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Kono M, Wakisaka R, Komatsuda H, Hayashi R, Kumai T, Yamaki H, Sato R, Nagato T, Ohkuri T, Kosaka A, Ohara K, Kishibe K, Kobayashi H, Hayashi T, Takahara M. Immunotherapy targeting tumor-associated antigen in a mouse model of head and neck cancer. Head Neck 2024; 46:2056-2067. [PMID: 38390628 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27703] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of epitope peptides from tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) is informative for developing tumor-specific immunotherapy. However, only a few epitopes have been detected in mouse TAAs of head and neck cancer (HNSCC). METHODS Novel mouse c-Met-derived T-cell epitopes were predicted by computer-based algorithms. Mouse HNSCC cell line-bearing mice were treated with a c-Met peptide vaccine. The effects of CD8 and/or CD4 T-cell depletion, and vaccine combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) were evaluated. Tumor re-inoculation was performed to assess T-cell memory. RESULTS We identified c-Met-derived short and long epitopes that elicited c-Met-reactive antitumor CD8 and/or CD4 T-cell responses. Vaccination using these peptides showed remarkable antitumor responses via T cells in which ICIs were not required. The c-Met peptide-vaccinated mice rejected the re-inoculated tumors. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that novel c-Met peptide vaccines can induce antitumor T-cell response, and could be a potent immunotherapy in a syngeneic mouse HNSCC model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihisa Kono
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Risa Wakisaka
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Hiroki Komatsuda
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Hayashi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Takumi Kumai
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
- Department of Innovative Head & Neck Cancer Research and Treatment, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Hidekiyo Yamaki
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Sato
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Nagato
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Takayuki Ohkuri
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Akemi Kosaka
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Kenzo Ohara
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Kan Kishibe
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Hiroya Kobayashi
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Hayashi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Miki Takahara
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
- Department of Innovative Head & Neck Cancer Research and Treatment, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
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Boschert V, Boenke J, Böhm AK, Teusch J, Steinacker V, Straub A, Hartmann S. Differential Immune Checkpoint Protein Expression in HNSCC: The Role of HGF/MET Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7334. [PMID: 39000441 PMCID: PMC11242282 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Although inhibitors targeting the PD1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint are showing comparably good outcomes, a significant percentage of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients do not respond to treatment. Apart from using different treatment strategies, another possibility would be to target other immune checkpoints operating in these non-responding tumors. To obtain an overview of which checkpoint ligands are expressed on HNSCC tumor cells and if these ligands are affected by HGF/MET signaling, we used mRNA sequencing and antibody-based techniques for identifying checkpoint ligands in six HNSCC tumor cell lines. Furthermore, we compared our results to mRNA sequencing data. From the checkpoint ligands we investigated, VISTA was expressed the highest at the RNA level and was also the most ubiquitously expressed. PD-L2 and B7-H3 were expressed comparably lower and were not present in all cell lines to the same extent. B7-H4, however, was only detectable in the Detroit 562 cell line. Concerning the effect of HGF on the ligand levels, PD-L2 expression was enhanced with HGF stimulation, whereas other checkpoint ligand levels decreased with stimulation. B7-H4 levels in the Detroit 562 cell line drastically decreased with HGF stimulation. This is of interest because both the checkpoint ligand and the growth factor are reported to be connected to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Boschert
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, D-97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Hartmann
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, D-97070 Würzburg, Germany
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Mohan CD, Shanmugam MK, Gowda SGS, Chinnathambi A, Rangappa KS, Sethi G. c-MET pathway in human malignancies and its targeting by natural compounds for cancer therapy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155379. [PMID: 38503157 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND c-MET is a receptor tyrosine kinase which is classically activated by HGF to activate its downstream signaling cascades such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and STAT3. The c-MET modulates cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune response, morphogenesis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. The c-MET has been shown to serve a prominent role in embryogenesis and early development. The c-MET pathway is deregulated in a broad range of malignancies, due to overexpression of ligands or receptors, genomic amplification, and MET mutations. The link between the deregulation of c-MET signaling and tumor progression has been well-documented. Overexpression or overactivation of c-MET is associated with dismal clinical outcomes and acquired resistance to targeted therapies. Since c-MET activation results in the triggering