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Garlisi B, Lauks S, Aitken C, Ogilvie LM, Lockington C, Petrik D, Eichhorn JS, Petrik J. The Complex Tumor Microenvironment in Ovarian Cancer: Therapeutic Challenges and Opportunities. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:3826-3844. [PMID: 39057155 PMCID: PMC11275383 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31070283] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) in ovarian cancer (OC) has much greater complexity than previously understood. In response to aggressive pro-angiogenic stimulus, blood vessels form rapidly and are dysfunctional, resulting in poor perfusion, tissue hypoxia, and leakiness, which leads to increased interstitial fluid pressure (IFP). Decreased perfusion and high IFP significantly inhibit the uptake of therapies into the tumor. Within the TME, there are numerous inhibitor cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor association macrophages (TAMs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that secrete high numbers of immunosuppressive cytokines. This immunosuppressive environment is thought to contribute to the lack of success of immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment. This review discusses the components of the TME in OC, how these characteristics impede therapeutic efficacy, and some strategies to alleviate this inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jim Petrik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (B.G.); (S.L.); (C.A.); (L.M.O.); (C.L.); (D.P.); (J.S.E.)
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Cao W, Wang C, Zhang Y, Yang J, Luo X, Zhao Y, Wu M, Cheng S, Wang Y. Identification of the prognostic value of LACTB2 and its correlation with immune infiltrates in ovarian cancer by integrated bioinformatics analyses. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:166. [PMID: 38475882 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01762-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common reproductive tumors in women, whereas current treatment options are limited. β-lactamase-like-protein 2 (LACTB2) has been observed to be associated with various cancers, but its function in OC is unknown. Therefore, we evaluate the prognostic value and the underlying function of LACTB2 in OC. In this study, high expression of LACTB2 was observed in OC compared with normal controls. Kaplan-Meier Plotter analysis revealed that overexpressed LACTB2 is strongly correlated with poor prognosis. We conducted GO/KEGG analysis to investigate the potential biological function of LACTB2 in OC. GESA analysis showed that LACTB2 was closely related to immune-related pathways. Subsequently, we explored the relationship between LACTB2 and 24 types of immune cells in OC. The results suggested that LACTB2 was positively associated with multiple tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Importantly, LACTB2 may modulate immune cell infiltration in OC to influence prognosis. In conclusion, LACTB2 can be used as a promising prognostic biomarker and immunotherapy target for OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Cao
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiani Yang
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiaomei Luo
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yaqian Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Meixuan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201204, China
| | - Shanshan Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201204, China.
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Kang H, Hwang S, Kang H, Jo A, Lee JM, Choi JK, An HJ, Lee H. Altered tumor signature and T-cell profile after chemotherapy reveal new therapeutic opportunities in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:989-1000. [PMID: 38226451 PMCID: PMC10921005 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16074] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy combined with debulking surgery is the standard treatment protocol for high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). Nonetheless, a significant number of patients encounter relapse due to the development of chemotherapy resistance. To better understand and address this resistance, we conducted a comprehensive study investigating the transcriptional alterations at the single-cell resolution in tissue samples from patients with HGSOC, using single-cell RNA sequencing and T-cell receptor sequencing techniques. Our analyses unveiled notable changes in the tumor signatures after chemotherapy, including those associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cell cycle arrest. Within the immune compartment, we observed alterations in the T-cell profiles, characterized by naïve or pre-exhausted populations following chemotherapy. This phenotypic change was further supported by the examination of adjoining T-cell receptor clonotypes in paired longitudinal samples. These findings underscore the profound impact of chemotherapy on reshaping the tumor landscape and the immune microenvironment. This knowledge may provide clues for the development of future therapeutic strategies to combat treatment resistance in HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiram Kang
- Department of Microbiology, College of MedicineThe Catholic University of KoreaSeoulKorea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate SchoolThe Catholic University of KoreaSeoulKorea
| | - Sohyun Hwang
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical CenterCHA UniversitySeongnam‐siKorea
- Department of CHA Future Medicine Research InstituteCHA Bundang Medical CenterSeongnam‐siGyeonggi‐doSouth Korea
| | - Haeyoun Kang
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical CenterCHA UniversitySeongnam‐siKorea
| | - Areum Jo
- Department of Microbiology, College of MedicineThe Catholic University of KoreaSeoulKorea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate SchoolThe Catholic University of KoreaSeoulKorea
| | - Ji Min Lee
- Department of CHA Future Medicine Research InstituteCHA Bundang Medical CenterSeongnam‐siGyeonggi‐doSouth Korea
| | | | - Hee Jung An
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical CenterCHA UniversitySeongnam‐siKorea
- Department of CHA Future Medicine Research InstituteCHA Bundang Medical CenterSeongnam‐siGyeonggi‐doSouth Korea
| | - Hae‐Ock Lee
- Department of Microbiology, College of MedicineThe Catholic University of KoreaSeoulKorea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate SchoolThe Catholic University of KoreaSeoulKorea
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Tavares V, Marques IS, Melo IGD, Assis J, Pereira D, Medeiros R. Paradigm Shift: A Comprehensive Review of Ovarian Cancer Management in an Era of Advancements. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1845. [PMID: 38339123 PMCID: PMC10856127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031845] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the female genital malignancy with the highest lethality. Patients present a poor prognosis mainly due to the late clinical presentation allied with the common acquisition of chemoresistance and a high rate of tumour recurrence. Effective screening, accurate diagnosis, and personalised multidisciplinary treatments are crucial for improving patients' survival and quality of life. This comprehensive narrative review aims to describe the current knowledge on the aetiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of OC, highlighting the latest significant advancements and future directions. Traditionally, OC treatment involves the combination of cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy. Although more therapeutical approaches have been developed, the lack of established predictive biomarkers to guide disease management has led to only marginal improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) while patients face an increasing level of toxicity. Fortunately, because of a better overall understanding of ovarian tumourigenesis and advancements in the disease's (epi)genetic and molecular profiling, a paradigm shift has emerged with the identification of new disease biomarkers and the proposal of targeted therapeutic approaches to postpone disease recurrence and decrease side effects, while increasing patients' survival. Despite this progress, several challenges in disease management, including disease heterogeneity and drug resistance, still need to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valéria Tavares
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP), Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Clinical Pathology SV/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Soares Marques
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP), Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Clinical Pathology SV/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Guerra de Melo
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP), Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Clinical Pathology SV/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Assis
- Clinical Research Unit, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP), RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Deolinda Pereira
- Oncology Department, Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto (IPOP), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP), Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Clinical Pathology SV/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Fernando Pessoa University, 4200-150 Porto, Portugal
- Research Department, Portuguese League Against Cancer (NRNorte), 4200-172 Porto, Portugal
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Qin Y, Huang S, Tang J, Fan Y, Deng X, Guan P, Zhang Z, Wen Q, Li D. Case report: Interstitial implantation radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy and GM-CSF in oligometastatic platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1329951. [PMID: 38235148 PMCID: PMC10791797 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1329951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer is challenging. Currently, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer is typically treated with non-platinum single-agent chemotherapy ± bevacizumab, but the prognosis is often extremely poor. In the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients, reports of triple therapy with interstitial implantation radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) (PRaG for short) are relatively rare. Case description Here, we report a patient with oligometastatic platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The patient achieved partial response (PR) of the lesion and sustained benefit for more than six months after receiving interstitial implantation radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy along with GM-CSF. Conclusion This triple therapy may provide additional options for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Qin
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Shangke Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Junli Tang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Department of Oncology, The First People’s Hospital of Suining, Suining, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Fan
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiangyu Deng
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Ping Guan
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenhua Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Martorana F, Scandurra G, Valerio MR, Cufari S, Vigneri P, Sanò MV, Scibilia G, Scollo P, Gebbia V. A review and metanalysis of metronomic oral single-agent cyclophosphamide for treating advanced ovarian carcinoma in the era of precision medicine. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2024; 30:173-181. [PMID: 38018146 DOI: 10.1177/10781552231216689] [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: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oral metronomic cyclophosphamide has been used as a single agent or in combination with other drugs for several solid tumors with interesting results in disease palliation and mild to moderate toxicity, notably in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) progressing after systemic chemotherapy. In this paper, we report a review and a metanalysis of heterogeneous data published up to date. DATA SOURCES The literature search was restricted to single-agent MOC. The analysis was conducted through March 2023 by consulting PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and The Cochrane Library databases. Research string and Medical Subject Headings included "ovarian tumor," "ovarian carcinoma," or "ovarian cancer," "fallopian tube cancer," "primary peritoneal cancer," "oral chemotherapy," and "metronomic cyclophosphamide." All articles were assessed for quality by at least two investigators independently, and a < 18 patients sample size cutoff was chosen as a lower limit with a Cohen's kappa statistical coefficient for accuracy and reliability. Metanalysis of selected papers was carried out according to a fixed model. DATA SUMMARY The percentage of agreement between investigators on literature study selection was very high, reaching 96.9% with a Cohen's k of 0.929. MOC pooled objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate for recurrent or platinum-refractory ovarian cancer were 18.8% (range 4-44%) and 36.2% (range 16-58.8%), respectively. The mean progressive-free survival and overall survival were 3.16 months (range 1.9 to 5.0 months) and 8.7 months (range 8 to 13 months), respectively. The fixed model metanalysis of selected studies showed a 16% median ORR (12-20% CI, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Single-agent oral cyclophosphamide in EOC holds promise as a treatment option, even in the era of precision medicine. Genetic factors, such as DNA repair gene polymorphisms, may influence treatment response. Combining cyclophosphamide with biological agents such as PARP inhibitors or immunotherapy agents is an area of active investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Martorana
