1
|
Alhaj AK, Burhamah T, Mohammad F, Almutawa M, Dashti F, Almurshed M, Behzad S, Snuderl M, Hasan A. Are the Radiological and Molecular Features of Pediatric Medulloblastomas Valuable Prognostic Indicators? A 10-Year Retrospective Review in the Middle East. World Neurosurg 2024; 187:e156-e165. [PMID: 38636638 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.04.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medulloblastomas are the most common malignant brain tumors in the pediatric population. Based on the idea that tumors with identical radio-genomic features should behave similarly, the 4 molecular subtypes are now widely accepted as a guide for the management and prognosis. The radiological features of medulloblastomas can predict the molecular subtype; thus, anticipating the subsequent disease progression. However, this has not been evaluated comprehensively. We aim to thoroughly study the association between the molecular subtypes and radiological features of medulloblastomas. Moreover, we aim to investigate the efficacy of this correlation with the use of progression-free survival and 5-year survival rates. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted for all histopathological confirmed medulloblastomas in pediatric patients (<16 years old) that were operated on in Kuwait over the past ten years (n = 44). The radiological, histological, and molecular characteristics were justifiably evaluated and analyzed in our sample. RESULTS The overall progression-free survival after one year was noticed among 27 cases (≈44%) and the nonspecific 5-year survival was seen in 31 cases (≈70%) after a 5-year follow-up. Sonic Hedgehog and Wingless had the best outcomes, while group 3 showed the worst outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings did not support the association between most of the typical magnetic resonance imaging characteristics and survival rate. We further established that Sonic Hedgehog and Wingless biological types have a better prognosis. There was no association observed between the radiographic features, specifically the location, and the molecular subtype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Kh Alhaj
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ibn Sina Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Talal Burhamah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ibn Sina Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Fadil Mohammad
- Department of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mariam Almutawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ibn Sina Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Fatima Dashti
- Department of Neuroradiology, Ibn Sina Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Maryam Almurshed
- Department of Pathology, Sabah Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Shakir Behzad
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Kuwait Cancer Center, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Matija Snuderl
- Department of Molecular Pathology, NYU Langone Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alya Hasan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ibn Sina Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gupta T, Mani S, Chatterjee A, Dasgupta A, Epari S, Chinnaswamy G. Risk-stratification for treatment de-intensification in WNT-pathway medulloblastoma: finding the optimal balance between survival and quality of survivorship. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2024; 24:589-598. [PMID: 38761170 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2357807] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advances in molecular biology have led to consensus classification of medulloblastoma into four broad molecular subgroups - wingless (WNT), sonic hedgehog (SHH), Group 3, and Group 4, respectively. Traditionally, children >3 years of age, with no/minimal residual tumor (<1.5 cm2) and lack of metastasis were classified as average-risk disease with >80% long-term survival. Younger age (<3 years), large residual disease (≥1.5 cm2), and leptomeningeal metastases either alone or in combination were considered high-risk features yielding much worse 5-year survival (30-60%). This clinico-radiological risk-stratification has been refined by incorporating molecular/genetic information. Contemporary multi-modality management for non-infantile medulloblastoma entails maximal safe resection followed by risk-stratified adjuvant radio(chemo)therapy. Aggressive multi-modality management achieves good survival but is associated with substantial dose-dependent treatment-related toxicity prompting conduct of subgroup-specific prospective clinical trials. AREAS COVERED We conducted literature search on PubMed from 1969 till 2023 to identify putative prognostic factors and risk-stratification for medulloblastoma, including molecular subgrouping. Based on previously published data, including our own institutional experience, we discuss molecular risk-stratification focusing on WNT-pathway medulloblastoma to identify candidates suitable for treatment de-intensification to strike the optimal balance between survival and quality of survivorship. EXPERT OPINION Prospective clinical trials and emerging biological information should further refine risk-stratification in WNT-pathway medulloblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tejpal Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC/TMH, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, India
| | - Shakthivel Mani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC/TMH, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, India
| | - Abhishek Chatterjee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC/TMH, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, India
| | - Archya Dasgupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC/TMH, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, India
| | - Sridhar Epari
- Department of Pathology, ACTREC/TMH, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, India
| | - Girish Chinnaswamy
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, ACTREC/TMH, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chien F, Michaud ME, Bakhtiari M, Schroff C, Snuderl M, Velazquez Vega JE, MacDonald TJ, Bhasin MK. Medulloblastoma Spatial Transcriptomics Reveals Tumor Microenvironment Heterogeneity with High-Density Progenitor Cell Regions Correlating with High-Risk Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.25.600684. [PMID: 38979174 PMCID: PMC11230370 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.25.600684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) of medulloblastoma (MB) influences progression and therapy response, presenting a promising target for therapeutic advances. Prior single-cell analyses have characterized the cellular components of the TME but lack spatial context. To address this, we performed spatial transcriptomic sequencing on sixteen pediatric MB samples obtained at diagnosis, including two matched diagnosis-relapse pairs. Our analyses revealed inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity within the TME, comprised of tumor-associated astrocytes (TAAs), macrophages (TAMs), stromal components, and distinct subpopulations of MB cells at different stages of neuronal differentiation and cell cycle progression. We identified dense regions of quiescent progenitor-like MB cells enriched in patients with high-risk (HR) features and an increase in TAAs, TAMs, and dysregulated vascular endothelium following relapse. Our study presents novel insights into the spatial architecture and cellular landscape of the medulloblastoma TME, highlighting spatial patterns linked to HR features and relapse, which may serve as potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franklin Chien
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Marina E. Michaud
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mojtaba Bakhtiari
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Chanel Schroff
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health and Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Matija Snuderl
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health and Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jose E. Velazquez Vega
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Tobey J. MacDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Manoj K. Bhasin
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang C, Fu R, Wang Y, Wei J, Yu Y, Hu L, Zhang C. miR-124-3p and miR-194-5p regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway via ROR2 in medulloblastoma progression. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:941-954. [PMID: 38632356 PMCID: PMC11192632 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00762-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB), a prevalent pediatric central nervous system tumor, is influenced by microRNAs (miRNAs) that impact tumor initiation and progression. However, the specific involvement of miRNAs in MB tumorigenesis remains unclear. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we identified ROR2 expression in normal human fetal cerebellum. Subsequent analyses, including immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and Western blot, assessed ROR2 expression in MB tissues and cell lines. We investigated miR-124-3p and miR-194-5p and their regulatory role in ROR2 expression through the dual-luciferase reporter, qRT-PCR, and western blot assays. Mechanistic insights were gained through functional assays exploring the impact of miR-124-3p, miR-194-5p, and ROR2 on MB growth in vitro and in vivo. We observed significantly reduced miR-124-3p and miR-194-5p expression and elevated ROR2 expression in MB tissues and cell lines. High ROR2 expression inversely correlated with overall survival in WNT and SHH subgroups of MB patients. Functionally, overexpressing miR-124-3p and miR-194-5p and inhibiting ROR2 suppressed in vitro malignant transformation and in vivo tumorigenicity. Mechanistically, miR-124-3p and miR-194-5p synergistically regulated the ROR2/PI3K/Akt pathway, influencing MB progression. Our findings indicate that miR-124-3p and miR-194-5p function as tumor suppressors, inhibiting MB progression via the ROR2/PI3K/Akt axis, suggesting a key mechanism and therapeutic targets for MB patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Runxi Fu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunkun Wang
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Wei
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liuhua Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chenran Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fang KT, Su CS, Layos JJ, Lau NYS, Cheng KH. Haploinsufficiency of Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Coupled with Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homologue Activation and P53 Loss Provokes High-Grade Glioblastoma Formation in Mice. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1046. [PMID: 38473403 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16051046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and deadly type of brain tumor originating from glial cells. Despite decades of clinical trials and research, there has been limited success in improving survival rates. However, molecular pathology studies have provided a detailed understanding of the genetic alterations associated with the formation and progression of glioblastoma-such as Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) signaling activation (5%), P53 mutations (25%), and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) alterations (2%)-laying the groundwork for further investigation into the biological and biochemical basis of this malignancy. These analyses have been crucial in revealing the sequential appearance of specific genetic lesions at distinct histopathological stages during the development of GBM. To further explore the pathogenesis and progression of glioblastoma, here, we developed the glial-fibrillary-acidic-protein (GFAP)-Cre-driven mouse model and demonstrated that activated KRAS and p53 deficiencies play distinct and cooperative roles in initiating glioma tumorigenesis. Additionally, the combination of APC haploinsufficiency with mutant Kras activation and p53 deletion resulted in the rapid progression of GBM, characterized by perivascular inflammation, large necrotic areas, and multinucleated giant cells. Consequently, our GBM models have proven to be invaluable resources for identifying early disease biomarkers in glioblastoma, as they closely mimic the human disease. The insights gained from these models may pave the way for potential advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of this challenging brain tumor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Te Fang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Shiang Su
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Jhoanna Jane Layos
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Nga Yin Sadonna Lau
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Hung Cheng
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sheng H, Li H, Zeng H, Zhang B, Lu Y, Liu X, Xu Z, Zhang J, Zhang L. Heterogeneity and tumoral origin of medulloblastoma in the single-cell era. Oncogene 2024; 43:839-850. [PMID: 38355808 PMCID: PMC10942862 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02967-9] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is one of the most common malignant pediatric brain tumors derived from posterior fossa. The current treatment includes maximal safe surgical resection, radiotherapy, whole cranio-spinal radiation and adjuvant with chemotherapy. However, it can only limitedly prolong the survival time with severe side effects and relapse. Defining the intratumoral heterogeneity, cellular origin and identifying the interaction network within tumor microenvironment are helpful for understanding the mechanisms of medulloblastoma tumorigenesis and relapse. Due to technological limitations, the mechanisms of cellular heterogeneity and tumor origin have not been fully understood. Recently, the emergence of single-cell technology has provided a powerful tool for achieving the goal of understanding the mechanisms of tumorigenesis. Several studies have demonstrated the intratumoral heterogeneity and tumor origin for each subtype of medulloblastoma utilizing the single-cell RNA-seq, which has not been uncovered before using conventional technologies. In this review, we present an overview of the current progress in understanding of cellular heterogeneity and tumor origin of medulloblastoma and discuss novel findings in the age of single-cell technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Sheng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Haotai Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Han Zeng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yu Lu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xixi Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhongwen Xu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Liguo Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Price M, Ryan K, Shoaf ML, Neff C, Iorgulescu JB, Landi DB, Cioffi G, Waite KA, Kruchko C, Barnholtz-Sloan JS, Ostrom QT. Childhood, adolescent, and adult primary brain and central nervous system tumor statistics for practicing healthcare providers in neuro-oncology, CBTRUS 2015-2019. Neurooncol Pract 2024; 11:5-25. [PMID: 38222052 PMCID: PMC10785588 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npad061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Cancer Institute (NCI), is the largest aggregation of histopathology-specific population-based data for primary brain and other central nervous system (CNS) in the US. CBTRUS publishes an annual statistical report which provides critical reference data for the broad neuro-oncology community. Here, we summarize the key findings from the 2022 CBTRUS annual statistical report for healthcare providers. Methods Incidence data were obtained from the CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) and NCI's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program for 52 central cancer registries (CCRs). Survival data were obtained from 42 NPCR CCRs. All rates are per 100 000 and age-adjusted using the 2000 US standard population. Overall median survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier models. Survival data for selected molecularly defined histopathologies are from the National Cancer Database. Mortality data are from the National Vital Statistics System. Results The average annual age-adjusted incidence rate of all primary brain and other CNS tumors was 24.25/100 000. Incidence was higher in females and non-Hispanics. The most commonly occurring malignant and predominately non-malignant tumors was glioblastoma (14% of all primary brain tumors) and meningioma (39% of all primary brain tumors), respectively. Mortality rates and overall median survival varied by age, sex, and histopathology. Conclusions This summary describes the most up-to-date population-based incidence, mortality, and survival, of primary brain and other CNS tumors in the US and aims to serve as a concise resource for neuro-oncology providers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie Price
