1
|
Li Y, Yu J, Zhang Y, Peng C, Song Y, Liu S. Advances in targeted therapy of cholangiocarcinoma. Ann Med 2024; 56:2310196. [PMID: 38359439 PMCID: PMC10877652 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2310196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignant tumor originating in the bile duct and its branching epithelium. Due to its high heterogeneity, there are no specific clinical indications at the early stage, the diagnosis is often in advanced CCA. With surgical resection, the 5-year postoperative survival rate (long-term survival rate) is very poor. The regimen of gemcitabine combined with platinum has been used as the first-line chemotherapy for advanced patients. In recent years, targeted therapy for a variety of malignant tumors has made great progress, showing good efficacy and safety in advanced CCA. However, the current targeted therapy of CCA still has many challenges, such as adverse reactions, drug resistance, and individual differences. Therefore, the researches need to further explore the targeted therapy mechanism of CCA malignancies in depth, develop more effective and safe drugs, and accurately formulate plans based on patient characteristics to further improve patient prognosis in the future. This article reviews the recent progress of targeted therapy for CCA, aiming to provide a strategy for the research and clinical work of targeted therapy for CCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jianfeng Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Central Laboratory, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chuang Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biliary Disease Prevention and Treatment, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Clinical Medical Technology Research Center of Hunan Provincial for Biliary Disease Prevention and Treatment, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yinghui Song
- Central Laboratory, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Sulai Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Central Laboratory, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biliary Disease Prevention and Treatment, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Clinical Medical Technology Research Center of Hunan Provincial for Biliary Disease Prevention and Treatment, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Barbato A, Piscopo F, Salati M, Pollastro C, Evangelista L, Ferrante L, Limongello D, Brillante S, Iuliano A, Reggiani-Bonetti L, Salatiello M, Iaccarino A, Pisapia P, Malapelle U, Troncone G, Indrieri A, Dominici M, Franco B, Carotenuto P. A MiR181/Sirtuin1 regulatory circuit modulates drug response in biliary cancers. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:74. [PMID: 38598008 PMCID: PMC11006774 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01332-0] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Despite recent advances, biliary tract cancer (BTC) remains one of the most lethal tumor worldwide due to late diagnosis, limited therapeutic strategies and resistance to conventional therapies. In recent years, high-throughput technologies have enabled extensive genome, and transcriptome sequencing unveiling, among others, the regulatory potential of microRNAs (miRNAs). Compelling evidence shown that miRNA are attractive therapeutic targets and promising candidates as biomarkers for various therapy-resistant tumors. The analysis of miRNA profile successfully identified miR-181c and -181d as significantly downregulated in BTC patients. Low miR-181c and -181d expression levels were correlated with worse prognosis and poor treatment efficacy. In fact, progression-free survival analysis indicated poor survival rates in miR-181c and -181d low expressing patients. The expression profile of miR-181c and -181d in BTC cell lines revealed that both miRNAs were dysregulated. Functional in vitro experiments in BTC cell lines showed that overexpression of miR-181c and -181d affected cell viability and increased sensitivity to chemotherapy compared to controls. In addition, by using bioinformatic tools we showed that the miR-181c/d functional role is determined by binding to their target SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1). Moreover, BTC patients expressing high levels of miR-181 and low SIRT1 shown an improved survival and treatment response. An integrative network analysis demonstrated that, miR-181/SIRT1 circuit had a regulatory effect on several important metabolic tumor-related processes. Our study demonstrated that miR-181c and -181d act as tumor suppressor miRNA in BTC, suggesting the potential use as therapeutic strategy in resistant cancers and as predictive biomarker in the precision medicine of BTC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Barbato
- TIGEM, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Medical Genetics, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabiola Piscopo
- TIGEM, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Medical Genetics, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Salati
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Carla Pollastro
- TIGEM, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Medical Genetics, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Evangelista
- TIGEM, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Ferrante
- TIGEM, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Limongello
- TIGEM, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Brillante
- TIGEM, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- IRGB, Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Iuliano
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Economics (DIMIE), University of Basilicata, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Luca Reggiani-Bonetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University Hospital of Modena, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Salatiello
- Department of Public Health, Universita' degli Studi di Napoli-AOU Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonino Iaccarino
- Department of Public Health, Universita' degli Studi di Napoli-AOU Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pisapia
- Department of Public Health, Universita' degli Studi di Napoli-AOU Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, Universita' degli Studi di Napoli-AOU Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Department of Public Health, Universita' degli Studi di Napoli-AOU Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Indrieri
- TIGEM, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- IRGB, Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Brunella Franco