- Medical Oncology Unit, Humanitas istituto Clinico Catanese, Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Paolo Vigneri
- Medical Oncology Unit, Humanitas istituto Clinico Catanese, Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Vita Sanò
- Medical Oncology Unit, Humanitas istituto Clinico Catanese, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Scollo
- Gynecological Oncology Unit, Ospedale Cannizzaro, Catania, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Gynecology Kore University, Enna, Italy
| | - Vittorio Gebbia
- Chair of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Enna Kore, Enna, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, CdC Torina, Palermo, Italy
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Kos FJ, Frankel P, Cristea M, Eng M, Tinsley R, Dempsey S, Ruel N, Stewart D, Dellinger TH, Diamond DJ. Immunologic Signatures of Peripheral Blood T Cells Reveal the Outcome of p53MVA Vaccine and Pembrolizumab Treatment in Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2585-2595. [PMID: 38032111 PMCID: PMC10732002 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our previous studies indicated that p53-reactive T cells were associated with clinical benefit in patients with advanced ovarian cancer who were treated with p53-expressing modified vaccinia Ankara (p53MVA) vaccine and gemcitabine chemotherapy. To replace chemotherapy with an approach that will enhance vaccine efficacy and antitumor immunity, we treated patients with p53MVA in combination with PD-1 checkpoint blocker, pembrolizumab. We also attempted to further characterize the activation status of T cells prior to vaccination and during treatment. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Patients received up to three triweekly vaccinations concurrent with pembrolizumab, followed by pembrolizumab monotherapy at 3-week intervals. Correlative studies analyzed peripheral blood T-cell phenotypes and profiles of immune function gene expression. RESULTS We observed 6/28 (21%) patients with a clinical benefit to therapy, including 3 partial responses (PR) and 3 patients with stable disease (SD) for 6+ months. The median progression-free survival was 1.8 months (95% confidence interval: 1.7-3.8) and median overall survival was 15.1 months (9.4-30.4). Two patients remain progression-free at 28 and 33 months. Of the 18 patients evaluable in correlative studies, 6 were immunologic responders of whom 5 had clinical benefit (3 PR, 2 SD). Immunologic non-responders expressed in pretreatment peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples high levels of mRNA for multiple molecules associated with terminally differentiated T cells. CONCLUSIONS p53MVA/pembrolizumab immunotherapy showed promising antitumor activity in patients who demonstrated functionally competent peripheral blood T cells. Detection of markers of terminally differentiated T cells before treatment may identify patients unlikely to respond to p53MVA/pembrolizumab. SIGNIFICANCE The activity of a combination immunotherapy of p53 vaccine and PD-1 checkpoint blockade in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer was evaluated in a phase II trial. Clinical benefit was correlated with the responsive immune status of patients before and during the treatment, defining potential predictive markers for immune therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdynand J. Kos
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Paul Frankel
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California
| | - Mihaela Cristea
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Melissa Eng
- Clinical Trials Office, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Raechelle Tinsley
- Clinical Trials Office, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Shannon Dempsey
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Nora Ruel
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California
| | - Daphne Stewart
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Thanh H. Dellinger
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Don J. Diamond
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California
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Guerra C, Kalaitsidou M, Kueberuwa G, Hawkins R, Edmondson R. Engineering strategies to optimise adoptive cell therapy in ovarian cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 121:102632. [PMID: 37837788 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102632] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is amongst the ten most common cancer types in women, and it is one of the leading causes of death. Despite the promising results of targeted therapies, including anti-angiogenic agents and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi), the majority of patients will relapse and develop treatment resistance, implying that novel therapeutic strategies are required. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) refers to the process by which autologous immune cells are used to eliminate cancer. Examples include tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), T cells genetically engineered with T cell receptors (TCR), or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells. Recently, ACT has revealed promising results in the treatment of haematological malignancies, however, its application to solid tumours is still limited due to lack of functionality and persistence of T cells, prevalence of an exhausted phenotype and impaired trafficking towards the tumour microenvironment (TME). In this review we explore the potential of ACT for the treatment of ovarian cancer and strategies to overcome its principal limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Guerra
- InstilBio UK, 48 Grafton St, Manchester M13 9XX, Manchester, United Kingdom; School of Medical Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Milena Kalaitsidou
- InstilBio UK, 48 Grafton St, Manchester M13 9XX, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Gray Kueberuwa
- InstilBio UK, 48 Grafton St, Manchester M13 9XX, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Robert Hawkins
- InstilBio UK, 48 Grafton St, Manchester M13 9XX, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Richard Edmondson
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Szymanowski W, Szymanowska A, Bielawska A, Lopez-Berestein G, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Amero P. Aptamers as Potential Therapeutic Tools for Ovarian Cancer: Advancements and Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5300. [PMID: 37958473 PMCID: PMC10647731 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most common lethal gynecologic cause of death in women worldwide, with a high mortality rate and increasing incidence. Despite advancements in the treatment, most OC patients still die from their disease due to late-stage diagnosis, the lack of effective diagnostic methods, and relapses. Aptamers, synthetic, short single-stranded oligonucleotides, have emerged as promising anticancer therapeutics. Their ability to selectively bind to target molecules, including cancer-related proteins and receptors, has revolutionized drug discovery and biomarker identification. Aptamers offer unique insights into the molecular pathways involved in cancer development and progression. Moreover, they show immense potential as drug delivery systems, enabling targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to cancer cells while minimizing off-target effects and reducing systemic toxicity. In the context of OC, the integration of aptamers with non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) presents an opportunity for precise and efficient gene targeting. Additionally, the conjugation of aptamers with nanoparticles allows for accurate and targeted delivery of ncRNAs to specific cells, tissues, or organs. In this review, we will summarize the potential use and challenges associated with the use of aptamers alone or aptamer-ncRNA conjugates, nanoparticles, and multivalent aptamer-based therapeutics for the treatment of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Szymanowski
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (W.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Szymanowska
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
| | - Anna Bielawska
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (W.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
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10
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Bhat AA, Goyal A, Thapa R, Almalki WH, Kazmi I, Alzarea SI, Singh M, Rohilla S, Saini TK, Kukreti N, Meenakshi DU, Fuloria NK, Sekar M, Gupta G. Uncovering the complex role of interferon-gamma in suppressing type 2 immunity to cancer. Cytokine 2023; 171:156376. [PMID: 37748333 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancer involves cells' abnormal growth and ability to invade or metastasize to different body parts. Cancerous cells can divide uncontrollably and spread to other areas through the lymphatic or circulatory systems. Tumors form when malignant cells clump together in an uncontrolled manner. In this context, the cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is crucial in regulating immunological responses, particularly malignancy. While IFN-γ is well-known for its potent anti-tumor effects by activating type 1 immunity, recent research has revealed its ability to suppress type 2 immunity, associated with allergy and inflammatory responses. This review aims to elucidate the intricate function of IFN-γ in inhibiting type 2 immune responses to cancer. We explore how IFN-γ influences the development and function of immune cells involved in type 2 immunity, such as mast cells, eosinophils, and T-helper 2 (Th2) cells. Additionally, we investigate the impact of IFN-mediated reduction of type 2 immunity on tumor development, metastasis, and the response to immunotherapeutic interventions. To develop successful cancer immunotherapies, it is crucial to comprehend the complex interplay between type 2 and type 1 immune response and the regulatory role of IFN-γ. This understanding holds tremendous promise for the development of innovative treatment approaches that harness the abilities of both immune response types to combat cancer. However, unraveling the intricate interplay between IFN-γ and type 2 immunity in the tumor microenvironment will be essential for achieving this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asif Ahmad Bhat
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura 302017, Mahal Road, Jaipur, India
| | - Ahsas Goyal
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, U. P., India
| | - Riya Thapa
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura 302017, Mahal Road, Jaipur, India
| | - Waleed Hassan Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami I Alzarea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahaveer Singh
- Swami Keshvanand Institute of Pharmacy (SKIP), Raiser, Bikaner, 334022, India
| | - Suman Rohilla
- SGT College of Pharmacy, Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, 122505, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Saini
- Dept. Of Neurosurgery ICU, Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi (Govt. Of NCT Of Delhi), New Delhi, India
| | - Neelima Kukreti
- School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun 248007, India
| | | | | | - Mahendran Sekar
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India.