of oncogenic pathways, abrogating the c-MET pathway is considered to be a pivotal strategy in cancer therapeutics. Herein, an analysis of role of the c-MET pathway in human cancers and its relevance in bone metastasis and therapeutic resistance has been undertaken. Also, an attempt has been made to summarize the inhibitory activity of selected natural compounds towards c-MET signaling in cancers. METHODS The publications related to c-MET pathway in malignancies and its natural compound modulators were obtained from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar and summarized based on PRISMA guidelines. Some of the keywords used for extracting relevant literature are c-MET, natural compound inhibitors of c-MET, c-MET in liver cancer, c-MET in breast cancer, c-MET in lung cancer, c-MET in pancreatic cancer, c-MET in head and neck cancer, c-MET in bone metastasis, c-MET in therapeutic resistance, and combination of c-MET inhibitors and chemotherapeutic agents. The chemical structure of natural compounds was verified in PubChem database. RESULTS The search yielded 3935 publications, of which 195 reference publications were used for our analysis. Clinical trials were referenced using ClinicalTrials.gov identifier. The c-MET pathway has been recognized as a prominent target to combat the growth, metastasis, and chemotherapeutic resistance in cancers. The key role of the c-MET in bone metastasis as well as therapeutic resistance has been elaborated. Also, suppressive effect of selected natural compounds on the c-MET pathway in clinical/preclinical studies has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chakrabhavi Dhananjaya Mohan
- FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226 001, India
| | - Muthu K Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | | | - Arunachalam Chinnathambi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kanchugarakoppal S Rangappa
- Institution of Excellence, Vijnana Bhavan, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore, Karnataka 570006, India.
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore.
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Alamshany ZM, Algamdi EM, Othman IMM, Anwar MM, Nossier ES. New pyrazolopyridine and pyrazolothiazole-based compounds as anti-proliferative agents targeting c-Met kinase inhibition: design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and computational studies. RSC Adv 2023; 13:12889-12905. [PMID: 37114032 PMCID: PMC10128108 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra01931d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Met tyrosine kinase plays a key role in the oncogenic process. Inhibition of the c-Met has emerged as an attractive target for human cancer treatment. This work deals with the design and synthesis of a new set of derivatives bearing pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, pyrazolo[3,4-b]thieno[3,2-e]pyridine, and pyrazolo[3,4-d]thiazole-5-thione scaffolds, 5a,b, 8a-f, and 10a,b, respectively, utilizing 3-methyl-1-tosyl-1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-one (1) as a key starting material. All the new compounds were evaluated as antiproliferative agents against HepG-2, MCF-7, and HCT-116 human cancer cell lines utilizing 5-fluorouracil and erlotinib as two standard drugs. Compounds 5a,b and 10a,b represented the most promising cytotoxic activity of IC50 values ranging from 3.42 ± 1.31 to 17.16 ± 0.37 μM. Both 5a and 5b showed the most cytotoxicity and selectivity toward HepG-2, with IC50 values of 3.42 ± 1.31 μM and 3.56 ± 1.5 μM, respectively. The enzyme assay demonstrated that 5a and 5b had inhibition potency on c-Met with IC50 values in nanomolar range of 4.27 ± 0.31 and 7.95 ± 0.17 nM, respectively in comparison with the reference drug cabozantinib (IC50; 5.38 ± 0.35 nM). The impact of 5a on the cell cycle and apoptosis induction potential in HepG-2 and on the apoptotic parameters; Bax, Bcl-2, p53, and caspase-3 was also investigated. Finally, the molecular docking simulation of the most promising derivatives 5a and 5b was screened against c-Met to investigate the binding patterns of both compounds in the active site of the c-Met enzyme. In silico ADME studies were also performed for 5a and 5b to predict their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra M Alamshany
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University P.O. Box 42805 Jeddah 21551 Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman M Algamdi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University P.O. Box 42805 Jeddah 21551 Saudi Arabia
| | - Ismail M M Othman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University Assiut 71524 Egypt
| | - Manal M Anwar
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, National Research Centre Dokki Cairo 12622 Egypt
| | - Eman S Nossier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11754 Egypt
- The National Committee of Drugs, Academy of Scientific Research and Technology Cairo 11516 Egypt
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Radiation modulates expression and related activities of c-Met protein in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04307-4. [PMID: 36053327 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04307-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES c-Met, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is involved in the growth, invasion and metastasis of a variety of cancers. In a set of cell lines from several solid tumors, a five-fold increase in c-Met expression after irradiation has been reported. This study aimed to assess if c-Met is likewise abundantly expressed in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) upon exposure to irradiation, followed by a Met-induced biological response. MATERIALS AND METHODS Six OTSCC cell lines were exposed to gamma radiation doses of 2, 4, and 6 Gray. The changes in c-Met protein levels were assessed by western blot and flow cytometry. c-Met gene expression, cell migration, proliferation and cell cycle assays were performed as phenotypic