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Shenoy US, Adiga D, Alhedyan F, Kabekkodu SP, Radhakrishnan R. HOXA9 transcription factor is a double-edged sword: from development to cancer progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:709-728. [PMID: 38062297 PMCID: PMC11156722 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10159-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The HOXA9 transcription factor serves as a molecular orchestrator in cancer stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and generation of the tumor microenvironment in hematological and solid malignancies. However, the multiple modes of regulation, multifaceted functions, and context-dependent interactions responsible for the dual role of HOXA9 as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in cancer remain obscure. Hence, unravelling its molecular complexities, binding partners, and interacting signaling molecules enables us to comprehend HOXA9-mediated transcriptional programs and molecular crosstalk. However, it is imperative to understand its central role in fundamental biological processes such as embryogenesis, foetus implantation, hematopoiesis, endothelial cell proliferation, and tissue homeostasis before designing targeted therapies. Indeed, it presents an enormous challenge for clinicians to selectively target its oncogenic functions or restore tumor-suppressive role without altering normal cellular functions. In addition to its implications in cancer, the present review also focuses on the clinical applications of HOXA9 in recurrence and drug resistance, which may provide a broader understanding beyond oncology, open new avenues for clinicians for accurate diagnoses, and develop personalized treatment strategies. Furthermore, we have also discussed the existing therapeutic options and accompanying challenges in HOXA9-targeted therapies in different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Sangeetha Shenoy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Divya Adiga
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Faisal Alhedyan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India.
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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Faaborg L, Andersen RF, Wen SW, Thomsen CB, Raunkilde L, Hansen TF, Jensen LH, Steffensen KD, Jakobsen A. Prognostic impact of early ctDNA dynamics during chemotherapy of metastatic cancer. Future Oncol 2023; 19:2361-2367. [PMID: 37965794 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Clinical utility of the dynamics of ctDNA is sparse. This study aimed at evaluating the prognostic impact of early ctDNA dynamics in patients with metastatic cancer treated with chemotherapy. Materials & methods: The ctDNA dynamics were evaluated in 595 patients with metastatic cancer using droplet digital PCR. Results: Patients with an increase in ctDNA after one treatment cycle (n = 73; 12.2%) had an overall survival of 5.6 months compared with 8.6 months in patients with stable or decreasing ctDNA (n = 328; 55.1%) and 21.0 months in patients with undetectable ctDNA (p < 0.001; hazard ratio: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.41-0.53). Conclusion: Early ctDNA dynamics hold important prognostic information and have great implications for evaluation with the perspective of a more individualized treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Faaborg
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 19, Odense C, 5000, Denmark
| | - Rikke Fredslund Andersen
- Department of Biochemistry & Immunology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
| | - Sara Wc Wen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 19, Odense C, 5000, Denmark
| | - Caroline B Thomsen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
| | - Louise Raunkilde
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 19, Odense C, 5000, Denmark
| | - Torben Frøstrup Hansen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 19, Odense C, 5000, Denmark
| | - Lars Henrik Jensen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
| | - Karina Dahl Steffensen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 19, Odense C, 5000, Denmark
- Center for Shared Decision Making, Lillebælt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
| | - Anders Jakobsen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 19, Odense C, 5000, Denmark
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Wen SWC, Nederby L, Andersen RF, Hansen TS, Nyhus CH, Hilberg O, Jakobsen A, Hansen TF. NK cell activity and methylated HOXA9 ctDNA as prognostic biomarkers in patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Br J Cancer 2023:10.1038/s41416-023-02285-z. [PMID: 37137997 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02285-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have improved survival for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We evaluated natural killer cell activity (NKA) and methylated HOXA9 circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as prognostic biomarkers in NSCLC patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. METHODS Plasma was prospectively collected from 71 NSCLC patients before treatment with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and before cycles 2-4. We used the NK Vue® assay to measure the level of interferon gamma (IFNγ) as a surrogate for NKA. Methylated HOXA9 was measured by droplet digital PCR. RESULTS A score combining NKA and ctDNA status measured after one treatment cycle had a strong prognostic impact. Group 1 had IFNγ < 250 pg/ml and detectable ctDNA (n = 27), group 2 consisted of patients with either low levels of IFNγ and undetectable ctDNA or high levels of IFNγ and detectable ctDNA (n = 29), group 3 had IFNγ ≥250 pg/ml and undetectable ctDNA (n = 15). Median OS was 221 days (95% CI 121-539 days), 419 days (95% CI 235-650 days), and 1158 days (95% CI 250 days-not reached), respectively (P = 0.002). Group 1 had a poor prognosis with a hazard ratio of 5.560 (95% CI 2.359-13.101, n = 71, P < 0.001) adjusting for PD-L1 status, histology, and performance status. CONCLUSIONS Combining NKA and ctDNA status after one cycle of treatment was prognostic in patients with NSCLC treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Witting Christensen Wen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, 7100, Vejle, Denmark.