- TIGEM, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Medical Genetics, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM, School of Advanced Studies), Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program, 80078, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Carotenuto
- TIGEM, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Medical Genetics, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Washburn L, Mahipal A, Jatoi A, Kottschade L, Tran N. Postpartum related intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR2 fusion and severe hyperbilirubinemia with response to FGFR inhibitor pemigatinib: case report and review. J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 14:2627-2636. [PMID: 38196530 PMCID: PMC10772695 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-23-693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cholangiocarcinoma during postpartum or pregnancy is a rare presentation. There are limited cases reported in the literature. Diagnosis can be delayed as presenting signs and symptoms may be attributed to pregnancy or postpartum state. Case Description We present the case of a 33-year-old postpartum woman with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with severe hyperbilirubinemia who was found to have fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2)-adenosylhomocysteinase like 1 (AHCYL1) fusion on next-generation sequencing (NGS). She initially was treated with two doses of gemcitabine and cisplatin with increasing hyperbilirubinemia requiring hold of further chemotherapy. NGS showed FGFR2-AHCYL1 fusion, and she was started on the FGFR inhibitor pemigatinib, with dramatically decreasing bilirubin within 10 days. She eventually normalized her bilirubin values and had partial response on follow-up imaging. Conclusions This is the first report, to our knowledge of response to an FGFR inhibitor in the postpartum setting, as well to show response in the setting of life-threatening hyperbilirubinemia. Our patient did not tolerate standard chemotherapy, likely due to liver dysfunction, but responded to pemigatinib, suggesting that the liver dysfunction was driven by her disease. This case underscores the need to include NGS as part of initial workup to identify important therapeutic targets and increase available lines of therapy, including those patients who are postpartum or pregnant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit Mahipal
- Department of Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Aminah Jatoi
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Nguyen Tran
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yi L, Zhu X, Xie J, Meng Z. Long-lasting complete response to SHR-1701 plus famitinib in refractory advanced gallbladder cancer: A case report. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2294575. [PMID: 38126815 PMCID: PMC10760368 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2294575] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is an aggressive malignancy with few options for advanced-stage treatment. The combination of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with famitinib, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor, has demonstrated improved clinical outcomes in several clinical trials. We herein reported a case of a gallbladder cancer (GBC) patient with liver metastases, previously resistant to traditional chemotherapy. Remarkably, the patient achieved a complete response (CR) with a long-lasting survival benefit exceeding 3 years. This was achieved using a novel regimen combining SHR-1701, an anti-PD-L1/TGF-βR fusion protein, and famitinib, even though the patient had proficient mismatch repair (pMMR) and tested negative for PD-L1. Adverse events were limited and manageable. This is the first report of such a treatment regimen being applied in a clinical setting, suggesting that the SHR-1701 and famitinib combination may be a promising immunotherapeutic approach for patients with refractory advanced GBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Yi
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ament CE, Steinmann S, Evert K, Pes GM, Ribback S, Gigante I, Pizzuto E, Banales JM, Rodrigues PM, Olaizola P, Wang H, Giannelli G, Chen X, Evert M, Calvisi DF. Aberrant fucosylation sustains the NOTCH and EGFR/NF-κB pathways and has a prognostic value in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatology 2023; 78:1742-1754. [PMID: 36789652 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a lethal malignancy, with increasing incidence worldwide and limited therapeutic options. Aberrant protein glycosylation is a hallmark of cancer. Here, we thoroughly investigated the possible involvement of fucosylation in cholangiocarcinogenesis. APPROACH AND RESULTS We discovered that the levels of global fucosylation and members of the fucosylation pathway are ubiquitously upregulated in human iCCA tissues compared to nontumorous surrounding livers and normal biliary cells. In addition, total fucosylation levels correlate with poor patients' prognosis. Furthermore, fucosylation inhibition following 6-alkynylfucose (6AF) administration triggered a dose-dependent decrease in the proliferation and migration of iCCA cell lines. Notably, adding fucose to the cell medium annulled these effects. At the molecular level, 6AF administration or small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of GDP-L-fucose synthetase (FX) and the GDP-fucose transmembrane transporter (SLC35C1), both pivotal players of cellular fucosylation, decreased NOTCH activity, NOTCH1/Jagged1 interaction, NOTCH receptors, and related target genes in iCCA cell lines. In the same cells, EGFR, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells p65, and Bcl-xL protein levels diminished, whereas IκBα (a critical cellular NF-κB inhibitor) increased after FX/SLC35C1 knockdown or 6AF administration. In the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, 6AF treatment profoundly suppresses the growth of iCCA cells. CONCLUSIONS Elevated global fucosylation characterizes human iCCA, contributing to cell growth and migration through the upregulation of the NOTCH and EGFR/NF-κB pathways. Thus, aberrant fucosylation is a novel pathogenetic player and a potential therapeutic target for human iCCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cindy E Ament
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sara Steinmann
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Katja Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Giovanni M Pes
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Isabella Gigante
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Pizzuto
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Jesus M Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain
