1
|
Patel HV, Shah FD. Mapping the intricacies of GLI1 in hedgehog signaling: A combined bioinformatics and clinical analysis in Head & Neck cancer in Western India. Curr Probl Cancer 2024; 53:101146. [PMID: 39265246 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2024.101146] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of various cancer stem cell pathways are thought to be responsible for treatment failure and loco-regional recurrence in Head and Neck cancer. Hedgehog signaling, a major cancer stem signaling pathway plays a major role in relapse of disease. GLI1, a transcription activator, plays an important role in canonical/non-canonical activation of Hedgehog signaling. METHODS Data for H&N cancer patients were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas- H&N Cancer (TCGA-HNSC). GLI1 co-expressed genes in TCGA-HNSC were then identified using cBioPortal and subjected to KEGG pathway analysis by DAVID tool. Network Analyzer and GeneMania plugins from CytoScape were used to identify hub genes and predict a probable pathway from the identified hub genes respectively. To confirm the hypothesis, real-time gene expression was carried out in 75 patients of head and neck cancer. RESULTS Significantly higher GLI1 expression was observed in tumor tissues of H&N cancer and it also showed worst overall survival. Using cBioPortal tool, 2345 genes were identified that were significantly co-expressed with GLI1. From which, 15 hub genes were identified through the Network Analyzer plugin in CytoScape. A probable pathway prediction based on hub genes showed the interconnected molecular mechanism and its role in non-canonical activation of Hedgehog pathway by altering the GLI1 activity. The expressions of SHH, GLI1 and AKT1 were significant with each other and were found to be significantly associated with Age, Lymph-Node status and Keratin. CONCLUSION The study emphasizes the critical role of the Hh pathway's activation modes in H&N cancer, particularly highlighting the non-canonical activation through GLI1 and AKT1. The identification of SHH, GLI1 and AKT1 as potential diagnostic biomarkers and their association with clinic-pathological parameters underscores their relevance in prognostication and treatment planning. Hh pathway activation through GLI1 and its cross-talk with various pathways opens up the possibility of newer treatment strategies and developing a panel of therapeutic targets in H&N cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hitarth V Patel
- Junior Research Fellow, Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-3, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Franky D Shah
- Junior Research Fellow, Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-3, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhai P, Tong T, Wang X, Li C, Liu C, Qin X, Li S, Xie F, Mao J, Zhang J, Guo H. Nuclear miR-451a activates KDM7A and leads to cetuximab resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:282. [PMID: 38943031 PMCID: PMC11335205 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05324-x] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Cetuximab resistance has been a major challenge for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients receiving targeted therapy. However, the mechanism that causes cetuximab resistance, especially microRNA (miRNA) regulation, remains unclear. Growing evidence suggests that miRNAs may act as "nuclear activating miRNAs" for targeting promoter regions or enhancers related to target genes. This study elucidates a novel mechanism underlying cetuximab resistance in HNSCC involving the nuclear activation of KDM7A transcription via miR-451a. Herein, small RNA sequencing, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results provided compelling evidence of miR-451a nuclear enrichment in response to cetuximab treatment. Chromatin isolation via RNA purification, microarray analysis, and bioinformatic analysis revealed that miR-451a interacts with an enhancer region in KDM7A, activating its expression and further facilitating cetuximab resistance. It has also been demonstrated that the activation of KDM7A by nuclear miR-451a is induced by cetuximab treatment and is AGO2 dependent. Logistic regression analyses of 87 HNSCC samples indicated the significance of miR-451a and KDM7A in the development of cetuximab resistance. These discoveries support the potential of miR-451a and KDM7A as valuable biomarkers for cetuximab resistance and emphasize the function of nuclear-activating miRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peisong Zhai
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Tong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Craniomaxillofacial Development and Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200002, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoning Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuwen Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Qin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Xie
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Mao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haiyan Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zheng S, He S, Liang Y, Tan Y, Liu Q, Liu T, Lu X. Understanding PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in squamous cell carcinoma: mutated PIK3CA as an example. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:13. [PMID: 38616230 PMCID: PMC11016524 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00176-0] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared with those in adenocarcinoma, PIK3CA mutations are more common in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which arises from stratified squamous epithelia that are usually exposed to adverse environmental factors. Although hotspot mutations in exons 9 and 20 of PIK3CA, including E542K, E545K, H1047L and H1047R, are frequently encountered in the clinic, their clinicopathological meaning remains to be determined in the context of SCC. Considering that few reviews on PIK3CA mutations in SCC are available in the literature, we undertook this review to shed light on the clinical significance of PIK3CA mutations, mainly regarding the implications and ramifications of PIK3CA mutations in malignant cell behavior, prognosis, relapse or recurrence and chemo- or radioresistance of SCC. It should be noted that only those studies regarding SCC in which PIK3CA was mutated were cherry-picked, which fell within the scope of this review. However, the role of mutated PIK3CA in adenocarcinoma has not been discussed. In addition, mutations occurring in other main members of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway other than PIK3CA were also excluded.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shutao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo He