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, IL, USA
| | - Katherine Ryan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Madison L Shoaf
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Corey Neff
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, IL, USA
| | - J Bryan Iorgulescu
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Hematopathology, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel B Landi
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gino Cioffi
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, IL, USA
- Trans Divisional Research Program (TDRP), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kristin A Waite
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, IL, USA
- Trans Divisional Research Program (TDRP), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carol Kruchko
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, IL, USA
| | - Jill S Barnholtz-Sloan
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, IL, USA
- Trans Divisional Research Program (TDRP), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Biomedical Informatics & Information Technology (CBIIT), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Quinn T Ostrom
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, IL, USA
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
McAfee SS, Robinson G, Gajjar A, Zhang S, Bag AK, Raches D, Conklin HM, Khan RB, Scoggins MA. Cerebellar mutism is linked to midbrain volatility and desynchronization from speech cortices. Brain 2023; 146:4755-4765. [PMID: 37343136 PMCID: PMC10629755 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar mutism syndrome is a disorder of speech, movement and affect that can occur after tumour removal from the posterior fossa. Projections from the fastigial nuclei to the periaqueductal grey area were recently implicated in its pathogenesis, but the functional consequences of damaging these projections remain poorly understood. Here, we examine functional MRI data from patients treated for medulloblastoma to identify functional changes in key brain areas that comprise the motor system for speech, which occur along the timeline of acute speech impairment in cerebellar mutism syndrome. One hundred and twenty-four participants, all with medulloblastoma, contributed to the study: 45 with cerebellar mutism syndrome, 11 patients with severe postoperative deficits other than mutism, and 68 without either (asymptomatic). We first performed a data-driven parcellation to spatially define functional nodes relevant to the cohort that align with brain regions critical for the motor control of speech. We then estimated functional connectivity between these nodes during the initial postoperative imaging sessions to identify functional deficits associated with the acute phase of the disorder. We further analysed how functional connectivity changed over time within a subset of participants that had suitable imaging acquired over the course of recovery. Signal dispersion was also measured in the periaqueductal grey area and red nuclei to estimate activity in midbrain regions considered key targets of the cerebellum with suspected involvement in cerebellar mutism pathogenesis. We found evidence of periaqueductal grey dysfunction in the acute phase of the disorder, with abnormal volatility and desynchronization with neocortical language nodes. Functional connectivity with periaqueductal grey was restored in imaging sessions that occurred after speech recovery and was further shown to be increased with left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The amygdalae were also broadly hyperconnected with neocortical nodes in the acute phase. Stable connectivity differences between groups were broadly present throughout the cerebrum, and one of the most substantial differences-between Broca's area and the supplementary motor area-was found to be inversely related to cerebellar outflow pathway damage in the mutism group. These results reveal systemic changes in the speech motor system of patients with mutism, centred on limbic areas tasked with the control of phonation. These findings provide further support for the hypothesis that periaqueductal grey dysfunction (following cerebellar surgical injury) contributes to the transient postoperative non-verbal episode commonly observed in cerebellar mutism syndrome but highlights a potential role of intact cerebellocortical projections in chronic features of the disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S McAfee
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Giles Robinson
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Amar Gajjar
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Silu Zhang
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Asim K Bag
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Darcy Raches
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Heather M Conklin
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Raja B Khan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Matthew A Scoggins
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang Q, Zou W, He L, Zhang C, Wang Y. The Sonic hedgehog pathway inhibitor GDC0449 induces autophagic death in human Medulloblastoma Daoy cells. Ultrastruct Pathol 2023; 47:529-539. [PMID: 37953603 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2023.2270676] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is a frequently occurring malignant brain tumor in children, and many of these tumors are identified by the abnormal activation of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway. Although the Shh inhibitor GDC0449 initially shows some effectiveness in certain tumors, they eventually recur due to drug resistance mechanisms, highlighting the need for new treatment options. In this study, we explore whether GDC0449 induces autophagy in the human MB cell lines. To investigate the ultrastructural pathology changes of GDC0449-treated Daoy and D283 cells, we employed Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) technology to identify the expression of autophagic vacuoles. Our results indicate that GDC0449 only increases autophagy in Daoy cells by increasing the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and autophagosome formation.We also analyzed Beclin1, LC3, Bax, and Cleaved-caspase3 protein and mRNA expression levels of autophagic and apoptotic markers using fluorescence confocal microscopy, RT-PCR, and Western blot. We found that cell autophagy and apoptosis increased in a dose-dependent manner with GDC0449 treatment. Additionally, we observed increased mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation and decreased protein kinase B (AKT/PKB), Ribosomal Protein S6, eIF4E-binding protein (4EBP1) phosphorylation in GDC0449-treated Daoy cells. It was observed that inhibiting autophagy using Beclin1 siRNA significantly blocked the apoptosis-inducing effects of GDC0449, suggesting that GDC0449 mediates its apoptotic effects by inducing autophagy.Our data suggests that GDC0449 inhibits the growth of human MB Daoy cells by autophagy-mediated apoptosis. The mechanism of GDC0449-induced autophagy in Daoy cells may be related to the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Ultrastructural Pathology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Wanjing Zou
- Neuropathology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Longtao He
- Ultrastructural Pathology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Cuiping Zhang
- Ultrastructural Pathology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Neural Reconstructional Department, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sanghrajka RM, Koche R, Medrano H, El Nagar S, Stephen DN, Lao Z, Bayin NS, Ge K, Joyner AL. KMT2D suppresses Sonic hedgehog-driven medulloblastoma progression and metastasis. iScience 2023; 26:107831. [PMID: 37822508 PMCID: PMC10562805 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The major cause of treatment failure and mortality among medulloblastoma patients is metastasis intracranially or along the spinal cord. The molecular mechanisms driving tumor metastasis in Sonic hedgehog-driven medulloblastoma (SHH-MB) patients, however, remain largely unknown. In this study we define a tumor suppressive role of KMT2D (MLL2), a gene frequently mutated in the most metastatic β-subtype. Strikingly, genetic mouse models of SHH-MB demonstrate that heterozygous loss of Kmt2d in conjunction with activation of the SHH pathway causes highly penetrant disease with decreased survival, increased hindbrain invasion and spinal cord metastasis. Loss of Kmt2d attenuates neural differentiation and shifts the transcriptional/chromatin landscape of primary and metastatic tumors toward a decrease in differentiation genes and tumor suppressors and an increase in genes/pathways implicated in advanced stage cancer and metastasis (TGFβ, Notch, Atoh1, Sox2, and Myc). Thus, secondary heterozygous KMT2D mutations likely have prognostic value for identifying SHH-MB patients prone to develop metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reeti Mayur Sanghrajka
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard Koche
- Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hector Medrano
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Salsabiel El Nagar
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel N. Stephen
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhimin Lao
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - N. Sumru Bayin
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kai Ge
- Adipocyte Biology and Gene Regulation Section, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexandra L. Joyner
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sharif Rahmani E, Lawarde A, Lingasamy P, Moreno SV, Salumets A, Modhukur V. MBMethPred: a computational framework for the accurate classification of childhood medulloblastoma subgroups using data integration and AI-based approaches. Front Genet 2023; 14:1233657. [PMID: 37745846 PMCID: PMC10513500 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1233657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood medulloblastoma is a malignant form of brain tumor that is widely classified into four subgroups based on molecular and genetic characteristics. Accurate classification of these subgroups is crucial for appropriate treatment, monitoring plans, and targeted therapies. However, misclassification between groups 3 and 4 is common. To address this issue, an AI-based R package called MBMethPred was developed based on DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of 763 medulloblastoma samples to classify subgroups using machine learning and neural network models. The developed prediction models achieved a classification accuracy of over 96% for subgroup classification by using 399 CpGs as prediction biomarkers. We also assessed the prognostic relevance of prediction biomarkers using survival analysis. Furthermore, we identified subgroup-specific drivers of medulloblastoma using functional enrichment analysis, Shapley values, and gene network analysis. In particular, the genes involved in the nervous system development process have the potential to separate medulloblastoma subgroups with 99% accuracy. Notably, our analysis identified 16 genes that were specifically significant for subgroup classification, including EP300, CXCR4, WNT4, ZIC4, MEIS1, SLC8A1, NFASC, ASCL2, KIF5C, SYNGAP1, SEMA4F, ROR1, DPYSL4, ARTN, RTN4RL1, and TLX2. Our findings contribute to enhanced survival outcomes for patients with medulloblastoma. Continued research and validation efforts are needed to further refine and expand the utility of our approach in other cancer types, advancing personalized medicine in pediatric oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ankita Lawarde
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Sergio Vela Moreno
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vijayachitra Modhukur
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Damodharan S, Puccetti D. Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumor Overview and Emerging Treatment Considerations. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1106. [PMID: 37509034 PMCID: PMC10377074 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the most common solid tumor in children, with the majority being glial in origin. These tumors are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as either being low grade (WHO grade 1 and 2) or high grade (WHO grade 3 and 4). Our knowledge of the molecular landscape of pediatric brain tumors has advanced over the last decade, which has led to newer categorizations along with an expansion of therapeutic targets and options. In this review, we will give an overview of common CNS tumors seen in children along with a focus on treatment options and future considerations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudarshawn Damodharan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Diane Puccetti
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Parthasarathi KTS, Mandal S, George JP, Gaikwad KB, Sasidharan S, Gundimeda S, Jolly MK, Pandey A, Sharma J. Aberrations in ion channels interacting with lipid metabolism and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1201459. [PMID: 37529379 PMCID: PMC10388552 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1201459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most prevalent malignant gastrointestinal tumor. Ion channels contribute to tumor growth and progression through interactions with their neighboring molecules including lipids. The dysregulation of membrane ion channels and lipid metabolism may contribute to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), leading to metastatic progression. Herein, transcriptome profiles of patients with ESCC were analyzed by performing differential gene expression and weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify the altered ion channels, lipid metabolism- and EMT-related genes in ESCC. A total of 1,081 differentially expressed genes, including 113 ion channels, 487 lipid metabolism-related, and 537 EMT-related genes, were identified in patients with ESCC. Thereafter, EMT scores were correlated with altered co-expressed genes. The altered co-expressed genes indicated a correlation with EMT signatures. Interactions among 22 ion channels with 3 hub lipid metabolism- and 13 hub EMT-related proteins were determined using protein-protein interaction networks. A pathway map was generated to depict deregulated signaling pathways including insulin resistance and the estrogen receptor-Ca2+ signaling pathway in ESCC. The relationship between potential ion channels and 5-year survival rates in ESCC was determined using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 3 (ITPR3) was found to be associated with poor prognosis of patients with ESCC. Additionally, drugs interacting with potential ion channels, including GJA1 and ITPR3, were identified. Understanding alterations in ion channels with lipid metabolism and EMT in ESCC pathophysiology would most likely provide potential targets for the better treatment of patients with ESCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K. T. Shreya Parthasarathi
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Susmita Mandal
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - John Philip George
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Sruthi Sasidharan
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, India
| | - Seetaramanjaneyulu Gundimeda
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Akhilesh Pandey
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Rochester, MN, United States
- Center for Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jyoti Sharma