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11
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Gerton TJ, Green A, Campisi M, Chen M, Gjeci I, Mahadevan N, Lee CAA, Mishra R, Vo HV, Haratani K, Li ZH, Hasselblatt KT, Testino B, Connor T, Lian CG, Elias KM, Lizotte P, Ivanova EV, Barbie DA, Dinulescu DM. Development of a Patient-Derived 3D Immuno-Oncology Platform to Potentiate Immunotherapy Responses in Ascites-Derived Circulating Tumor Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4128. [PMID: 37627156 PMCID: PMC10452550 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is responsible for the majority of gynecology cancer-related deaths. Patients in remission often relapse with more aggressive forms of disease within 2 years post-treatment. Alternative immuno-oncology (IO) strategies, such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) targeting the PD-(L)1 signaling axis, have proven inefficient so far. Our aim is to utilize epigenetic modulators to maximize the benefit of personalized IO combinations in ex vivo 3D patient-derived platforms and in vivo syngeneic models. Using patient-derived tumor ascites, we optimized an ex vivo 3D screening platform (PDOTS), which employs autologous immune cells and circulating ascites-derived tumor cells, to rapidly test personalized IO combinations. Most importantly, patient responses to platinum chemotherapy and poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors in 3D platforms recapitulate clinical responses. Furthermore, similar to clinical trial results, responses to ICB in PDOTS tend to be low and positively correlated with the frequency of CD3+ immune cells and EPCAM+/PD-L1+ tumor cells. Thus, the greatest response observed with anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy alone is seen in patient-derived HGSOC ascites, which present with high levels of systemic CD3+ and PD-L1+ expression in immune and tumor cells, respectively. In addition, priming with epigenetic adjuvants greatly potentiates ICB in ex vivo 3D testing platforms and in vivo tumor models. We further find that epigenetic priming induces increased tumor secretion of several key cytokines known to augment T and NK cell activation and cytotoxicity, including IL-6, IP-10 (CXCL10), KC (CXCL1), and RANTES (CCL5). Moreover, epigenetic priming alone and in combination with ICB immunotherapy in patient-derived PDOTS induces rapid upregulation of CD69, a reliable early activation of immune markers in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Consequently, this functional precision medicine approach could rapidly identify personalized therapeutic combinations able to potentiate ICB, which is a great advantage, especially given the current clinical difficulty of testing a high number of potential combinations in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Gerton
- Division of Women’s and Perinatal Pathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Allen Green
- Division of Women’s and Perinatal Pathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marco Campisi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Minyue Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Iliana Gjeci
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Navin Mahadevan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Catherine A. A. Lee
- Division of Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ranjan Mishra
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ha V. Vo
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Koji Haratani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ze-Hua Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kathleen T. Hasselblatt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bryanna Testino
- Division of Women’s and Perinatal Pathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Trevor Connor
- Division of Women’s and Perinatal Pathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christine G. Lian
- Division of Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kevin M. Elias
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Patrick Lizotte
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Elena V. Ivanova
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - David A. Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Daniela M. Dinulescu
- Division of Women’s and Perinatal Pathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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12
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Lee WJ, Wang YL, Peng HH, Lin CT. Increased absolute lymphocyte count, increased absolute neutrophil count and low platelet to lymphocyte ratio as predicting factors in the superior disease control of refractory/relapsing gynecologic malignancies with anti PD-1 therapy: 10 years of experience in a single institution. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 62:506-509. [PMID: 37407184 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2022.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immune checkpoint inhibitors are rapidly being used in solid and hematologic malignancies, including gynecologic cancers. The high mortality and relapsing rates of advanced gynecologic malignancies remain a challenging issue. This study aimed to identify the predicting factors associated with survival prognosis and disease control in patients with refractory/relapsing (R/R) gynecologic malignancies receiving anti PD-1 therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 49 patients diagnosed with R/R gynecologic malignancies between July 2012 and June 2019 in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. Among the 49 patients, 6 were excluded due to incomplete medical records or not receiving anti PD-1 therapy. The remaining 43 patients were further divided into responsive and non-responsive groups according to disease control for predicting prognostic factor analysis. RESULTS For the 43 cases, the median age at diagnosis and disease follow-up length were 54 years and 29 months, respectively. Among them, 23 (53%) were categorized into the responsive group, and the remaining 20 (47%) were categorized into the non-responsive group. The mortality rates were 17% and 25% in the responsive and non-responsive groups, respectively. The responsive group had significantly higher absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), higher absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and low platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) than the non-responsive group. A superior long-term survival trend was also observed in the responsive group, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS This study reinforced the hypothesis that high ALC, high ANC and low PLR are associated with superior disease control in patients with R/R gynecologic malignancies receiving anti PD-1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ju Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lun Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Huei Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Tao Lin
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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13
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Varier L, Sundaram SM, Gamit N, Warrier S. An Overview of Ovarian Cancer: The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in Chemoresistance and a Precision Medicine Approach Targeting the Wnt Pathway with the Antagonist sFRP4. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041275. [PMID: 36831617 PMCID: PMC9954718 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most prevalent gynecological cancers, having a relatively high fatality rate with a low five-year chance of survival when detected in late stages. The early detection, treatment and prevention of metastasis is pertinent and a pressing research priority as many patients are diagnosed only in stage three of ovarian cancer. Despite surgical interventions, targeted immunotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, relapses are significantly higher than other cancers, suggesting the dire need to identify the root cause of metastasis and relapse and present more precise therapeutic options. In this review, we first describe types of ovarian cancers, the existing markers and treatment modalities. As ovarian cancer is driven and sustained by an elusive and highly chemoresistant population of cancer stem cells (CSCs), their role and the associated signature markers are exhaustively discussed. Non-invasive diagnostic markers, which can be identified early in the disease using circulating tumor cells (CTCs), are also described. The mechanism of the self-renewal, chemoresistance and metastasis of ovarian CSCs is regulated by the Wnt signaling pathway. Thus, its role in ovarian cancer in promoting stemness and metastasis is delineated. Based on our findings, we propose a novel strategy of Wnt inhibition using a well-known Wnt antagonist, secreted frizzled related protein 4 (sFRP4), wherein short micropeptides derived from the whole protein can be used as powerful inhibitors. The latest approaches to early diagnosis and novel treatment strategies emphasized in this review will help design precision medicine approaches for an effective capture and destruction of highly aggressive ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya Varier
- Cuor Stem Cellutions Pvt Ltd., Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore 560 065, India
| | - S. Mohana Sundaram
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore 560 065, India
| | - Naisarg Gamit
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore 560 065, India
| | - Sudha Warrier
- Cuor Stem Cellutions Pvt Ltd., Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore 560 065, India
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore 560 065, India
- Correspondence:
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14
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Gutiérrez-Chamorro L, Felip E, Bernat-Peguera A, Ezeonwumelu IJ, Teruel I, Martínez-Cardús A, Clotet B, Riveira-Muñoz E, Romeo M, Margelí M, Ballana E. SAMHD1 expression modulates innate immune activation and correlates with ovarian cancer prognosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1112761. [PMID: 36845138 PMCID: PMC9948397 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1112761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose SAMHD1 is a deoxynucleotide triphosphate (dNTP) triphosphohydrolase which has been proposed as a putative prognostic factor in haematological cancers and certain solid tumours, although with controversial data. Here, we evaluate SAMHD1 function in ovarian cancer, both in vitro and in ovarian cancer patients. Methods SAMHD1 expression was downregulated in ovarian cancer cell lines OVCAR3 and SKOV3 by RNA interference. Gene and protein expression changes in immune signalling pathways were assessed. SAMHD1 expression in ovarian cancer patients was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and survival analysis was performed according to SAMHD1 expression. Results SAMHD1 knockdown induced a significant upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines concomitant to increased expression of the main RNA-sensors, MDA5 and RIG-I, and interferon-stimulated genes, supporting the idea that the absence of SAMHD1 promotes innate immune activation in vitro. To assess the contribution of SAMHD1 in ovarian cancer patients, tumours were stratified in SAMHD1-low and SAMHD1-high expressing tumours, resulting in significantly shorter progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in SAMHD1-high expression subgroup (p=0.01 and 0.04, respectively). Conclusions SAMHD1 depletion correlates with increased innate immune cell signalling in ovarian cancer cells. In clinical samples, SAMHD1-low expressing tumors showed increased progression free survival and overall survival irrespective of BRCA mutation status. These results point towards SAMHD1 modulation as a new therapeutic strategy, able to enhance innate immune activation directly in tumour cells, leading to improved prognosis in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Gutiérrez-Chamorro
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute – and Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Eudald Felip
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute – and Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain,Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), B-ARGO (Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology), Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Adrià Bernat-Peguera
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), B-ARGO (Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology), Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Ifeanyi Jude Ezeonwumelu
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute – and Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Iris Teruel
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), B-ARGO (Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology), Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Anna Martínez-Cardús
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), B-ARGO (Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology), Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Bonaventura Clotet
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute – and Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain,Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Riveira-Muñoz
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute – and Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Margarita Romeo
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), B-ARGO (Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology), Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain,*Correspondence: Margarita Romeo, ; Mireia Margelí, ; Ester Ballana,
| | - Mireia Margelí
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), B-ARGO (Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology), Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain,*Correspondence: Margarita Romeo, ; Mireia Margelí, ; Ester Ballana,
| | - Ester Ballana
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute – and Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain,*Correspondence: Margarita Romeo, ; Mireia Margelí, ; Ester Ballana,
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15
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Zhang CL, Jiang XC, Li Y, Pan X, Gao MQ, Chen Y, Pang B. Independent predictive value of blood inflammatory composite markers in ovarian cancer: recent clinical evidence and perspective focusing on NLR and PLR. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:36. [PMID: 36759864 PMCID: PMC9912515 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01116-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the deadliest malignant tumors affecting women worldwide. The predictive value of some blood inflammatory composite markers in OC has been extensively reported. They can be used for early detection and differential diagnosis of OC and can be used for predicting survival, treatment response, and recurrence in the affected patients. Here, we reviewed the predictive values of composite inflammatory markers based on complete blood count, namely neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic inflammation index and markers based on blood protein, namely C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and prognostic nutritional index in OC, with a focus on NLR and PLR. We referred to the clinical studies on these six markers, reviewed the patient population, and summarized the marker cut-off values, significance, and limitations of these studies. All these studies were retrospective and most of them were single-center clinical studies with small sample sizes. We found that the cut-off values of these markers have not been unified, and methods used to determine these values varied among studies. The predictive value of these markers on survival was mainly reflected in the postoperative patients of multiple subtypes of ovarian cancer including epithelial OC, high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, and ovarian clear cell carcinoma. We focused on NLR and PLR and calculated their pooled hazard ratios. NLR and PLR were reliable in predicting overall and progression-free survivals in patients with OC. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust important confounding factors and conduct a long-term follow-up prospective cohort study to further clarify the cut-off values of NLR and PLR and their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-long Zhang
- grid.464297.aGuang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053 China
| | - Xiao-chen Jiang
- grid.464297.aGuang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053 China
| | - Yi Li
- grid.464297.aGuang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053 China
| | - Xue Pan
- grid.464297.aGuang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053 China
| | - Meng-qi Gao
- grid.416935.cWangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100102 China
| | - Yan Chen
- International Medical Department of Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Bo Pang
- International Medical Department of Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China.