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiyi Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sambath J, Noronha V, Manda SS, Mishra R, Chandrani P, Patil V, Menon N, Chougule A, Ramachandran V, Limaye S, Kuriakose MA, Banavali SD, Kumar P, Prabhash K. Whole exome sequencing uncovers HRAS mutations as potential mediators of resistance to metronomic chemotherapy. Gene 2024; 893:147952. [PMID: 37918550 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this pilot study is to identify the genetic factors that contribute to the response of metronomic chemotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients using whole-exome sequencing (WES). This study would facilitate the identification of predictive biomarkers, which would enable personalized treatment strategies and improve treatment outcomes for patients with HNSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS We have selected patients with recurrent head and neck cancer who underwent metronomic chemotherapy. Sequential tumor biopsies were collected from the patients at different stages of treatment to capture the genomic alterations and tumor evolution during metronomic chemotherapy and sequenced using WES. RESULTS We identified several known HNSCC hallmark genes reported in COSMIC, including KMT2B, NOTCH1, FAT1, TP53, HRAS, CASP8, and CDKN2A. Copy number alteration analysis revealed amplifications and deletions in several oncogenic and tumor suppressor genes. COSMIC Mutational Signature 15 associated with defective DNA mismatch repair was enriched in 73% of HNSCC samples. Further, the comparison of genomic alterations between responders and non-responders identified HRAS gene uniquely mutated in non-responders that could potentially contribute to resistance against metronomic chemotherapy. DISCUSSION Our findings corroborate the molecular heterogeneity of recurrent HNSCC tumors and establish an association between HRAS mutations and resistance to metronomic chemotherapy, suggesting HRAS as a potential therapeutic target. Combining HRAS inhibitors with metronomic regimens could improve treatment sensitivity in HRAS-mutated HNSCC patients. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the genomic mechanisms underlying the response to metronomic chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janani Sambath
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Bangalore, India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | | | - Srikanth S Manda
- Karkinos Foundation, Mumbai, India; Karkinos Healthcare Pvt Ltd., Mumbai, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sewanti Limaye
- Division of Medical and Precision Oncology, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Moni A Kuriakose
- Karkinos Foundation, Mumbai, India; Karkinos Healthcare Pvt Ltd., Mumbai, India
| | | | - Prashant Kumar
- Karkinos Foundation, Mumbai, India; Karkinos Healthcare Pvt Ltd., Mumbai, India.
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zahavi DJ, Erbe R, Zhang YW, Guo T, Malchiodi ZX, Maynard R, Lekan A, Gallagher R, Wulfkuhle J, Petricoin E, Jablonski SA, Fertig EJ, Weiner LM. Antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity selection pressure induces diverse mechanisms of resistance. Cancer Biol Ther 2023; 24:2269637. [PMID: 37878417 PMCID: PMC10601508 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2269637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted monoclonal antibody therapy has emerged as a powerful therapeutic strategy for cancer. However, only a minority of patients have durable responses and the development of resistance remains a major clinical obstacle. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) represents a crucial therapeutic mechanism of action; however, few studies have explored ADCC resistance. Using multiple in vitro models of ADCC selection pressure, we have uncovered both shared and distinct resistance mechanisms. Persistent ADCC selection pressure yielded ADCC-resistant cells that are characterized by a loss of NK cell conjugation and this shared resistance phenotype is associated with cell-line dependent modulation of cell surface proteins that contribute to immune synapse formation and NK cell function. We employed single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomic screens to interrogate molecular mechanisms of resistance. We demonstrate that ADCC resistance involves upregulation of interferon/STAT1 and DNA damage response signaling as well as activation of the immunoproteasome. Here, we identify pathways that modulate ADCC sensitivity and report strategies to enhance ADCC-mediated elimination of cancer cells. ADCC resistance could not be reversed with combinatorial treatment approaches. Hence, our findings indicate that tumor cells utilize multiple strategies to inhibit NK cell mediated-ADCC. Future research and development of NK cell-based immunotherapies must incorporate plans to address or potentially prevent the induction of resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J. Zahavi
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| | - Rossin Erbe
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Yong-Wei Zhang
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| | - Theresa Guo
- Department of Oncology, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, USA
| | - Zoe X. Malchiodi
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| | - Rachael Maynard
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| | - Alexander Lekan
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| | - Rosa Gallagher
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Fairfax, USA
| | - Julia Wulfkuhle
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Fairfax, USA
| | - Emanuel Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Fairfax, USA
| | - Sandra A. Jablonski
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| | - Elana J. Fertig
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Louis M. Weiner
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Deng M, Guo J, Ling Z, Zhang C, He L, Fan Z, Cheng B, Xia J. KRAS mutations upregulate Runx1 to promote occurrence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:1284-1294. [PMID: 37222390 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Gene mutations play an important role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by not only promoting the occurrence and progression of HNSCC but also affecting sensitivity to treatment and prognosis. KRAS is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes, which has been reported to have a mutation rate from 1.7% to 12.7% and may lead to poor prognosis in HNSCC, but its role remains unclear. Here, we found that the KRAS mutation can promote HNSCC generation through synergism with 4-Nitroquinoline-1-Oxide(4NQO). Mechanistically, KRAS mutations can significantly upregulate Runx1 to promote oral epithelial cell proliferation and migration and inhibit apoptosis. Runx1 inhibitor Ro 5-3335 can effectively inhibit KRAS-mutated HNSCC progression both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that the KRAS mutation plays an important role in HNSCC and that Runx1 may be a novel therapeutic target for KRAS-mutated HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Deng