readouts. RESULTS Irradiation resulted in upregulation of c.Met in all cell lines with different time kinetics. On average the cells displayed minimal c-Met expression on their surface ranging from 5 to 30% of total protein. Abrupt downregulation of c-Met surface expression occurred one hour after radiation but recovered 48 h post-radiation. Intracellularly, the highest level of expression was found on day 5 after radiation exposure. Irradiation induced aggressive invasive potential of the cells as determined in cell migration assays, particularly in cell lines with the highest c-Met expression. CONCLUSIONS These results provide novel insights into both intracellular and extracellular dynamics of c-Met expression profiles upon irradiation of OTSCC cells in vitro. It might also suggest that radiation enhances cell migration, indicative of invasiveness, through c-Met up-regulation, at least for certain types of OTSCC cells.
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Despite a dearth of activating driver mutations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), aberrant activation of the oncogenes, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and c-Met is near-universal in human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative disease. Although EGFR activation drove the successful development of the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody cetuximab in HNSCC, no c-Met-targeting therapy has gained regulatory approval. Inhibition of the c-Met pathway may subvert oncogenesis within the tumor-intrinsic compartment, blocking tumoral proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis, or the tumor-extrinsic compartment, modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This review discusses the rationale and current drug development strategies for targeting c-Met or its exclusive ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in HNSCC.
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7
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Hagege A, Saada-Bouzid E, Ambrosetti D, Rastoin O, Boyer J, He X, Rousset J, Montemagno C, Doyen J, Pedeutour F, Parola J, Bourget I, Luciano F, Bozec A, Cao Y, Pagès G, Dufies M. Targeting of c-MET and AXL by cabozantinib is a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with head and neck cell carcinoma. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100659. [PMID: 36130479 PMCID: PMC9512663 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Local or metastatic relapse following surgery, radiotherapy, and cisplatin is the leading cause of death in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Our study shows overexpression of c-MET and AXL in HNSCC cells and patients resistant to radiotherapy and cisplatin. We demonstrate that cabozantinib, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), c-MET, and AXL, decreases migration, invasion, and proliferation and induces mitotic catastrophe and apoptotic cell death of naive and radiotherapy- and cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cells. Cabozantinib inhibits the growth and metastatic spread of experimental HNSCC in zebrafish and the growth of experimental HNSCC in mice by blocking tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. The efficacy of cabozantinib is also confirmed on viable sections of surgically removed specimens of human HNSCC and on a patient who relapses after five lines of treatment. These results suggest that cabozantinib is relevant for the treatment of patients with HNSCC after relapse under radiotherapy and cisplatin. AXL and c-MET are overexpressed in radiotherapy- and cisplatin-resistant HNSCC Overexpression of AXL and c-MET contributes to tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis Cabozantinib has anti-tumor and anti-metastatic efficacy in mice and zebrafish models Cabozantinib efficacy is shown on HNSCC biopsies and in one patient after several relapses
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Raj S, Kesari KK, Kumar A, Rathi B, Sharma A, Gupta PK, Jha SK, Jha NK, Slama P, Roychoudhury S, Kumar D. Molecular mechanism(s) of regulation(s) of c-MET/HGF signaling in head and neck cancer. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:31. [PMID: 35081970 PMCID: PMC8790852 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01503-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractHead and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer across the globe. This is generally associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption. Cancer in the pharynx majorly arises through human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, thus classifying head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) into HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs. Aberrant, mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET) signal transduction favors HNSCC progression by stimulating proliferation, motility, invasiveness, morphogenesis, and angiogenesis. c-MET upregulation can be found in the majority of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. c-MET pathway acts on several downstream effectors including phospholipase C gamma (PLCγ), cellular Src kinase (c-Src), phosphotidylinsitol-3-OH kinase (PI3K), alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (Akt), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and wingless-related integration site (Wnt) pathways. c-MET also establishes a crosstalk pathway with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and contributes towards chemoresistance in HNSCC. In recent years, the signaling communications of c-MET/HGF in metabolic dysregulation, tumor-microenvironment and immune modulation in HNSCC have emerged. Several clinical trials have been established against c-MET/ hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling network to bring up targeted and effective therapeutic strategies against HNSCC. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanism(s) and current understanding of c-MET/HGF signaling and its effect on HNSCC.
