displayed faster growth post-exposure than samples that received radiation or no treatment. Irradiated spheroids maintained a dense structure and exhibited a longer growth delay than spheroids receiving hyperthermia or combination treatment at (thermal) doses that yielded equivalent levels of clonogenic cell survival. We suggest that, unlike radiation, which kills dividing cells, hyperthermia-induced cell death affects cells independent of their proliferation status. This induces microenvironmental changes that promote spheroid growth. In conclusion, 3D tumour spheroid growth studies reveal differences in response to heat and/or radiation that were not apparent in 2D clonogenic assays but that may significantly influence treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Brüningk
- Joint Department of Physics at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, SM25NG, UK.
| | - Ian Rivens
- Joint Department of Physics at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, SM25NG, UK
| | - Carol Box
- Joint Department of Physics at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, SM25NG, UK
| | - Uwe Oelfke
- Joint Department of Physics at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, SM25NG, UK
| | - Gail Ter Haar
- Joint Department of Physics at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, SM25NG, UK
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Mousavi N, Jespersen AJB, Jorgensen LN, Timmermans V, Heegaard S. The density of infiltrating T cells and macrophages in the parental tumour correlates with growth rate of tumoroids established from colorectal adenocarcinoma. Int J Exp Pathol 2020; 100:304-310. [PMID: 31997501 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between the density of infiltrating T cells and macrophages in the parental colorectal cancer (CRC) and the growth rate of tumoroids (i.e. a patient-derived in vitro 3D model). Tumoroids were established from fresh specimens of primary and metastatic CRC from 29 patients. The in vitro growth rate of tumoroids was monitored by automated imaging. The density of infiltrating T cells and macrophages was determined in the centre of the tumour (CT) and at the invasive margin (IM) of the parental tumours. This was performed by digital image analysis on the whole-slide scanned images using Visiopharm® software. Tumoroids with higher density of infiltrating CD3+ lymphocytes in the IM of their parental tumour showed a higher growth rate (P < .0005). The average relative growth rate (log10) during the period from day 1 to day 11 was 0.364 ± 0.006 (mean ± SD) for the CD3+ (IM)-high group and 0.273 ± 0.008 (mean ± SD) for the CD3+ (IM)-low group. In contrast, the density of CD68+ infiltrating macrophages in the parental tumours showed significant inverse effect on the growth rate of the tumoroids (P < .0005). The present study showed that the density of immune cells in the parental CRC correlates with the growth rate of the tumoroids. The future perspective for such a 3D model could be in vitro investigations of the tumour-associated inflammatory microenvironment as well as personalized cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabi Mousavi
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Vera Timmermans
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steffen Heegaard
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Popova AA, Levkin PA. Precision Medicine in Oncology: In Vitro Drug Sensitivity and Resistance Test (DSRT) for Selection of Personalized Anticancer Therapy. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201900100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Popova
- Karlsruhe Institute of TechnologyInstitute of Toxicology and Genetics Hermann‐von‐Helmholtz‐Platz 1 76344 Eggenstein‐Leopoldshafen Germany
| | - Pavel A. Levkin
- Karlsruhe Institute of TechnologyInstitute of Toxicology and Genetics Hermann‐von‐Helmholtz‐Platz 1 76344 Eggenstein‐Leopoldshafen Germany
- Karlsruhe Institute of TechnologyInstitute of Organic Chemistry Fritz‐Haber Weg 6 76131 Karlsruhe Germany
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Zhang PD, Wang CH, Fan J, Peng JX, Pan J, Qi ST, Liu Y. Feasibility of primary human cell cultures as a model for adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma research: Evidence from RNA-Seq analysis. Oncol Lett 2020; 19:2346-2354. [PMID: 32194734 PMCID: PMC7039094 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is a benign epithelial tumor of the sellar region. Whether primary human cell cultures can be used as a stable research model has yet to be determined. The characteristics of three cultured craniopharyngioma primary cell (CPC) lines were identified using immunofluorescence. The culture duration for each CPC line was 10, 20 and 30 days. Cell lines and paired parental tumor tissues were subsequently analyzed using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). Transcriptomic differences between ACP tissues and CPC