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jiaxin Guo
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zihang Ling
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lihong He
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zhaona Fan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Bin Cheng
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Juan Xia
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Umemori K, Ono K, Eguchi T, Kawai H, Nakamura T, Ogawa T, Yoshida K, Kanemoto H, Sato K, Obata K, Ryumon S, Yutori H, Katase N, Okui T, Nagatsuka H, Ibaragi S. EpEX, the soluble extracellular domain of EpCAM, resists cetuximab treatment of EGFR-high head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2023; 142:106433. [PMID: 37236125 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cetuximab (Cmab) is a molecularly targeted monoclonal antibody drug for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), although cetuximab resistance is a serious challenge. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is an established marker for many epithelial tumors, while the soluble EpCAM extracellular domain (EpEX) functions as a ligand for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We investigated the expression of EpCAM in HNSC, its involvement in Cmab action, and the mechanism by which soluble EpEX activated EGFR and played key roles in Cmab resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS We first examined EPCAM expression in HNSCs and its clinical significance by searching gene expression array databases. We then examined the effects of soluble EpEX and Cmab on intracellular signaling and Cmab efficacy in HNSC cell lines (HSC-3 and SAS). RESULTS EPCAM expression was found to be enhanced in HNSC tumor tissues compared to normal tissues, and the enhancement was correlated with stage progression and prognosis. Soluble EpEX activated the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway and nuclear translocation of EpCAM intracellular domains (EpICDs) in HNSC cells. EpEX resisted the antitumor effect of Cmab in an EGFR expression-dependent manner. CONCLUSION Soluble EpEX activates EGFR to increase Cmab resistance in HNSC cells. The EpEX-activated Cmab resistance in HNSC is potentially mediated by the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway and the EpCAM cleavage-induced nuclear translocation of EpICD. High expression and cleavage of EpCAM are potential biomarkers for predicting the clinical efficacy and resistance to Cmab.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koki Umemori
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Kisho Ono
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan.
| | - Takanori Eguchi
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Hotaka Kawai
- Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Tomoya Nakamura
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Ogawa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Yoshida
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Hideka Kanemoto
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Kohei Sato
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Kyoichi Obata
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Shoji Ryumon
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Yutori
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Naoki Katase
- Department of Oral Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8588, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Okui
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Nagatsuka
- Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Soichiro Ibaragi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lazar V, Zhang B, Magidi S, Le Tourneau C, Raymond E, Ducreux M, Bresson C, Raynaud J, Wunder F, Onn A, Felip E, Tabernero J, Batist G, Kurzrock R, Rubin E, Schilsky RL. A transcriptomics approach to expand therapeutic options and optimize clinical trials in oncology. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231156382. [PMID: 37025260 PMCID: PMC10071163 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231156382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The current model of clinical drug development in oncology displays major limitations due to a high attrition rate in patient enrollment in early phase trials and a high failure rate of drugs in phase III studies. Objective Integrating transcriptomics for selection of patients has the potential to achieve enhanced speed and efficacy of precision oncology trials for any targeted therapies or immunotherapies. Methods Relative gene expression level in the metastasis and normal organ-matched tissues from the WINTHER database was used to estimate in silico the potential clinical benefit of specific treatments in a variety of metastatic solid tumors. Results As example, high mRNA expression in tumor tissue compared to analogous normal tissue of c-MET and its ligand HGF correlated in silico with shorter overall survival (OS; p < 0.0001) and may constitute an independent prognostic marker for outcome of patients with metastatic solid tumors, suggesting a strategy to identify patients most likely to benefit from MET-targeted treatments. The prognostic value of gene expression of several immune therapy targets (PD-L1, CTLA4, TIM3, TIGIT, LAG3, TLR4) was investigated in non-small-cell lung cancers and colorectal cancers (CRCs) and may be useful to optimize the development of their inhibitors, and opening new avenues such as use of anti-TLR4 in treatment of patients with metastatic CRC. Conclusion This in silico approach is expected to dramatically decrease the attrition of patient enrollment and to simultaneously increase the speed and detection of early signs of efficacy. The model may significantly contribute to lower toxicities. Altogether, our model aims to overcome the limits of current approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Lazar
- Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN)
Association–WIN Consortium, 24 rue Albert Thuret, Villejuif 94550,
France
| | - Baolin Zhang
- Office of Biotechnology Products (OBP), Center
for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
Silver Spring, MA, USA
| | - Shai Magidi
- Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN)
Association–WIN Consortium, Villejuif, France