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16
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Immunotherapeutic Approaches in Ovarian Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:1233-1249. [PMID: 36826026 PMCID: PMC9955550 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45020081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is gynecological cancer, and diagnosis and treatment are continuously advancing. Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based diagnoses have emerged as novel methods for identifying molecules and pathways in cancer research. The NGS-based applications have expanded in OC research for early detection and identification of aberrant genes and dysregulation pathways, demonstrating comprehensive views of the entire transcriptome, such as fusion genes, genetic mutations, and gene expression profiling. Coinciding with advances in NGS-based diagnosis, treatment strategies for OC, such as molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have also advanced. Immunotherapy is effective against many other cancers, and its efficacy against OC has also been demonstrated at the clinical phase. In this review, we describe several NGS-based applications for therapeutic targets of OC, and introduce current immunotherapeutic strategies, including vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell transplantation, for effective diagnosis and treatment of OC.
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17
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Acosta JC, Bahr JM, Basu S, O’Donnell JT, Barua A. Expression of CISH, an Inhibitor of NK Cell Function, Increases in Association with Ovarian Cancer Development and Progression. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020299. [PMID: 36830840 PMCID: PMC9952877 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (OVCA), a fatal malignancy of women, disseminates locally. Although NK cells mount immune responses against OVCA, tumors inhibit NK cells, and the mechanism is not well understood. Cytokines stimulate NK cells; however, chronic stimulation exhausts them and induces expression of cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (CISH). Tumors produce anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 which may induce NK cell exhaustion. The goal of this study was to examine if CISH expression in NK cells increases during OVCA development and to determine the mechanism(s) of OVCA-induced CISH expression in NK cells. Normal ovaries (n = 7) were used for CISH, IL-10 and GRP78 expression. In tumor ovaries, CISH was examined in early and late stages (n = 14 each, all subtypes) while IL-10 and GRP78 expression were examined in early and late stage HGSC (n = 5 each). Compared to normal, the population of CISH-expressing NK cells increased and the intensity of IL-10 and GRP78 expression was significantly higher in OVCA (p < 0.05). CISH expression was positively correlated with IL-10 expression (r = 0.52, r = 0.65, p < 0.05 at early and late stages, respectively) while IL-10 expression was positively correlated with GRP78 expression (r = 0.43, r = 0.52, p < 0.05, respectively). These results suggest that OVCA development and progression are associated with increased CISH expression by NK cells which is correlated with tumor-induced persistent cellular stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin C. Acosta
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Janice M. Bahr
- Department of Animal Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sanjib Basu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - James T. O’Donnell
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Animesh Barua
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(312)-942-6666
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18
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Skorda A, Bay ML, Hautaniemi S, Lahtinen A, Kallunki T. Kinase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer: Current State and Future Promises. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246257. [PMID: 36551745 PMCID: PMC9777107 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer, the high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) being its most common and most aggressive form. Despite the latest therapeutical advancements following the introduction of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) targeting angiogenesis inhibitors and poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase (PARP) inhibitors to supplement the standard platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy, the expected overall survival of HGSC patients has not improved significantly from the five-year rate of 42%. This calls for the development and testing of more efficient treatment options. Many oncogenic kinase-signaling pathways are dysregulated in HGSC. Since small-molecule kinase inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of many solid cancers due to the generality of the increased activation of protein kinases in carcinomas, it is reasonable to evaluate their potential against HGSC. Here, we present the latest concluded and on-going clinical trials on kinase inhibitors in HGSC, as well as the recent work concerning ovarian cancer patient organoids and xenograft models. We discuss the potential of kinase inhibitors as personalized treatments, which would require comprehensive assessment of the biological mechanisms underlying tumor spread and chemoresistance in individual patients, and their connection to tumor genome and transcriptome to establish identifiable subgroups of patients who are most likely to benefit from a given therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Skorda
- Cancer Invasion and Resistance Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Lund Bay
- Cancer Invasion and Resistance Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sampsa Hautaniemi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alexandra Lahtinen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (T.K.)
| | - Tuula Kallunki
- Cancer Invasion and Resistance Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (T.K.)
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19
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The Dual Blockade of the TIGIT and PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway as a New Hope for Ovarian Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235757. [PMID: 36497240 PMCID: PMC9740841 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis for ovarian cancer (OC) patients is poor and the five-year survival rate is only 47%. Immune checkpoints (ICPs) appear to be the potential targets in up-and-coming OC treatment. However, the response of OC patients to immunotherapy based on programmed cell death pathway (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors totals only 6-15%. The promising approach is a combined therapy, including other ICPs such as the T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain/CD155/DNAX accessory molecule-1 (TIGIT/CD155/DNAM-1) axis. Preclinical studies in a murine model of colorectal cancer showed that the dual blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 and TIGIT led to remission in the whole studied group vs. the regression of the tumors with the blockade of a single pathway. The approach stimulates the effector activity of T cells and NK cells, and redirects the immune system activity against the tumor. The understanding of the synergistic action of the TIGIT and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade is, however, poor. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about the mode of action of the dual TIGIT and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and its potential benefits for OC patients. Considering the positive impact of this combined therapy in malignancies, including lung and colorectal cancer, it appears to be a promising approach in OC treatment.
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20
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Jungles KM, Holcomb EA, Pearson AN, Jungles KR, Bishop CR, Pierce LJ, Green MD, Speers CW. Updates in combined approaches of radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1022542. [PMID: 36387071 PMCID: PMC9643771 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1022542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent non-skin cancer diagnosed in females and developing novel therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes is crucial. The immune system plays an integral role in the body’s response to breast cancer and modulating this immune response through immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic option. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors were recently approved for the treatment of breast cancer patients, not all patients respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors as a monotherapy, highlighting the need to better understand the biology underlying patient response. Additionally, as radiotherapy is a critical component of breast cancer treatment, understanding the interplay of radiation and immune checkpoint inhibitors will be vital as recent studies suggest that combined therapies may induce synergistic effects in preclinical models of breast cancer. This review will discuss the mechanisms supporting combined approaches with radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer. Moreover, this review will analyze the current clinical trials examining combined approaches of radiotherapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Finally, this review will evaluate data regarding treatment tolerance and potential biomarkers for these emerging therapies aimed at improving breast cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassidy M. Jungles
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Erin A. Holcomb
- Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ashley N. Pearson
- Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kalli R. Jungles
- Department of Biology, Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Caroline R. Bishop
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lori J. Pierce
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Michael D. Green
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael D. Green, ; Corey W. Speers,
| | - Corey W. Speers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael D. Green, ; Corey W. Speers,
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21
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Ren Y, Li R, Feng H, Xie J, Gao L, Chu S, Li Y, Meng F, Ning Y. Single-cell sequencing reveals effects of chemotherapy on the immune landscape and TCR/BCR clonal expansion in a relapsed ovarian cancer patient. Front Immunol 2022; 13:985187. [PMID: 36248860 PMCID: PMC9555851 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.985187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer recurrence and chemoresistance are the leading causes of death in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients. However, the unique role of the immune environment in tumor progression for relapsed chemo-resistant patients remains elusive. In single-cell resolution, we characterized a comprehensive multi-dimensional cellular and immunological atlas from tumor, ascites, and peripheral blood of a chemo-resistant patient at different stages of treatment. Our results highlight a role in recurrence and chemoresistance of the immunosuppressive microenvironment in ascites, including MDSC-like myeloid and hypo-metabolic γδT cells, and of peripheral CD8+ effector T cells with chemotherapy-induced senescent/exhaustive. Importantly, paired TCR/BCR sequencing demonstrated relative conservation of TCR clonal expansion in hyper-expanded CD8+ T cells and extensive BCR clonal expansion without usage bias of V(D)J genes after chemotherapy. Thus, our study suggests strategies for ameliorating chemotherapy-induced immune impairment to improve the clinical outcome of HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyu Ren
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Runrong Li
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanxiao Feng
- The First Clinical Medical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieying Xie
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Gao
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Chu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Li, ; Fanliang Meng, ; Yunshan Ning,
| | - Fanliang Meng
- The First Clinical Medical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Li, ; Fanliang Meng, ; Yunshan Ning,
| | - Yunshan Ning
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Li, ; Fanliang Meng, ; Yunshan Ning,
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22
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Wang YC, Tian JY, Han YY, Liu YF, Chen SY, Guo FJ. Evaluation of the potential of ultrasound-mediated drug delivery for the treatment of ovarian cancer through preclinical studies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:978603. [PMID: 36132133 PMCID: PMC9483181 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.978603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) has the greatest mortality rate among gynecological cancers, with a five-year survival rate of <50%. Contemporary adjuvant chemotherapy mostly fails in the case of OCs that are refractory, metastatic, recurrent, and drug-resistant. Emerging ultrasound (US)-mediated technologies show remarkable promise in overcoming these challenges. Absorption of US waves by the tissue results in the generation of heat due to its thermal effect causing increased diffusion of drugs from the carriers and triggering sonoporation by increasing the permeability of the cancer cells. Certain frequencies of US waves could also produce a cavitation effect on drug-filled microbubbles (MBs, phospholipid bilayers) thereby generating shear force and acoustic streaming that could assist drug release from the MBs, and promote the permeability of the cell membrane. A new class of nanoparticles that carry therapeutic agents and are guided by US contrast agents for precision delivery to the site of the ovarian tumor has been developed. Phase-shifting of nanoparticles by US sonication has also been engineered to enhance the drug delivery to the ovarian tumor site. These technologies have been used for targeting the ovarian cancer stem cells and protein moieties that are particularly elevated in OCs including luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, folic acid receptor, and vascular endothelial growth factor. When compared to healthy ovarian tissue, the homeostatic parameters at the tissue microenvironment including pH, oxygen levels, and glucose metabolism differ significantly in ovarian tumors. US-based technologies have been developed to take advantage of these tumor-specific alterations for precision drug delivery. Preclinical efficacy of US-based targeting of currently used clinical chemotherapies presented in this review has the potential for rapid human translation, especially for formulations that use all substances that are deemed to be generally safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing-Yan Tian
- Department of Urology, The Second Division of the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying-Ying Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yun-Fei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Si-Yao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Feng-Jun Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Feng-Jun Guo,
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23
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Awada A, Ahmad S, McKenzie ND, Holloway RW. Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer: Current Perspectives. Onco Targets Ther 2022; 15:853-866. [PMID: 35982728 PMCID: PMC9379118 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s335936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecologic cancer. The gold standard therapeutic approach is a combination of surgery plus chemotherapy. Unfortunately, 80% of patients with EOC suffer recurrence within 2-years and the overall response rate for platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer to cytotoxic chemotherapy or poly-(adenosine diphosphate)-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor is modest. New therapies are needed to improve overall survival. The role of immunotherapy has been established in endometrial and cervical cancers, however its effective use in EOC has been limited due to the intrinsic genomics and micro-immune environment associated with EOC. Studies evaluating immunotherapy, largely immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), have shown limited activity, yet some patients benefit greatly. Thus, significant efforts must be devoted to finding new strategies for the use of immunotherapy/immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs). Immunotherapy has a well-tolerated safety profile; however, cost-effectiveness can be an obstacle. The aim of this article is to review the most recent research into the use of IMiDs in patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Awada
- AdventHealth Cancer Institute, Gynecologic Oncology Program, Orlando, FL, 32804, USA
| | - Sarfraz Ahmad
- AdventHealth Cancer Institute, Gynecologic Oncology Program, Orlando, FL, 32804, USA
| | - Nathalie D McKenzie
- AdventHealth Cancer Institute, Gynecologic Oncology Program, Orlando, FL, 32804, USA
| | - Robert W Holloway
- AdventHealth Cancer Institute, Gynecologic Oncology Program, Orlando, FL, 32804, USA
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24
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Abstract
Despite advances in surgery and chemotherapy, ovarian cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies. Hence, the implementation of novel treatment approaches is required to improve the outcomes of the disease. Immunotherapy has been proven to be effective in many tumors and has already been incorporated into clinical practice. In this review, we describe key strategies in immunotherapy of ovarian cancer and summarize data from clinical studies assessing immunological prospects which could improve ovarian cancer treatment approaches in the future. The most notable current strategies include checkpoint blockade agents, the use of vaccines, adoptive cell transfer, as well as various combinations of these methods. While several of these options are promising, large controlled randomized studies are still needed to implement new immunotherapeutic options into clinical practice.