- National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro M Rodrigues
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain
- National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Paula Olaizola
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Haichuan Wang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, USA
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carotenuto P, Gradilone SA, Franco B. Cilia and Cancer: From Molecular Genetics to Therapeutic Strategies. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1428. [PMID: 37510333 PMCID: PMC10379587 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071428] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cilia are microtubule-based organelles that project from the cell surface with motility or sensory functions. Primary cilia work as antennae to sense and transduce extracellular signals. Cilia critically control proliferation by mediating cell-extrinsic signals and by regulating cell cycle entry. Recent studies have shown that primary cilia and their associated proteins also function in autophagy and genome stability, which are important players in oncogenesis. Abnormal functions of primary cilia may contribute to oncogenesis. Indeed, defective cilia can either promote or suppress cancers, depending on the cancer-initiating mutation, and the presence or absence of primary cilia is associated with specific cancer types. Together, these findings suggest that primary cilia play important, but distinct roles in different cancer types, opening up a completely new avenue of research to understand the biology and treatment of cancers. In this review, we discuss the roles of primary cilia in promoting or inhibiting oncogenesis based on the known or predicted functions of cilia and cilia-associated proteins in several key processes and related clinical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Carotenuto
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
- TIGEM, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, 80078 Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio A. Gradilone
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA;
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Brunella Franco
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
- TIGEM, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, 80078 Naples, Italy
- School of Advanced Studies, Genomic and Experimental medicine Program (Scuola Superiore Meridionale), 80138 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Skouteris N, Papageorgiou G, Fioretzaki R, Charalampakis N, Schizas D, Kykalos S, Tolia M. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and combinations with other agents in cholangiocarcinoma. Immunotherapy 2023; 15:487-502. [PMID: 36876442 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2022-0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma consists of a heterogeneous group of malignancies with generally poor prognoses. Immunotherapy has emerged in the treatment landscape of many tumors, offering survival benefits, but data regarding the use of immunotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma remain vague. In this review, the authors analyze differences in the tumor microenvironment and various immune escape mechanisms and discuss available immunotherapy combinations with other agents among completed and ongoing clinical trials, such as chemotherapy, targeted agents, antiangiogenic drugs, local ablative therapies, cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy and PARP and TGF-β inhibitors. Ongoing research to identify appropriate biomarkers is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Skouteris
- Department of Medical Oncology, Metaxa Cancer Hospital of Piraeus, Piraeus, 185 37, Greece
| | - Georgios Papageorgiou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Metaxa Cancer Hospital of Piraeus, Piraeus, 185 37, Greece
| | - Rodanthi Fioretzaki
- Department of Medical Oncology, Metaxa Cancer Hospital of Piraeus, Piraeus, 185 37, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Charalampakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Metaxa Cancer Hospital of Piraeus, Piraeus, 185 37, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Schizas
- First Department of Surgery, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, 115 27, Greece
| | - Stylianos Kykalos
- Second Propedeutic Department of Surgery, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, 115 27, Greece
| | - Maria Tolia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Crete, Voutes, Heraklion, Crete, 71110, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Micro-RNA in Cholangiocarcinoma: Implications for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapy. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmp3020009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bile-duct cancers (BDC) are a group of solid tumors arising from the biliary tree. Despite their classification as rare cancers, the incidence of BDC is increasing worldwide. Poor prognosis is a common feature of this type of cancer and is mainly determined by the following factors: late diagnosis, lack of effective therapeutic approaches, and resistance to conventional treatments. In the past few years, next-generation sequencing technologies has allowed us to study the genome, exome, and transcriptome of BDC deeper, revealing a previously underestimated class of RNA: the noncoding RNA (ncRNA). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small ncRNAs that play an important regulatory role in gene expression. The aberrant expression of miRNAs and their pivotal role as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in biliary carcinogenesis has been widely described in BDC. Due to their ability to regulate multiple gene networks, miRNAs are involved in all cancer hallmarks, including sustaining proliferative signaling, evading growth suppressors, resisting cell death, enabling replicative immortality, inducing/accessing vasculature, activating invasion and metastasis, reprogramming cellular metabolism, and avoiding immune destruction. Their use as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers has been widely explored in several human cancers, including BDC. Furthermore, miRNA-based therapeutic strategies are currently the subject of numerous clinical trials that are providing evidence of their efficacy as potent anticancer agents. In this review, we will provide a detailed update of miRNAs affecting BDC, discussing their regulatory function in processes underlying the molecular pathology of BDC. Finally, an overview of their potential use as biomarkers or therapeutic tools in BDC will be further addressed.
Collapse
|