| | - Christophe Le Tourneau
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation
(D3i), INSERM U900 Research Unit, Paris-Saclay University, Institut Curie,
Paris, France
| | - Eric Raymond
- Oncology Department, Groupe Hospitalier Paris
Saint Joseph, Paris, France
| | - Michel Ducreux
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy,
Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm U1279, Villejuif, France
| | - Catherine Bresson
- Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN)
Association–WIN Consortium, Villejuif, France
| | - Jacques Raynaud
- Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN)
Association–WIN Consortium, Villejuif, France
| | - Fanny Wunder
- Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN)
Association–WIN Consortium, Villejuif, France
| | - Amir Onn
- Institute of Pulmonology, Sheba Medical
Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Enriqueta Felip
- Oncology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital
Campus and Institute of Oncology (VHIO), UVic-UCC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Tabernero
- Oncology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital
Campus and Institute of Oncology (VHIO), UVic-UCC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerald Batist
- Department of Oncology, Segal Cancer Centre,
Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN)
Association–WIN Consortium, Villejuif, France
| | - Eitan Rubin
- Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology and
Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences Ben-Gurion University of the Negev,
Beer-Sheeva, Israel
| | - Richard L. Schilsky
- Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN)
Association–WIN Consortium, Villejuif, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Novel Insights of Anti-EGFR Therapy in HNSCC: Combined with Immunotherapy or Not? Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:93-105. [PMID: 36585960 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-022-01349-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The efficacy of anti-EGFR therapy is still unfavorable in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Disorder of antitumor immunity and aberrantly expressed checkpoint biomarkers had been validated to involve anti-EGFR therapy tolerance and efficacy. Here we review the immunomodulation of anti-EGFR therapy in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of HNSCC and assist clinicians in finding the potential strategies to rescue anti-EGFR tolerance therapy in the era of immunotherapy for HNSCC. RECENT FINDINGS Anti-EGFR therapy, especially cetuximab, was validated to induce the innate and adaptive immune responses of HNSCC patients. It is mainly through inducing natural killer (NK) cells mediating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), recruiting multiple tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and finally remodeling the TIME. Moreover, mountains of preclinical models and clinical trials revealed that combining anti-EGFR agents with immunotherapy could enhance the antitumor effectiveness in HNSCC. Anti-EGFR therapy may usher in another dawn in the treatment of patients with HNSCC through combination with immunotherapy. We offer an overview of the ongoing efforts to make out the immunomodulation of the EGFR pathway in both innate and adaptive immune responses; update the constant preclinical models and clinical trials for the combination of anti-EGFR and immunotherapy in HNSCC; and finally evaluate the efficacy and advantages of the combination therapeutic strategies in clinical use.
Collapse
|
10
|
Navarro-Palomares E, García-Hevia L, Galán-Vidal J, Gandarillas A, García-Reija F, Sánchez-Iglesias A, Liz-Marzán LM, Valiente R, Fanarraga ML. Shiga Toxin-B Targeted Gold Nanorods for Local Photothermal Treatment in Oral Cancer Clinical Samples. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:5747-5760. [PMID: 36466783 PMCID: PMC9717601 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s381628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A great challenge in nanomedicine, and more specifically in theranostics, is to improve the specificity, selectivity, and targeting of nanomaterials towards target tissues or cells. The topical use of nanomedicines as adjuvants to systemic chemotherapy can significantly improve the survival of patients affected by localized carcinomas, reducing the side effects of traditional drugs and preventing local recurrences. METHODS Here, we have used the Shiga toxin, to design a safe, high-affinity protein-ligand (ShTxB) to bind the globotriaosylceramide receptor (GB3) that is overexpressed on the surfaces of preneoplastic and malignant cancer cells in the head and neck tumors. RESULTS We find that ShTxB functionalized gold nanorods are efficiently retrotranslocated to the GB3-positive cell cytoplasms. After 3 minutes of laser radiation with a wavelength resonant with the AuNR longitudinal localized surface plasmon, the death of the targeted cancer cells is activated. Both preclinical murine models and patient biopsy cells show the non-cytotoxic nature of these functionalized nanoparticles before light activation and their treatment selectivity. DISCUSSION These results show how the use of nanomedicines directed by natural ligands can represent an effective treatment for aggressive localized cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Navarro-Palomares
- The Nanomedicine Group, Valdecilla Health Research Institute IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, 39011, Spain
| | - Lorena García-Hevia
- The Nanomedicine Group, Valdecilla Health Research Institute IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, 39011, Spain
| | - Jesús Galán-Vidal
- Cell Cycle, Stem Cell Fate & Cancer Laboratory, Valdecilla Health Research Institute IDIVAL, Santander, 39011, Spain
| | - Alberto Gandarillas
- Cell Cycle, Stem Cell Fate & Cancer Laboratory, Valdecilla Health Research Institute IDIVAL, Santander, 39011, Spain
| | - Fe García-Reija
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Valdecilla Hospital HUVM, Santander, Spain
| | - Ana Sánchez-Iglesias
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), and CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), San Sebastián, 20014, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, 48009, Spain
| | - Luis M Liz-Marzán
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), and CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), San Sebastián, 20014, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, 48009, Spain
| | - Rafael Valiente
- The Nanomedicine Group, Valdecilla Health Research Institute IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, 39011, Spain
- Dpt. Applied Physics, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, 39005, Spain