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25
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Prieto-Potin I, Idrovo F, Suárez-Gauthier A, Díaz-Blázquez M, Astilleros-Blanco de Córdova L, Chamizo C, Zazo S, Carvajal N, López-Sánchez A, Pérez-Buira S, Aúz-Alexandre CL, Manso R, Plaza-Sánchez J, de Lucas-López V, Pérez-González N, Martín-Valle S, Cristóbal I, Casado V, García-Foncillas J, Rojo F. Comprehensive Approach to Genomic and Immune Profiling: Insights of a Real-World Experience in Gynecological Tumors. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12081903. [PMID: 36010253 PMCID: PMC9406465 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12081903] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecological cancer accounts for an elevated incidence worldwide requiring responsiveness regarding its care. The comprehensive genomic approach agrees with the classification of certain tumor types. We evaluated 49 patients with gynecological tumors undergoing high-throughput sequencing to explore whether identifying alterations in cancer-associated genes could characterize concrete histological subtypes. We performed immune examination and analyzed subsequent clinical impact. We found 220 genomic aberrations mostly distributed as single nucleotide variants (SNV, 77%). Only 3% were classified as variants of strong clinical significance in BRCA1 and BRCA2 of ovarian high-grade serous (HGSC) and uterine endometrioid carcinoma. TP53 and BRCA1 occurred in 72% and 28% of HGSC. Cervical squamous cell carcinoma was entirely HPV-associated and mutations occurred in PIK3CA (60%), as well as in uterine serous carcinoma (80%). Alterations were seen in PTEN (71%) and PIK3CA (60%) of uterine endometrioid carcinoma. Elevated programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was associated with high TILs. Either PD-L1 augmented in deficient mis-matched repair (MMR) proteins or POLE mutated cases when compared to a proficient MMR state. An 18% received genotype-guided therapy and a 4% immunotherapy. The description of tumor subtypes is plausible through high-throughput sequencing by recognizing clinically relevant alterations. Additional concomitant assessment of immune biomarkers identifies candidates for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Prieto-Potin
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Franklin Idrovo
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Suárez-Gauthier
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Díaz-Blázquez
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Chamizo
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Zazo
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Carvajal
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena López-Sánchez
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Pérez-Buira
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Laura Aúz-Alexandre
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Manso
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jenifer Plaza-Sánchez
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Virginia de Lucas-López
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Pérez-González
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Martín-Valle
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ion Cristóbal
- Cancer Unit for Research on Novel Therapeutic Targets, Oncohealth Institute, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Casado
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús García-Foncillas
- Cancer Unit for Research on Novel Therapeutic Targets, Oncohealth Institute, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Federico Rojo
- Department of Pathology, CIBERONC, UAM, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
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26
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Musacchio L, Cicala CM, Camarda F, Ghizzoni V, Giudice E, Carbone MV, Ricci C, Perri MT, Tronconi F, Gentile M, Salutari V, Scambia G, Lorusso D. Combining PARP inhibition and immune checkpoint blockade in ovarian cancer patients: a new perspective on the horizon? ESMO Open 2022; 7:100536. [PMID: 35849879 PMCID: PMC9294238 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have completely reshaped the treatment of many malignancies, with remarkable improvements in survival outcomes. In ovarian cancer (OC), however, this emerging class of drugs has not yet found a favorable use due to results from phase I and II studies, which have not suggested a substantial antitumoral activity of these agents when administered as monotherapy. Robust preclinical data seem to suggest that the combination ICIs with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPis) may result in a synergistic activity; furthermore, data from phase II clinical studies, evaluating this combination, have shown encouraging outcomes especially for those OC patients not suitable for platinum retreatment. While waiting for ongoing phase III clinical trial results, which will clarify the role of ICIs in combination with PARPis in the newly diagnosed OC, this review aims to summarize the preclinical data and clinical evidence available to date. Preclinical data indicate that PARPis exhibit immune modulating properties. The combination of PARPi with ICIs displays significant synergistic activity in preclinical models. Phase I and II clinical trials showed encouraging results for this combination, especially in platinum-resistant OC. Four ongoing phase III trials exploring the combination in first-line setting will delineate the role of immunotherapy in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Musacchio
- Department of Women and Child Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy. https://twitter.com/lucia_musacchio
| | - C M Cicala
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Medical Oncology Unit, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy. https://twitter.com/carlomcicala
| | - F Camarda
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Medical Oncology Unit, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy. https://twitter.com/florianacamarda
| | - V Ghizzoni
- Department of Women and Child Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - E Giudice
- Department of Women and Child Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - M V Carbone
- Department of Women and Child Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - C Ricci
- Department of Women and Child Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - M T Perri
- Department of Women and Child Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - F Tronconi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - M Gentile
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - V Salutari
- Department of Women and Child Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - G Scambia
- Department of Women and Child Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Life Science and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart Largo Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - D Lorusso
- Department of Women and Child Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Life Science and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart Largo Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy.
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27
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Du T, Zhang Z, Zhou J, Sheng L, Yao H, Ji M, Xu B, Chen X. A Novel PARP Inhibitor YHP-836 For the Treatment of BRCA-Deficiency Cancers. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:865085. [PMID: 35910366 PMCID: PMC9326368 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.865085] [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: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PARP inhibitors have clinically demonstrated good antitumor activity in patients with BRCA mutations. Here, we described YHP-836, a novel PARP inhibitor, YHP-836 demonstrated excellent inhibitory activity for both PARP1 and PARP2 enzymes. It also allosterically regulated PARP1 and PARP2 via DNA trapping. YHP-836 showed cytotoxicity in tumor cell lines with BRCA mutations and induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. YHP-836 also sensitized tumor cells to chemotherapy agents in vitro. Oral administration of YHP-836 elicited remarkable antitumor activity either as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy agents in vivo. These results indicated that YHP-836 is a well-defined PARP inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Du
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihui Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Mechanisms and Pharmacological Evaluation Study, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li Sheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Non-Clinical Drug Metabolism and PK/PD Study, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Haiping Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ming Ji, ; Bailing Xu, ; Xiaoguang Chen,
| | - Bailing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ming Ji, ; Bailing Xu, ; Xiaoguang Chen,
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Mechanisms and Pharmacological Evaluation Study, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ming Ji, ; Bailing Xu, ; Xiaoguang Chen,
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28
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Yung MMH, Siu MKY, Ngan HYS, Chan DW, Chan KKL. Orchestrated Action of AMPK Activation and Combined VEGF/PD-1 Blockade with Lipid Metabolic Tunning as Multi-Target Therapeutics against Ovarian Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126857. [PMID: 35743298 PMCID: PMC9224484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies worldwide, and chemoresistance is a critical obstacle in the clinical management of the disease. Recent studies have suggested that exploiting cancer cell metabolism by applying AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-activating agents and distinctive adjuvant targeted therapies can be a plausible alternative approach in cancer treatment. Therefore, the perspectives about the combination of AMPK activators together with VEGF/PD-1 blockade as a dual-targeted therapy against ovarian cancer were discussed herein. Additionally, ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic regulated cell death triggered by the availability of redox-active iron, have been proposed to be governed by multiple layers of metabolic signalings and can be synergized with immunotherapies. To this end, ferroptosis initiating therapies (FITs) and metabolic rewiring and immunotherapeutic approaches may have substantial clinical potential in combating ovarian cancer development and progression. It is hoped that the viewpoints deliberated in this review would accelerate the translation of remedial concepts into clinical trials and improve the effectiveness of ovarian cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingo M. H. Yung
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (M.M.H.Y.); (M.K.Y.S.); (H.Y.S.N.)
