1
|
Shu LZ, Ding YD, Zhang JY, He RS, Xiao L, Pan BX, Deng H. Interactions between MDSCs and the Autonomic Nervous System: Opportunities and Challenges in Cancer Neuroscience. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:652-662. [PMID: 38568775 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a population of heterogeneous immune cells that are involved in precancerous conditions and neoplasms. The autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is composed of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system, is an important component of the tumor microenvironment that responds to changes in the internal and external environment mainly through adrenergic and cholinergic signaling. An abnormal increase of autonomic nerve density has been associated with cancer progression. As we discuss in this review, growing evidence indicates that sympathetic and parasympathetic signals directly affect the expansion, mobilization, and redistribution of MDSCs. Dysregulated autonomic signaling recruits MDSCs to form an immunosuppressive microenvironment in chronically inflamed tissues, resulting in abnormal proliferation and differentiation of adult stem cells. The two components of the ANS may also be responsible for the seemingly contradictory behaviors of MDSCs. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms has the potential to provide more insights into the complex roles of MDSCs in tumor development and lay the foundation for the development of novel MDSC-targeted anticancer strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Zhen Shu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabiliation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Tumor Immunology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yi-Dan Ding
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabiliation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Tumor Immunology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jin-Yao Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Rui-Shan He
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabiliation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Tumor Immunology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Li Xiao
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabiliation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Tumor Immunology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bing-Xing Pan
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Huan Deng
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabiliation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Tumor Immunology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang H, Yang Y, Cao Y, Guan J. Effects of chronic stress on cancer development and the therapeutic prospects of adrenergic signaling regulation. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116609. [PMID: 38678960 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-term chronic stress is an important factor in the poor prognosis of cancer patients. Chronic stress reduces the tissue infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) by continuously activating the adrenergic signaling, inhibits antitumor immune response and tumor cell apoptosis while also inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor angiogenesis, promoting tumor invasion and metastasis. This review first summarizes how adrenergic signaling activates intracellular signaling by binding different adrenergic receptor (AR) heterodimers. Then, we focused on reviewing adrenergic signaling to regulate multiple functions of immune cells, including cell differentiation, migration, and cytokine secretion. In addition, the article discusses the mechanisms by which adrenergic signaling exerts pro-tumorigenic effects by acting directly on the tumor itself. It also highlights the use of adrenergic receptor modulators in cancer therapy, with particular emphasis on their potential role in immunotherapy. Finally, the article reviews the beneficial effects of stress intervention measures on cancer treatment. We think that enhancing the body's antitumor response by adjusting adrenergic signaling can enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) General Hospital, Beijing 100091, China; Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Yuwei Yang
- College of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of OTIR, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Yan Cao
- College of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of OTIR, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Jingzhi Guan
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Switzer B, Puzanov I, Gandhi S, Repasky EA. Targeting beta-adrenergic receptor pathways in melanoma: how stress modulates oncogenic immunity. Melanoma Res 2024; 34:89-95. [PMID: 38051781 PMCID: PMC10906201 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000943] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The intricate pathways of the sympathetic nervous system hold an inherently protective role in the setting of acute stress. This is achieved through dynamic immunomodulatory and neurobiological networks. However, excessive and chronic exposure to these stress-induced stimuli appears to cause physiologic dysfunction through several mechanisms that may impair psychosocial, neurologic, and immunologic health. Numerous preclinical observations have identified the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) subtype to possess the strongest impact on immune dysfunction in the setting of chronic stressful stimuli. This prolonged expression of β2-ARs appears to suppress immune surveillance and promote tumorigenesis within multiple cancer types. This occurs through several pathways, including (1) decreasing the frequency and function of CD8 + T-cells infiltrating the tumor microenvironment (TME) via inhibition of metabolic reprogramming during T cell activation, and (2) establishing an immunosuppressive profile within the TME including promotion of an exhausted T cell phenotype while simultaneously enhancing local and paracrine metastatic potential. The use of nonselective β-AR antagonists appears to reverse many chronic stress-induced tumorigenic pathways and may also provide an additive therapeutic benefit for various immune checkpoint modulating agents including commonly utilized immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here we review the translational and clinical observations highlighting the foundational hypotheses that chronic stress-induced β-AR signaling promotes a pro-tumoral immunophenotype and that blockade of these pathways may augment the therapeutic response of immune checkpoint inhibition within the scope of melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Switzer
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Igor Puzanov
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Shipra Gandhi
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Elizabeth A. Repasky
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Coleman M, Mascialino SJ, Panjwani A, Edwards E, Sukhatme VV, Gavegnano C, Sukhatme VP. Readily available drugs and other interventions to potentially improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade in cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1281744. [PMID: 38299150 PMCID: PMC10827885 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1281744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
To improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for cancer treatment, various strategies, including combination therapies with repurposed drugs, are being explored. Several readily available interventions with potential to enhance programmed death 1 (PD-1) blockade have been identified. However, these interventions often remain overlooked due to the lack of financial incentives for their development, making them financial orphans. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding off-label drugs, supplements, and other readily available interventions that could improve the efficacy of PD-1 blockade. The summary of each intervention includes the proposed mechanism of action for combination with checkpoint inhibitors and data from animal and human studies. Additionally, we include summaries of common interventions to be avoided by patients on PD-1 blockade. Finally, we present approaches for conducting further studies in patients, with the aim of expediting the clinical development of these interventions. We strive to increase awareness of readily available combination therapies that may advance cancer immunotherapy and help patients today.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merissa Coleman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sophia J. Mascialino
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Anusha Panjwani
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Emily Edwards
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Vidula V. Sukhatme
- Morningside Center for Innovative & Affordable Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- GlobalCures, Inc, Newton, MA, United States
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Christina Gavegnano
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
- Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Vikas P. Sukhatme
- Morningside Center for Innovative & Affordable Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- GlobalCures, Inc, Newton, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Duarte Mendes A, Freitas AR, Vicente R, Ferreira R, Martins T, Ramos MJ, Baptista C, Silva BM, Margarido I, Vitorino M, Silva M, Braga S. Beta-Adrenergic Blockade in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Immunotherapy: A Multicentric Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e52194. [PMID: 38348009 PMCID: PMC10859721 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52194] [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] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The standard treatment of cancer has dramatically improved with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Despite their proven advantage, many patients fail to exhibit a meaningful and lasting response. The beta-adrenergic signalling pathway may hold significant promise due to its role in promoting an immunosuppressive milieu within the tumour microenvironment. Inhibiting β-adrenergic signalling could enhance ICI activity; however, blocking this pathway for this purpose has yielded conflicting results. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of beta-blocker use on overall survival and progression-free survival during ICI therapy. Methods A multicentric, retrospective, observational study was conducted in four Portuguese institutions. Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with ICIs between January 2018 and December 2019 were included. Those using beta blockers for non-oncological reasons were compared with non-users. Results Among the 171 patients included, 36 concomitantly received beta blockers and ICIs. No significant increase was found in progression-free survival among patients who took β-blockers (HR 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48-1.12, p = 0.151), and no statistically significant difference was found in overall survival. An apparent trend was observed towards better outcomes in the beta-blocker group, with a median overall survival of 9.93 months in the group not taking β-blockers versus 14.90 months in the β-blocker group (p = 0.291) and a median progression-free survival of 5.37 in the group not taking β-blockers versus 10.87 months in the β-blocker group (p = 0.151). Nine (25%) patients in the beta-blocker group and 16 (12%) in the non-beta-blocker group were progressive disease-free at the end of follow-up. This difference between the two groups is statistically significant (p = 0.047). Conclusion Our study found no statistically significant evidence that beta blockers enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Using adrenergic blockade to modulate the immune system shows promise, warranting the need to develop prospective clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Duarte Mendes
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, PRT
| | - Ana Rita Freitas
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, PRT
| | - Rodrigo Vicente
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, PRT
| | - Ricardo Ferreira
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, PRT
| | - Telma Martins
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, PRT
| | - Maria João Ramos
- Medical Oncology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, PRT
| | - Carlota Baptista
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, Loures, PRT
| | | | - Inês Margarido
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital da Luz Lisboa, Lisboa, PRT
| | - Marina Vitorino
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, PRT
| | - Michelle Silva
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, PRT
| | - Sofia Braga
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, PRT
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carnet Le Provost K, Kepp O, Kroemer G, Bezu L. Trial watch: beta-blockers in cancer therapy. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2284486. [PMID: 38126031 PMCID: PMC10732641 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2284486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Compelling evidence supports the hypothesis that stress negatively impacts cancer development and prognosis. Irrespective of its physical, biological or psychological source, stress triggers a physiological response that is mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic adrenal medullary axis. The resulting release of glucocorticoids and catecholamines into the systemic circulation leads to neuroendocrine and metabolic adaptations that can affect immune homeostasis and immunosurveillance, thus impairing the detection and eradication of malignant cells. Moreover, catecholamines directly act on β-adrenoreceptors present on tumor cells, thereby stimulating survival, proliferation, and migration of nascent neoplasms. Numerous preclinical studies have shown that blocking adrenergic receptors slows tumor growth, suggesting potential clinical benefits of using β-blockers in cancer therapy. Much of these positive effects of β-blockade are mediated by improved immunosurveillance. The present trial watch summarizes current knowledge from preclinical and clinical studies investigating the anticancer effects of β-blockers either as standalone agents or in combination with conventional antineoplastic treatments or immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Killian Carnet Le Provost
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Oliver Kepp
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Lucillia Bezu
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Département d’anesthésie, Chirurgie et Interventionnel, Villejuif, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tajaldini M, Poorkhani A, Amiriani T, Amiriani A, Javid H, Aref P, Ahmadi F, Sadani S, Khori V. Strategy of targeting the tumor microenvironment via inhibition of fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling new era to cancer chemo-immunotherapy resistance. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 957:175991. [PMID: 37619785 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The use of repurposing drugs that may have neoplastic and anticancer effects increases the efficiency and decrease resistance to chemotherapy drugs through a biochemical and mechanical transduction mechanisms through modulation of fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling in tumor microenvironment (TME). Interestingly, fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling plays a vital role in mediating cancer metastasis and drug resistance after immune chemotherapy. The most essential hypothesis for induction of chemo-immunotherapy resistance is via activation of fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling and preventing the infiltration of T cells after is mainly due to the interference between cytoskeleton, mechanical, biochemical, metabolic, vascular, and remodeling signaling pathways in TME. The structural components of the tumor that can be targeted in the fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling include the depletion of the TME components, targeting the cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor associated macrophages, alleviating the mechanical stress within the ECM, and normalizing the blood vessels. It has also been found that during immune-chemotherapy, TME injury and fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling causes the up-regulation of inhibitory signals and down-regulation of activated signals, which results in immune escape or chemo-resistance of the tumor. In this regard, repurposing or neo-adjuvant drugs with various transduction signaling mechanisms, including anti-fibrotic effects, are used to target the TME and fibroblast/fibrosis signaling pathway such as angiotensin 2, transforming growth factor-beta, physical barriers of the TME, cytokines and metabolic factors which finally led to the reverse of the chemo-resistance. Consistent to many repurposing drugs such as pirfenidone, metformin, losartan, tranilast, dexamethasone and pentoxifylline are used to decrease immune-suppression by abrogation of TME inhibitory signal that stimulates the immune system and increases efficiency and reduces resistance to chemotherapy drugs. To overcome immunosuppression based on fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling, in this review, we focus on inhibitory signal transduction, which is the physical barrier, alleviates mechanical stress and prevents mechano-metabolic activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahboubeh Tajaldini