| | - Mónica L Fanarraga
- The Nanomedicine Group, Valdecilla Health Research Institute IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, 39011, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li D, Li X, Zhao J, Tan F. Advances in nuclear medicine-based molecular imaging in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Transl Med 2022; 20:358. [PMID: 35962347 PMCID: PMC9373390 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03559-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are often aggressive, making advanced disease very difficult to treat using contemporary modalities, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, targeted therapy, e.g., cetuximab, an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, has demonstrated survival benefit in HNSCC patients with locoregional failure or distant metastasis. Molecular imaging aims at various biomarkers used in targeted therapy, and nuclear medicine-based molecular imaging is a real-time and non-invasive modality with the potential to identify tumor in an earlier and more treatable stage, before anatomic-based imaging reveals diseases. The objective of this comprehensive review is to summarize recent advances in nuclear medicine-based molecular imaging for HNSCC focusing on several commonly radiolabeled biomarkers. The preclinical and clinical applications of these candidate imaging strategies are divided into three categories: those targeting tumor cells, tumor microenvironment, and tumor angiogenesis. This review endeavors to expand the knowledge of molecular biology of HNSCC and help realizing diagnostic potential of molecular imaging in clinical nuclear medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danni Li
- Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, and School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuran Li
- Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, and School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Tan
- Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, and School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China. .,The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland. .,The Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vaquero J, Pavy A, Gonzalez-Sanchez E, Meredith M, Arbelaiz A, Fouassier L. Genetic alterations shaping tumor response to anti-EGFR therapies. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 64:100863. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
13
|
Nguyen KA, Keith MJ, Keysar SB, Hall SC, Bimali A, Jimeno A, Wang XJ, Young CD. Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in precancerous keratinocytes promotes neighboring head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma cancer stem cell-like properties and phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor insensitivity. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:664-676. [PMID: 35417043 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23409] [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: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is commonly associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption that induce a "precancerous field," with phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling being a common driver. However, the preclinical effectiveness of PI3K inhibitors has not necessarily translated to remarkable benefit in HNSCC patients. Thus, we sought to determine how precancerous keratinocytes influence HNSCC proliferation, cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance, and response to PI3K inhibitors. We used the NOK keratinocyte cell line as a model of preneoplastic keratinocytes because it harbors two frequent genetic events in HNSCC, CDKN2A promoter methylation and TP53 mutation, but does not form tumors. NOK cell coculture or NOK cell-conditioned media promoted HNSCC proliferation, PI3K inhibitor resistance, and CSC phenotypes. SOMAscan-targeted proteomics determined the relative levels of >1300 analytes in the media conditioned by NOK cells and HNSCC cells ± PI3K inhibitor. These results demonstrated that NOK cells release abundant levels of ligands that activate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), two receptor tyrosine kinases with oncogenic activity. Inhibition of EGFR, but not FGFR, blunted PI3K inhibitor resistance and CSC phenotypes induced by NOK cells. Our results demonstrate that precancerous keratinocytes can directly support neighboring HNSCC by activating EGFR. Importantly, PI3K inhibitor sensitivity was not necessarily a cancer cell-intrinsic property, and the tumor microenvironment impacts therapeutic response and supports CSCs. Additionally, combined inhibition of EGFR with PI3K inhibitor diminished EGFR activation induced by PI3K inhibitor and potently inhibited cancer cell proliferation and CSC maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khoa A Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Madison J Keith
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Stephen B Keysar
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Spencer C Hall
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Anamol Bimali
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Antonio Jimeno
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Xiao-Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Christian D Young
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gb3/cd77 Is a Predictive Marker and Promising Therapeutic Target for Head and Neck Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040732. [PMID: 35453483 PMCID: PMC9029501 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040732] [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: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is the sixth leading cancer in the world. This cancer is difficult to treat and is characterized by recurrences that are often fatal. This cancer is generally removed surgically, but it often regrows from the edges of the lesion from where most recurrences reappear. In this study, we have investigated if the expression of GB3 in human cell lines, tissues from patient biopsies, and a murine animal model could be used as an early and determinant marker of HNC. We found that in all the investigated systems, this marker appears in neoplastic cells from the very early stages of their malignant transformation. Our conclusions support the hypothesis that GB3 is a reliable and independent target for HNC identification and selective delivery of treatments. Furthermore, we show that the level of expression of this marker correlates with the degree of malignancy of the tumor. These studies suggest that GB3 may provide the basis for the early identification and new targeted therapies for head and neck cancer.