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhou Z, Zhu B, Meng Q, Zhang T, Wu Y, Yu R, Gao S. Research progress in molecular pathology markers in medulloblastoma. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:139-156. [PMID: 36937322 PMCID: PMC10017192 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the commonest primary malignant brain cancer. The current treatment of MB is usually surgical resection combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Although great progress has been made in the clinical management of MB, tumor metastasis and recurrence are still the main cause of death. Therefore, definitive and timely diagnosis is of great importance for improving therapeutic effects on MB. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) divided MB into four subtypes: wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site (WNT), sonic hedgehog (SHH), non-WNT/non-SHH group 3, and group 4. Each subtype of MB has a unique profile in copy number variation, DNA alteration, gene transcription, or post-transcriptional/translational modification, all of which are associated with different biological manifestations, clinical features, and prognosis. This article reviewed the research progress of different molecular pathology markers in MB and summarized some targeted drugs against these molecular markers, hoping to stimulate the clinical application of these molecular markers in the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of MB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Nervous System Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bingxin Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuzhou Children’s Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qingming Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Nervous System Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Nervous System Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yihao Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Nervous System Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rutong Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Nervous System Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuzhou Children’s Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Correspondence: Rutong Yu, Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Nervous System Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xuzhou Children’s Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shangfeng Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Nervous System Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Shangfeng Gao, Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Nervous System Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Katsushima K, Joshi K, Perera RJ. Diagnostic and therapeutic potential of circular RNA in brain tumors. Neurooncol Adv 2023; 5:vdad063. [PMID: 37334165 PMCID: PMC10276536 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdad063] [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] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of RNA with a stable cyclic structure. They are expressed in various tissues and cells with conserved, specific characteristics. CircRNAs have been found to play critical roles in a wide range of cellular processes by regulating gene expression at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional levels. There is an accumulation of evidence on newly discovered circRNAs, their molecular interactions, and their roles in the development and progression of human brain tumors, including cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, invasion, and chemoresistance. Here we summarize the current state of knowledge of the circRNAs that have been implicated in brain tumor pathogenesis, particularly in gliomas and medulloblastomas. In providing a comprehensive overview of circRNA studies, we highlight how different circRNAs have oncogenic or tumor-suppressive roles in brain tumors, making them attractive therapeutic targets and biomarkers for personalized therapy and precision diagnostics. This review article discusses circRNAs' functional roles and the prospect of using them as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in patients with brain tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Katsushima
- Department of Neurosurgery and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Florida, USA
| | - Kandarp Joshi
- Department of Neurosurgery and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Florida, USA
| | - Ranjan J Perera
- Corresponding Author: Ranjan J. Perera, PhD, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21231, USA ()
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Schakelaar MY, Monnikhof M, Crnko S, Pijnappel E, Meeldijk J, Ten Broeke T, Bovenschen N. Cellular Immunotherapy for Medulloblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2022; 25:617-627. [PMID: 36219688 PMCID: PMC10076947 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children, making up ~20% of all primary pediatric brain tumors. Current therapies consist of maximal surgical resection and aggressive radio- and chemotherapy. A third of the treated patients cannot be cured and survivors are often left with devastating long-term side effects. Novel efficient and targeted treatment is desperately needed for this patient population. Cellular immunotherapy aims to enhance and utilize immune cells to target tumors, and has been proven successful in various cancers. However, for MB, the knowledge and possibilities of cellular immunotherapy are limited. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of cellular immunotherapy for MB, from fundamental in vitro research to in vivo models and (ongoing) clinical trials. In addition, we compare our findings to cellular immunotherapy in glioma, an MB-like intracranial tumor. Finally, future possibilities for MB are discussed to improve efficacy and safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Y Schakelaar
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs Monnikhof
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Crnko
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Bachelor Research Hub, Educational Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emma Pijnappel
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Bachelor Research Hub, Educational Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Meeldijk
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Bachelor Research Hub, Educational Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Toine Ten Broeke
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Bachelor Research Hub, Educational Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Bachelor Research Hub, Educational Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ostrom QT, Price M, Neff C, Cioffi G, Waite KA, Kruchko C, Barnholtz-Sloan J. CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States in 2015-2019. Neuro Oncol 2022; 24:v1-v95. [PMID: 36196752 PMCID: PMC9533228 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 475] [Impact Index Per Article: 237.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute, is the largest population-based registry focused exclusively on primary brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors in the United States (US) and represents the entire US population. This report contains the most up-to-date population-based data on primary brain tumors available and supersedes all previous reports in terms of completeness and accuracy. All rates are age-adjusted using the 2000 US standard population and presented per 100,000 population. The average annual age-adjusted incidence rate (AAAIR) of all malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors was 24.71 per 100,000 population (malignant AAAIR=7.02 and non-malignant AAAIR=17.69). This overall rate was higher in females compared to males (27.62 versus 21.60 per 100,000) and non-Hispanic persons compared to Hispanic persons (25.09 versus 22.95 per 100,000). The most commonly occurring malignant brain and other CNS histopathology was glioblastoma (14.2% of all tumors and 50.1% of all malignant tumors), and the most common non-malignant histopathology was meningioma (39.7% of all tumors and 55.4% of all non-malignant tumors). Glioblastoma was more common in males, and meningiomas were more common in females. In children and adolescents (ages 0-19 years), the incidence rate of all primary brain and other CNS tumors was 6.20 per 100,000 population. An estimated 93,470 new cases of malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors are expected to be diagnosed in the US population in 2022 (26,670 malignant and 66,806 non-malignant). There were 84,264 deaths attributed to malignant brain and other CNS tumors between 2015 and 2019. This represents an average annual mortality rate of 4.41 per 100,000 population and an average of 16,853 deaths per year. The five-year relative survival rate following diagnosis of a malignant brain and other CNS tumor was 35.7%, while for non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors the five-year relative survival rate was 91.8%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quinn T Ostrom
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mackenzie Price
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Corey Neff
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gino Cioffi
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
- Trans Divisional Research Program (TDRP), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristin A Waite
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
- Trans Divisional Research Program (TDRP), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Carol Kruchko
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
| | - Jill S Barnholtz-Sloan
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
- Trans Divisional Research Program (TDRP), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Center for Biomedical Informatics & Information Technology (CBIIT), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Survival Study in Pediatric Patients with Medulloblastoma in a General Hospital in Tehran, Iran. FORUM OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/fco-2021-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Brain tumours are the most common solid tumours that afflict the pediatric population. Me-dulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumour in children, constituting nearly 20% of all pediatric brain tumours. This study is an evaluation of overall survival rate of pediatric MB tumour patients after one year, three years, five years, and ten years according to case studies. From 22 June 2009 to 19 December 2019, a total of 22 patients ranging in age from 1 to 14 years old underwent tumour removal. These patients were followed to determine survival rate. Tumours were classified into three pathological subtypes: The first was classic MB, the second was desmoplastic nodular MB and MB with extensive nodularity, and the third was large cell and anaplastic MB. Patients who were 3 years old or older had a better survival rate than younger patients (log-rank test; p = 0.01). The survival probability in the older children group (55%) was significant compared to the group of younger children (29%). The Kaplan–Meier survival curves of the patients were significantly different. The ten-year survival rates in the average- and high-risk groups were 64.4% and 86.0%, respectively. After a follow-up of 120 months (median range = 60 months), recurrence or progression was observed in 22 patients and 15 patients were still alive. The estimated 10-year overall survival rates for all patients were 49.36 ± 38.33. MB patients’ survival rate was quite good in our hospital. More than half of the patients, most of whom had large cell anaplastic and classic type MB, survived the 10-year follow-up period without any problems.
Collapse
|
19
|
Gong B, Guo D, Zheng C, Ma Z, Zhang J, Qu Y, Li X, Li G, Zhang L, Wang Y. Complement C3a activates astrocytes to promote medulloblastoma progression through TNF-α. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:159. [PMID: 35725556 PMCID: PMC9208237 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02516-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Approximately one-third of MB patients remain incurable. Understanding the molecular mechanism of MB tumorigenesis is, therefore, critical for developing specific and effective treatment strategies. Our previous work demonstrated that astrocytes constitute the tumor microenvironment (TME) of MB and play an indispensable role in MB progression. However, the underlying mechanisms by which astrocytes are regulated and activated to promote MB remain elusive. Methods By taking advantage of Math1-Cre/Ptch1loxp/loxp mice, which spontaneously develop MB, primary MB cells and astrocytes were isolated and then subjected to administration and coculture in vitro. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to determine the presence of C3a in MB sections. MB cell proliferation was evaluated by immunofluorescent staining. GFAP and cytokine expression levels in C3a-stimulated astrocytes were assessed by immunofluorescent staining, western blotting, q-PCR and ELISA. C3a receptor and TNF-α receptor expression was determined by PCR and immunofluorescent staining. p38 MAPK pathway activation was detected by western blotting. Transplanted MB mice were treated with a C3a receptor antagonist or TNF-α receptor antagonist to investigate their role in MB progression in vivo. Results We found that complement C3a, a fragment released from intact complement C3 following complement activation, was enriched in both human and murine MB tumor tissue, and its receptor was highly expressed on tumor-associated astrocytes (TAAs). We demonstrated that C3a activated astrocytes and promoted MB cell proliferation via the p38 MAPK pathway. Moreover, we discovered that C3a upregulated the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α in astrocytes. Application of the conditioned medium of C3a-stimulated astrocytes promoted MB cell proliferation, which was abolished by preincubation with a TNF-α receptor antagonist, indicating a TNF-α-dependent event. Indeed, we further demonstrated that administration of a selective C3a receptor or TNF-α receptor antagonist to mice subcutaneously transplanted with MB suppressed tumor progression in vivo. Conclusions C3a was released during MB development. C3a triggered astrocyte activation and TNF-α production via the p38 pathway, which promoted MB cell proliferation. Our findings revealed the novel role of C3a-mediated TNF-α production by astrocytes in MB progression. These findings imply that targeting C3a and TNF-α may represent a potential novel therapeutic approach for human MB. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02516-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biao Gong
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Pediatric Cancer Center, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Duancheng Guo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Pediatric Cancer Center, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chaonan Zheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Pediatric Cancer Center, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhen Ma
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Pediatric Cancer Center, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Pediatric Cancer Center, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanghui Qu
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Pediatric Cancer Center, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xinhua Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Pediatric Cancer Center, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Gen Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Pediatric Cancer Center, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Pediatric Cancer Center, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Yuan Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Pediatric Cancer Center, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Proton MR Spectroscopy of Pediatric Brain Disorders. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12061462. [PMID: 35741272 PMCID: PMC9222059 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12061462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo MR spectroscopy is a non -invasive methodology that provides information about the biochemistry of tissues. It is available as a “push-button” application on state-of-the-art clinical MR scanners. MR spectroscopy has been used to study various brain diseases including tumors, stroke, trauma, degenerative disorders, epilepsy/seizures, inborn errors, neuropsychiatric disorders, and others. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of MR spectroscopy findings in the pediatric population and its clinical use.