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Amirhoushang Poorkhani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Taghi Amiriani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Amiriani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Hossein Javid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciencess, Catastega Institue of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parham Aref
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Farahnazsadat Ahmadi
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Somayeh Sadani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| | - Vahid Khori
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schuster C, Akslen LA, Straume O. β2-adrenergic receptor expression in patients receiving bevacizumab therapy for metastatic melanoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:17891-17900. [PMID: 37551424 PMCID: PMC10524038 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6424] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was initially known as vascular permeability factor and identified as a driver of tumour angiogenesis. Recently, its role in supporting an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment was demonstrated, and anti-VEGF treatment combined with immune checkpoint blockade is currently investigated. Further, beta-adrenergic signalling as a modifier of cancer hallmarks like immune response, angiogenesis and metastasis gained increased attention during past years. METHODS Focusing on the aspect of immunosuppression in upregulated beta-adrenergic signalling, we investigated predictive markers in patients with metastatic melanoma who received bevacizumab monotherapy, a specific VEGF-A binding antibody. We explored the expression of beta-2 adrenergic receptor (β2-AR), interleukin 6-receptor (IL6-R), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and VEGF-A by immunohistochemistry in melanoma to assess the correlation between these proteins in melanoma cells and response to treatment. RESULTS Strong β2-AR expression in metastases was associated with clinical benefit of bevacizumab. Furthermore, expression of the latter was positively linked to expression of VEGF-A and COX2. β2-AR expression in melanoma metastasis appears to distinguish a subgroup of patients that might benefit from anti-VEGF treatment. CONCLUSION Our results strengthen further exploration of anti-VEGF therapy in combination with immune checkpoint blockade in clinical studies and the investigation of β2-AR as predictive marker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Schuster
- Department of Clinical Science, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIOUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Department of Oncology and Medical PhysicsHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Lars A. Akslen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIOUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Department of PathologyHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Oddbjørn Straume
- Department of Clinical Science, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIOUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Department of Oncology and Medical PhysicsHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sun XX, Nosrati Z, Ko J, Lee CM, Bennewith KL, Bally MB. Induced Vascular Normalization-Can One Force Tumors to Surrender to a Better Microenvironment? Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2022. [PMID: 37631236 PMCID: PMC10458586 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082022] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has changed the way many cancers are being treated. Researchers in the field of immunotherapy and tumor immunology are investigating similar questions: How can the positive benefits achieved with immunotherapies be enhanced? Can this be achieved through combinations with other agents and if so, which ones? In our view, there is an urgent need to improve immunotherapy to make further gains in the overall survival for those patients that should benefit from immunotherapy. While numerous different approaches are being considered, our team believes that drug delivery methods along with appropriately selected small-molecule drugs and drug candidates could help reach the goal of doubling the overall survival rate that is seen in some patients that are given immunotherapeutics. This review article is prepared to address how immunotherapies should be combined with a second treatment using an approach that could realize therapeutic gains 10 years from now. For context, an overview of immunotherapy and cancer angiogenesis is provided. The major targets in angiogenesis that have modulatory effects on the tumor microenvironment and immune cells are highlighted. A combination approach that, for us, has the greatest potential for success involves treatments that will normalize the tumor's blood vessel structure and alter the immune microenvironment to support the action of immunotherapeutics. So, this is reviewed as well. Our focus is to provide an insight into some strategies that will engender vascular normalization that may be better than previously described approaches. The potential for drug delivery systems to promote tumor blood vessel normalization is considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Xin Sun
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (Z.N.); (J.K.); (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (M.B.B.)
- Interdisciplinary Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- NanoMedicines Innovation Network, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Cuprous Pharmaceuticals, Vancouver, BC V6N 3P8, Canada
| | - Zeynab Nosrati
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (Z.N.); (J.K.); (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (M.B.B.)
- Interdisciplinary Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Cuprous Pharmaceuticals, Vancouver, BC V6N 3P8, Canada
| | - Janell Ko
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (Z.N.); (J.K.); (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (M.B.B.)
| | - Che-Min Lee
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (Z.N.); (J.K.); (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (M.B.B.)
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Kevin L. Bennewith
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (Z.N.); (J.K.); (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (M.B.B.)
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marcel B. Bally
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (Z.N.); (J.K.); (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (M.B.B.)
- Interdisciplinary Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- NanoMedicines Innovation Network, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Cuprous Pharmaceuticals, Vancouver, BC V6N 3P8, Canada
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen HY, Zhao W, Na'ara S, Gleber-Netto FO, Xie T, Ali S, Thompson ZM, Buell J, Stafford H, Nagarajan P, Davies M, Wong MK, Migden MR, Sharma P, Myers JN, Gross ND, Amit M. Beta-Blocker Use Is Associated With Worse Relapse-Free Survival in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer. JCO Precis Oncol 2023; 7:e2200490. [PMID: 37285560 PMCID: PMC10309540 DOI: 10.1200/po.22.00490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although beta-blockers (BBs) have been hypothesized to exert a beneficial effect on cancer survival through inhibition of beta-adrenergic signaling pathways, clinical data on this issue have been inconsistent. We investigated the impact of BBs on survival outcomes and efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma, or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (skin SCC), independent of comorbidity status or cancer treatment regimen. METHODS Patients (N = 4,192) younger than 65 years with HNSCC, NSCLC, melanoma, or skin SCC treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center from 2010 to 2021 were included. Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate analyses adjusting for age, sex, TNM staging, comorbidities, and treatment modalities were performed to assess the effect of BBs on survival outcomes. RESULTS In patients with HNSCC (n = 682), BB use was associated with worse OS and DFS (OS: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.67; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.62; P = .027; DFS: aHR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.63; P = .027), with DSS trending to significance (DSS: aHR, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.96 to 2.41; P = .072). Negative effects of BBs were not observed in the patients with NSCLC (n = 2,037), melanoma (n = 1,331), or skin SCC (n = 123). Furthermore, decreased response to cancer treatment was observed in patients with HNSCC with BB use (aHR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.14 to 5.38; P = .022). CONCLUSION The effect of BBs on cancer survival outcomes is heterogeneous and varies according to cancer type and immunotherapy status. In this study, BB intake was associated with worse DSS and DFS in patients with head and neck cancer not treated with immunotherapy, but not in patients with NSCLC or skin cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Y. Chen
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Weilu Zhao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Shorook Na'ara
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | - Tongxin Xie
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Shahrukh Ali
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Zachary M. Thompson
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jane Buell
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Haleigh Stafford
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Michael Davies
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Michael K. Wong
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Michael R. Migden
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Padmanee Sharma
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jeffrey N. Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Neil D. Gross
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ammons DT, MacDonald CR, Chow L, Repasky EA, Dow S. Chronic adrenergic stress and generation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells: Implications for cancer immunotherapy in dogs. Vet Comp Oncol 2023; 21:159-165. [PMID: 36876492 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12891] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted a key role played by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and adrenergic stress in mediating immune suppression associated with chronic inflammation in cancer and other diseases. The connection between chronic SNS activation, adrenergic stress and immune suppression is linked in part to the ability of catecholamines to stimulate the bone marrow release and differentiation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). Rodent model studies have revealed an important role for β-adrenergic receptor signalling in suppression of cancer immunity in mice subjected to chronic stresses, including thermal stress. Importantly, therapeutic blockade of beta-adrenergic responses by drugs such as propranolol can partially reverse the generation and differentiation of MDSC, and partly restore tumour immunity. Clinical trials in both humans and dogs with cancer have demonstrated that propranolol blockade can improve responses to radiation therapy, cancer vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus, the SNS stress response has become an important new target to relieve immune suppression in cancer and other chronic inflammatory conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan T Ammons
- Flint Animal Cancer Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Cameron R MacDonald
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Lyndah Chow
- Flint Animal Cancer Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Repasky
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Steven Dow
- Flint Animal Cancer Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Xiao L, Li X, Fang C, Yu J, Chen T. Neurotransmitters: promising immune modulators in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1118637. [PMID: 37215113 PMCID: PMC10196476 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1118637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is modified by its cellular or acellular components throughout the whole period of tumor development. The dynamic modulation can reprogram tumor initiation, growth, invasion, metastasis, and response to therapies. Hence, the focus of cancer research and intervention has gradually shifted to TME components and their interactions. Accumulated evidence indicates neural and immune factors play a distinct role in modulating TME synergistically. Among the complicated interactions, neurotransmitters, the traditional neural regulators, mediate some crucial regulatory functions. Nevertheless, knowledge of the exact mechanisms is still scarce. Meanwhile, therapies targeting the TME remain unsatisfactory. It holds a great prospect to reveal the molecular mechanism by which the interplay between the nervous and immune systems regulate cancer progression for laying a vivid landscape of tumor development and improving clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luxi Xiao
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xunjun Li
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuanfa Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiang Yu
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
The recently uncovered key role of the peripheral and central nervous systems in controlling tumorigenesis and metastasis has opened a new area of research to identify innovative approaches against cancer. Although the 'neural addiction' of cancer is only partially understood, in this Perspective we discuss the current knowledge and perspectives on peripheral and central nerve circuitries and brain areas that can support tumorigenesis and metastasis and the possible reciprocal influence that the brain and peripheral tumours exert on one another. Tumours can build up local autonomic and sensory nerve networks and are able to develop a long-distance relationship with the brain through circulating adipokines, inflammatory cytokines, neurotrophic factors or afferent nerve inputs, to promote cancer initiation, growth and dissemination. In turn, the central nervous system can affect tumour development and metastasis through the activation or dysregulation of specific central neural areas or circuits, as well as neuroendocrine, neuroimmune or neurovascular systems. Studying neural circuitries in the brain and tumours, as well as understanding how the brain communicates with the tumour or how intratumour nerves interplay with the tumour microenvironment, can reveal unrecognized mechanisms that promote cancer development and progression and open up opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Targeting the dysregulated peripheral and central nervous systems might represent a novel strategy for next-generation cancer treatment that could, in part, be achieved through the repurposing of neuropsychiatric drugs in oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Magnon
- Laboratory of Cancer and Microenvironment-National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Institute of Biology François Jacob-Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), University of Paris Cité, University of Paris-Saclay, Paris, France.