Collapse
|
15
|
Gomes INF, da Silva-Oliveira RJ, da Silva LS, Martinho O, Evangelista AF, van Helvoort Lengert A, Leal LF, Silva VAO, dos Santos SP, Nascimento FC, Lopes Carvalho A, Reis RM. Comprehensive Molecular Landscape of Cetuximab Resistance in Head and Neck Cancer Cell Lines. Cells 2022; 11:154. [PMID: 35011716 PMCID: PMC8750399 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cetuximab is the sole anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody that is FDA approved to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, no predictive biomarkers of cetuximab response are known for HNSCC. Herein, we address the molecular mechanisms underlying cetuximab resistance in an in vitro model. We established a cetuximab resistant model (FaDu), using increased cetuximab concentrations for more than eight months. The resistance and parental cells were evaluated for cell viability and functional assays. Protein expression was analyzed by Western blot and human cell surface panel by lyoplate. The mutational profile and copy number alterations (CNA) were analyzed using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and the NanoString platform. FaDu resistant clones exhibited at least two-fold higher IC50 compared to the parental cell line. WES showed relevant mutations in several cancer-related genes, and the comparative mRNA expression analysis showed 36 differentially expressed genes associated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors resistance, RAS, MAPK, and mTOR signaling. Importantly, we observed that overexpression of KRAS, RhoA, and CD44 was associated with cetuximab resistance. Protein analysis revealed EGFR phosphorylation inhibition and mTOR increase in resistant cells. Moreover, the resistant cell line demonstrated an aggressive phenotype with a significant increase in adhesion, the number of colonies, and migration rates. Overall, we identified several molecular alterations in the cetuximab resistant cell line that may constitute novel biomarkers of cetuximab response such as mTOR and RhoA overexpression. These findings indicate new strategies to overcome anti-EGFR resistance in HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izabela N. F. Gomes
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (R.J.d.S.-O.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.F.E.); (A.v.H.L.); (L.F.L.); (V.A.O.S.); (A.L.C.)
| | - Renato J. da Silva-Oliveira
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (R.J.d.S.-O.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.F.E.); (A.v.H.L.); (L.F.L.); (V.A.O.S.); (A.L.C.)
- Barretos School of Medicine Dr. Paulo Prata—FACISB, Barretos 14785-002, Brazil
| | - Luciane Sussuchi da Silva
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (R.J.d.S.-O.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.F.E.); (A.v.H.L.); (L.F.L.); (V.A.O.S.); (A.L.C.)
| | - Olga Martinho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Medical School, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (O.M.); (F.C.N.)
| | - Adriane F. Evangelista
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (R.J.d.S.-O.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.F.E.); (A.v.H.L.); (L.F.L.); (V.A.O.S.); (A.L.C.)
| | - André van Helvoort Lengert
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (R.J.d.S.-O.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.F.E.); (A.v.H.L.); (L.F.L.); (V.A.O.S.); (A.L.C.)
| | - Letícia Ferro Leal
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (R.J.d.S.-O.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.F.E.); (A.v.H.L.); (L.F.L.); (V.A.O.S.); (A.L.C.)
- Barretos School of Medicine Dr. Paulo Prata—FACISB, Barretos 14785-002, Brazil
| | - Viviane Aline Oliveira Silva
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (R.J.d.S.-O.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.F.E.); (A.v.H.L.); (L.F.L.); (V.A.O.S.); (A.L.C.)
| | | | - Flávia Caroline Nascimento
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Medical School, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (O.M.); (F.C.N.)
| | - André Lopes Carvalho
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (R.J.d.S.-O.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.F.E.); (A.v.H.L.); (L.F.L.); (V.A.O.S.); (A.L.C.)
| | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (R.J.d.S.-O.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.F.E.); (A.v.H.L.); (L.F.L.); (V.A.O.S.); (A.L.C.)
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Medical School, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (O.M.); (F.C.N.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil;
- 3ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kałafut J, Czerwonka A, Anameriç A, Przybyszewska-Podstawka A, Misiorek JO, Rivero-Müller A, Nees M. Shooting at Moving and Hidden Targets-Tumour Cell Plasticity and the Notch Signalling Pathway in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6219. [PMID: 34944837 PMCID: PMC8699303 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is often aggressive, with poor response to current therapies in approximately 40-50% of the patients. Current therapies are restricted to operation and irradiation, often combined with a small number of standard-of-care chemotherapeutic drugs, preferentially for advanced tumour patients. Only very recently, newer targeted therapies have entered the clinics, including Cetuximab, which targets the EGF receptor (EGFR), and several immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the immune receptor PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1. HNSCC tumour tissues are characterized by a high degree of intra-tumour heterogeneity (ITH), and non-genetic alterations that may affect both non-transformed cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and transformed carcinoma cells. This very high degree of heterogeneity likely contributes to acquired drug resistance, tumour dormancy, relapse, and distant or lymph node metastasis. ITH, in turn, is likely promoted by pronounced tumour cell plasticity, which manifests in highly dynamic and reversible phenomena such as of partial or hybrid forms of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and enhanced tumour stemness. Stemness and tumour cell plasticity are strongly promoted by Notch signalling, which remains poorly understood especially in HNSCC. Here, we aim to elucidate how Notch signal may act both as a tumour suppressor and proto-oncogenic, probably during different stages of tumour cell initiation and progression. Notch signalling also interacts with numerous other signalling pathways, that may also have a decisive impact on tumour cell plasticity, acquired radio/chemoresistance, and metastatic progression of HNSCC. We outline the current stage of research related to Notch signalling, and how this pathway may be intricately interconnected with other, druggable targets and signalling mechanisms in HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kałafut
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.P.-P.); (A.R.-M.)
| | - Arkadiusz Czerwonka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.P.-P.); (A.R.-M.)
| | - Alinda Anameriç
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.P.-P.); (A.R.-M.)
| | - Alicja Przybyszewska-Podstawka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.P.-P.); (A.R.-M.)
| | - Julia O. Misiorek
- Department of Molecular Neurooncology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Adolfo Rivero-Müller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.P.-P.); (A.R.-M.)
| | - Matthias Nees
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.P.-P.); (A.R.-M.)