Collapse
|
21
|
McSwain LF, Parwani KK, Shahab SW, Hambardzumyan D, MacDonald TJ, Spangle JM, Kenney AM. Medulloblastoma and the DNA Damage Response. Front Oncol 2022; 12:903830. [PMID: 35747808 PMCID: PMC9209741 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.903830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children with standard of care consisting of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Recent molecular profiling led to the identification of four molecularly distinct MB subgroups – Wingless (WNT), Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), Group 3, and Group 4. Despite genomic MB characterization and subsequent tumor stratification, clinical treatment paradigms are still largely driven by histology, degree of surgical resection, and presence or absence of metastasis rather than molecular profile. Patients usually undergo resection of their tumor followed by craniospinal radiation (CSI) and a 6 month to one-year multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen. While there is clearly a need for development of targeted agents specific to the molecular alterations of each patient, targeting proteins responsible for DNA damage repair could have a broader impact regardless of molecular subgrouping. DNA damage response (DDR) protein inhibitors have recently emerged as targeted agents with potent activity as monotherapy or in combination in different cancers. Here we discuss the molecular underpinnings of genomic instability in MB and potential avenues for exploitation through DNA damage response inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leon F. McSwain
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kiran K. Parwani
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shubin W. Shahab
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Dolores Hambardzumyan
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tobey J. MacDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jennifer M. Spangle
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Anna Marie Kenney
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- *Correspondence: Anna Marie Kenney,
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fang FY, Rosenblum JS, Ho WS, Heiss JD. New Developments in the Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Targeting, and Treatment of Pediatric Medulloblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092285. [PMID: 35565414 PMCID: PMC9100249 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common pediatric brain tumor with varying prognoses depending on the distinct molecular subtype. The four consensus subgroups are WNT, Sonic hedgehog (SHH), Group 3, and Group 4, which underpin the current 2021 WHO classification of MB. While the field of knowledge for treating this disease has significantly advanced over the past decade, a deeper understanding is still required to improve the clinical outcomes for pediatric patients, who are often vulnerable in ways that adult patients are not. Here, we discuss how recent insights into the pathogenesis of pediatric medulloblastoma have directed current and future research. This review highlights new developments in understanding the four molecular subtypes’ pathophysiology, epigenetics, and therapeutic targeting. In addition, we provide a focused discussion of recent developments in imaging, and in the surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy of pediatric medulloblastoma. The article includes a brief explanation of healthcare costs associated with medulloblastoma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francia Y. Fang
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Jared S. Rosenblum
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Winson S. Ho
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA;
| | - John D. Heiss
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Tang-Schomer MD, Chandok H, Wu WB, Lau CC, Bookland MJ, George J. 3D patient-derived tumor models to recapitulate pediatric brain tumors In Vitro. Transl Oncol 2022; 20:101407. [PMID: 35381525 PMCID: PMC8980497 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Tailored therapies need preclinical brain tumor models representing a wide range of molecular subtypes. Here, we adapted a previously established brain tissue-model to fresh patient tumor cells with the goal of establishing3D in vitro culture conditions for each tumor type.Wereported our findings from 11 pediatric tumor cases, consisting of three medulloblastoma (MB) patients, three ependymoma (EPN) patients, one glioblastoma (GBM) patient, and four juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (Ast) patients. Chemically defined media consisting of a mixture of pro-neural and pro-endothelial cell culture medium was found to support better growth than serum-containing medium for all the tumor cases we tested. 3D scaffold alone was found to support cell heterogeneity and tumor type-dependent spheroid-forming ability; both properties were lost in 2D or gel-only control cultures. Limited in vitro models showed that the number of differentially expressed genes between in vitro vs. primary tissues, are 104 (0.6%) of medulloblastoma, 3,392 (20.2%) of ependymoma, and 576 (3.4%) of astrocytoma, out of total 16,795 protein-coding genes and lincRNAs. Two models derived from a same medulloblastoma patient clustered together with the patient-matched primary tumor tissue; both models were 3D scaffold-only in Neurobasal and EGM 1:1 (v/v) mixture and differed by a 1-mo gap in culture (i.e., 6wk versus 10wk). The genes underlying the in vitrovs. in vivo tissue differences may provide mechanistic insights into the tumor microenvironment. This study is the first step towards establishing a pipeline from patient cells to models to personalized drug testing for brain cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min D. Tang-Schomer
- UConn Health, Department of Pediatrics, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA,Correspondence author.
| | - Harshpreet Chandok
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| | - Wei-Biao Wu
- University of Chicago, Department of Statistics, 5747 S.Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ching C. Lau
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center, 282 Washington St, Hartford, CT 06106, USA,UConn Health, Department of Pediatrics, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA,The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| | - Markus J. Bookland
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center, 282 Washington St, Hartford, CT 06106, USA,UConn Health, Department of Pediatrics, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| | - Joshy George
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Capdeville C, Russo L, Penton D, Migliavacca J, Zecevic M, Gries A, Neuhauss SC, Grotzer MA, Baumgartner M. Spatial proteomics finds CD155 and Endophilin-A1 as mediators of growth and invasion in medulloblastoma. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/6/e202201380. [PMID: 35296518 PMCID: PMC8926928 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201380] [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: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The composition of the plasma membrane (PM)-associated proteome of tumor cells determines cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and the response to environmental cues. Whether the PM-associated proteome impacts the phenotype of Medulloblastoma (MB) tumor cells and how it adapts in response to growth factor cues is poorly understood. Using a spatial proteomics approach, we observed that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase c-MET in MB cells changes the abundance of transmembrane and membrane-associated proteins. The depletion of MAP4K4, a pro-migratory effector kinase downstream of c-MET, leads to a specific decrease of the adhesion and immunomodulatory receptor CD155 and of components of the fast-endophilin-mediated endocytosis (FEME) machinery in the PM-associated proteome of HGF-activated MB cells. The decreased surface expression of CD155 or of the fast-endophilin-mediated endocytosis effector endophilin-A1 reduces growth and invasiveness of MB tumor cells in the tissue context. These data thus describe a novel function of MAP4K4 in the control of the PM-associated proteome of tumor cells and identified two downstream effector mechanisms controlling proliferation and invasiveness of MB cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Capdeville
- Pediatric Molecular Neuro-Oncology Lab, Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Linda Russo
- Pediatric Molecular Neuro-Oncology Lab, Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - David Penton
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Migliavacca
- Pediatric Molecular Neuro-Oncology Lab, Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Milica Zecevic
- Pediatric Molecular Neuro-Oncology Lab, Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Gries
- Pediatric Molecular Neuro-Oncology Lab, Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Cf Neuhauss
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michael A Grotzer
- Department of Oncology, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Baumgartner
- Pediatric Molecular Neuro-Oncology Lab, Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wang YX, Wu H, Ren Y, Lv S, Ji C, Xiang D, Zhang M, Lu H, Fu W, Liu Q, Yan Z, Ma Q, Miao J, Cai R, Lan X, Wu B, Wang W, Liu Y, Wang DZ, Cao M, He Z, Shi Y, Ping Y, Yao X, Zhang X, Zhang P, Wang JM, Wang Y, Cui Y, Bian XW. Elevated Kir2.1/nuclear N2ICD defines a highly malignant subtype of non-WNT/SHH medulloblastomas. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:72. [PMID: 35273141 PMCID: PMC8913686 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00890-7] [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: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common childhood malignant brain tumors (WHO grade IV), traditionally divided into WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4 subgroups based on the transcription profiles, somatic DNA alterations, and clinical outcomes. Unlike WNT and SHH subgroup MBs, Group 3 and Group 4 MBs have similar transcriptomes and lack clearly specific drivers and targeted therapeutic options. The recently revised WHO Classification of CNS Tumors has assigned Group 3 and 4 to a provisional non-WNT/SHH entity. In the present study, we demonstrate that Kir2.1, an inwardly-rectifying potassium channel, is highly expressed in non-WNT/SHH MBs, which promotes tumor cell invasion and metastasis by recruiting Adam10 to enhance S2 cleavage of Notch2 thereby activating the Notch2 signaling pathway. Disruption of the Notch2 pathway markedly inhibited the growth and metastasis of Kir2.1-overexpressing MB cell-derived xenograft tumors in mice. Moreover, Kir2.1high/nuclear N2ICDhigh MBs are associated with the significantly shorter lifespan of the patients. Thus, Kir2.1high/nuclear N2ICDhigh can be used as a biomarker to define a novel subtype of non-WNT/SHH MBs. Our findings are important for the modification of treatment regimens and the development of novel-targeted therapies for non-WNT/SHH MBs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Xia Wang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, 230036, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Intelligent Pathology Institute, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230036, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yong Ren
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLA, 627 Wuluo Road, Hongshan District, 430070, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shengqing Lv
- Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Chengdong Ji
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongfang Xiang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengsi Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Huimin Lu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjuan Fu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Zexuan Yan
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Qinghua Ma
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingya Miao
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruili Cai
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Xi Lan
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenying Wang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Yinhua Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, 241001, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Dai-Zhong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, 442000, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Mianfu Cao
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhicheng He
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Yifang Ping
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaohong Yao
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Ji Ming Wang
- Laboratory of Cancer and Immunometabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, 21703, US
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China.
| | - Youhong Cui
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xiu-Wu Bian
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (former Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Epigenetic mechanisms in paediatric brain tumours: regulators lose control. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:167-185. [PMID: 35076654 DOI: 10.1042/bst20201227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are essential to regulate gene expression during normal development. However, they are often disrupted in pathological conditions including tumours, where they contribute to their formation and maintenance through altered gene expression. In recent years, next generation genomic techniques has allowed a remarkable advancement of our knowledge of the genetic and molecular landscape of paediatric brain tumours and have highlighted epigenetic deregulation as a common hallmark in their pathogenesis. This review describes the main epigenetic dysregulations found in paediatric brain tumours, including at DNA methylation and histone modifications level, in the activity of chromatin-modifying enzymes and in the expression of non-coding RNAs. How these altered processes influence tumour biology and how they can be leveraged to dissect the molecular heterogeneity of these tumours and contribute to their classification is also addressed. Finally, the availability and value of preclinical models as well as the current clinical trials exploring targeting key epigenetic mediators in paediatric brain tumours are discussed.