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsloews Vej 19, 3rd floor, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Line Nederby
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, 7100, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Rikke Fredslund Andersen
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, 7100, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Torben Schjødt Hansen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, 7100, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Christa Haugaard Nyhus
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, 7100, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Ole Hilberg
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsloews Vej 19, 3rd floor, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Medicine, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, 7100, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Anders Jakobsen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, 7100, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsloews Vej 19, 3rd floor, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Torben Frøstrup Hansen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, 7100, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsloews Vej 19, 3rd floor, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
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Liquid Biopsy for Lung Cancer: Up-to-Date and Perspectives for Screening Programs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032505. [PMID: 36768828 PMCID: PMC9917347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer worldwide. Tissue biopsy is currently employed for the diagnosis and molecular stratification of lung cancer. Liquid biopsy is a minimally invasive approach to determine biomarkers from body fluids, such as blood, urine, sputum, and saliva. Tumor cells release cfDNA, ctDNA, exosomes, miRNAs, circRNAs, CTCs, and DNA methylated fragments, among others, which can be successfully used as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of treatment response. Predictive biomarkers are well-established for managing lung cancer, and liquid biopsy options have emerged in the last few years. Currently, detecting EGFR p.(Tyr790Met) mutation in plasma samples from lung cancer patients has been used for predicting response and monitoring tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKi)-treated patients with lung cancer. In addition, many efforts continue to bring more sensitive technologies to improve the detection of clinically relevant biomarkers for lung cancer. Moreover, liquid biopsy can dramatically decrease the turnaround time for laboratory reports, accelerating the beginning of treatment and improving the overall survival of lung cancer patients. Herein, we summarized all available and emerging approaches of liquid biopsy-techniques, molecules, and sample type-for lung cancer.
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Andersen LB, Mahler MSK, Andersen RF, Jensen LH, Raunkilde L. The Clinical Impact of Methylated Homeobox A9 ctDNA in Patients with Non-Resectable Biliary Tract Cancer Treated with Erlotinib and Bevacizumab. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194598. [PMID: 36230519 PMCID: PMC9558975 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylated homeobox A9 (meth-HOXA9) is tumor specific and has been suggested as a prognostic biomarker in several types of cancer. ctDNA measured as meth-HOXA9 may be a valuable biomarker in the decision-making process about last-line treatment of biliary tract cancer (BTC). The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical impact of meth-HOXA9 in plasma from patients receiving erlotinib and bevacizumab for late-stage BTC and to investigate the treatment effect and adverse events. Droplet digital PCR was applied to detect meth-HOXA9 in 39 patients. Response rates were registered according to RECIST (1.1) and adverse events according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4.0 (CTCAE (4.0)). Endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), response rate, and toxicity. A significant difference in PFS and OS between patients with increasing and non-increasing meth-HOXA9 was detected after one treatment cycle, hazard ratio (HR) 12.4 (p < 0.0001) and HR 2.75 (p = 0.04), respectively. The most common adverse events of erlotinib were fatigue, pain, and rash, and those of bevacizumab were bleeding and wounds. This study found meth-HOXA9 to be negatively associated with survival in patients with late-stage BTC. Hence, meth-HOXA9 may guide early discontinuation of ineffective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Bechsgaard Andersen
- Faculty of Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, 7100 Vejle, Denmark
- Correspondence: (L.B.A.); (M.S.K.M.)