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Hunter Medical Research Institute, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Uccello TP, Lesch ML, Ullman NA, Kintzel SA, Gradzewicz LB, Velagaleti T, Fleming FJ, Mills BN, Murphy JD, Garrett-Larsen J, Qiu H, Drage MG, Ye J, Gavras NW, Johnston CJ, Love TMT, Repasky EA, Linehan DC, Lord EM, Gerber SA. Radiation Therapy Exacerbates Tumor-Promoting Innervation and Nerve Signaling in Rectal Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 115:733-745. [PMID: 36202180 PMCID: PMC9898185 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.09.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many solid tumors present with perineural invasion (PNI), and innervation correlates with worsened prognosis. The effects that commonly administered therapies such as radiation therapy (RT) have on PNI status remain unknown. We investigated the contribution of RT on the nervous system and elucidated the implications that increased nerve signaling can have on tumor burden using our previously developed orthotopic murine model of rectal cancer (RC) and our targeted and clinically relevant short-course RT (SCRT) regimen. METHODS Medical charts for patients with RC treated at the Wilmot Cancer Institute were obtained and PNI status was analyzed. Human data were accompanied by an orthotopic murine model of RC. Briefly, luciferase-expressing murine colon-38 (MC38-luc) tumor cells were injected orthotopically into the rectal wall of C57BL6 mice. Targeted SCRT (5 gray (Gy) per fraction for 5 consecutive fractions) was administered to the tumor. Intratumoral innervation was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC), local norepinephrine (NE) concentration was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and β2-adrenergic receptor (B2AR) expression was assessed by flow cytometry. Chronic NE signaling was mirrored by daily isoproterenol treatment, and the effect on tumor burden was determined by overall survival, presence of metastatic lesions, and tumor size. Isoproterenol signaling was inhibited by administration of propranolol. RESULTS Human RC patients with PNI have decreased overall survival compared with patients without PNI. In our mouse model, SCRT induced the expression of genes involved in neurogenesis, increased local NE secretion, and upregulated B2AR expression. Treating mice with isoproterenol resulted in decreased overall survival, increased rate of metastasis, and reduced SCRT efficacy. Interestingly, the isoproterenol-induced decrease in SCRT efficacy could be abrogated by blocking the BAR through the use of propranolol, suggesting a direct role of BAR stimulation on impairing SCRT responses. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that while SCRT is a valuable treatment, it is accompanied by adverse effects on the nervous system that may impede the efficacy of therapy and promote tumor burden. Therefore, we could speculate that therapies aimed at targeting this signaling cascade or impairing nerve growth in combination with SCRT may prove beneficial in future cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor P Uccello
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Maggie L Lesch
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Nicholas A Ullman
- Departments of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Sarah A Kintzel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Lauren B Gradzewicz
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Trishna Velagaleti
- Departments of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Fergal J Fleming
- Departments of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Bradley N Mills
- Departments of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Joseph D Murphy
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Jesse Garrett-Larsen
- Departments of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Haoming Qiu
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Michael G Drage
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Jian Ye
- Departments of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Nicholas W Gavras
- Departments of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Carl J Johnston
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Tanzy M T Love
- Departments of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Elizabeth A Repasky
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - David C Linehan
- Departments of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Edith M Lord
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Scott A Gerber
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York; Departments of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York; Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Falcinelli M, Al-Hity G, Baron S, Mampay M, Allen MC, Samuels M, Jones W, Cilibrasi C, Flaherty RL, Giamas G, Thaker PH, Flint MS. Propranolol reduces IFN-γ driven PD-L1 immunosuppression and improves anti-tumour immunity in ovarian cancer. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 110:1-12. [PMID: 36796704 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays an important role in controlling epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). EOC is considered to be a "cold tumour," a tumour that has not triggered a strong response by the immune system. However, tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the expression of programmed cell death ligand (PD-L1) are used as prognostic indicators in EOC. Immunotherapy such as PD-(L)1 inhibitors have shown limited benefit in EOC. Since the immune system is affected by behavioural stress and the beta-adrenergic signalling pathway, this study aimed to explore the impact of propranolol (PRO), a beta-blocker, on anti-tumour immunity in both in vitro and in vivo EOC models. Noradrenaline (NA), an adrenergic agonist, did not directly regulate PD-L1 expression but PD-L1 was significantly upregulated by IFN-γ in EOC cell lines. IFN-γ also increased PD-L1 on extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by ID8 cells. PRO significantly decreased IFN-γ levels in primary immune cells activated ex vivo and showed increased viability of the CD8+ cell population in an EV-immune cell co-incubation. In addition, PRO reverted PD-L1 upregulation and significantly decreased IL-10 levels in an immune-cancer cell co-culture. Chronic behavioural stress increased metastasis in mice while PRO monotherapy and the combo of PRO and PD-(L)1 inhibitor significantly decreased stress-induced metastasis. The combined therapy also reduced tumour weight compared to the cancer control group and induced anti-tumour T-cell responses with significant CD8 expression in tumour tissues. In conclusion, PRO showed a modulation of the cancer immune response by decreasing IFN-γ production and, in turn, IFN-γ-mediated PD-L1 overexpression. The combined therapy of PRO and PD-(L)1 inhibitor decreased metastasis and improved anti-tumour immunity offering a promising new therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Falcinelli
- University of Brighton, School of Pharmacy & Biosciences, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - G Al-Hity
- University of Brighton, School of Pharmacy & Biosciences, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - S Baron
- University of Brighton, School of Pharmacy & Biosciences, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - M Mampay
- University of Brighton, School of Pharmacy & Biosciences, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - M C Allen
- University of Brighton, School of Pharmacy & Biosciences, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - M Samuels
- University of Sussex, Department for Biochemistry and Biomedicine, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - W Jones
- University of Sussex, Department for Biochemistry and Biomedicine, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - C Cilibrasi
- University of Sussex, Department for Biochemistry and Biomedicine, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Renee L Flaherty
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, SW3 6JG London, UK
| | - G Giamas
- University of Sussex, Department for Biochemistry and Biomedicine, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - P H Thaker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - M S Flint
- University of Brighton, School of Pharmacy & Biosciences, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cao J, Chow L, Dow S. Strategies to overcome myeloid cell induced immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1116016. [PMID: 37114134 PMCID: PMC10126309 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1116016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression and metastasis due to tumor immune evasion and drug resistance is strongly associated with immune suppressive cellular responses, particularly in the case of metastatic tumors. The myeloid cell component plays a key role within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and disrupts both adaptive and innate immune cell responses leading to loss of tumor control. Therefore, strategies to eliminate or modulate the myeloid cell compartment of the TME are increasingly attractive to non-specifically increase anti-tumoral immunity and enhance existing immunotherapies. This review covers current strategies targeting myeloid suppressor cells in the TME to enhance anti-tumoral immunity, including strategies that target chemokine receptors to deplete selected immune suppressive myeloid cells and relieve the inhibition imposed on the effector arms of adaptive immunity. Remodeling the TME can in turn improve the activity of other immunotherapies such as checkpoint blockade and adoptive T cell therapies in immunologically "cold" tumors. When possible, in this review, we have provided evidence and outcomes from recent or current clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of the specific strategies used to target myeloid cells in the TME. The review seeks to provide a broad overview of how myeloid cell targeting can become a key foundational approach to an overall strategy for improving tumor responses to immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Cao
- Flint Animal Cancer Center, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Lyndah Chow
- Flint Animal Cancer Center, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Steven Dow
- Flint Animal Cancer Center, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- *Correspondence: Steven Dow,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abdulkareem NM, Bhat R, Powell RT, Chikermane S, Yande S, Trinh L, Abdelnasser HY, Tabassum M, Ruiz A, Sobieski M, Nguyen ND, Park JH, Johnson CA, Kaipparettu BA, Bond RA, Johnson M, Stephan C, Trivedi MV. Screening of GPCR drugs for repurposing in breast cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1049640. [PMID: 36561339 PMCID: PMC9763283 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1049640] [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: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing can overcome both substantial costs and the lengthy process of new drug discovery and development in cancer treatment. Some Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs have been found to have the potential to be repurposed as anti-cancer drugs. However, the progress is slow due to only a handful of strategies employed to identify drugs with repurposing potential. In this study, we evaluated GPCR-targeting drugs by high throughput screening (HTS) for their repurposing potential in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and drug-resistant human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer (BC), due to the dire need to discover novel targets and drugs in these subtypes. We assessed the efficacy and potency of drugs/compounds targeting different GPCRs for the growth rate inhibition in the following models: two TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) and two HER2+ BC cell lines (BT474 and SKBR3), sensitive or resistant to lapatinib + trastuzumab, an effective combination of HER2-targeting therapies. We identified six drugs/compounds as potential hits, of which 4 were FDA-approved drugs. We focused on β-adrenergic receptor-targeting nebivolol as a candidate, primarily because of the potential role of these receptors in BC and its excellent long-term safety profile. The effects of nebivolol were validated in an independent assay in all the cell line models. The effects of nebivolol were independent of its activation of β3 receptors and nitric oxide production. Nebivolol reduced invasion and migration potentials which also suggests its inhibitory role in metastasis. Analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare dataset found numerically but not statistically significant reduced risk of all-cause mortality in the nebivolol group. In-depth future analyses, including detailed in vivo studies and real-world data analysis with more patients, are needed to further investigate the potential of nebivolol as a repurposed therapy for BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noor Mazin Abdulkareem
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Raksha Bhat
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Reid T. Powell
- Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Soumya Chikermane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Soham Yande
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Lisa Trinh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Hala Y. Abdelnasser
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Mantasha Tabassum
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Alexis Ruiz
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Mary Sobieski
- Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Nghi D. Nguyen
- Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Jun Hyoung Park
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Camille A. Johnson
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Benny A. Kaipparettu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Richard A. Bond
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Michael Johnson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Clifford Stephan
- Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, United states
| | - Meghana V. Trivedi
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, United states,Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, United states,*Correspondence: Meghana V. Trivedi,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ammons DT, Guth A, Rozental AJ, Kurihara J, Marolf AJ, Chow L, Griffin JF, Makii R, MacQuiddy B, Boss MK, Regan DP, Frank C, McGrath S, Packer RA, Dow S. Reprogramming the Canine Glioma Microenvironment with Tumor Vaccination plus Oral Losartan and Propranolol Induces Objective Responses. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:1657-1667. [PMID: 36644324 PMCID: PMC9835010 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Malignant gliomas have a highly immune suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) which renders them largely unresponsive to conventional therapeutics. Therefore, the present study evaluated a therapeutic protocol designed overcome the immune barrier by combining myeloid cell targeted immunotherapy with tumor vaccination. Experimental Design We utilized a spontaneously occurring canine glioma model to investigate an oral TME modifying immunotherapy in conjunction with cancer stem cell (CSC) vaccination. Dogs were treated daily with losartan (monocyte migration inhibitor) and propranolol (myeloid-derived suppressor cell depleting agent) plus anti-CSC vaccination on a bi-weekly then monthly schedule. Tumor volume was monitored by MRI and correlated with patient immune responses. Results Ten dogs with histologically confirmed gliomas were enrolled into a prospective, open-label clinical trial to evaluate the immunotherapy protocol. Partial tumor regression was observed in 2 dogs, while 6 dogs experienced stable disease, for an overall clinical benefit rate of 80%. Overall survival times (median = 351 days) and progression-free intervals (median = 163 days) were comparable to prior studies evaluating surgical debulking followed by immunotherapy. Dogs with detectable anti-CSC antibody responses had an increased overall survival time relative to dogs that did not generate antibody responses (vaccine responder MST = 500 days; vaccine non-responder MST = 218 days; p = 0.02). Conclusions These findings suggest that combining myeloid cell targeted oral immunotherapy with tumor vaccination can generate objective tumor responses, even in the absence of conventional therapy. Overall, this approach has promise as a readily implemented therapeutic strategy for use in brain cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan T. Ammons
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Amanda Guth
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Aaron J. Rozental
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Jade Kurihara
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Angela J. Marolf
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Lyndah Chow
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - John F. Griffin