Collapse
|
27
|
Single nCounter assay for prediction of MYCN amplification and molecular classification of medulloblastomas: a multicentric study. J Neurooncol 2022; 157:27-35. [PMID: 35166989 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-022-03965-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Medulloblastoma is the most frequent pediatric malignant brain tumor, and is divided into four main subgroups: WNT, SHH, group 3, and group 4. MYCN amplification is an important medulloblastoma prognostic biomarker. We aimed to molecular classify and predict MYCN amplification in a single assay. METHODS It was included 209 medulloblastomas from 205 patients (Brazil, Argentina, and Portugal), divided into training (n = 50) and validation (n = 159) sets. A nCounter assay was carried out using a custom panel for molecular classification, with additional genes, including MYCN. nSolver 4.0 software and the R environment were used for profiling and MYCN mRNA analysis. MYCN amplification by FISH was performed in 64 cases. RESULTS The 205 medulloblastomas were classified in SHH (44.9%), WNT (15.6%), group 3 (18.1%) and group 4 (21.4%). In the training set, MYCN amplification was detected in three SHH medulloblastomas by FISH, which showed significantly higher MYCN mRNA counts than non-FISH amplified cases, and a cutoff for MYCN amplification was established ([Formula: see text] + 4σ = 11,124.3). Applying this threshold value in the validation set, we identified MYCN mRNA counts above the cutoff in three cases, which were FISH validated. CONCLUSION We successfully stratified medulloblastoma molecular subgroups and predicted MYCN amplification using a single nCounter assay without the requirement of additional biological tissue, costs, or bench time.
Collapse
|
28
|
The Alliance AMBUSH Trial: Rationale and Design. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020414. [PMID: 35053576 PMCID: PMC8773887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Medulloblastoma, the most common embryonal tumor in children, can also arise in older patients. Clinical studies in children with medulloblastoma have increased our understanding of molecular pathways and improved treatment strategies. We now know that medulloblastoma has at least four subtypes and each maybe best suited to specific therapies. The sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway is altered in a significant proportion of older patients with medulloblastoma. The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology cooperative group is developing the AMBUSH trial: Comprehensive Management of Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) and Adult Patients with Medulloblastoma or Pineal Embryonal Tumors With A Randomized Placebo Controlled Phase II Focusing on Sonic Hedgehog Pathway Inhibition in SHH Subgroup Patients (Adult & Adolescent MedulloBlastoma Using Sonic Hedgehog Trial). The trial gives treatment directions for all patients and randomizes patients with average risk SHH-activated medulloblastoma to maintenance sonidegib, a hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor, or placebo. This trial will establish a baseline for future trial comparison and investigate the benefit of a novel targeted agent. Abstract Unlike medulloblastoma (MB) in children, robust prospective trials have not taken place for older patients due to the low incidence of MB in adults and adolescent and young adults (AYA). Current MB treatment paradigms for older patients have been extrapolated from the pediatric experience even though questions exist about the applicability of these approaches. Clinical and molecular classification of MB now provides better prognostication and is being incorporated in pediatric therapeutic trials. It has been established that genomic alterations leading to activation of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway occur in approximately 60% of MB in patients over the age of 16 years. Within this cohort, protein patched homolog (PTCH) and smoothened (SMO) mutations are commonly found. Among patients whose tumors harbor the SHH molecular signature, it is estimated that over 80% of patients could respond to SHH pathway inhibitors. Given the advances in the understanding of molecular subgroups and the lack of robust clinical data for adult/AYA MB, the Alliance for Clinical Trial in Oncology group developed the AMBUSH trial: Comprehensive Management of AYA and Adult Patients with Medulloblastoma or Pineal Embryonal Tumors with a Randomized Placebo Controlled Phase II Focusing on Sonic Hedgehog Pathway Inhibition in SHH Subgroup Patients (Adult & Adolescent MedulloBlastoma Using Sonic Hedgehog Trial). This trial will enroll patients 18 years of age or older with MB (any molecular subgroup and risk stratification) or pineal embryonal tumor. Patients will be assigned to one of three cohorts: (1) average risk non-SHH-MB, (2) average risk SHH-MB, and (3) high risk MB or pineal embryonal tumors. All patients will receive protocol-directed comprehensive treatment with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Patients with SHH-MB in cohort 1 will be randomized to a smoothened inhibitor or placebo as maintenance therapy for one year.
Collapse
|
29
|
Suk Y, Gwynne WD, Burns I, Venugopal C, Singh SK. Childhood Medulloblastoma: An Overview. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2423:1-12. [PMID: 34978683 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1952-0_1] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor, representing 60% of childhood intracranial embryonal tumors. Despite multimodal advances in therapies over the last 20 years that have yielded a 5-year survival rate of 75%, high-risk patients (younger than 3 years, subtotal resection, metastatic lesions at diagnosis) still experience a 5-year overall survival of less than 70%. In this introductory chapter on pediatric MB, we describe the initial discrimination of MB based on histopathological examination and the more recent progress made in global gene expression profiling methods that have allowed scientists to more accurately subclassify and prognosticate on MB based on molecular characteristics. The identification of subtype-specific molecular drivers and pathways presents novel therapeutic targets that could lead to MB subtype-specific treatment modalities. Additionally, we detail how the cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis provides an explanation for tumor recurrence, and the potential for CSC-targeted therapies to address treatment-refractory MB. These personalized therapies can potentially increase MB survivorship and negate some of the long-term neurotoxicity associated with the current standard of care for MB patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Suk
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - William D Gwynne
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ian Burns
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Chitra Venugopal
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sheila K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hu M, Lei XY, Larson JD, McAlonis M, Ford K, McDonald D, Mach K, Rusert JM, Wechsler-Reya RJ, Mali P. Integrated genome and tissue engineering enables screening of cancer vulnerabilities in physiologically relevant perfusable ex vivo cultures. Biomaterials 2022; 280:121276. [PMID: 34890975 PMCID: PMC9328412 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Genetic screens are powerful tools for both resolving biological function and identifying potential therapeutic targets, but require physiologically accurate systems to glean biologically useful information. Here, we enable genetic screens in physiologically relevant ex vivo cancer tissue models by integrating CRISPR-Cas-based genome engineering and biofabrication technologies. We first present a novel method for generating perfusable tissue constructs, and validate its functionality by using it to generate three-dimensional perfusable dense cultures of cancer cell lines and sustain otherwise ex vivo unculturable patient-derived xenografts. Using this system we enable large-scale CRISPR screens in perfused tissue cultures, as well as emulate a novel point-of-care diagnostics scenario of a clinically actionable CRISPR knockout (CRISPRko) screen of genes with FDA-approved drug treatments in ex vivo PDX cell cultures. Our results reveal differences across in vitro and in vivo cancer model systems, and highlight the utility of programmable tissue engineered models for screening therapeutically relevant cancer vulnerabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Xin Yi Lei
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Jon D Larson
- Tumor Initiation & Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, USA
| | | | - Kyle Ford
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Daniella McDonald
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Krystal Mach
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Jessica M Rusert
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Robert J Wechsler-Reya
- Tumor Initiation & Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, USA
| | - Prashant Mali
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Iyer S, Ismail M, Tamrazi B, Salloum R, de Blank P, Margol A, Correa R, Chen J, Bera K, Statsevych V, Ho ML, Vaidya P, Verma R, Hawes D, Judkins A, Fu P, Madabhushi A, Tiwari P. Novel MRI deformation-heterogeneity radiomic features are associated with molecular subgroups and overall survival in pediatric medulloblastoma: Preliminary findings from a multi-institutional study. Front Oncol 2022; 12:915143. [PMID: 36620600 PMCID: PMC9811390 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.915143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Medulloblastoma (MB) is a malignant, heterogenous brain tumor. Advances in molecular profiling have led to identifying four molecular subgroups of MB (WNT, SHH, Group 3, Group 4), each with distinct clinical behaviors. We hypothesize that (1) aggressive MB tumors, growing heterogeneously, induce pronounced local structural deformations in the surrounding parenchyma, and (b) these local deformations as captured on Gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced-T1w MRI are independently associated with molecular subgroups, as well as overall survival in MB patients. Methods In this work, a total of 88 MB studies from 2 institutions were analyzed. Following tumor delineation, Gd-T1w scan for every patient was registered to a normal age-specific T1w-MRI template via deformable registration. Following patient-atlas registration, local structural deformations in the brain parenchyma were obtained for every patient by computing statistics from deformation magnitudes obtained from every 5mm annular region, 0 < d < 60 mm, where d is the distance from the tumor infiltrating edge. Results Multi-class comparison via ANOVA yielded significant differences between deformation magnitudes obtained for Group 3, Group 4, and SHH molecular subgroups, observed up to 60-mm outside the tumor edge. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the local deformation statistics, combined with the current clinical risk-stratification approaches (molecular subgroup information and Chang's classification), could identify significant differences between high-risk and low-risk survival groups, achieving better performance results than using any of these approaches individually. Discussion These preliminary findings suggest there exists significant association of our tumor-induced deformation descriptor with overall survival in MB, and that there could be an added value in using the proposed radiomic descriptor along with the current risk classification approaches, towards more reliable risk assessment in pediatric MB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Iyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Marwa Ismail
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Benita Tamrazi
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ralph Salloum
- Division of Hematology, Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Peter de Blank
- Division of Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Ashley Margol
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ramon Correa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jonathan Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Kaustav Bera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Volodymyr Statsevych
- Department of Neuroradiology, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Mai-Lan Ho
- Department of Radiology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Pranjal Vaidya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ruchika Verma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Debra Hawes
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alexander Judkins
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Pingfu Fu
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Biomedical Informatics (BMI) and Pathology, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Anant Madabhushi
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Biomedical Informatics (BMI) and Pathology, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Pallavi Tiwari
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Westphal MS, Lee E, Schadt EE, Sholler GS, Zhu J. Identification of Let-7 miRNA Activity as a Prognostic Biomarker of SHH Medulloblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010139. [PMID: 35008302 PMCID: PMC8750188 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common pediatric embryonal brain tumor. The current consensus classifies MB into four molecular subgroups: sonic hedgehog-activated (SHH), wingless-activated (WNT), Group 3, and Group 4. MYCN and let-7 play a critical role in MB. Thus, we inferred the activity of miRNAs in MB by using the ActMiR procedure. SHH-MB has higher MYCN expression than the other subgroups. We showed that high MYCN expression with high let-7 activity is significantly associated with worse overall survival, and this association was validated in an independent MB dataset. Altogether, our results suggest that let-7 activity and MYCN can further categorize heterogeneous SHH tumors into more and less-favorable prognostic subtypes, which provide critical information for personalizing treatment options for SHH-MB. Comparing the expression differences between the two SHH-MB prognostic subtypes with compound perturbation profiles, we identified FGFR inhibitors as one potential treatment option for SHH-MB patients with the less-favorable prognostic subtype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eunjee Lee
- Sema4, 333 Ludlow St., Stamford, CT 06902, USA; (M.S.W.); (E.L.); (E.E.S.)