Graphical abstract
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Buckle T, van Alphen M, van Oosterom MN, van Beurden F, Heimburger N, van der Wal JE, van den Brekel M, van Leeuwen FWB, Karakullukcu B. Translation of c-Met Targeted Image-Guided Surgery Solutions in Oral Cavity Cancer-Initial Proof of Concept Data. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112674. [PMID: 34071623 PMCID: PMC8198422 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Translation of tumor-specific fluorescent tracers is crucial in the realization intraoperative of tumor identification during fluorescence-guided surgery. Ex vivo assessment of surgical specimens after topical tracer application has the potential to reveal the suitability of a potential surgical target prior to in vivo use in patients. In this study, the c-Met receptor was identified as a possible candidate for fluorescence-guided surgery in oral cavity cancer. Freshly excised tumor specimens obtained from ten patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were incubated with EMI-137 and imaged with a clinical-grade Cy5 prototype fluorescence camera. In total, 9/10 tumors were fluorescently illuminated, while non-visualization could be linked to non-superficial tumor localization. Immunohistochemistry revealed c-Met expression in all ten specimens. Tumor assessment was improved via video representation of the tumor-to-background ratio. Abstract Intraoperative tumor identification (extension/margins/metastases) via receptor-specific targeting is one of the ultimate promises of fluorescence-guided surgery. The translation of fluorescent tracers that enable tumor visualization forms a critical component in the realization of this approach. Ex vivo assessment of surgical specimens after topical tracer application could help provide an intermediate step between preclinical evaluation and first-in-human trials. Here, the suitability of the c-Met receptor as a potential surgical target in oral cavity cancer was explored via topical ex vivo application of the fluorescent tracer EMI-137. Freshly excised tumor specimens obtained from ten patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were incubated with EMI-137 and imaged with a clinical-grade Cy5 prototype fluorescence camera. In-house developed image processing software allowed video-rate assessment of the tumor-to-background ratio (TBR). Fluorescence imaging results were related to standard pathological evaluation and c-MET immunohistochemistry. After incubation with EMI-137, 9/10 tumors were fluorescently illuminated. Immunohistochemistry revealed c-Met expression in all ten specimens. Non-visualization could be linked to a more deeply situated lesion. Tumor assessment was improved via video representation of the TBR (median TBR: 2.5 (range 1.8–3.1)). Ex vivo evaluation of tumor specimens suggests that c-Met is a possible candidate for fluorescence-guided surgery in oral cavity cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Buckle
- Interventional Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.N.v.O.); (F.v.B.); (N.H.); (F.W.B.v.L.)
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.v.A.); (M.v.d.B.); (B.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Maarten van Alphen
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.v.A.); (M.v.d.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Matthias N. van Oosterom
- Interventional Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.N.v.O.); (F.v.B.); (N.H.); (F.W.B.v.L.)
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.v.A.); (M.v.d.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Florian van Beurden
- Interventional Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.N.v.O.); (F.v.B.); (N.H.); (F.W.B.v.L.)
| | - Nina Heimburger
- Interventional Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.N.v.O.); (F.v.B.); (N.H.); (F.W.B.v.L.)
| | - Jaqueline E. van der Wal
- Department of Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Michiel van den Brekel
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.v.A.); (M.v.d.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Fijs W. B. van Leeuwen
- Interventional Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.N.v.O.); (F.v.B.); (N.H.); (F.W.B.v.L.)