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Rebecca Makii
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Brittany MacQuiddy
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Mary-Keara Boss
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Daniel P. Regan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Chad Frank
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Stephanie McGrath
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Rebecca A. Packer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Steven Dow
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zheng X, Xu S, Wu J. Cervical Cancer Imaging Features Associated With ADRB1 as a Risk Factor for Cerebral Neurovascular Metastases. Front Neurol 2022; 13:905761. [PMID: 35903112 PMCID: PMC9315067 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.905761] [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: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioinformatics tools are used to create a clinical prediction model for cervical cancer metastasis and to investigate the neurovascular-related genes that are involved in brain metastasis of cervical cancer. One hundred eighteen patients with cervical cancer were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of metastases, and the clinical data and imaging findings of the two groups were compared retrospectively. The nomogram-based model was successfully constructed by taking into account four clinical characteristics (age, stage, N, and T) as well as one imaging characteristic (original_glszm_GrayLevelVariance Rad-score). In patients with cervical cancer, headaches and vomiting were more often reported in the brain metastasis group than in the other metastasis groups. According to the TCGA data, mRNA differential gene expression analysis of patients with cervical cancer revealed an increase in the expression of neurovascular-related gene Adrenoceptor Beta 1 (ADRB1) in the brain metastasis group. An analysis of the correlation between imaging features and ADRB1 expression revealed that ADRB1 expression was significantly higher in the low Rad-score group compared with the high Rad-score group (P = 0.025). Therefore, ADRB1 expression in cervical cancer was correlated with imaging features and was associated as a risk factor for cerebral neurovascular metastases. This study developed a nomogram prediction model for cervical cancer metastasis using age, stage, N, T and original_glszm_GrayLevelVariance. As a risk factor associated with the development of cerebral neurovascular metastases of cervical cancer, ADRB1 expression was significantly higher in brain metastases from cervical cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingju Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Shilin Xu
- Department of Oncology, Xichang People's Hospital, Liangshan High-Tech Tumor Hospital, Xichang, China
| | - JiaYing Wu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhejiang Xinda Hospital, Huzhou, China
- *Correspondence: JiaYing Wu
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
The Adrenergic Nerve Network in Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1329:271-294. [PMID: 34664245 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73119-9_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The central and autonomic nervous systems interact and converge to build up an adrenergic nerve network capable of promoting cancer. While a local adrenergic sympathetic innervation in peripheral solid tumors influences cancer and stromal cell behavior, the brain can participate to the development of cancer through an intermixed dysregulation of the sympathoadrenal system, adrenergic neurons, and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. A deeper understanding of the adrenergic nerve circuitry within the brain and tumors and its interactions with the microenvironment should enable elucidation of original mechanisms of cancer and novel therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
21
|
Koh M, Takahashi T, Kurokawa Y, Kobayashi T, Saito T, Ishida T, Serada S, Fujimoto M, Naka T, Wada N, Yamashita K, Tanaka K, Miyazaki Y, Makino T, Nakajima K, Yamasaki M, Eguchi H, Doki Y. Propranolol suppresses gastric cancer cell growth by regulating proliferation and apoptosis. Gastric Cancer 2021; 24:1037-1049. [PMID: 33782804 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-021-01184-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite improvements in gastric cancer treatment, the mortality associated with advanced gastric cancer is still high. The activation of β-adrenergic receptors by stress has been shown to accelerate the progression of several cancers. Accordingly, increasing evidence suggests that the blockade of β-adrenergic signaling can inhibit tumor growth. However, the effect of β-blockers, which target several signaling pathways, on gastric cancer remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor effects of propranolol, a non-selective β-blocker, on gastric cancer. METHODS We explored the effect of propranolol on the MKN45 and NUGC3 gastric cancer cell lines. Its efficacy and the mechanism by which it exerts anti-tumor effects were examined using several assays (e.g., cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and wound healing) and a xenograft mouse model. RESULTS We found that propranolol inhibited tumor growth and induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in both cell lines. Propranolol also decreased the expression of phosphorylated CREB-ATF and MEK-ERK pathways; suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2, 9 and vascular endothelial growth factor; and inhibited gastric cancer cell migration. In the xenograft mouse model, propranolol treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth, and immunohistochemistry revealed that propranolol led to the suppression of proliferation and induction of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Propranolol inhibits the proliferation of gastric cancer cells by inducing G1-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. These findings indicate that propranolol might have an opportunity as a new drug for gastric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Koh
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Yukinori Kurokawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Teruyuki Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takuro Saito
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tomo Ishida
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Satoshi Serada
- Center for Intractable Disease, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Minoru Fujimoto
- Center for Intractable Disease, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Naka
- Center for Intractable Disease, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Noriko Wada
- Department of Surgery, Ikeda City Hospital, Ikeda, Japan
| | - Kotaro Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Koji Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Miyazaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tomoki Makino
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kiyokazu Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Makoto Yamasaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Scheff NN, Saloman JL. Neuroimmunology of cancer and associated symptomology. Immunol Cell Biol 2021; 99:949-961. [PMID: 34355434 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionarily the nervous system and immune cells have evolved to communicate with each other to control inflammation and host responses against injury. Recent findings in neuroimmune communication demonstrate that these mechanisms extend to cancer initiation and progression. Lymphoid structures and tumors, which are often associated with inflammatory infiltrate, are highly innervated by multiple nerve types (e.g. sympathetic, parasympathetic, sensory). Recent preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate that targeting the nervous system could be a therapeutic strategy to promote anti-tumor immunity while simultaneously reducing cancer-associated neurological symptoms, such as chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Sympathetic nerve activity is associated with physiological or psychological stress, which can be induced by tumor development and cancer diagnosis. Targeting the stress response through suppression of sympathetic activity or activation of parasympathetic activity has been shown to drive activation of effector T cells and inhibition of myeloid derived suppressor cells within the tumor. Additionally, there is emerging evidence that sensory nerves may regulate tumor growth and metastasis by promoting or inhibiting immunosuppression in a tumor-type specific manner. Since neural effects are often tumor-type specific, further study is required to optimize clinical therapeutic strategies. This review examines the emerging evidence that neuroimmune communication can regulate anti-tumor immunity as well as contribute to development of cancer-related neurological symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole N Scheff
- Biobehavioral Cancer Control Program UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Center for Neuroscience, and Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jami L Saloman
- Biobehavioral Cancer Control Program UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Center for Neuroscience, and Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
De Lellis L, Veschi S, Tinari N, Mokini Z, Carradori S, Brocco D, Florio R, Grassadonia A, Cama A. Drug Repurposing, an Attractive Strategy in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: Preclinical and Clinical Updates. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3946. [PMID: 34439102 PMCID: PMC8394389 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13163946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide, since patients rarely display symptoms until an advanced and unresectable stage of the disease. Current chemotherapy options are unsatisfactory and there is an urgent need for more effective and less toxic drugs to improve the dismal PC therapy. Repurposing of non-oncology drugs in PC treatment represents a very promising therapeutic option and different compounds are currently being considered as candidates for repurposing in the treatment of this tumor. In this review, we provide an update on some of the most promising FDA-approved, non-oncology, repurposed drug candidates that show prominent clinical and preclinical data in pancreatic cancer. We also focus on proposed mechanisms of action and known molecular targets that they modulate in PC. Furthermore, we provide an explorative bioinformatic analysis, which suggests that some of the PC repurposed drug candidates have additional, unexplored, oncology-relevant targets. Finally, we discuss recent developments regarding the immunomodulatory role displayed by some of these drugs, which may expand their potential application in synergy with approved anticancer immunomodulatory agents that are mostly ineffective as single agents in PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura De Lellis
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
| | - Serena Veschi
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
| | - Nicola Tinari
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (N.T.); (A.G.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology—CAST, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Zhirajr Mokini
- European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) Mentorship Programme, ESAIC, 24 Rue des Comédiens, BE-1000 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
| | - Davide Brocco
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
| | - Rosalba Florio
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
| | - Antonino Grassadonia
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (N.T.); (A.G.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology—CAST, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cama
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology—CAST, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Varayathu H, Sarathy V, Thomas BE, Mufti SS, Naik R. Combination Strategies to Augment Immune Check Point Inhibitors Efficacy - Implications for Translational Research. Front Oncol 2021; 11:559161. [PMID: 34123767 PMCID: PMC8193928 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.559161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has revolutionized the field of cancer immunotherapy. Even though it has shown a durable response in some solid tumors, several patients do not respond to these agents, irrespective of predictive biomarker (PD-L1, MSI, TMB) status. Multiple preclinical, as well as early-phase clinical studies are ongoing for combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with anti-cancer and/or non-anti-cancer drugs for beneficial therapeutic interactions. In this review, we discuss the mechanistic basis behind the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors with other drugs currently being studied in early phase clinical studies including conventional chemotherapy drugs, metronomic chemotherapy, thalidomide and its derivatives, epigenetic therapy, targeted therapy, inhibitors of DNA damage repair, other small molecule inhibitors, anti-tumor antibodies hormonal therapy, multiple checkpoint Inhibitors, microbiome therapeutics, oncolytic viruses, radiotherapy, drugs targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells, drugs targeting Tregs, drugs targeting renin-angiotensin system, drugs targeting the autonomic nervous system, metformin, etc. We also highlight how translational research strategies can help better understand the true therapeutic potential of such combinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hrishi Varayathu
- Department of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, India
| | - Vinu Sarathy
- Department of Medical Oncology, HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, India
| | - Beulah Elsa Thomas
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, India
| | - Suhail Sayeed Mufti
- Department of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, India
| | - Radheshyam Naik
- Department of Medical Oncology, HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, India
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Scheau C, Draghici C, Ilie MA, Lupu M, Solomon I, Tampa M, Georgescu SR, Caruntu A, Constantin C, Neagu M, Caruntu C. Neuroendocrine Factors in Melanoma Pathogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092277. [PMID: 34068618 PMCID: PMC8126040 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Melanoma is a very aggressive and fatal malignant tumor. While curable if diagnosed in its early stages, advanced melanoma, despite the complex therapeutic approaches, is associated with one of the highest mortality rates. Hence, more and more studies have focused on mechanisms that may contribute to melanoma development and progression. Various studies suggest a role played by neuroendocrine factors which can act directly on tumor cells, modulating their proliferation and metastasis capability, or indirectly through immune or inflammatory processes that impact disease progression. However, there are still multiple areas to explore and numerous unknown features to uncover. A detailed exploration of the mechanisms by which neuroendocrine factors can influence the clinical course of the disease could open up new areas of biomedical research and may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches in melanoma. Abstract Melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin cancers with a sharp rise in incidence in the last decades, especially in young people. Recognized as a significant public health issue, melanoma is studied with increasing interest as new discoveries in molecular signaling and receptor modulation unlock innovative treatment options. Stress exposure is recognized as an important component in the immune-inflammatory interplay that can alter the progression of melanoma by regulating the release of neuroendocrine factors. Various neurotransmitters, such as catecholamines, glutamate, serotonin, or cannabinoids have also been assessed in experimental studies for their involvement in the biology of melanoma. Alpha-MSH and other neurohormones, as well as neuropeptides including substance P, CGRP, enkephalin, beta-endorphin, and even cellular and molecular agents (mast cells and nitric oxide, respectively), have all been implicated as potential factors in the development, growth, invasion, and dissemination of melanoma in a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies. In this review, we provide an overview of current evidence regarding the intricate effects of neuroendocrine factors in melanoma, including data reported in recent clinical trials, exploring the mechanisms involved, signaling pathways, and the recorded range of effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Scheau
- Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Carmen Draghici
- Dermatology Research Laboratory, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.D.); (M.A.I.); (M.L.); (I.S.)