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Eric E. Schadt
- Sema4, 333 Ludlow St., Stamford, CT 06902, USA; (M.S.W.); (E.L.); (E.E.S.)
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Giselle S. Sholler
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jun Zhu
- Sema4, 333 Ludlow St., Stamford, CT 06902, USA; (M.S.W.); (E.L.); (E.E.S.)
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Voskamp MJ, Li S, van Daalen KR, Crnko S, ten Broeke T, Bovenschen N. Immunotherapy in Medulloblastoma: Current State of Research, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5387. [PMID: 34771550 PMCID: PMC8582409 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB), a primary tumor of the central nervous system, is among the most prevalent pediatric neoplasms. The median age of diagnosis is six. Conventional therapies include surgical resection of the tumor with subsequent radiation and chemotherapy. However, these therapies often cause severe brain damage, and still, approximately 75% of pediatric patients relapse within a few years. Because the conventional therapies cause such severe damage, especially in the pediatric developing brain, there is an urgent need for better treatment strategies such as immunotherapy, which over the years has gained accumulating interest. Cancer immunotherapy aims to enhance the body's own immune response to tumors and is already widely used in the clinic, e.g., in the treatment of melanoma and lung cancer. However, little is known about the possible application of immunotherapy in brain cancer. In this review, we will provide an overview of the current consensus on MB classification and the state of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical research concerning immunotherapy in MB. Based on existing evidence, we will especially focus on immune checkpoint inhibition and CAR T-cell therapy. Additionally, we will discuss challenges associated with these immunotherapies and relevant strategies to overcome those.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marije J. Voskamp
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.J.V.); (S.L.); (S.C.); (T.t.B.)
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.J.V.); (S.L.); (S.C.); (T.t.B.)
| | - Kim R. van Daalen
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB1 8RN, UK;
| | - Sandra Crnko
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.J.V.); (S.L.); (S.C.); (T.t.B.)
| | - Toine ten Broeke
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.J.V.); (S.L.); (S.C.); (T.t.B.)
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.J.V.); (S.L.); (S.C.); (T.t.B.)
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Landry AP, Samuel N, Spears J, Zador Z. Integrated computational analyses reveal novel insights into the stromal microenvironment of SHH-subtype medulloblastoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20694. [PMID: 34667228 PMCID: PMC8526813 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00244-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumour of childhood. While our understanding of this disease has progressed substantially in recent years, the role of tumour microenvironment remains unclear. Given the increasing role of microenvironment-targeted therapeutics in other cancers, this study was aimed at further exploring its role in medulloblastoma. Multiple computational techniques were used to analyze open-source bulk and single cell RNA seq data from primary samples derived from all subgroups of medulloblastoma. Gene expression is used to infer stromal subpopulations, and network-based approaches are used to identify potential therapeutic targets. Bulk data was obtained from 763 medulloblastoma samples and single cell data from an additional 7241 cells from 23 tumours. Independent bulk (285 tumours) and single cell (32,868 cells from 29 tumours) validation cohorts were used to verify results. The SHH subgroup was found to be enriched in stromal activity, including the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, while group 3 is comparatively stroma-suppressed. Several receptor and ligand candidates underlying this difference are identified which we find to correlate with metastatic potential of SHH medulloblastoma. Additionally, a biologically active gradient is detected within SHH medulloblastoma, from "stroma-active" to "stroma-suppressed" cells which may have relevance to targeted therapy. This study serves to further elucidate the role of the stromal microenvironment in SHH-subgroup medulloblastoma and identify novel treatment possibilities for this challenging disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Landry
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Nardin Samuel
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julian Spears
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zsolt Zador
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Review of the genomic landscape of common pediatric CNS tumors and how data sharing will continue to shape this landscape in the future. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:7537-7544. [PMID: 34643931 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06811-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade we have witnessed a rapid increase in our understanding of the molecular characteristics of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Studies that utilize genomic sequencing have revealed a heterogeneous group of genetic drivers in pediatric CNS tumors including point mutations, gene fusions, and copy number alterations. This manuscript provides an overview of somatic genomic alterations in the most common pediatric CNS tumors including low grade gliomas, high grade gliomas, medulloblastomas, and ependymomas. Additionally, we will discuss the need and opportunity for genomic and clinical data sharing through the children's brain tumor network and other international initiatives.
Collapse
|
36
|
Ostrom QT, Cioffi G, Waite K, Kruchko C, Barnholtz-Sloan JS. CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States in 2014-2018. Neuro Oncol 2021; 23:iii1-iii105. [PMID: 34608945 PMCID: PMC8491279 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 759] [Impact Index Per Article: 253.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS), in collaboration with the CDC and NCI, is the largest population-based registry focused exclusively on primary brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors in the United States (US) and represents the entire US population. This report contains the most up-to-date population-based data on primary brain tumors available and supersedes all previous reports in terms of completeness and accuracy and is the first CBTRUS Report to provide the distribution of molecular markers for selected brain and CNS tumor histologies. All rates are age-adjusted using the 2000 US standard population and presented per 100,000 population. The average annual age-adjusted incidence rate (AAAIR) of all malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors was 24.25 (Malignant AAAIR=7.06, Non-malignant AAAIR=17.18). This overall rate was higher in females compared to males (26.95 versus 21.35) and non-Hispanics compared to Hispanics (24.68 versus 22.12). The most commonly occurring malignant brain and other CNS tumor was glioblastoma (14.3% of all tumors and 49.1% of malignant tumors), and the most common non-malignant tumor was meningioma (39% of all tumors and 54.5% of non-malignant tumors). Glioblastoma was more common in males, and meningioma was more common in females. In children and adolescents (age 0-19 years), the incidence rate of all primary brain and other CNS tumors was 6.21. An estimated 88,190 new cases of malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors are expected to be diagnosed in the US population in 2021 (25,690 malignant and 62,500 non-malignant). There were 83,029 deaths attributed to malignant brain and other CNS tumors between 2014 and 2018. This represents an average annual mortality rate of 4.43 per 100,000 and an average of 16,606 deaths per year. The five-year relative survival rate following diagnosis of a malignant brain and other CNS tumor was 66.9%, for a non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors the five-year relative survival rate was 92.1%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quinn T Ostrom
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gino Cioffi
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
- Trans Divisional Research Program (TDRP), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kristin Waite
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
- Trans Divisional Research Program (TDRP), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carol Kruchko
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
| | - Jill S Barnholtz-Sloan
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
- Trans Divisional Research Program (TDRP), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Biomedical Informatics & Information Technology (CBIIT), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Targeting cancer stem cells in medulloblastoma by inhibiting AMBRA1 dual function in autophagy and STAT3 signalling. Acta Neuropathol 2021; 142:537-564. [PMID: 34302498 PMCID: PMC8357694 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-021-02347-7] [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: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is a childhood malignant brain tumour comprising four main subgroups characterized by different genetic alterations and rate of mortality. Among MB subgroups, patients with enhanced levels of the c-MYC oncogene (MBGroup3) have the poorest prognosis. Here we identify a previously unrecognized role of the pro-autophagy factor AMBRA1 in regulating MB. We demonstrate that AMBRA1 expression depends on c-MYC levels and correlates with Group 3 patient poor prognosis; also, knockdown of AMBRA1 reduces MB stem potential, growth and migration of MBGroup3 stem cells. At a molecular level, AMBRA1 mediates these effects by suppressing SOCS3, an inhibitor of STAT3 activation. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of autophagy profoundly affects both stem and invasion potential of MBGroup3 stem cells, and a combined anti-autophagy and anti-STAT3 approach impacts the MBGroup3 outcome. Taken together, our data support the c-MYC/AMBRA1/STAT3 axis as a strong oncogenic signalling pathway with significance for both patient stratification strategies and targeted treatments of MBGroup3.