- Western Finland Cancer Centre (FICAN West), Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20101 Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Targeting Nanomaterials to Head and Neck Cancer Cells Using a Fragment of the Shiga Toxin as a Potent Natural Ligand. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194920. [PMID: 34638405 PMCID: PMC8507991 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) is the seventh most common cancer worldwide with a 5-year survival from diagnosis of 50%. Currently, HNC is diagnosed by a physical examination followed by an histological biopsy, with surgery being the primary treatment. Here, we propose the use of targeted nanotechnology in support of existing diagnostic and therapeutic tools to prevent recurrences of tumors with poorly defined or surgically inaccessible margins. We have designed an innocuous ligand-protein, based on the receptor-binding domain of the Shiga toxin (ShTxB), that specifically drives nanoparticles to HNC cells bearing the globotriaosylceramide receptor on their surfaces. Microscopy images show how, upon binding to the receptor, the ShTxB-coated nanoparticles cause the clustering of the globotriaosylceramide receptors, the protrusion of filopodia, and rippling of the membrane, ultimately allowing the penetration of the ShTxB nanoparticles directly into the cell cytoplasm, thus triggering a biomimetic cellular response indistinguishable from that triggered by the full-length Shiga toxin. This functionalization strategy is a clear example of how some toxin fragments can be used as natural biosensors for the detection of some localized cancers and to target nanomedicines to HNC lesions.
Collapse
|
18
|
Sekido K, Imaue S, Tomihara K, Tachinami H, Yamagishi K, Okazawa S, Ikeda A, Fujiwara K, Noguchi M. Durable complete response to immunotherapy with anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab in a patient with oral squamous cell carcinoma presenting with lung metastasis: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2021; 9:e04545. [PMID: 34484745 PMCID: PMC8405368 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.4545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the optimal treatment method for metastatic oral cancer remains largely unknown, the present case suggests that immunotherapy is a potentially promising alternative for metastatic oral cancer in which other therapies are no longer effective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhisa Sekido
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ToyamaToyama CityJapan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryToyama Red Cross HospitalToyama CityJapan
| | - Shuichi Imaue
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ToyamaToyama CityJapan
| | - Kei Tomihara
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ToyamaToyama CityJapan
| | - Hidetake Tachinami
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ToyamaToyama CityJapan
| | - Kentaro Yamagishi
- Department of RadiologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ToyamaToyama CityJapan
| | - Seisuke Okazawa
- First Department of Internal MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ToyamaToyama CityJapan
| | - Atsushi Ikeda
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ToyamaToyama CityJapan
| | - Kumiko Fujiwara
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ToyamaToyama CityJapan
| | - Makoto Noguchi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ToyamaToyama CityJapan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Muraro E, Fanetti G, Lupato V, Giacomarra V, Steffan A, Gobitti C, Vaccher E, Franchin G. Cetuximab in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Biological mechanisms involved in efficacy, toxicity and resistance. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 164:103424. [PMID: 34245856 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its introduction, the use of cetuximab in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has experienced an evolution. Currently, cetuximab associated with radiotherapy is limited to the treatment of patients affected by a locally advanced malignancy and unfit for cisplatin. However, reliable biomarkers of cetuximab efficacy in this cancer setting are still lacking. This review focuses on the mechanisms of action of cetuximab, highlighting, in particular, the consequences of the binding to EGFR, and the pathways involved in the development of adverse events or acquired resistance. Indeed, adverse events, such as skin rash, have been associated with cetuximab efficacy in HNSCC several times. Acquired resistance is associated with microenvironment plasticity, which is, in turn, characterized by an increased immune infiltrate. The better definition of patients eligible for this kind of therapy could improve HNSCC management, possibly proposing a combined treatment with radiotherapy, cetuximab and immune checkpoint inhibitors as recently investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Muraro
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Department of Translational Research, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Fanetti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Valentina Lupato
- Unit of Otolaryngology, General Hospital "S. Maria degli Angeli", Pordenone, Italy
| | - Vittorio Giacomarra
- Unit of Otolaryngology, General Hospital "S. Maria degli Angeli", Pordenone, Italy
| | - Agostino Steffan
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Department of Translational Research, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Carlo Gobitti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Emanuela Vaccher
- Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Giovanni Franchin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zaryouh H, De Pauw I, Baysal H, Peeters M, Vermorken JB, Lardon F, Wouters A. Recent insights in the PI3K/Akt pathway as a promising therapeutic target in combination with EGFR-targeting agents to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:112-155. [PMID: 33928670 DOI: 10.1002/med.21806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to therapies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), such as cetuximab, remains a major roadblock in the search for effective therapeutic strategies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Due to its close interaction with the EGFR pathway, redundant or compensatory activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway has been proposed as a major driver of resistance to EGFR inhibitors. Understanding the role of each of the main proteins involved in this pathway is utterly important to develop rational combination strategies able to circumvent resistance. Therefore, the current work reviewed the role of PI3K/Akt pathway proteins, including Ras, PI3K, tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensing homolog, Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin in resistance to anti-EGFR treatment in HNSCC. In addition, we summarize PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitors that are currently under (pre)clinical investigation with focus on overcoming resistance to EGFR inhibitors. In conclusion, genomic alterations in and/or overexpression of one or more of these proteins are common in both human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC tumors. Therefore, downstream effectors of the PI3K/Akt pathway serve as promising drug targets in the search for novel therapeutic strategies that are able to overcome resistance to anti-EGFR treatment. Co-targeting EGFR and the PI3K/Akt pathway can lead to synergistic drug interactions, possibly restoring sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors and hereby improving clinical efficacy. Better understanding of the predictive value of PI3K/Akt pathway alterations is needed to allow the identification of patient populations that might benefit most from these combination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Zaryouh