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.v.A.); (M.v.d.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Baris Karakullukcu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.v.A.); (M.v.d.B.); (B.K.)
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Fujino T, Suda K, Mitsudomi T. Lung Cancer with MET exon 14 Skipping Mutation: Genetic Feature, Current Treatments, and Future Challenges. LUNG CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2021; 12:35-50. [PMID: 34295201 PMCID: PMC8290191 DOI: 10.2147/lctt.s269307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MET exon 14 skipping mutation (MET∆ex14) is present about 3% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). NSCLC patients with MET∆ex14 are characterized by an average age of over 70 years at diagnosis, a smoking history and a higher frequency in pleomorphic carcinoma and adenosquamous cell carcinoma than in adenocarcinoma. It has also been reported that NSCLCs with MET∆ex14 often have codriver alterations such as EGFR amplification (6–28%), FGFR1 alterations (5–17%), KRAS alterations (~8%), BRAF alterations (~21%), or PIK3CA mutation/amplification (~14%). In 2020, the approval of two MET-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), capmatinib and tepotinib, for NSCLCs carrying MET∆ex14 dawned a new era for MET-targeted therapy. These drugs yielded progression-free survival of 5.4−12.4 months in clinical trials; however, it has also been reported that one-third to half of patients show inherent resistance to MET-TKIs. In addition, the emergence of acquired resistance to MET-TKIs is inevitable. In this review, we summarize the clinical and molecular characteristics of NSCLCs with MET∆ex14, the efficacy and safety of capmatinib and tepotinib, the inherent and acquired resistance mechanisms to MET-TKIs, and new treatment strategies for NSCLCs with MET∆ex14 in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshio Fujino
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Kenichi Suda
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mitsudomi
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
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Khan M, Khaznadar SS, Routila J, Ventelä S, Schmid E, Gebhart B, Becker ET, Roider HG, Perala M, Schmitz AA, Krahn T, von Ahsen O. Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor overexpression predicts reduced survival but its targeting is not effective in unselected HNSCC patients. Head Neck 2020; 42:625-635. [PMID: 31919967 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MET has emerged as target in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, clinical data on MET inhibition in HNSCC are limited. METHODS HNSCC biopsies and cell lines were tested for MET activity. The response of cell lines to BAY-853474 was tested in proliferation assays. The prognostic value of MET expression was also analyzed. RESULTS HNSCC cell lines do not respond to MET inhibition. MET-dependent gastric cancer cell lines have much higher levels of MET expression and phosphorylation than HNSCC cell lines. Clinical samples of HNSCC contain much less MET than responsive models. CONCLUSIONS No clinical response to MET inhibitors in monotherapy may be expected in unselected cases of HNSCC. Only selected patients with MET amplifications should be treated with MET inhibitors. Patients with increased MET immunoreactivity have shorter overall survival. MET might be useful as marker for the detection of patients with more aggressive types of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Khan
- Charité, Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sami S Khaznadar
- Bayer AG, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Routila
- Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.,Department for Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Sami Ventelä
- Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.,Department for Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Elke Schmid
- Bayer AG, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Eva T Becker
- Charité, Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helge G Roider
- Bayer AG, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | - Merja Perala
- Auria Biobank, Kiinamyllynkatu 8, Turku, Finland
| | - Arndt A Schmitz
- Bayer AG, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Krahn
- Bayer AG, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver von Ahsen
- Bayer AG, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
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12