Collapse
|
38
|
Shrestha S, Morcavallo A, Gorrini C, Chesler L. Biological Role of MYCN in Medulloblastoma: Novel Therapeutic Opportunities and Challenges Ahead. Front Oncol 2021; 11:694320. [PMID: 34195095 PMCID: PMC8236857 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.694320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The constitutive and dysregulated expression of the transcription factor MYCN has a central role in the pathogenesis of the paediatric brain tumour medulloblastoma, with an increased expression of this oncogene correlating with a worse prognosis. Consequently, the genomic and functional alterations of MYCN represent a major therapeutic target to attenuate tumour growth in medulloblastoma. This review will provide a comprehensive synopsis of the biological role of MYCN and its family components, their interaction with distinct signalling pathways, and the implications of this network in medulloblastoma development. We will then summarise the current toolbox for targeting MYCN and highlight novel therapeutic avenues that have the potential to results in better-tailored clinical treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumana Shrestha
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Alaide Morcavallo
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Gorrini
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Louis Chesler
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom.,Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), and The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Miyashita S, Owa T, Seto Y, Yamashita M, Aida S, Sone M, Ichijo K, Nishioka T, Kaibuchi K, Kawaguchi Y, Taya S, Hoshino M. Cyclin D1 controls development of cerebellar granule cell progenitors through phosphorylation and stabilization of ATOH1. EMBO J 2021; 40:e105712. [PMID: 34057742 PMCID: PMC8280807 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020105712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, neural progenitors are in proliferative and immature states; however, the molecular machinery that cooperatively controls both states remains elusive. Here, we report that cyclin D1 (CCND1) directly regulates both proliferative and immature states of cerebellar granule cell progenitors (GCPs). CCND1 not only accelerates cell cycle but also upregulates ATOH1 protein, an essential transcription factor that maintains GCPs in an immature state. In cooperation with CDK4, CCND1 directly phosphorylates S309 of ATOH1, which inhibits additional phosphorylation at S328 and consequently prevents S328 phosphorylation-dependent ATOH1 degradation. Additionally, PROX1 downregulates Ccnd1 expression by histone deacetylation of Ccnd1 promoter in GCPs, leading to cell cycle exit and differentiation. Moreover, WNT signaling upregulates PROX1 expression in GCPs. These findings suggest that WNT-PROX1-CCND1-ATOH1 signaling cascade cooperatively controls proliferative and immature states of GCPs. We revealed that the expression and phosphorylation levels of these molecules dynamically change during cerebellar development, which are suggested to determine appropriate differentiation rates from GCPs to GCs at distinct developmental stages. This study contributes to understanding the regulatory mechanism of GCPs as well as neural progenitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Miyashita
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoo Owa
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Seto
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory of Developmental Systems, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mariko Yamashita
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shogo Aida
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masaki Sone
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ichijo
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoki Nishioka
- Department of Cell Pharmacology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kozo Kaibuchi
- Department of Cell Pharmacology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Kawaguchi
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Taya
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mikio Hoshino
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Riedemann J, Figaji A, Davidson A, Stannard C, Pillay K, Kilborn T, Parkes J. Sequential improvement in paediatric medulloblastoma outcomes in a low-and-middle-income country setting over three decades. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.4102/sajo.v5i0.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
|
41
|
Alves CAPF, Löbel U, Martin-Saavedra JS, Toescu S, Tsunemi MH, Teixeira SR, Mankad K, Hargrave D, Jacques TS, da Costa Leite C, Gonçalves FG, Vossough A, D'Arco F. A Diagnostic Algorithm for Posterior Fossa Tumors in Children: A Validation Study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2021; 42:961-968. [PMID: 33664107 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Primary posterior fossa tumors comprise a large group of neoplasias with variable aggressiveness and short and long-term outcomes. This study aimed to validate the clinical usefulness of a radiologic decision flow chart based on previously published neuroradiologic knowledge for the diagnosis of posterior fossa tumors in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study was conducted (from January 2013 to October 2019) at 2 pediatric referral centers, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, United States, and Great Ormond Street Hospital, United Kingdom. Inclusion criteria were younger than 18 years of age and histologically and molecularly confirmed posterior fossa tumors. Subjects with no available preoperative MR imaging and tumors located primarily in the brain stem were excluded. Imaging characteristics of the tumors were evaluated following a predesigned, step-by-step flow chart. Agreement between readers was tested with the Cohen κ, and each diagnosis was analyzed for accuracy. RESULTS A total of 148 cases were included, with a median age of 3.4 years (interquartile range, 2.1-6.1 years), and a male/female ratio of 1.24. The predesigned flow chart facilitated identification of pilocytic astrocytoma, ependymoma, and medulloblastoma sonic hedgehog tumors with high sensitivity and specificity. On the basis of the results, the flow chart was adjusted so that it would also be able to better discriminate atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors and medulloblastoma groups 3 or 4 (sensitivity = 75%-79%; specificity = 92%-99%). Moreover, our adjusted flow chart was useful in ruling out ependymoma, pilocytic astrocytomas, and medulloblastoma sonic hedgehog tumors. CONCLUSIONS The modified flow chart offers a structured tool to aid in the adjunct diagnosis of pediatric posterior fossa tumors. Our results also establish a useful starting point for prospective clinical studies and for the development of automated algorithms, which may provide precise and adequate diagnostic tools for these tumors in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A P F Alves
- From the Division of Neuroradiology (C.A.P.F.A., J.S.M.-S. S.R.T., F.G.G., A.V.), Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Radiology (C.d.C.L.), Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
| | - U Löbel
- Radiology Department (U.L., K.M., F.D.), UCL Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - J S Martin-Saavedra
- From the Division of Neuroradiology (C.A.P.F.A., J.S.M.-S. S.R.T., F.G.G., A.V.), Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - S Toescu
- Department of Neurosurgery (S.T.), UCL Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - M H Tsunemi
- Department of Biostatistics (M.H.T.), Instituto de Biociências, São Paulo State University, São Paul, Brazil
| | - S R Teixeira
- From the Division of Neuroradiology (C.A.P.F.A., J.S.M.-S. S.R.T., F.G.G., A.V.), Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - K Mankad
- Radiology Department (U.L., K.M., F.D.), UCL Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - D Hargrave
- Pediatric Oncology Unit (D.H.), UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - T S Jacques
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme (T.S.J.), UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - C da Costa Leite
- Department of Radiology (C.d.C.L.), Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
| | - F G Gonçalves
- From the Division of Neuroradiology (C.A.P.F.A., J.S.M.-S. S.R.T., F.G.G., A.V.), Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - A Vossough
- From the Division of Neuroradiology (C.A.P.F.A., J.S.M.-S. S.R.T., F.G.G., A.V.), Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - F D'Arco
- Radiology Department (U.L., K.M., F.D.), UCL Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Massimino M, Signoroni S, Boschetti L, Chiapparini L, Erbetta A, Biassoni V, Schiavello E, Ferrari A, Spreafico F, Terenziani M, Chiaravalli S, Puma N, Bergamaschi L, Ricci MT, Cattaneo L, Gattuso G, Buttarelli FR, Gianno F, Miele E, Poggi G, Vitellaro M. Medulloblastoma and familial adenomatous polyposis: Good prognosis and good quality of life in the long-term? Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28912. [PMID: 33459525 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mutations of the APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene correlate mainly with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), but can occasionally be pathogenic for medulloblastoma (MBL) wingless-related integration site (WNT) subtype, the course of which has only recently been described. METHODS We retrieved all patients with documented germline APC mutations and a diagnosis of MBL to examine their outcome, late effects of treatment, and further oncological events. RESULTS Between 2007 and 2016, we treated six patients, all with a pathogenic APC variant mutation and all with MBL, classic histotype. None had metastatic disease. All patients were in complete remission a median 65 months after treatment with craniospinal irradiation at 23.4 Gy, plus a boost on the posterior fossa/tumor bed up to 54 Gy, followed by cisplatin/carboplatin, lomustine, and vincristine for a maximum of eight courses. Five of six diagnostic revised MRI were suggestive of the WNT molecular subgroup typical aspects. Methylation profile score (in two cases) and copy number variation analysis (chromosome 6 deletion in two cases) performed on four of six retrieved samples confirmed WNT molecular subgroup. Four out of six patients had a positive family history of FAP, while gastrointestinal symptoms prompted its identification in the other two cases. Four patients developed other tumors (desmoid, MELTUMP, melanoma, pancreatoblastoma, thyroid Tir3) from 5 to 7 years after MBL. DISCUSSION Our data confirm a good prognosis for patients with MBL associated with FAP. Patients' secondary tumors may or may not be related to their syndrome or treatment, but warrant adequate attention when planning shared guidelines for these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maura Massimino
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Signoroni
- Hereditary Digestive Tract Tumors Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Luna Boschetti
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Chiapparini
- Neuroradiology Department, IRCCS Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Erbetta
- Neuroradiology Department, IRCCS Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Biassoni
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Ferrari
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Spreafico
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Terenziani
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Nadia Puma
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Bergamaschi
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Ricci
- Hereditary Digestive Tract Tumors Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Cattaneo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, First Pathology Division, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Gattuso
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Gianno
- Radiologic, Oncologic and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences Department, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Evelina Miele
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Geraldina Poggi
- Neuro-Oncological and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - Marco Vitellaro
- Hereditary Digestive Tract Tumors Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy.,Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Qin C, Pan Y, Li Y, Li Y, Long W, Liu Q. Novel Molecular Hallmarks of Group 3 Medulloblastoma by Single-Cell Transcriptomics. Front Oncol 2021; 11:622430. [PMID: 33816256 PMCID: PMC8013995 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.622430] [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: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is a highly heterogeneous and one of the most malignant pediatric brain tumors, comprising four subgroups: Sonic Hedgehog, Wingless, Group 3, and Group 4. Group 3 MB has the worst prognosis of all MBs. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving the maintenance of malignancy are poorly understood. Here, we employed high-throughput single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing to identify novel molecular features of Group 3 MB, and found that a specific cell cluster displayed a highly malignant phenotype. Then, we identified the glutamate receptor metabotropic 8 (GRM8), and AP-1 complex subunit sigma-2 (AP1S2) genes as two critical markers of Group 3 MB, corresponding to its poor prognosis. Information on 33 clinical cases was further utilized for validation. Meanwhile, a global map of the molecular cascade downstream of the MYC oncogene in Group 3 MB was also delineated using single-cell RNA sequencing. Our data yields new insights into Group 3 MB molecular characteristics and provides novel therapeutic targets for this relentless disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaoying Qin
- Department of Neurosurgery in Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yimin Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery in Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuzhe Li
- Department of Neurosurgery in Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Neurosurgery in Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenyong Long
- Department of Neurosurgery in Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery in Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ostrom QT, Patil N, Cioffi G, Waite K, Kruchko C, Barnholtz-Sloan JS. CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States in 2013-2017. Neuro Oncol 2021; 22:iv1-iv96. [PMID: 33123732 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noaa200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1074] [Impact Index Per Article: 358.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and National Cancer Institute (NCI), is the largest population-based registry focused exclusively on primary brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors in the United States (US) and represents the entire US population. This report contains the most up-to-date population-based data on primary brain tumors (malignant and non-malignant) and supersedes all previous CBTRUS reports in terms of completeness and accuracy. All rates (incidence and mortality) are age-adjusted using the 2000 US standard population and presented per 100,000 population. The average annual age-adjusted incidence rate (AAAIR) of all malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors was 23.79 (Malignant AAAIR=7.08, non-Malignant AAAIR=16.71). This rate was higher in females compared to males (26.31 versus 21.09), Blacks compared to Whites (23.88 versus 23.83), and non-Hispanics compared to Hispanics (24.23 versus 21.48). The most commonly occurring malignant brain and other CNS tumor was glioblastoma (14.5% of all tumors), and the most common non-malignant tumor was meningioma (38.3% of all tumors). Glioblastoma was more common in males, and meningioma was more common in females. In children and adolescents (age 0-19 years), the incidence rate of all primary brain and other CNS tumors was 6.14. An estimated 83,830 new cases of malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2020 (24,970 malignant and 58,860 non-malignant). There were 81,246 deaths attributed to malignant brain and other CNS tumors between 2013 and 2017. This represents an average annual mortality rate of 4.42. The 5-year relative survival rate following diagnosis of a malignant brain and other CNS tumor was 23.5% and for a non-malignant brain and other CNS tumor was 82.4%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quinn T Ostrom
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA.,Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nirav Patil
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA.,Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Cleveland Center for Health Outcomes Research, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,University Hospitals Health System, Research and Education Institute
| | - Gino Cioffi
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA.,Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Cleveland Center for Health Outcomes Research, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Kristin Waite
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA.,Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Cleveland Center for Health Outcomes Research, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Carol Kruchko
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
| | - Jill S Barnholtz-Sloan
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA.,Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Cleveland Center for Health Outcomes Research, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,University Hospitals Health System, Research and Education Institute
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Katsushima K, Jallo G, Eberhart CG, Perera RJ. Long non-coding RNAs in brain tumors. NAR Cancer 2021; 3:zcaa041. [PMID: 34316694 PMCID: PMC8210177 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcaa041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be central players in the epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. There is an accumulation of evidence on newly discovered lncRNAs, their molecular interactions and their roles in the development and progression of human brain tumors. LncRNAs can have either tumor suppressive or oncogenic functions in different brain cancers, making them attractive therapeutic targets and biomarkers for personalized therapy and precision diagnostics. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge of the lncRNAs that have been implicated in brain cancer pathogenesis, particularly in gliomas and medulloblastomas. We discuss their epigenetic regulation as well as the prospects of using lncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in patients with brain tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Katsushima
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - George Jallo
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, 600 5th St. South, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - Charles G Eberhart
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Ranjan J Perera
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kp M, Kumar A, Biswas D, Moiyadi A, Shetty P, Gupta T, Epari S, Shirsat N, Srivastava S. The proteomic analysis shows enrichment of RNA surveillance pathways in adult SHH and extensive metabolic reprogramming in Group 3 medulloblastomas. Brain Tumor Pathol 2021; 38:96-108. [PMID: 33438046 DOI: 10.1007/s10014-020-00391-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma, a common malignant brain tumor in children, comprises four molecular subgroups WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4. In the present study, we performed a deep proteome-based investigation of SHH, Group 3 and Group 4 tumors. The adult SHH medulloblastomas were found to have a distinct proteomic profile. Several RNA metabolism-related pathways including mRNA splicing, 5' to 3' RNA decay, 3' to 5' RNA decay by the RNA exosome, and the N6-methyladenosine modification of RNA were enriched in adult SHH tumors. The heightened expression of the RNA surveillance pathways is likely to be essential for the viability of adult SHH subgroup medulloblastomas, which carry mutations in U1snRNA encoding gene and thus could be a vulnerability of these tumors. Group 3 and Group 4 medulloblastomas, on the other hand, are known to have an overlap in their expression profiles and underlying genetic alterations. Group 3 proteome was found to be distinctively enriched in several metabolic pathways including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glutamine anabolism, glutathione-mediated anti-oxidant pathway, and drug metabolism pathway suggests that the extensive metabolic rewiring is likely to be responsible for the aggressive clinical behavior of Group 3 tumors. This comprehensive proteomic analysis has provided valuable insight into the biology of Group 3 and adult SHH medulloblastomas, which could be further explored for effective treatment of these tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manubhai Kp
- Proteomics Lab, Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Anurag Kumar
- Department Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Deeptarup Biswas
- Proteomics Lab, Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Aliasgar Moiyadi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India
| | - Prakash Shetty
- Department of Neurosurgery, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India
| | - Tejpal Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India
| | - Sridhar Epari
- Department of Pathology, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India
| | - Neelam Shirsat
- Shirsat Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India.