| | - Michelle K. Y. Siu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (M.M.H.Y.); (M.K.Y.S.); (H.Y.S.N.)
| | - Hextan Y. S. Ngan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (M.M.H.Y.); (M.K.Y.S.); (H.Y.S.N.)
| | - David W. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (M.M.H.Y.); (M.K.Y.S.); (H.Y.S.N.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Correspondence: or (D.W.C.); (K.K.L.C.); Tel.: +852-3917-9367 or +852-3943-6053 (D.W.C.); +852-2255-4260 (K.K.L.C.); Fax: +852-2816-1947 or +852-2603-5123 (D.W.C.); +852-2255-0947 (K.K.L.C.)
| | - Karen K. L. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (M.M.H.Y.); (M.K.Y.S.); (H.Y.S.N.)
- Correspondence: or (D.W.C.); (K.K.L.C.); Tel.: +852-3917-9367 or +852-3943-6053 (D.W.C.); +852-2255-4260 (K.K.L.C.); Fax: +852-2816-1947 or +852-2603-5123 (D.W.C.); +852-2255-0947 (K.K.L.C.)
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Li Y, Tian W, Zhang H, Zhang Z, Zhao Q, Chang L, Lei N, Zhang W. MSLN Correlates With Immune Infiltration and Chemoresistance as a Prognostic Biomarker in Ovarian Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:830570. [PMID: 35692779 PMCID: PMC9174524 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.830570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesothelin (MSLN) is a glycoprotein with various expression degrees in different tumors including mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc. MSLN is considered to play an important role in cell survival, proliferation, and tumor progression. Although the expression of MSLN in tumors makes it a potential therapeutic target, its mechanism of action is still unclear, especially its correlation with immune cells infiltration in the tumor microenvironment has not been investigated. In this study, we detected the overexpression of MSLN in ovarian cancer using database analysis and tissue-array staining. We further evaluated the diagnostic value of MSLN and found it was associated with poor overall survival in ovarian cancer. In addition, the high expression of MSLN was significantly related to the immune-related genes and chemoresistant genes. We confirmed the overexpression of MSLN in the chemoresistant ovarian cancer cell lines. Our research suggests that MSLN participates in a variety of pathways related to the suppression of immune activation and promotion of chemoresistance, leading to a poor prognosis in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yike Li
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wanjia Tian
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qinghe Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Chang
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ningjing Lei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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30
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Correia C, Weiskittel TM, Ung CY, Villasboas Bisneto JC, Billadeau DD, Kaufmann SH, Li H. Uncovering Pharmacological Opportunities for Cancer Stem Cells-A Systems Biology View. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:752326. [PMID: 35359437 PMCID: PMC8962639 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.752326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small fraction of the total cancer cell population, yet they are thought to drive disease propagation, therapy resistance and relapse. Like healthy stem cells, CSCs possess the ability to self-renew and differentiate. These stemness phenotypes of CSCs rely on multiple molecular cues, including signaling pathways (for example, WNT, Notch and Hedgehog), cell surface molecules that interact with cellular niche components, and microenvironmental interactions with immune cells. Despite the importance of understanding CSC biology, our knowledge of how neighboring immune and tumor cell populations collectively shape CSC stemness is incomplete. Here, we provide a systems biology perspective on the crucial roles of cellular population identification and dissection of cell regulatory states. By reviewing state-of-the-art single-cell technologies, we show how innovative systems-based analysis enables a deeper understanding of the stemness of the tumor niche and the influence of intratumoral cancer cell and immune cell compositions. We also summarize strategies for refining CSC systems biology, and the potential role of this approach in the development of improved anticancer treatments. Because CSCs are amenable to cellular transitions, we envision how systems pharmacology can become a major engine for discovery of novel targets and drug candidates that can modulate state transitions for tumor cell reprogramming. Our aim is to provide deeper insights into cancer stemness from a systems perspective. We believe this approach has great potential to guide the development of more effective personalized cancer therapies that can prevent CSC-mediated relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Correia
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Taylor M Weiskittel
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Choong Yong Ung
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Daniel D Billadeau
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States,Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Scott H Kaufmann
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States,Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States,Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States,*Correspondence: Hu Li,
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31
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Sharma SK, Mack KN, Piersigilli A, Pourat J, Edwards KJ, Keinänen O, Jiao MS, Zhao H, White B, Brooks CL, de Stanchina E, Madiyalakan MR, Hollingsworth MA, Radhakrishnan P, Lewis JS, Zeglis BM. ImmunoPET of Ovarian and Pancreatic Cancer with AR9.6, a Novel MUC16-Targeted Therapeutic Antibody. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:948-959. [PMID: 34907079 PMCID: PMC8898287 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-1798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Advances in our understanding of the contribution of aberrant glycosylation to the pro-oncogenic signaling and metastasis of tumor cells have reinvigorated the development of mucin-targeted therapies. Here, we validate the tumor-targeting ability of a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb), AR9.6, that binds MUC16 and abrogates downstream oncogenic signaling to confer a therapeutic response. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The in vitro and ex vivo validation of the binding of AR9.6 to MUC16 was achieved via flow cytometry, radioligand binding assay (RBA), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The in vivo MUC16 targeting of AR9.6 was validated by creating a 89Zr-labeled radioimmunoconjugate of the mAb and utilizing immunoPET and ex vivo biodistribution studies in xenograft models of human ovarian and pancreatic cancer. RESULTS Flow cytometry, RBA, and IHC revealed that AR9.6 binds to ovarian and pancreatic cancer cells in an MUC16-dependent manner. The in vivo radiopharmacologic profile of 89Zr-labeled AR9.6 in mice bearing ovarian and pancreatic cancer xenografts confirmed the MUC16-dependent tumor targeting by the radioimmunoconjugate. Radioactivity uptake was also observed in the distant lymph nodes (LNs) of mice bearing xenografts with high levels of MUC16 expression (i.e., OVCAR3 and Capan-2). IHC analyses of these PET-positive LNs highlighted the presence of shed antigen as well as necrotic, phagocytized, and actively infiltrating neoplastic cells. The humanization of AR9.6 did not compromise its ability to target MUC16-expressing tumors. CONCLUSIONS The unique therapeutic mechanism of AR9.6 combined with its excellent in vivo tumor targeting makes it a highly promising theranostic agent. huAR9.6 is poised for clinical translation to impact the management of metastatic ovarian and pancreatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Kiran Sharma
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kyeara N. Mack
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Alessandra Piersigilli
- Tri-Institutional Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, and The Rockefeller University, New York
| | - Jacob Pourat
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kimberly J. Edwards
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Outi Keinänen
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Maria S. Jiao
- Tri-Institutional Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, and The Rockefeller University, New York
| | - Huiyong Zhao
- Anti-Tumor Assessment Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
| | - Brandy White
- Department of Chemistry, California State University, Fresno, California
| | - Cory L. Brooks
- Department of Chemistry, California State University, Fresno, California
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Anti-Tumor Assessment Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
| | | | - Michael A. Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Prakash Radhakrishnan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Jason S. Lewis
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Radiochemistry and Molecular Imaging Probes Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Brian M. Zeglis
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York
- Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York
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32
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Recent Advances in Ovarian Cancer: Therapeutic Strategies, Potential Biomarkers, and Technological Improvements. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040650. [PMID: 35203301 PMCID: PMC8870715 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggressive and recurrent gynecological cancers are associated with worse prognosis and a lack of effective therapeutic response. Ovarian cancer (OC) patients are often diagnosed in advanced stages, when drug resistance, angiogenesis, relapse, and metastasis impact survival outcomes. Currently, surgical debulking, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy remain the mainstream treatment modalities; however, patients suffer unwanted side effects and drug resistance in the absence of targeted therapies. Hence, it is urgent to decipher the complex disease biology and identify potential biomarkers, which could greatly contribute to making an early diagnosis or predicting the response to specific therapies. This review aims to critically discuss the current therapeutic strategies for OC, novel drug-delivery systems, and potential biomarkers in the context of genetics and molecular research. It emphasizes how the understanding of disease biology is related to the advancement of technology, enabling the exploration of novel biomarkers that may be able to provide more accurate diagnosis and prognosis, which would effectively translate into targeted therapies, ultimately improving patients’ overall survival and quality of life.