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Moosavi F, Giovannetti E, Saso L, Firuzi O. HGF/MET pathway aberrations as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers in human cancers. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2019; 56:533-566. [PMID: 31512514 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2019.1653821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a major cause of death worldwide. MET tyrosine kinase receptor [MET, c-MET, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor] pathway activation is associated with the appearance of several hallmarks of cancer. The HGF/MET pathway has emerged as an important actionable target across many solid tumors; therefore, biomarker discovery becomes essential in order to guide clinical intervention and patient stratification with the aim of moving towards personalized medicine. The focus of this review is on how the aberrant activation of the HGF/MET pathway in tumor tissue or the circulation can provide diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and predictive biomarkers of drug response. Many meta-analyses have shown that aberrant activation of the MET pathway in tumor tissue, including MET gene overexpression, gene amplification, exon 14 skipping and other activating mutations, is almost invariably associated with shorter survival and poor prognosis. Most meta-analyses have been performed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast, head and neck cancers as well as colorectal, gastric, pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers. Furthermore, several studies have shown the predictive value of MET biomarkers in the identification of patients who gain the most benefit from HGF/MET targeted therapies administered as single or combination therapies. The highest predictive values have been observed for response to foretinib and savolitinib in renal cancer, as well as tivantinib in NSCLC and colorectal cancer. However, some studies, especially those based on MET expression, have failed to show much value in these stratifications. This may be rooted in lack of standardization of methodologies, in particular in scoring systems applied in immunohistochemistry determinations or absence of oncogenic addiction of cancer cells to the MET pathway, despite detection of overexpression. Measurements of amplification and mutation aberrations are less likely to suffer from these pitfalls. Increased levels of MET soluble ectodomain (sMET) in circulation have also been associated with poor prognosis; however, the evidence is not as strong as it is with tissue-based biomarkers. As a diagnostic biomarker, sMET has shown its value in distinguishing cancer patients from healthy individuals in prostate and bladder cancers and in melanoma. On the other hand, increased circulating HGF has also been presented as a valuable prognostic and diagnostic biomarker in many cancers; however, there is controversy on the predictive value of HGF as a biomarker. Other biomarkers such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and tumor HGF levels have also been briefly covered. In conclusion, HGF/MET aberrations can provide valuable diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers and represent vital assets for personalized cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Moosavi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc) , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.,Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza Onlus , Pisa , Italy
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "Vittorio Erspamer," Sapienza University , Rome , Italy
| | - Omidreza Firuzi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
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13
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C-Met as a Key Factor Responsible for Sustaining Undifferentiated Phenotype and Therapy Resistance in Renal Carcinomas. Cells 2019; 8:cells8030272. [PMID: 30909397 PMCID: PMC6468372 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
C-Met tyrosine kinase receptor plays an important role under normal and pathological conditions. In tumor cells’ overexpression or incorrect activation of c-Met, this leads to stimulation of proliferation, survival and increase of motile activity. This receptor is also described as a marker of cancer initiating cells. The latest research shows that the c-Met receptor has an influence on the development of resistance to targeted cancer treatment. High c-Met expression and activation in renal cell carcinomas is associated with the progression of the disease and poor survival of patients. C-Met receptor has become a therapeutic target in kidney cancer. However, the therapies used so far using c-Met tyrosine kinase inhibitors demonstrate resistance to treatment. On the other hand, the c-Met pathway may act as an alternative target pathway in tumors that are resistant to other therapies. Combination treatment together with c-Met inhibitor reduces tumor growth, vascularization and pro-metastatic behavior and results in suppressed mesenchymal phenotype and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion. Recently, it has been shown that the acquirement of mesenchymal phenotype or lack of cell differentiation might be related to the presence of the c-Met receptor and is consequently responsible for therapy resistance. This review presents the results from recent studies identifying c-Met as an important factor in renal carcinomas being responsible for tumor growth, progression and metastasis, indicating the role of c-Met in resistance to antitumor therapy and demonstrating the pivotal role of c-Met in supporting mesenchymal cell phenotype.