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ines De Pauw
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hasan Baysal
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jan Baptist Vermorken
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - An Wouters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
de Kort WWB, Spelier S, Devriese LA, van Es RJJ, Willems SM. Predictive Value of EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR-Pathway Inhibitor Biomarkers for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 25:123-136. [PMID: 33686517 PMCID: PMC7956931 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-021-00518-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding molecular pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) has considerably improved in the last decades. As a result, novel therapeutic strategies have evolved, amongst which are epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapies. With the exception of cetuximab, targeted therapies for HNSCC have not yet been introduced into clinical practice. One important aspect of new treatment regimes in clinical practice is presence of robust biomarkers predictive for therapy response. METHODS We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library. Articles were included if they investigated a biomarker for targeted therapy in the EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR-pathway. RESULTS Of 83 included articles, 52 were preclinical and 33 were clinical studies (two studies contained both a preclinical and a clinical part). We classified EGFR pathway inhibitor types and investigated the type of biomarker (biomarker on epigenetic, DNA, mRNA or protein level). CONCLUSION Several EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR-pathway inhibitor biomarkers have been researched for HNSCC but few of the investigated biomarkers have been adequately confirmed in clinical trials. A more systematic approach is needed to discover proper biomarkers as stratifying patients is essential to prevent unnecessary costs and side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W. W. B. de Kort
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S. Spelier
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L. A. Devriese
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R. J. J. van Es
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Utrecht Cancer Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S. M. Willems
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Groningen, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Uchibori M, Osawa Y, Ishii Y, Aoki T, Ota Y, Kimura M. Analysis of HRAS mutations in Japanese patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. ADVANCES IN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adoms.2021.100021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
|
23
|
Jin WJ, Erbe AK, Schwarz CN, Jaquish AA, Anderson BR, Sriramaneni RN, Jagodinsky JC, Bates AM, Clark PA, Le T, Lan KH, Chen Y, Kim K, Morris ZS. Tumor-Specific Antibody, Cetuximab, Enhances the In Situ Vaccine Effect of Radiation in Immunologically Cold Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2020; 11:591139. [PMID: 33281820 PMCID: PMC7689006 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.591139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors that over-expresses huEGFR, the anti-EGFR antibody, cetuximab, antagonizes tumor cell viability and sensitizes to radiation therapy. However, the immunologic interactions between cetuximab and radiation therapy are not well understood. We transduced two syngeneic murine HNSCC tumor cell lines to express human EGFR (MOC1- and MOC2-huEGFR) in order to facilitate evaluation of the immunologic interactions between radiation and cetuximab. Cetuximab was capable of inducing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in MOC1- and MOC2-huEGFR cells but showed no effect on the viability or radiosensitivity of these tumor cells, which also express muEGFR that is not targeted by cetuximab. Radiation enhanced the susceptibility of MOC1- and MOC2-huEGFR to ADCC, eliciting a type I interferon response and increasing expression of NKG2D ligands on these tumor cells. Co-culture of splenocytes with cetuximab and MOC2-huEGFR cells resulted in increased expression of IFNγ in not only NK cells but also in CD8+ T cells, and this was dependent upon splenocyte expression of FcγR. In MOC2-huEGFR tumors, combining radiation and cetuximab induced tumor growth delay that required NK cells, EGFR expression, and FcγR on host immune cells. Combination of radiation and cetuximab increased tumor infiltration with NK and CD8+ T cells but not regulatory T cells. Expression of PD-L1 was increased in MOC2-huEGFR tumors following treatment with radiation and cetuximab. Delivering anti-PD-L1 antibody with radiation and cetuximab improved survival and resulted in durable tumor regression in some mice. Notably, these cured mice showed evidence of an adaptive memory response that was not specifically directed against huEGFR. These findings suggest an opportunity to improve the treatment of HNSCC by combining radiation and cetuximab to engage an innate anti-tumor immune response that may prime an effective adaptive immune response when combined with immune checkpoint blockade. It is possible that this approach could be extended to any immunologically cold tumor that does not respond to immune checkpoint blockade alone and for which a tumor-specific antibody exists or could be developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Won Jong Jin
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Amy K. Erbe
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ciara N. Schwarz
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Abigail A. Jaquish
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Bryce R. Anderson
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Justin C. Jagodinsky
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Amber M. Bates
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Paul A. Clark
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Trang Le
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Keng-Hsueh Lan
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - KyungMann Kim
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Zachary S. Morris
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|