| | - Mihaela Adriana Ilie
- Dermatology Research Laboratory, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.D.); (M.A.I.); (M.L.); (I.S.)
| | - Mihai Lupu
- Dermatology Research Laboratory, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.D.); (M.A.I.); (M.L.); (I.S.)
| | - Iulia Solomon
- Dermatology Research Laboratory, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.D.); (M.A.I.); (M.L.); (I.S.)
| | - Mircea Tampa
- Department of Dermatology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (M.T.); (S.R.G.)
| | - Simona Roxana Georgescu
- Department of Dermatology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (M.T.); (S.R.G.)
| | - Ana Caruntu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Titu Maiorescu” University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Carolina Constantin
- Immunology Department, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (M.N.)
- Department of Pathology, Colentina University Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Neagu
- Immunology Department, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (M.N.)
- Department of Pathology, Colentina University Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 076201 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Constantin Caruntu
- Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.); (C.C.)
- Department of Dermatology, “Prof. N. Paulescu” National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 011233 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Phase II study of propranolol feasibility with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2021; 188:427-432. [PMID: 33837871 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06210-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Propranolol regulates angiogenesis in pre-clinical models and reduces distant breast cancer (BC) metastases in observational studies. We assessed the feasibility of combining propranolol with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with BC. METHODS Women with clinical stage II-III BC undergoing NAC [weekly paclitaxel × 12, followed by dose-dense adriamycin/cyclophosphamide (AC) × 4] started propranolol 20 mg PO BID with paclitaxel #1, and increased to 80 mg extended release (ER) PO daily, as tolerated. The primary endpoint was to assess feasibility, defined as at least 75% of patients having at least 80% adherence to propranolol as prescribed. Secondary endpoints included identifying safety, rate of dose holds and modification, and rate of reaching 80 mg ER daily. The proposed sample size was 20 patients. RESULTS From November 2012 to September 2015, ten patients were enrolled. Median age was 50.5 years (range, 44-67). All patients had hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer. Three women had grade I bradycardia that resulted in a 1-week delay in increasing the propranolol dose. Ninety percent of women reached the target propranolol dosing of 80 mg ER daily, and 70% took the target propranolol dose until the night before surgery. Of the 4 women who dose-reduced propranolol, 1 increased to the target propranolol dose. Mean adherence to propranolol dosing was 96% (range: 91-100%). All patients went to surgery. CONCLUSION Our results support the feasibility of combining propranolol (up to 80 mg ER) with neoadjuvant taxane/anthracycline-based chemotherapy.
Collapse
|
27
|
Caparica R, Bruzzone M, Agostinetto E, De Angelis C, Fêde Â, Ceppi M, de Azambuja E. Beta-blockers in early-stage breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ESMO Open 2021; 6:100066. [PMID: 33639601 PMCID: PMC7921512 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical and retrospective studies suggest that beta-blockers are active against breast cancer. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of beta-blockers on the outcomes of patients with early-stage breast cancer. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies comparing outcomes of patients with early-stage breast cancer according to beta-blocker use (yes versus no). The primary endpoint was recurrence-free survival (RFS), defined as the occurrence of breast cancer recurrence or death. Secondary objectives were pathologic complete response (pCR), breast cancer recurrence, breast cancer-specific mortality and overall survival (OS). Hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted from each study and a pooled analysis with the random-effect model was conducted. The Higgins' I-squared test was used to quantify heterogeneity. Egger's test was applied to assess publication bias. All P values were two-sided and considered significant if ≤0.05. RESULTS Overall, 13 studies were included as follows: RFS (6), pCR (2), breast cancer recurrence (6), breast cancer-specific mortality (7) and OS (5). The use of beta-blockers was associated with a significant RFS improvement in the overall population (N = 21 570; HR 0.73; 95% CI, 0.56-0.96; P = 0.025) and in patients with triple-negative disease (N = 1212; HR 0.53; 95% CI, 0.35-0.81; P = 0.003). No significant differences in terms of pCR (N = 1554; OR 0.77; 95% CI, 0.44-1.36; P = 0.371), breast cancer recurrence (N = 37 957; OR 0.66; 95% CI, 0.42-1.03; P = 0.065), breast cancer-specific mortality (N = 64 830; HR 0.77; 95% CI, 0.56-1.08; P = 0.130) or OS (N = 103 065; HR 1.03; 95% CI, 0.87-1.23; P = 0.692) were observed according to beta-blocker use. DISCUSSION In this meta-analysis, beta-blocker use was associated with a longer RFS in patients with early-stage breast cancer, with a more pronounced effect observed in those with triple-negative disease. Beta-blockers arise as an interesting option to be explored in prospective studies for patients with early-stage breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Caparica
- Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - M Bruzzone
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - E Agostinetto
- Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Brussels, Belgium; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Humanitas Cancer Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - C De Angelis
- Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Â Fêde
- AC Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M Ceppi
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - E de Azambuja
- Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Maglie R, Solimani F, Quintarelli L, Hertl M. Propranolol Off-Target: A New Therapeutic Option in Neutrophil-Dependent Dermatoses? J Invest Dermatol 2021; 140:2326-2329. [PMID: 33222759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a rare subepidermal blistering dermatosis characterized by autoantibodies targeting collagen VII (COL7), an essential component of the anchoring fibrils, located in the sublamina densa of the dermal‒epidermal junction. In EBA, tissue-bound autoantibodies cause the recruitment and subsequent activation of neutrophils, which eventually lead to subepidermal blistering through the release of proteases and ROS. Thus, targeting either pathogenic IgG autoantibodies or neutrophil recruitment or activation has shown efficacy in experimental murine EBA models and patients with EBA. In this issue, Stüssel et al. demonstrate that propranolol, a nonselective β-adrenoreceptor blocker, markedly inhibits the neutrophil release of ROS induced by complexes of COL7 and/or anti-COL7 IgG in vitro and ameliorates the formation of blisters and erosions in an antibody passive-transfer model of murine EBA. These findings warrant further investigations aimed at characterizing the therapeutic efficacy of propranolol in EBA and possibly beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Maglie
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Farzan Solimani
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lavinia Quintarelli
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Michael Hertl
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
A Drosophila platform identifies a novel, personalized therapy for a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma. iScience 2021; 24:102212. [PMID: 33733072 PMCID: PMC7940980 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare cancer type that originates in the salivary glands. Tumors commonly invade along nerve tracks in the head and neck, making surgery challenging. Follow-up treatments for recurrence or metastasis including chemotherapy and targeted therapies have shown limited efficacy, emphasizing the need for new therapies. Here, we report a Drosophila-based therapeutic approach for a patient with advanced ACC disease. A patient-specific Drosophila transgenic line was developed to model the five major variants associated with the patient's disease. Robotics-based screening identified a three-drug cocktail—vorinostat, pindolol, tofacitinib—that rescued transgene-mediated lethality in the Drosophila patient-specific line. Patient treatment led to a sustained stabilization and a partial metabolic response of 12 months. Subsequent resistance was associated with new genomic amplifications and deletions. Given the lack of options for patients with ACC, our data suggest that this approach may prove useful for identifying novel therapeutic candidates. Personalized therapy was developed for patient with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Genomics analysis was leveraged to establish a Drosophila ‘personalized patient avatar’ A robotics-based screen identified a novel three drug therapeutic cocktail 12 months response was followed by relapse and significant tumor genomic re-wiring
Collapse
|
30
|
Chhatar S, Lal G. Role of adrenergic receptor signalling in neuroimmune communication. CURRENT RESEARCH IN IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 2:202-217. [PMID: 35492402 PMCID: PMC9040148 DOI: 10.1016/j.crimmu.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroimmune communication plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and promptly responding to any foreign insults. Sympathetic nerve fibres are innervated into all the lymphoid organs (bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes) and provide a communication link between the central nervous system (CNS) and ongoing immune response in the tissue microenvironment. Neurotransmitters such as catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) bind to adrenergic receptors present on most immune and non-immune cells, establish a local neuroimmune-communication system, and help regulate the ongoing immune response. The activation of these receptors varies with the type of receptor-activated, target cell, the activation status of the cells, and timing of activation. Activating adrenergic receptors, specifically β-adrenergic signalling in immune cells leads to activation of the cAMP-PKA pathway or other non-canonical pathways. It predominantly leads to immune suppression such as inhibition of IL-2 secretion and a decrease in macrophages phagocytosis. This review discusses the expression of different adrenergic receptors in various immune cells, signalling, and how it modulates immune cell function and contributes to health and diseases. Understanding the neuroimmune communication through adrenergic receptor signalling in immune cells could help to design better strategies to control inflammation and autoimmunity. Primary and secondary lymphoid organs are innervated with sympathetic nerve fibres. Adrenergic receptor expression on immune and non-immune cells establishes a local neuroimmune communication system. Adrenergic receptor signalling in immune cells controls the differentiation and function of various immune cells. Modulating adrenergic receptor signalling with a specific agonist or antagonist also affect the immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Girdhari Lal