| | - Marit Sofie Kjær Mahler
- Faculty of Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, 7100 Vejle, Denmark
- Correspondence: (L.B.A.); (M.S.K.M.)
| | - Rikke Fredslund Andersen
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, 7100 Vejle, Denmark
| | - Lars Henrik Jensen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, 7100 Vejle, Denmark
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Louise Raunkilde
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, 7100 Vejle, Denmark
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
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Prognostic Impact of Circulating Methylated Homeobox A9 DNA in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071766. [PMID: 35406538 PMCID: PMC8997085 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071766] [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: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylated Homeobox A9 circulating tumor DNA (meth-HOXA9) has been suggested as a blood-based biomarker in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), although its prognostic significance remains unproven. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic impact of meth-HOXA9 in patients with recurrent EOC. DNA was purified from 4 mL plasma and, following bilsulfite conversion, meth-HOXA9 was analyzed using a methylation-specific droplet digital PCR. Detection of meth-HOXA9 was reported as a percentage of total DNA and as a binary variable (detectable and undetectable). Meth-HOXA9 status and its dynamics during palliative treatment were correlated with overall survival (OS) as the primary endpoint. At baseline, meth-HOXA9 was detected in 65.9% (83/126) of the patients. The median OS was 8.9 and 17.9 months in patients with detectable and undetectable meth-HOXA9 at baseline (hazard ratio: 2.04, p = 0.002), which remained significant in the multivariate analysis. Median OS in patients with an increase in meth-HOXA9 after one treatment cycle was 5.3 months compared to 33 months in patients with undetectable meth-HOXA9 (p < 0.001). Meth-HOXA9 was significantly related to poor survival and may serve as a prognostic marker in patients with recurrent EOC. The longitudinal monitoring of meth-HOXA9 is clinically feasible with the perspective of aiding clinical decision making.
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Validating Methylated HOXA9 in Bronchial Lavage as a Diagnostic Tool in Patients Suspected of Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164223. [PMID: 34439376 PMCID: PMC8393370 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164223] [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: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnosing lung cancer requires invasive procedures with high risk of complications. Methylated tumor DNA in bronchial lavage has previously shown potential as a diagnostic biomarker. We aimed to develop and validate methylated HOXA9 in bronchial lavage as a diagnostic biomarker of lung cancer. Participants were referred on suspicion of lung cancer. Ten mL lavage fluid was collected at bronchoscopy for analysis of methylated HOXA9 based on droplet digital PCR according to our previously published method. HOXA9 status was compared with the final diagnosis. The Discovery and Validation cohorts consisted of 101 and 95 consecutively enrolled participants, respectively. In the discovery cohort, the sensitivity and specificity were 73.1% (95% CI 60.9-83.2%) and 85.3% (95% CI 68.9-95.0%), respectively. In the validation cohort, the values were 80.0% (95% CI 66.3-90.0%) and 75.6% (95% CI 60.5-87.1%), respectively. A multiple logistic regression model including age, smoking status, and methylated HOXA9 status resulted in an AUC of 84.9% (95% CI 77.3-92.4%) and 85.9% (95% CI 78.4-93.4%) for the Discovery and Validation cohorts, respectively. Methylated HOXA9 in bronchial lavage holds potential as a supplementary tool in the diagnosis of lung cancer with a clinically relevant sensitivity and specificity. It remained significant when adjusting for age and smoking status.
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