| | - Sanjeeva Srivastava
- Proteomics Lab, Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tran S, Lim PS, Bojaxhiu B, Teske C, Baust K, Zepter S, Kliebsch U, Timmermann B, Calaminus G, Weber DC. Clinical outcomes and quality of life in children and adolescents with primary brain tumors treated with pencil beam scanning proton therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28465. [PMID: 32902137 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term treatment-related toxicity may substantially impact well-being, quality of life (QoL), and health of children/adolescents with brain tumors (CBTs). Strategies to reduce toxicity include pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy (PT). This study aims to report clinical outcomes and QoL in PBS-treated CBTs. PROCEDURE We retrospectively reviewed 221 PBS-treated CBTs aged <18 years. Overall-free (OS), disease-free (DFS), and late-toxicity-free survivals (TFS), local control (LC) and distant (DC) brain/spinal control were calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Prospective QoL reports from 206 patients (proxies only ≤4 years old [yo], proxies and patients ≥5 yo) were descriptively analyzed. Median follow-up was 51 months (range, 4-222). RESULTS Median age at diagnosis was 3.1 years (range, 0.3-17.7). The main histologies were ependymoma (n = 88; 39.8%), glioma (n = 37; 16.7%), craniopharyngioma (n = 22; 10.0%), atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) (n = 21; 9.5%) and medulloblastoma (n = 15; 6.8%). One hundred sixty (72.4%) patients received chemotherapy. Median PT dose was 54 Gy(relative biological effectiveness) (range, 18.0-64.8). The 5-year OS, DFS, LC, and DC (95% CI) were 79.9% (74-85.8), 65.2% (59.8-70.6), 72.1% (65.4-78.8), and 81.8% (76.3-87.3), respectively. Late PT-related ≥G3 toxicity occurred in 19 (8.6%) patients. The 5-year ≥G3 TFS was 91.0% (86.3-95.7). Three (1.4%) secondary malignancies were observed. Patients aged ≤3 years at PT (P = .044) or receiving chemotherapy (P = .043) experienced more ≥G3 toxicity. ATRT histology independently predicted distant brain failure (P = .046) and death (P = .01). Patients aged ≥5 years self-rated QoL higher than their parents (proxy assessment). Both reported lower social functioning and cognition after PT than at baseline, but near-normal long-term global well-being. QoL was well below normal before and after PT in children ≤4 years. CONCLUSIONS The outcome of CBTs was excellent after PBS. Few patients had late ≥G3 toxicity. Patients aged <5 years showed worse QoL and toxicity outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastien Tran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pei S Lim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Beat Bojaxhiu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Triemli Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Teske
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katja Baust
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Zepter
- Center for Proton Therapy (CPT), Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), ETH Domain, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Kliebsch
- Center for Proton Therapy (CPT), Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), ETH Domain, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Beate Timmermann
- Department of Particle Therapy, West German Proton Therapy Centre Essen (WPE), West German Cancer Center (WTZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Calaminus
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Damien Charles Weber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Center for Proton Therapy (CPT), Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), ETH Domain, Villigen, Switzerland.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bahmad HF, Elajami MK, El Zarif T, Bou-Gharios J, Abou-Antoun T, Abou-Kheir W. Drug repurposing towards targeting cancer stem cells in pediatric brain tumors. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:127-148. [PMID: 31919619 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-019-09840-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the pediatric population, brain tumors represent the most commonly diagnosed solid neoplasms and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. They include low-grade gliomas (LGGs), medulloblastomas (MBs), and other embryonal, ependymal, and neuroectodermal tumors. The mainstay of treatment for most brain tumors includes surgical intervention, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, resistance to conventional therapy is widespread, which contributes to the high mortality rates reported and lack of improvement in patient survival despite advancement in therapeutic research. This has been attributed to the presence of a subpopulation of cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), which reside within the tumor bulk and maintain self-renewal and recurrence potential of the tumor. An emerging promising approach that enables identifying novel therapeutic strategies to target CSCs and overcome therapy resistance is drug repurposing or repositioning. This is based on using previously approved drugs with known pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics for indications other than their traditional ones, like cancer. In this review, we provide a synopsis of the drug repurposing methodologies that have been used in pediatric brain tumors, and we argue how this selective compilation of approaches, with a focus on CSC targeting, could elevate drug repurposing to the next level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F Bahmad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad K Elajami
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Talal El Zarif
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jolie Bou-Gharios
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tamara Abou-Antoun
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos Campus, CHSC 6101, Byblos, Lebanon.
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Beirut, Lebanon.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Huang D, Liu J, Eldridge RC, Gaul DA, Paine MRL, Uppal K, MacDonald TJ, Fernández FM. Lipidome signatures of metastasis in a transgenic mouse model of sonic hedgehog medulloblastoma. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:7017-7027. [PMID: 32794007 PMCID: PMC7982123 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02837-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor, has high propensity to metastasize. Currently, the standard treatment for MB patients includes radiation therapy administered to the entire brain and spine for the purpose of treating or preventing against metastasis. Due to this aggressive treatment, the majority of long-term survivors will be left with permanent and debilitating neurocognitive impairment, for the 30-40% patients that fail to respond to treatment, all will relapse with terminal metastatic disease. An understanding of the underlying biology that drives MB metastasis is lacking, and is critically needed in order to develop targeted therapeutics for its prevention. To examine the metastatic biology of sonic hedgehog (SHH) MB, the human MB subgroup with the worst clinical outcome in children, we first generated a robust SmoA1-Math-GFP mouse model that reliably reproduces human SHH MB whereby metastases can be visualized under fluorescence microscopy. Lipidome alterations associated with metastasis were then investigated by applying ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) under positive ionization mode to primary tumor samples collected from mice without (n = 18) and with (n = 7) metastasis. Thirty-four discriminant lipids associated with SHH MB metastasis were successfully annotated, including ceramides (Cers), sphingomyelins (SMs), triacylglycerols (TGs), diacylglycerols (DGs), phosphatidylcholines (PCs), and phosphatidic acids (PAs). This study provides deeper insights into dysregulations of lipid metabolism associated with SHH MB metastatic progression, and thus serves as a guide toward novel targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danning Huang
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Jingbo Liu
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - David A Gaul
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | | | - Karan Uppal
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Tobey J MacDonald
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Facundo M Fernández
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Pre- and Post-Zygotic TP53 De Novo Mutations in SHH-Medulloblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092503. [PMID: 32899294 PMCID: PMC7564492 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092503] [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: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. In a subset of cases, a causal factor is a constitutive mutation of the TP53 gene, which may be inherited or arise for the first time in a patient (de novo). Using an immunohistochemistry assay as a screening tool, we selected patients suspected of harboring a TP53 mutation and offered genetic counseling and germline testing. Our study, which was the first to investigate the parental origin of TP53 mutations in medulloblastoma, allowed the identification of two additional cases with de novo mutations. Moreover, we demonstrated that in one patient the mutation originated at a post-zygotic stage, resulting in somatic mosaicism. These findings have important implications for genetic counseling since they highlight the occurrence of both pre- and post-zygotic TP53 de novo mutations in medulloblastoma, pointing out that in a specific subgroup of patients genetic testing should be offered regardless of family history. Abstract Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the TP53 gene, predisposing to a wide spectrum of early-onset cancers, including brain tumors. In medulloblastoma patients, the role of TP53 has been extensively investigated, though the prevalence of de novo mutations has not been addressed. We characterized TP53 mutations in a monocentric cohort of consecutive Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)-activated medulloblastoma patients. Germline testing was offered based on tumor p53 immunostaining positivity. Among 24 patients, three (12.5%) showed tumor p53 overexpression, of whom two consented to undergo germline testing and resulted as carriers of TP53 mutations. In the first case, family history was uneventful and the mutation was not found in either of the parents. The second patient, with a family history suggestive of LFS, unexpectedly resulted as a carrier of the mosaic mutation c.742=/C>T p.(Arg248=/Trp). The allele frequency was 26% in normal tissues and 42–77% in tumor specimens. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the tumor was also confirmed. Notably, the mosaic case has been in complete remission for more than one year, while the first patient, as most TP53-mutated medulloblastoma cases from other cohorts, showed a severe and rapidly progressive disease. Our study reported the first TP53 mosaic mutation in medulloblastoma patients and confirmed the importance of germline testing in p53 overexpressed SHH-medulloblastoma, regardless of family history.
Collapse
|