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14
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Hara T, Makino T, Yamasaki M, Tanaka K, Miyazaki Y, Takahashi T, Kurokawa Y, Nakajima K, Matsuura N, Mori M, Doki Y. Effect of c-Met and CD44v6 Expression in Resistance to Chemotherapy in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2019; 26:899-906. [PMID: 30610559 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-018-07126-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND c-Met relies on CD44v6 for its activation and signaling in several cancer cell lines. However, the correlation of c-Met and CD44v6 expression and its biological significance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. METHODS Expression of c-Met and CD44v6 was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 147 ESCC specimens. We analyzed the impact of c-Met and CD44v6 expression on clinicopathological parameters, including chemoresistance or prognosis in ESCC. RESULTS High expression of c-Met and CD44v6 in cancerous lesions was identified in 49.7% and 50.3% of all patients, respectively. The c-Met-high group comprised more advanced pT and pM stages than the c-Met-low group. In addition, more patients in the c-Met-high group received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) than the c-Met-low group (64.4% vs. 43.2%, P = 0.010). On the other hand, the CD44v6-high group was associated with more advanced pT/pN stages and a poorer clinical response to NACT (response rate 53.5% vs. 77.8%, P = 0.025) than the CD44v6-low group. Double-positive immunostaining of c-Met and CD44v6 was identified in 28.6% of all cases, and multivariate analysis of overall survival (OS) identified them (hazard ratio 1.79, 95% confidence interval 1.03-3.04, P = 0.038) as independent prognostic factors in addition to pN and pM stage. CONCLUSIONS c-Met/CD44v6 were associated with tumor progression or chemoresistance. Double-positive expression of c-Met and CD44v6 negatively impacted patient prognosis in ESCC, implying that c-Met and CD44v6 are candidates for targeted therapy in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeo Hara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoki Makino
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Makoto Yamasaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Miyazaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yukinori Kurokawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kiyokazu Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nariaki Matsuura
- Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Molecular Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Division of Health Sciences, Suita City, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaki Mori
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Osaka, Japan
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15
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Kim JH, Jang HJ, Kim HS, Kim BJ, Park SH. Prognostic impact of high c-Met expression in ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis. J Cancer 2018; 9:3427-3434. [PMID: 30310499 PMCID: PMC6171012 DOI: 10.7150/jca.26071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
High c-Met expression has been observed in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, its clinicopathological impacts remain controversial. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the pathologic and prognostic significance of c-Met overexpression in patients with EOC. A systematic computerized search of the electronic databases PubMed, PMC, EMBASE, and Google scholar (up to April 2018) was carried out. From seven studies, 568 patients with EOC were included in the meta-analysis. Although there was no statistical significance, EOCs with c-Met overexpression tended to show higher FIGO stage (III-IV) (odds ratio = 2.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.86-5.53, p = 0.10) and higher rate of lymph node metastasis (odds ratio = 3.05, 95% confidence interval: 0.85-10.98, p = 0.09), compared with tumors with low c-Met expression. In terms of prognosis, patients with c-Met-high EOC showed significantly worse survival than those with c-Met-low tumor (hazard ratio = 2.11, 95% confidence interval: 1.51-2.94, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates that high c-Met expression represents an adverse prognostic marker for patients with EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Han Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Joo Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong Su Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bum Jun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Army Capital Hospital, The Armed Forces Medical Command, Sungnam, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Ho Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangnam Sacred-Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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16
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Hui L, Zhang J, Guo X. MiR-125b-5p suppressed the glycolysis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by down-regulating hexokinase-2. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 103:1194-1201. [PMID: 29864898 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.04.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the most common form of laryngeal carcinoma with poor prognosis. Exploring novel factors involved in the progression of LSCC is quite necessary for understanding the mechanisms and designing therapeutic strategies for LSCC. In this study, we showed that miR-125b-5p was significantly down-regulated in LSCC tissues and cell lines. The decreased expression of miR-125b-5p was associated with the tumor differentiation, metastasis and high clinical stage of the LSCC patients. Overexpression of miR-125b-5p suppressed the proliferation and induced apoptosis of LSCC cells. Bioinformatics analysis predicted hexokinase-2 (HK2), an essential enzyme involved in the glycolysis of cancer cells, as one of the downstream targets of miR-125b-5p. Further molecular studies showed that highly expressed miR-125b-5p bound the 3'-UTR of HK2 and decreased both the mRNA and protein levels of HK2. Consistent with the function of HK2 in glycolytic metabolism, overexpression of miR-125b-5p significantly suppressed the glucose consumption and lactate production of LSCC cells. Notably, restoration the expression of HK2 attenuated the inhibitory effect of miR-125b-5p on the glycolysis of LSCC cells. The inverse correlation between the expression of miR-125b-5p and HK2 in LSCC tissues further supported the involvement of miR-125b-5p-HK2 axis in the progression of LSCC. Collectively, these finding suggested the miR-125b-5p-HK2 pathway as a novel mechanism in regulating the glycolysis and progression of LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Hui
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing Bei Street, Shenyang, 110001, China.
| | - Jingru Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing Bei Street, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xing Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing Bei Street, Shenyang, 110001, China
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