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33
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Sun S, Sun W, Xiang Q, Yang C, Chen M, Mei Z, Yang H, Zeng Z, Cao H, Tian Y, Zhang G, Qiu H. Persistent response of an ovarian cancer patient after a short-term single-agent immunotherapy: a case report. Anticancer Drugs 2022; 33:e756-e759. [PMID: 34338238 PMCID: PMC8670358 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer is extremely difficult to treat due to its high recurrence rate and acquired tolerance to chemotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are expected to be promising solutions for treatment failure. However, the low response rate to a single ICI agent was demonstrated in approximately all published clinical trials. Surprisingly patients with complete response were also noticed as an anecdote. Proper indicators of treatment response were urgently required. Programmed death- ligand 1 expression levels in the tumor tissues provide relatively limited discrimination. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) serves as a more reliable parameter. Here we presented an ovarian cancer case with multiple gene mutations and high TMB, who benefited from a short-term treatment of pembrolizumab and experienced a long-lasting complete response of 2 years till now. The patient was irradiated in the pelvic before pembrolizumab. Our study demonstrated that ICIs might provide survival benefits for ovarian cancer with high TMB and that pelvic radiation might have synergistical effects with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology
| | | | - Chunxu Yang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology
| | - Zijie Mei
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology
| | - Zihang Zeng
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology
| | | | - Yueli Tian
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology
| | - Hui Qiu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology
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34
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Sassu CM, Palaia I, Boccia SM, Caruso G, Perniola G, Tomao F, Di Donato V, Musella A, Muzii L. Role of Circulating Biomarkers in Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413650. [PMID: 34948446 PMCID: PMC8707281 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the second most common cause of death in women with gynecological cancer. Considering the poor prognosis, particularly in the case of platinum-resistant (PtR) disease, a huge effort was made to define new biomarkers able to help physicians in approaching and treating these challenging patients. Currently, most data can be obtained from tumor biopsy samples, but this is not always available and implies a surgical procedure. On the other hand, circulating biomarkers are detected with non-invasive methods, although this might require expensive techniques. Given the fervent hope in their value, here we focused on the most studied circulating biomarkers that could play a role in PtR OC.
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35
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With Our Powers Combined: Exploring PARP Inhibitors and Immunotherapy. Cancer J 2021; 27:511-520. [PMID: 34904815 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The use of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies has seen substantial clinical success in oncology therapeutic development. Although multiple agents within these classes have achieved regulatory approval globally-in several malignancies in early and advanced stages-drug resistance remains an issue. Building on preclinical evidence, several early trials and late-phase studies are underway. This review explores the therapeutic potential of combination poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in solid tumors, including the scientific and therapeutic rationale, available clinical evidence, and considerations for future trial and biomarker development across different malignancies using ovarian and other solid cancer subtypes as key examples.
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36
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Bund V, Azaïs H, Bibi-Triki S, Lecointre L, Betrian SB, Angeles MA, Eberst L, Faller E, Boisramé T, Bendifallah S, Akladios C, Deluche É. Basics of immunotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2021; 51:102283. [PMID: 34875397 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal of all gynecological cancers. Despite excellent responses to standard treatment in approximately 70% of patients, most of them will relapse within 5 years of initial treatment and many of them will develop chemotherapy-resistant disease. It is then important to find other means of treatment for these patients such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy. To understand immunotherapy, it is important to explain the dynamic interplay between cancer and the immune system. Compared to traditional tumor therapies, immunotherapy acts primarily on the immune system or the tumor microenvironment but not directly on the tumor cells, and it may also promote synergistic anti-tumor actions as part of a combined treatment. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a basic understanding of immunotherapy the interest of this treatment in EOC, and to present the main ongoing studies that could change patient management in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Bund
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Laboratoire d'ImmunoRhumatologie Moléculaire, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM) UMR_S 1109, Institut thématique interdisciplinaire (ITI) de Médecine de Précision de Strasbourg, Transplantex NG, Faculté de Médecine, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire OMICARE, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Henri Azaïs
- Department of Gynecologic and Breast Oncological Surgery, Georges-Pompidou European Hospital, APHP. Centre, France.
| | - Sabrina Bibi-Triki
- Laboratoire d'ImmunoRhumatologie Moléculaire, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM) UMR_S 1109, Institut thématique interdisciplinaire (ITI) de Médecine de Précision de Strasbourg, Transplantex NG, Faculté de Médecine, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire OMICARE, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Lise Lecointre
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; IHU-Strasbourg (Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire), Strasbourg, France.
| | - Sarah Bétrian Betrian
- Medical oncology Department, Institut Claudius Regaud, Institut Universitaire du Cancer, Toulouse, France.
| | - Martina Aida Angeles
- Department of Gynecologic and Breast Oncological Surgery, European Georges-Pompidou Hospital, APHP. Centre, France.
| | - Lauriane Eberst
- Department of Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de Strasbourg (ICANS), Strasbourg, France.
| | - Emilie Faller
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas Boisramé
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Chérif Akladios
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; I.R.C.A.D - Institut de Recherche contre les Cancers de l'Appareil Digestif. 67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Élise Deluche
- Medical oncology Department, Limoges University Hospital, France.
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Ye M, Lin Y, Pan S, Wang ZW, Zhu X. Applications of Multi-omics Approaches for Exploring the Molecular Mechanism of Ovarian Carcinogenesis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:745808. [PMID: 34631583 PMCID: PMC8497990 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.745808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer ranks as the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death in females. The molecular mechanisms of ovarian carcinogenesis need to be explored in order to identify effective clinical therapies for ovarian cancer. Recently, multi-omics approaches have been applied to determine the mechanisms of ovarian oncogenesis at genomics (DNA), transcriptomics (RNA), proteomics (proteins), and metabolomics (metabolites) levels. Multi-omics approaches can identify some diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer, and these molecular signatures are beneficial for clarifying the development and progression of ovarian cancer. Moreover, the discovery of molecular signatures and targeted therapy strategies could noticeably improve the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Ye
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yibin Lin
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shuya Pan
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Wang
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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38
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Biegała Ł, Gajek A, Marczak A, Rogalska A. PARP inhibitor resistance in ovarian cancer: Underlying mechanisms and therapeutic approaches targeting the ATR/CHK1 pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188633. [PMID: 34619333 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188633] [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: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) constitutes the most common cause of gynecologic cancer-related death in women worldwide. Despite consistent developments in treatment strategies for OC, the management of advanced-stage disease remains a significant challenge. Recent improvements in targeted treatments based on poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi) have provided invaluable benefits to patients with OC. Unfortunately, numerous patients do not respond to PARPi due to intrinsic resistance or acquisition of resistance. Here, we discuss mechanisms of resistance to PARPi that have specifically emerged in OC including increased drug efflux, restoration of HR repair, re-establishment of replication fork stability, reduced PARP1 trapping, abnormalities in PARP signaling, and less common pathways associated with alternative DNA sensing and repair pathways. Elucidation of the precise mechanisms is essential for the development of novel strategies to re-sensitize OC cells to PARPi agents. Additionally, novel potential concepts for preventing and combating resistance to PARPi under development and relevant clinical reports on treatment strategies have been reviewed, with emphasis on the exploitation of the ATR/CHK1 kinase pathway in sensitization to PARPi to overcome resistance-induced vulnerability in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Biegała
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Arkadiusz Gajek
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Marczak
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Aneta Rogalska
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
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Zhao B, Gao M, Zhao H, Zhao J, Shen X. Efficacy and safety profile of avelumab monotherapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 166:103464. [PMID: 34461272 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Avelumab can kill cancer cells through immune checkpoint inhibition and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Here, we analyzed the clinical efficacy and adverse events (AEs) in 3935 cancer patients from 21 trials. Compared with conventional treatment, avelumab monotherapy was associated with more tumor responses and less AEs. The pooled objective response rate was 14.18 % (95 % CI, 10.68 %-18.08 %). More PD-L1 positive patients responded to avelumab monotherapy compared to PD-L1 negative patients. The overall incidence was 73.78 % for all-grade treatment-related AE (TRAE), 14.44 % for high-grade TRAE, 6.07 % for serious adverse event, 0.44 % for fatal adverse event, 17.86 % for all-grade immune-related AE (irAE), and 3.22 % for high-grade irAE. In summary, avelumab monotherapy presents an active anti-tumor activity, shows no sign of increased toxicity due to the ADCC. These characteristics provide rational for further application of avelumab in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
| | - Meiling Gao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- The Cancer Center of the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519001, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhao
- Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519001, China
| | - Xian Shen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
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Immunotherapy Treatment for Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080763. [PMID: 34451860 PMCID: PMC8401402 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered one of the highest-risk subtypes of breast cancer and has dismal prognosis. Local recurrence rate after standard therapy in the early breast cancer setting can be upwards to 72% in 5 years, and in the metastatic setting, the 5-year overall survival is 12%. Due to the lack of receptor expression, there has been a paucity of targeted therapeutics available, with chemotherapy being the primary option for systemic treatment in both the neoadjuvant and metastatic setting. More recently, immunotherapy has revolutionized the landscape of cancer treatment, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, with FDA approval in over 20 types of cancer since 2011. Compared to other cancer types, breast cancer has been traditionally thought of as being immunologically cold; however, TNBC has demonstrated the most promise with immunotherapy use, a timely discovery due to its lack of targeted therapy options. In this review, we summarize the trials using checkpoint therapy in early and metastatic TNBC, as well as the development of biomarkers and the importance of immune related adverse events (IRAEs), in this disease process.