- Corresponding author. National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, Pune, MH-411007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chen M, Singh AK, Repasky EA. Highlighting the Potential for Chronic Stress to Minimize Therapeutic Responses to Radiotherapy through Increased Immunosuppression and Radiation Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3853. [PMID: 33419318 PMCID: PMC7767049 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ionizing radiation has been used in the treatment of cancer for more than 100 years. While often very effective, there is still a great effort in place to improve the efficacy of radiation therapy for controlling the progression and recurrence of tumors. Recent research has revealed the close interaction between nerves and tumor progression, especially nerves of the autonomic nervous system that are activated by a variety of stressful stimuli including anxiety, pain, sleep loss or depression, each of which is likely to be increased in cancer patients. A growing literature now points to a negative effect of chronic stressful stimuli in tumor progression. In this review article, we present data on the potential for adrenergic stress to influence the efficacy of radiation and in particular, its potential to influence the anti-tumor immune response, and the frequency of an "abscopal effect" or the shrinkage of tumors which are outside an irradiated field. We conclude that chronic stress can be a major impediment to more effective radiation therapy through mechanisms involving immunosuppression and increased resistance to radiation-induced tumor cell death. Overall, these data highlight the potential value of stress reduction strategies to improve the outcome of radiation therapy. At the same time, objective biomarkers that can accurately and objectively reflect the degree of stress in patients over prolonged periods of time, and whether it is influencing immunosuppression and radiation resistance, are also critically needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minhui Chen
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA;
| | - Anurag K. Singh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA;
| | - Elizabeth A. Repasky
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
The Effect of Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents in Cutaneous Melanoma-A Nation-Wide Swedish Population-Based Retrospective Register Study. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113228. [PMID: 33147744 PMCID: PMC7693684 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Previous smaller studies have showed that a common heart medication, beta-blockers, potentially could reduce the risk of recurrence in patients with malignant melanoma and thereby increase survival. By combining different Swedish population-based registries, a total of 12,738 patients with melanoma were identified. Out of these patients 3702 had been prescribed beta-blockers and the remaining 9036 patients served as the control group. In a statistical analysis adjusting for known risk factors there was no effect of beta-blockers in reducing the risk of dying from melanoma. In conclusion, this population-based registry study could not verify the hypothesis that the use of beta blockers would improve survival in patients with melanoma. Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated an anti-tumoral effect of beta-adrenergic blocking agents on cutaneous melanoma (CM). The aim of this study was to investigate if beta-adrenergic blocking agents have an impact on survival in Swedish patients with melanoma. A population-based retrospective registry study including all patients diagnosed with a primary invasive melanoma between 2009 and 2013 was performed. Data from the Swedish Melanoma Register were linked to the Swedish Prescribed Drug Registry and the Swedish Cause of Death Register. Cox regression analyses including competing risk assessments were performed. There were 12,738 patients included, out of which 3702 were exposed to beta-blockers vs. 9036 non-exposed patients. Age, male sex, Breslow thickness, ulceration, and nodal status were independent negative prognostic factors for melanoma-specific survival (MSS). Adding beta-blockers to the analysis did not add any prognostic value to the model (HR 1.00, p = 0.98), neither when adjusting for competing risks (HR 0.97, p = 0.61). When specifically analyzing the use of non-selective beta-blockers, the results were still without statistical significance (HR 0.76, p = 0.21). In conclusion, this population-based registry study could not verify that the use of beta-adrenergic blocking agents improve survival in patients with melanoma.
Collapse
|
33
|
Gandhi S, Pandey MR, Attwood K, Ji W, Witkiewicz AK, Knudsen ES, Allen C, Tario JD, Wallace PK, Cedeno CD, Levis M, Stack S, Funchain P, Drabick JJ, Bucsek MJ, Puzanov I, Mohammadpour H, Repasky EA, Ernstoff MS. Phase I Clinical Trial of Combination Propranolol and Pembrolizumab in Locally Advanced and Metastatic Melanoma: Safety, Tolerability, and Preliminary Evidence of Antitumor Activity. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 27:87-95. [PMID: 33127652 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-2381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Increased β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) signaling has been shown to promote the creation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Preclinical studies have shown that abrogation of this signaling pathway, particularly β2-AR, provides a more favorable TME that enhances the activity of anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors. We hypothesize that blocking stress-related immunosuppressive pathways would improve tumor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients. Here, we report the results of dose escalation of a nonselective β-blocker (propranolol) with pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS A 3 + 3 dose escalation study for propranolol twice a day with pembrolizumab (200 mg every 3 weeks) was completed. The primary objective was to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Additional objectives included safety, antitumor activity, and biomarker analyses. Responders were defined as patients with complete or partial response per immune-modified RECIST at 6 months. RESULTS Nine patients with metastatic melanoma received increasing doses of propranolol in cohorts of 10, 20, and 30 mg twice a day. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. Most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were rash, fatigue, and vitiligo, observed in 44% patients. One patient developed two grade ≥3 TRAEs. Objective response rate was 78%. While no significant changes in treatment-associated biomarkers were observed, an increase in IFNγ and a decrease in IL6 was noted in responders. CONCLUSIONS Combination of propranolol with pembrolizumab in treatment-naïve metastatic melanoma is safe and shows very promising activity. Propranolol 30 mg twice a day was selected as RP2D in addition to pembrolizumab based on safety, tolerability, and preliminary antitumor activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shipra Gandhi
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York.
| | - Manu R Pandey
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Kristopher Attwood
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Wenyan Ji
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Agnieszka K Witkiewicz
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Erik S Knudsen
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Cheryl Allen
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Joseph D Tario
- Department of Flow Cytometry, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Paul K Wallace
- Department of Flow Cytometry, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Carlos D Cedeno
- Department of Flow Cytometry, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Maria Levis
- Clinical Research Service, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Suzanne Stack
- Clinical Research Service, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Pauline Funchain
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Joseph J Drabick
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark J Bucsek
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Igor Puzanov
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Hemn Mohammadpour
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Elizabeth A Repasky
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Marc S Ernstoff
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York.,Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis/Developmental Therapy Program-ImmunoOncology Branch, NIH/NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Jin MZ, Jin WL. The updated landscape of tumor microenvironment and drug repurposing. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:166. [PMID: 32843638 PMCID: PMC7447642 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00280-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 531] [Impact Index Per Article: 132.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows that cellular and acellular components in tumor microenvironment (TME) can reprogram tumor initiation, growth, invasion, metastasis, and response to therapies. Cancer research and treatment have switched from a cancer-centric model to a TME-centric one, considering the increasing significance of TME in cancer biology. Nonetheless, the clinical efficacy of therapeutic strategies targeting TME, especially the specific cells or pathways of TME, remains unsatisfactory. Classifying the chemopathological characteristics of TME and crosstalk among one another can greatly benefit further studies exploring effective treating methods. Herein, we present an updated image of TME with emphasis on hypoxic niche, immune microenvironment, metabolism microenvironment, acidic niche, innervated niche, and mechanical microenvironment. We then summarize conventional drugs including aspirin, celecoxib, β-adrenergic antagonist, metformin, and statin in new antitumor application. These drugs are considered as viable candidates for combination therapy due to their antitumor activity and extensive use in clinical practice. We also provide our outlook on directions and potential applications of TME theory. This review depicts a comprehensive and vivid landscape of TME from biology to treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Zhu Jin
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Thin Film and Microfabrication Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Electronic Information and Electronic Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China.,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Thin Film and Microfabrication Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Electronic Information and Electronic Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
The Impact of Beta Blockers on Survival Outcomes in Patients With Non-small-cell Lung Cancer Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Clin Lung Cancer 2020; 22:e57-e62. [PMID: 32900613 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2020.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beta blockers have been associated with anti-tumorigenic effects, potentially by reducing adrenergic-mediated stress responses. Preclinical studies have additionally shown that beta blockade may enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. We investigated patients with lung cancer who concomitantly used beta blockers and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), with the hypothesis that beta blockade would positively impact clinical outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the health records of 109 patients who were treated at Northwestern University from January 2014 through August 2018 with ICIs for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Comparisons of overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) were performed using Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test, and a univariate regression analysis was performed with a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS Among 109 patients treated with ICIs for NSCLC, 28 of them were concomitantly prescribed beta blockers. Use of beta blockers was associated with increased PFS, with a hazard ratio of 0.58 and 95% confidence interval of 0.36 to 0.93. There was not a significant increase in overall survival among patients who took beta blockers (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-1.17). In a regression model, beta blockers were identified as predictive of PFS, as were non-squamous histology, tumor programmed death-ligand 1 positivity, and lower line of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggests beta blocker use may be associated with improved PFS among patients treated with ICIs for NSCLC. This was a small study, and these findings should be further validated in prospective clinical studies.