lines were compared. CPCs maintained the original epithelial lineage markers, including pan-cytokeratin and epithelial cell adhesion molecule. However, the Pearson's correlation coefficient of transcriptomes between each pair of CPC lines and ACP tissues decreased from 0.657 (cultured for 10 days) to 0.61 (cultured for 20 days) and further to 0.547 (cultured for 30 days). The number of differentially expressed genes between ACP tissues and CPCs was increased from 1,247 (cultured for 10 days) to 1,643 (cultured for 20 days) and then to 1,949 (cultured for 30 days). The results of Gene Set Enrichment Analysis demonstrated that the diversity of gene sets increased with longer culture time. Significant differences in the majority of signature gene sets were not observed between ACP tissues and CPCs, with the exception of keratinization phenotype [normalized enrichment score (NES)=−2.02, false discovery rate (FDR)=0.0038] and epithelial cell phenotype (NES=−1.82, FDR=0.032). Cell proliferation (NES=1.78, FDR=0.028) and mitosis (NES=1.93, FDR=0.012) were enhanced in CPCs. Therefore, primary human cell cultures can be used as a suitable research platform for ACP, however further experiments are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Dong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Chao-Hu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Jun Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Xiang Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Jun Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Song-Tao Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
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Gasiulė S, Dreize N, Kaupinis A, Ražanskas R, Čiupas L, Stankevičius V, Kapustina Ž, Laurinavičius A, Valius M, Vilkaitis G. Molecular Insights into miRNA-Driven Resistance to 5-Fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin Chemotherapy: miR-23b Modulates the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition of Colorectal Cancer Cells. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E2115. [PMID: 31810268 PMCID: PMC6947029 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8122115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although treatment of colorectal cancer with 5-florouracil and oxaliplatin is widely used, it is frequently followed by a relapse. Therefore, there is an urgent need for profound understanding of chemotherapy resistance mechanisms as well as the profiling of predictive markers for individualized treatment. In this study, we identified the changes in 14 miRNAs in 5-fluouracil and 40 miRNAs in oxaliplatin-resistant cell lines by miRNA sequencing. The decrease in miR-224-5p expression in the 5-fluorouracil-resistant cells correlated with drug insensitivity due to its overexpression-induced drug-dependent apoptosis. On the other hand, the miR-23b/27b/24-1 cluster was overexpressed in oxaliplatin-resistant cells. The knockout of miR-23b led to the partial restoration of oxaliplatin susceptibility, showing the essential role of miR-23b in the development of drug resistance by this cluster. Proteomic analysis identified target genes of miR-23b and showed that endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was implicated in oxaliplatin insensibility. Data revealed that EMT markers, such as vimentin and SNAI2, were expressed moderately higher in the oxaliplatin-resistant cells and their expression increased further in the less drug-resistant cells, which had miR-23b knockout. This establishes that the balance of EMT contributes to the drug resistance, showing the importance of the miR-23b-mediated fine-tuning of EMT in oxaliplatin-resistant cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stasė Gasiulė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania; (S.G.); (R.R.); (L.Č.); (V.S.)
| | - Nadezda Dreize
- Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania; (N.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Algirdas Kaupinis
- Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania; (N.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Raimundas Ražanskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania; (S.G.); (R.R.); (L.Č.); (V.S.)
| | - Laurynas Čiupas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania; (S.G.); (R.R.); (L.Č.); (V.S.)
| | - Vaidotas Stankevičius
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania; (S.G.); (R.R.); (L.Č.); (V.S.)
| | - Žana Kapustina
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics, Vilnius LT-02241, Lithuania;
| | - Arvydas Laurinavičius
- National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius LT-08406, Lithuania;
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-03101, Lithuania
| | - Mindaugas Valius
- Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania; (N.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Giedrius Vilkaitis
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania; (S.G.); (R.R.); (L.Č.); (V.S.)