Collapse
|
36
|
Stavropoulos I, Sarantopoulos A, Liverezas A. Does sympathetic nervous system modulate tumor progression? A narrative review of the literature. J Drug Assess 2020; 9:106-116. [PMID: 32939316 PMCID: PMC7470065 DOI: 10.1080/21556660.2020.1782414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The role of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in tumor development, progression and metastasis is studied for more than half a century and is attracting more attention during the last years. In this narrative review, we aim to a chronological and methodological presentation of the most interesting and pioneering studies on the subject. Methods The complexity of the autonomic nervous system’s interaction with the immune system, its direct and indirect effects on tumors and their surrounding tissues, plus the diversity and heterogeneity in the design and methodology of the studies, provide hard-to-interpret data and, at times, controversial findings. Studies are categorized into four main groups regarding the distribution of sympathetic nerve fibers inside the tumor, the effect of sympathectomy on cancer progression, the role of neurotransmitters on tumor growth and the impact of sympathetic adrenergic signaling on the anti-tumor immune response. Results Studies from all four categories converge to a common point. There is strong evidence that SNS function plays a role in the development and progression of tumors and subsequently the modification of SNS function, locally or diffusely, can affect the course of tumor growth. Conclusion The impact of SNS function on cancer behavior may be exerted in two ways, directly via the sympathetic nerve fibers or through widely distributed neurotransmitters. Modification of them, combined or not with treatments altering the immune function, could be the target for future therapeutic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Stavropoulos
- Department of Neurophysiology, King's College Hospital, London, UK.,Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Angelos Sarantopoulos
- Hematology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patra, Patra, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Communication between the nervous and immune systems is required for the body to regulate physiological homeostasis. Beta-adrenergic receptors expressed on immune cells mediate the modulation of immune response by neural activity. Activation of beta-adrenergic signaling results in suppression of antitumor immune response and limits the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Beta-adrenergic signaling is also involved in regulation of hematopoietic reconstitution, which is critical to the graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect and to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). In this review, the function of beta-adrenergic signaling in mediating tumor immunosuppression will be highlighted. We will also discuss the implication of targeting beta-adrenergic signaling to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy including the GVT effect, and to diminish the adverse effects including GVHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Xuefang Cao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Filippi L, Bruno G, Domazetovic V, Favre C, Calvani M. Current Therapies and New Targets to Fight Melanoma: A Promising Role for the β3-Adrenoreceptor. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061415. [PMID: 32486190 PMCID: PMC7352170 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer and the most deadly skin cancer. According to World Health Organization, about 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year. Thanks to the efficacy of new therapies, life expectation has been improved over the last years. However, some malignant melanomas still remain unresponsive to these therapies. The β-adrenergic system, among its many physiological roles, has been recognized as the main mediator of stress-related tumorigenic events. In particular, catecholamine activation of β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) affects several processes that sustain cancer progression. Among the β-AR subtypes, the β3-AR is emerging as an important regulator of tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize data of different experimental studies focused on β3-AR involvement in tumor development in various types of cancer and, particularly, in melanoma. Taken together, the preclinical evidences reported in this review demonstrate the crucial role of β3-AR in regulating the complex signaling network driving melanoma progression. Therefore, a need exists to further disseminate this new concept and to investigate more deeply the role of β3-AR as a possible therapeutic target for counteracting melanoma progression at clinical level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Feto-Neonatal Department, A. Meyer University Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Gennaro Bruno
- Department of Health Science, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, A. Meyer University Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (C.F.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (L.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Vladana Domazetovic
- Department of Health Science, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, A. Meyer University Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (C.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Claudio Favre
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, A. Meyer University Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (C.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Maura Calvani
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, A. Meyer University Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (C.F.); (M.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Stüssel P, Schulze Dieckhoff K, Künzel S, Hartmann V, Gupta Y, Kaiser G, Veldkamp W, Vidarsson G, Visser R, Ghorbanalipoor S, Matsumoto K, Krause M, Petersen F, Kalies K, Ludwig RJ, Bieber K. Propranolol Is an Effective Topical and Systemic Treatment Option for Experimental Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 140:2408-2420. [PMID: 32450072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Propranolol is an ADRB2 blocker that regulates heart muscle contractions, smooth muscle relaxation, and glycogenolysis. In addition, an increasing number of applications in dermatology have been described, most prominently, the use as a first-line treatment for infantile hemangiomas. We here show that propranolol enhances IL-8-induced neutrophil chemotaxis and reduces the release of ROS after immune complex stimulation. To obtain further molecular insights into the modulatory effects of propranolol in activated neutrophils, we performed RNA sequencing of immune complex-stimulated neutrophils in the absence and presence of the drug. We identified the transcriptomic signature of propranolol and demonstrated an ADR2-independent immunomodulatory effect. To determine if the anti-inflammatory transcriptomic signature of propranolol also translates into clinical effects, we next evaluated the impact of propranolol in a prototypical neutrophil-dependent skin disease, specifically, antibody transfer-induced epidermolysis bullosa acquisita in mice. To validate the identified propranolol gene signature obtained in human neutrophils, we analyzed a selection of genes by RT-PCR in mouse epidermolysis bullosa acquisita skin and confirmed TNF, among others, to be differentially regulated by propranolol treatment. Our data clearly indicate that, based on its molecular impact on immune complex-activated neutrophils, propranolol is a potential treatment option for neutrophil-mediated inflammatory skin diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pia Stüssel
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Sven Künzel
- Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Veronika Hartmann
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - Yask Gupta
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - Georg Kaiser
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Gestur Vidarsson
- Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Remco Visser
- Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Kazuko Matsumoto
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - Malin Krause
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - Frank Petersen
- Priority Area Asthma and Allergy, Members of the German Center for Lung Research, Research Center Borstel, Borstel, Germany
| | | | - Ralf J Ludwig
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katja Bieber
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Effects of Beta-Blockers on Melanoma Microenvironment and Disease Survival in Human. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051094. [PMID: 32353988 PMCID: PMC7281512 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The regulation of melanoma by noradrenergic signaling has gain attention since pre-clinical and clinical studies suggested a benefit of using beta-blockers to control disease progression. We need to confirm that human melanoma recapitulates the mechanisms described from pre-clinical models. Methods: The sources and targets of norepinephrine in the microenvironment of 20 human melanoma samples was investigated using immunostaining. The effect of an exposure to beta-blockers on immune cell type distribution and expression of immune response markers was assessed with immunostaining on 212 human primary melanoma. A statistical analysis explored the effect of an exposure to beta-blockers on progression free survival, melanoma related survival, and overall survival on the 286 eligible patients. Results: Tumor cells and macrophages may be a source of norepinephrine in melanoma microenvironment. Tumors from patients exposed to wide spectrum beta-blockers recapitulate the increased infiltration of T-lymphocytes and the increased production of granzyme B observed in pre-clinical models. An exposure to beta-blockers is associated with a better outcome in our cohort of melanoma patients. Conclusion: This study shows the association between an exposure to wide spectrum beta-blockers and markers of an effective anti-tumor immune response as well as the protective effect of beta-blockers in human melanoma patients.
Collapse
|
41
|
Propranolol Is Associated with Lower Risk of Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Alcoholic Cirrhosis: A Tertiary-Center Study and Indirect Comparison with Meta-Analysis. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2020; 2020:1892584. [PMID: 32454812 PMCID: PMC7238337 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1892584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) leads to enormous disease burden and occupies a substantial proportion in the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but scarce attention has been paid to this topic. Besides, propranolol has been reported to decrease the rate of HCC in viral hepatitis. We conducted a retrospective tertiary-center cohort study to identify the HCC incidence in AC patients with or without propranolol. A total of 1,046 AC patients with hospitalization had been screened, and those with regular follow-up for three years or otherwise until the date of malignancy diagnosis without meeting exclusion criteria were enrolled; finally, 23 AC patients with propranolol and 46 AC patients without propranolol were analyzed after twofold propensity-score matching. The cumulative incidence of HCC was lower in the propranolol group (log-rank test, P = 0.046). Furthermore, we undertook the meta-analysis of annual incidence of HCC in AC patients, and 1,949 publications were screened, within which eight studies were analyzed; the pooled annual incidence was 2.41%, which was higher than the calculated annual incidence of HCC in our AC cohort with propranolol (1.45%). In conclusion, propranolol is associated with decreased risk of HCC incidence in patients with AC.
Collapse
|
42
|
Caparica R, Richard F, Brandão M, Awada A, Sotiriou C, de Azambuja E. Prognostic and Predictive Impact of Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor Expression in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Clin Breast Cancer 2020; 20:262-273.e7. [PMID: 32229175 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beta-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) mediates proliferation and treatment resistance in preclinical models of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+) breast cancer. We evaluated ADRB2 gene expression as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in patients with HER2+ early breast cancer. METHODS ADRB2 expression was retrieved from HER2+ patients enrolled in the FinHer study (N = 202), and 2 public datasets containing data from patients with HER2+ early breast cancer: one including patients who did not receive systemic treatment (disease-free survival [DFS] dataset; n = 175) and another including patients who received neoadjuvant treatment (pathologic complete response [pCR] dataset; n = 207). Survival was estimated with Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression was used for uni-multivariate analyses. ADRB2 expression was correlated with several gene signatures. RESULTS ADRB2 high expression was associated with improved DFS rates in HER2+ patients (hazard ratio [HR] 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-0.84; P = .0068). No association between ADRB2 expression and pCR was observed (odds ratio 1.14; 95% CI, 0.63-2.10; P = .67). No association between ADRB2 and relapse-free survival (RFS) was observed in HER2+ patients enrolled in the FinHer study (HR 0.93; 95% CI, 0.69-1.25; P = .61). ADRB2 was associated with a low expression of angiogenesis-related (vascular endothelial growth factor -0.38, P < .001) and proliferation-related (aurora kinase A -0.36, P < .001; genomic grade index -0.028, P < .001; signal transducers and activators of transcription -0.17, P < .001) genes; and a high expression of immune-related genes (Perez +0.45, P < .001; STAT1 +0.28, P < .001; immune response gene expression module +0.29, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Opposing our initial hypothesis, a high ADRB2 expression may be a favorable prognostic factor in patients with HER2+ early breast cancer. This association appears to be mediated by antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and immunogenic effects of ADRB2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Caparica
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - François Richard
- Laboratory for Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mariana Brandão
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ahmad Awada
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christos Sotiriou
- Breast Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Evandro de Azambuja
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
β-Adrenergic Signaling in Lung Cancer: A Potential Role for Beta-Blockers. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2019; 15:27-36. [PMID: 31828732 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-019-09891-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer results in more patient deaths each year than any other cancer type. Additional treatment strategies are needed to improve clinical responses to approved treatment modalities and prevent the emergence of resistant disease. Catecholamines including norepinephrine and epinephrine are elevated as a result of chronic stress and mediate their physiological effects through activation of adrenergic receptors on target tissues. Lung cancer cells express β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs), and numerous preclinical studies indicate that β2-AR signaling on lung cancer cells facilities cellular programs including proliferation, motility, apoptosis resistance, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and the acquisition of an angiogenic and immunosuppressive phenotype. Here, we review the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting a potential role for beta-blockers in improving the clinical outcome of lung cancer patients. Graphical Abstract Catecholamines including norepinephrine and epinephrine act of β-ARs expressed on NSCLC tumor cells and activate pathways regulating tumor progression.
Collapse
|
44
|
Triplett JD, Khor TS, Kermode AG. Recurrent upper limb neuropathies secondary to an epithelioid haemangioendothelioma - A rare mimic of nerve tumours. J Clin Neurosci 2019; 73:326-328. [PMID: 31708405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2019.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (EHE) is an uncommon type of vascular tumour with intermediate malignant potential, classified as a sarcoma which occasionally involves neurovascular structures and can mimic nerve sheath tumours. EHE is difficult to distinguish from other nerve sheath tumours based on imaging, including MRI, and biopsy is often required for diagnosis. Diagnosis of EHE from biopsy often requires the use of vascular immunohistochemical stains. We present a case of left upper limb neurovascular bundle EHE presenting with proximal ulnar nerve neuropathy and subsequent median nerve neuropathy and liver, lungs and bone metastases. The tumour had been identified 20 years prior with a similar presentation of upper limb weakness and sensory disturbance, yet following surgical excision it was misdiagnosed as inflammatory fibrous tissue. Treatment with propranolol has resulted in disease stability and surgical debulking resulted in improved upper limb function. The use of beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists in EHE and other sarcomas have been shown to increase T-cell infiltration and decrease immunosuppressive PD-1 expression in neoplastic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James D Triplett
- Department of Neurology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Tze S Khor
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Allan G Kermode
- Department of Neurology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Perron Research Institute, Perth, Australia; Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Daher C, Vimeux L, Stoeva R, Peranzoni E, Bismuth G, Wieduwild E, Lucas B, Donnadieu E, Bercovici N, Trautmann A, Feuillet V. Blockade of β-Adrenergic Receptors Improves CD8 + T-cell Priming and Cancer Vaccine Efficacy. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1849-1863. [PMID: 31527069 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
β-Adrenergic receptor (β-AR) signaling exerts protumoral effects by acting directly on tumor cells and angiogenesis. In addition, β-AR expression on immune cells affects their ability to mount antitumor immune responses. However, how β-AR signaling impinges antitumor immune responses is still unclear. Using a mouse model of vaccine-based immunotherapy, we showed that propranolol, a nonselective β-blocker, strongly improved the efficacy of an antitumor STxBE7 vaccine by enhancing the frequency of CD8+ T lymphocytes infiltrating the tumor (TIL). However, propranolol had no effect on the reactivity of CD8+ TILs, a result further strengthened by ex vivo experiments showing that these cells were insensitive to adrenaline- or noradrenaline-induced AR signaling. In contrast, naïve CD8+ T-cell activation was strongly inhibited by β-AR signaling, and the beneficial effect of propranolol mainly occurred during CD8+ T-cell priming in the tumor-draining lymph node. We also demonstrated that the differential sensitivity of naïve CD8+ T cells and CD8+ TILs to β-AR signaling was linked to a strong downregulation of β2-AR expression related to their activation status, since in vitro-activated CD8+ T cells behaved similarly to CD8+ TILs. These results revealed that β-AR signaling suppresses the initial priming phase of antitumor CD8+ T-cell responses, providing a rationale to use clinically available β-blockers in patients to improve cancer immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Daher
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Lene Vimeux
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Ralitsa Stoeva
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Elisa Peranzoni
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Georges Bismuth
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Elisabeth Wieduwild
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Lucas
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Donnadieu
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Nadège Bercovici
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Alain Trautmann
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Feuillet
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
De Giorgi V, Geppetti P, Lupi C, Benemei S. The Role of β-Blockers in Melanoma. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2019; 15:17-26. [PMID: 31482435 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-019-09876-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and less chemotherapy-responsive human cancers, representing a major public health issue worldwide. The early diagnosis still represents the best approach in order to reduce mortality, especially in advanced stages. Preclinical evidence, collected through several in vitro and in vivo models, has been accumulating about the pathophysiological involvement of β-adrenoceptors in melanoma progression. This involvement has been paralleled by the evidence that drugs blocking β-adrenoceptors (β-blockers) may have a relevant role in the treatment of melanoma and in the prevention of its progression. β-blockers are a class of drugs extensively used in clinical practice, not limited to cardiovascular therapeutics. Evidence collected through retrospective and prospective observational studies suggests that treatment with β-blockers, mainly propranolol, is able to delay melanoma progression. Although conclusive evidence is still lacking, current knowledge proposes β-blockers as an opportunity for antitumor treatment in melanoma. Clinical trials are needed in order to prove their claimed efficacy. Graphical Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo De Giorgi
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | - Pierangelo Geppetti
- Headache Centre, Careggi University Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Lupi
- Headache Centre, Careggi University Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Benemei
- Headache Centre, Careggi University Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Roth IM, Wickremesekera AC, Wickremesekera SK, Davis PF, Tan ST. Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells via Modulation of the Renin-Angiotensin System. Front Oncol 2019; 9:745. [PMID: 31440473 PMCID: PMC6694711 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are proposed to be the cells that initiate tumorigenesis and maintain tumor development due to their self-renewal and multipotency properties. CSCs have been identified in many cancer types and are thought to be responsible for treatment resistance, metastasis, and recurrence. As such, targeting CSCs specifically should result in durable cancer treatment. One potential option for targeting CSCs is by manipulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and pathways that converge on the RAS with numerous inexpensive medications currently in common clinical use. In addition to its crucial role in cardiovascular and body fluid homeostasis, the RAS is vital for stem cell maintenance and differentiation and plays a role in tumorigenesis and cancer prevention, suggesting that these roles may converge and result in modulation of CSC function by the RAS. In support of this, components of the RAS have been shown to be expressed in many cancer types and have been more recently localized to the CSCs in some tumors. Given these roles of the RAS in tumor development, clinical trials using RAS inhibitors either singly or in combination with other therapies are underway in different cancer types. This review outlines the roles of the RAS, with respect to CSCs, and suggests that the presence of components of the RAS in CSCs could offer an avenue for therapeutic targeting using RAS modulators. Due to the nature of the RAS and its crosstalk with numerous other signaling pathways, a systems approach using traditional RAS inhibitors in combination with inhibitors of bypass loops of the RAS and other signaling pathways that converge on the RAS may offer a novel therapeutic approach to cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imogen M Roth
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Agadha C Wickremesekera
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Neurosurgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Susrutha K Wickremesekera
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Upper Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Section, Department of General Surgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Paul F Davis
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Swee T Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Montoya A, Varela-Ramirez A, Dickerson E, Pasquier E, Torabi A, Aguilera R, Nahleh Z, Bryan B. The beta adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol alters mitogenic and apoptotic signaling in late stage breast cancer. Biomed J 2019; 42:155-165. [PMID: 31466709 PMCID: PMC6717753 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Substantial evidence supports the use of inexpensive β-AR antagonists (beta blockers) against a variety of cancers, and the β-AR antagonist propranolol was recently approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas. Prospective and retrospective data published by our group and others suggest that non-selective β-AR antagonists are effective at reducing proliferative rates in breast cancers, however the mechanism by which this occurs is largely unknown. Methods In this study, we measured changes in tumor proliferation and apoptosis in a late stage breast cancer patient treated with neoadjuvant propranolol. We expounded upon these clinical findings by employing an in vitro breast cancer model, where we used cell-based assays to evaluate propranolol-mediated molecular alterations related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. Results Neoadjuvant propranolol decreased expression of the pro-proliferative Ki-67 and pro-survival Bcl-2 markers, and increased pro-apoptotic p53 expression in a patient with stage III breast cancer. Molecular analysis revealed that β-AR antagonism disrupted cell cycle progression and steady state levels of cyclins. Furthermore, propranolol treatment of breast cancer cells increased p53 levels, enhanced caspase cleavage, and induced apoptosis. Conclusion Collectively, these data provide support for the incorporation of β-AR antagonists into the clinical management of breast cancer, and elucidate a partial molecular mechanism explaining the efficacy of β-AR antagonists against this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Montoya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA; Department of Biology, University of Texas, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Armando Varela-Ramirez
- Department of Biology, University of Texas, El Paso, TX, USA; Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Erin Dickerson
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Eddy Pasquier
- CNRS, INSERM, Aix-Marseille University, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Alireza Torabi
- Department of Pathology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Renato Aguilera
- Department of Biology, University of Texas, El Paso, TX, USA; Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Zeina Nahleh
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, FL, USA
| | - Brad Bryan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
MacDonald CR, Bucsek MJ, Qiao G, Chen M, Evans L, Greenberg DJ, Uccello TP, Battaglia NG, Hylander BL, Singh AK, Lord EM, Gerber SA, Repasky EA. Adrenergic Receptor Signaling Regulates the Response of Tumors to Ionizing Radiation. Radiat Res 2019; 191:585-589. [PMID: 31021732 PMCID: PMC6774253 DOI: 10.1667/rr15193.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
While ionizing radiation is a major form of cancer therapy, radioresistance remains a therapeutic obstacle. We have previously shown that the mandated housing temperature for laboratory mice (∼22°C) induces mild, but chronic, cold stress resulting in increased circulating norepinephrine, which binds to, and triggers activation of, beta-adrenergic receptors (β-AR) on tumor and immune cells. This adrenergic signaling increases tumor cell intrinsic resistance to chemotherapy and suppression of the anti-tumor immune response. These findings led us to hypothesize that adrenergic stress signaling increases radioresistance in tumor cells in addition to suppressing T-cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity, thus suppressing the overall sensitivity of tumors to radiation. We used three strategies to test the effect of adrenergic signaling on responsiveness to radiation. For one strategy, mice implanted with CT26 murine colon adenocarcinoma were housed at either 22°C or at thermoneutrality (30°C), which reduces physiological adrenergic stress. For a second strategy, we used a β-AR antagonist ("beta blocker") to block adrenergic signaling in mice housed at 22°C. In either case, tumors were then irradiated with a single 6 Gy dose and the response was compared to mice whose adrenergic stress signaling was not reduced. For the third strategy, we used an in vitro approach in which several different tumor cell lines were treated with a β-AR agonist and irradiated, and cell survival was then assessed by clonogenic assay. Overall, we found that adrenergic stress significantly impaired the anti-tumor efficacy of radiation by inducing tumor cell resistance to radiation-induced cell killing and by suppression of anti-tumor immunity. Treatment using beta blockers is a promising strategy for increasing the anti-tumor efficacy of radiotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron R. MacDonald
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14263
| | - Mark J. Bucsek
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14263
| | - Guanxi Qiao
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14263
| | - Minhui Chen
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14263
| | - Lauren Evans
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14263
| | - Daniel J. Greenberg
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14263
| | - Taylor P. Uccello
- Department of Microbiology/Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
14642
| | - Nicholas G. Battaglia
- Department of Microbiology/Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
14642
| | - Bonnie L. Hylander
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14263
| | - Anurag K. Singh
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14263
| | - Edith M. Lord
- Department of Microbiology/Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
14642
| | - Scott A. Gerber
- Department of Microbiology/Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
14642
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Elizabeth A. Repasky
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14263
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Rapoport BL, Anderson R. Realizing the Clinical Potential of Immunogenic Cell Death in Cancer Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040959. [PMID: 30813267 PMCID: PMC6412296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD), which is triggered by exposure of tumor cells to a limited range of anticancer drugs, radiotherapy, and photodynamic therapy, represents a recent innovation in the revitalized and burgeoning field of oncoimmunnotherapy. ICD results in the cellular redistribution and extracellular release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which have the potential to activate and restore tumor-targeted immune responses. Although a convincing body of evidence exists with respect to the antitumor efficacy of ICD in various experimental systems, especially murine models of experimental anticancer immunotherapy, evidence for the existence of ICD in the clinical setting is less compelling. Following overviews of hallmark developments, which have sparked the revival of interest in the field of oncoimmunotherapy, types of tumor cell death and the various DAMPs most prominently involved in the activation of antitumor immune responses, the remainder of this review is focused on strategies which may potentiate ICD in the clinical setting. These include identification of tumor- and host-related factors predictive of the efficacy of ICD, the clinical utility of combinatorial immunotherapeutic strategies, novel small molecule inducers of ICD, novel and repurposed small molecule immunostimulants, as well as the critical requirement for validated biomarkers in predicting the efficacy of ICD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo L Rapoport
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
- The Medical Oncology Centre of Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa.
| | - Ronald Anderson
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|