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Forsythe S, Pu T, Skardal A. Using organoid models to predict chemotherapy efficacy: the future of precision oncology? EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2019.1685868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Forsythe
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Tracey Pu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Bowman Gray Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Aleksander Skardal
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Bowman Gray Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Translational Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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González Díaz EC, Sinha S, Avedian RS, Yang F. Tissue-engineered 3D models for elucidating primary and metastatic bone cancer progression. Acta Biomater 2019; 99:18-32. [PMID: 31419564 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malignant bone tumors are aggressive neoplasms which arise from bone tissue or as a result of metastasis. The most prevalent types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and lung cancer, all preferentially metastasize to bone, yet the role of the bone niche in promoting cancer progression remains poorly understood. Tissue engineering has the potential to bridge this knowledge gap by providing 3D in vitro systems that can be specifically designed to mimic key properties of the bone niche in a more physiologically relevant context than standard 2D culture. Elucidating the crucial components of the bone niche that recruit metastatic cells, support tumor growth, and promote cancer-induced destruction of bone tissue would support efforts for preventing and treating these devastating malignancies. In this review, we summarize recent efforts focused on developing in vitro 3D models of primary bone cancer and bone metastasis using tissue engineering approaches. Such 3D in vitro models can enable the identification of effective therapeutic targets and facilitate high-throughput drug screening to effectively treat bone cancers. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biomaterials-based 3D culture have been traditionally used for tissue regeneration. Recent research harnessed biomaterials to create 3D in vitro cancer models, with demonstrated advantages over conventional 2D culture in recapitulating tumor progression and drug response in vivo. However, previous work has been largely limited to modeling soft tissue cancer, such as breast cancer and brain cancer. Unlike soft tissues, bone is characterized with high stiffness and mineral content. Primary bone cancer affects mostly children with poor treatment outcomes, and bone is the most common site of cancer metastasis. Here we summarize emerging efforts on engineering 3D bone cancer models using tissue engineering approaches, and future directions needed to further advance this relatively new research area.
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NPY Gene Methylation as a Universal, Longitudinal Plasma Marker for Evaluating the Clinical Benefit from Last-Line Treatment with Regorafenib in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111649. [PMID: 31731482 PMCID: PMC6896074 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a need for biomarkers to improve the clinical benefit from systemic treatment of colorectal cancer. We designed a prospective, clinical study where patients receiving regorafenib as last-line treatment had sequential blood samples drawn. Effect and toxicity was monitored. The primary clinical endpoint was progression free survival (PFS). Cell-free circulating tumor (ct) DNA was measured as either the fraction with Neuropeptide Y (NPY) methylated DNA or KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutated ctDNA. One hundred patients were included from three Danish centers. Among 95 patients who received regorafenib for at least two weeks, the median PFS was 2.1 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8–3.3) and the median overall survival (OS) was 5.2 months (95% CI 4.3–6.5). Grade 3–4 toxicities were reported 51 times, most frequently hypertension, hand-food syndrome, and skin rash. In the biomarker population of 91 patients, 49 could be monitored using mutated DNA and 90 using methylated DNA. There was a strong correlation between mutated and methylated DNA. The median survival for patients with a level of methylated ctDNA above the median was 4.3 months compared to 7.6 months with ctDNA below the median, p < 0.001. The median time from increasing methylated ctDNA to disease progression was 1.64 months (range 0.46–8.38 months). In conclusion, NPY methylated ctDNA was a universal liquid biopsy marker in colorectal cancer patients treated with regorafenib. High baseline levels correlated with short survival and changes during treatment may predict early effect and later progression. We suggest plasma NPY methylation analysis as an easy and universally applicable method for longitudinal monitoring of ctDNA in metastatic colorectal cancer patients.
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50
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Nayak B, Balachander GM, Manjunath S, Rangarajan A, Chatterjee K. Tissue mimetic 3D scaffold for breast tumor-derived organoid culture toward personalized chemotherapy. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2019; 180:334-343. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.04.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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