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Falzone L, Scandurra G, Lombardo V, Gattuso G, Lavoro A, Distefano AB, Scibilia G, Scollo P. A multidisciplinary approach remains the best strategy to improve and strengthen the management of ovarian cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2021; 59:53. [PMID: 34132354 PMCID: PMC8208622 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer represents one of the most aggressive female tumors worldwide. Over the decades, the therapeutic options for the treatment of ovarian cancer have been improved significantly through the advancement of surgical techniques as well as the availability of novel effective drugs able to extend the life expectancy of patients. However, due to its clinical, biological and molecular complexity, ovarian cancer is still considered one of the most difficult tumors to manage. In this context, several studies have highlighted how a multidisciplinary approach to this pathology improves the prognosis and survival of patients with ovarian cancer. On these bases, the aim of the present review is to present recent advantages in the diagnosis, staging and treatment of ovarian cancer highlighting the benefits of a patient‑centered care approach and on the importance of a multidisciplinary team for the management of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, National Cancer Institute‑IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, I‑80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Lavoro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Scibilia
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cannizzaro Hospital, I‑95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Scollo
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cannizzaro Hospital, I‑95126 Catania, Italy
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Turinetto M, Scotto G, Tuninetti V, Giannone G, Valabrega G. The Role of PARP Inhibitors in the Ovarian Cancer Microenvironment: Moving Forward From Synthetic Lethality. Front Oncol 2021; 11:689829. [PMID: 34195090 PMCID: PMC8238121 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.689829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have shown promising clinical results and have revolutionized the landscape of ovarian cancer management in the last few years. While the core mechanism of action of these drugs has been largely analyzed, the interaction between PARP inhibitors and the microenvironment has been scarcely researched so far. Recent data shows a variety of mechanism through which PARPi might influence the tumor microenvironment and especially the immune system response, that might even partly be the reason behind PARPi efficacy. One of many pathways that are affected is the cGAS-cGAMP-STING; the upregulation of STING (stimulator of interferon genes), produces more Interferon ϒ and pro inflammatory cytokines, thus increasing intratumoral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Upregulation of immune checkpoints such as PD1-PDL1 has also been observed. Another interesting mechanism of interaction between PARPi and microenvironment is the ability of PARPi to kill hypoxic cells, as these cells show an intrinsic reduction in the expression and function of the proteins involved in HR. This process has been defined "contextual synthetic lethality". Despite ovarian cancer having always been considered a poor responder to immune therapy, data is now shedding a new light on the matter. First, OC is much more heterogenous than previously thought, therefore it is fundamental to select predictive biomarkers for target therapies. While single agent therapies have not yielded significant results on the long term, influencing the immune system and the tumor microenvironment via the concomitant use of PARPi and other target therapies might be a more successful approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Turinetto
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Giulia Scotto
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Valentina Tuninetti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Gaia Giannone
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Valabrega
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
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Ryu J, Thomas SN. Quantitative Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics for Biomarker Development in Ovarian Cancer. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092674. [PMID: 34063568 PMCID: PMC8125593 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy among women. Approximately 70–80% of patients with advanced ovarian cancer experience relapse within five years and develop platinum-resistance. The short life expectancy of patients with platinum-resistant or platinum-refractory disease underscores the need to develop new and more effective treatment strategies. Early detection is a critical step in mitigating the risk of disease progression from early to an advanced stage disease, and protein biomarkers have an integral role in this process. The best biological diagnostic tool for ovarian cancer will likely be a combination of biomarkers. Targeted proteomics methods, including mass spectrometry-based approaches, have emerged as robust methods that can address the chasm between initial biomarker discovery and the successful verification and validation of these biomarkers enabling their clinical translation due to the robust sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of these versatile methods. In this review, we provide background information on the fundamental principles of biomarkers and the need for improved treatment strategies in ovarian cancer. We also provide insight into the ways in which mass spectrometry-based targeted proteomics approaches can provide greatly needed solutions to many of the challenges related to ovarian cancer biomarker development.
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Kovaleva OV, Belova TP, Kushlinsky DN, Korotkova EA, Podlesnaya PA, Gratchev AN, Zinoviev SV, Tereshkina IV, Sokolov NY, Kudlay DA, Kushlinskii NE. Soluble forms of immune checkpoints in ovarian cancer. Klin Lab Diagn 2021; 66:80-86. [PMID: 33734640 DOI: 10.51620/0869-2084-2021-66-2-80-86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The data of a complex immunoassay comparative study of the content of soluble forms of sPD-1, sPD-L1, sNKG2D, sNKG2DL1, sB7-H3 and sHLA-G in the blood plasma of 75 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and 20 healthy donors of the control group are presented. The diagnostic significance of the studied proteins was determined. The study showed that the profile of soluble immunity checkpoints differs when malignant ovarian pathology occurs. There was a statistically significant decrease in the content of sPD-L1, sNKG2DL1, sB7-H3, and sHLA-G in the blood plasma of patients compared with the control group. Differences were found in the content of the studied markers depending on the histological type of tumors. Correlations between the soluble forms of some of the studied proteins are shown, indicating the presence of independent mechanisms of immune regulation in ovarian cancer, which may explain the insufficient effectiveness of the existing immunotherapy for this type of tumor. The results obtained will undoubtedly facilitate the development of new effective methods for the diagnostics and therapy of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- O V Kovaleva
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
| | - T P Belova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
| | - D N Kushlinsky
- A.F. Tsyb Medical Radiological Scientific Center - Branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
| | - E A Korotkova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
| | - P A Podlesnaya
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
| | - A N Gratchev
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
| | - S V Zinoviev
- Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Oncological Healthcare Center
| | - I V Tereshkina
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
| | - N Yu Sokolov
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
| | - D A Kudlay
- Institute of Pharmacy, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
| | - N E Kushlinskii
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
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45
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A bioinformatic analysis: the overexpression and clinical significance of FCGBP in ovarian cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2021. [DOI: 10.18632/aging.202601
expr 933527968 + 963567625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
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46
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Wang K, Guan C, Shang X, Ying X, Mei S, Zhu H, Xia L, Chai Z. A bioinformatic analysis: the overexpression and clinical significance of FCGBP in ovarian cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:7416-7429. [PMID: 33686968 PMCID: PMC7993703 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Fc fragment of IgG-binding protein (FCGBP) is differentially expressed in various tumors. However, the correlation between FCGBP and immune cell infiltration in ovarian cancer remains unclear. FCGBP expression was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) pan-cancer data, and the ovarian cancer expression profile was analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The clinical prognostic value of FCGBP was evaluated using clinical survival data from TCGA. Enrichment analysis of FCGBP was performed using the R package clusterProfiler. Based on known immune cell infiltration scores for samples found in TCGA, we analyzed the association between immune cell infiltration level and FCGBP expression. FCGBP was highly expressed and associated with poorer overall survival (p = 0.00051) and disease-specific survival (p = 0.0012) in ovarian cancer and other tumors. Additionally, high FCGBP expression correlated significantly with immune-related gene sets, including those involved in chemokine signaling pathways and innate and adaptive immunity. Further analysis showed that M2 macrophage infiltration increased and M1 macrophage infiltration decreased in tissues with high FCGBP expression. Our study suggests that FCGBP contributes to M2 macrophage polarization by acting as an oncogene in ovarian cancer. FCGBP may represent a clinically helpful biomarker for predicting overall survival of ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenan Guan
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Kidney Internal Medicine, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianwen Shang
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang Ying
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuangshuang Mei
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanxiao Zhu
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou 310022, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zeying Chai
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
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47
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Wang K, Guan C, Shang X, Ying X, Mei S, Zhu H, Xia L, Chai Z. A bioinformatic analysis: the overexpression and clinical significance of FCGBP in ovarian cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13. [PMID: 33686968 PMCID: PMC7993703 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202601&set/a 838361825+993748247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Fc fragment of IgG-binding protein (FCGBP) is differentially expressed in various tumors. However, the correlation between FCGBP and immune cell infiltration in ovarian cancer remains unclear. FCGBP expression was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) pan-cancer data, and the ovarian cancer expression profile was analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The clinical prognostic value of FCGBP was evaluated using clinical survival data from TCGA. Enrichment analysis of FCGBP was performed using the R package clusterProfiler. Based on known immune cell infiltration scores for samples found in TCGA, we analyzed the association between immune cell infiltration level and FCGBP expression. FCGBP was highly expressed and associated with poorer overall survival (p = 0.00051) and disease-specific survival (p = 0.0012) in ovarian cancer and other tumors. Additionally, high FCGBP expression correlated significantly with immune-related gene sets, including those involved in chemokine signaling pathways and innate and adaptive immunity. Further analysis showed that M2 macrophage infiltration increased and M1 macrophage infiltration decreased in tissues with high FCGBP expression. Our study suggests that FCGBP contributes to M2 macrophage polarization by acting as an oncogene in ovarian cancer. FCGBP may represent a clinically helpful biomarker for predicting overall survival of ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenan Guan
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Kidney Internal Medicine, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianwen Shang
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Ying
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangshuang Mei
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanxiao Zhu
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou 310022, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeying Chai
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
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Koulouris A, Tsagkaris C, Nikolaou M. Real Impact of Novel Immunotherapy Drugs in Cancer. The Experience of 10 Last Years. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:149. [PMID: 33672017 PMCID: PMC7919369 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Intense research on immunotherapy has been conducted during recent years. As advances in the field have started changing the landscape of cancer therapy, it is necessary to assess the impact of immunotherapeutic modalities in the treatment of various cancers. Ten years ago, in 2011, ipilimumab was the first of the newest immunotherapeutic drugs against cancer to be approved by the FDA. Then several drugs followed and formed a therapeutic arsenal to fight cancer. Initial studies were performed on metastatic patients, but there are currently several studies in patients with potentially curable cancers. All these developments have created a new environment for oncology which we will present in this article. This review examines the current evidence related to the impact of immunotherapy on various cancers and discusses its potential clinical and research implications, including its effectiveness in comparison to other treatment modalities (chemotherapy, radiotherapy), its toxicity and prospective research opportunities. While constant updates and further research is critical to understand the impact of immunotherapy in cancer therapy, not only does it seem to be important to assess the current state of knowledge highlighting the success but also to determine the challenging aspects of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Koulouris
- Department of Medical Oncology University General Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | | | - Michail Nikolaou
- 1st Oncology Department, “Saint Savas” Anticancer—Oncology Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
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Waki K, Yokomizo K, Yoshiyama K, Takamori S, Komatsu N, Yamada A. Integrity of circulating cell-free DNA as a prognostic biomarker for vaccine therapy in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2021; 43:176-182. [PMID: 33541161 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2021.1872619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many clinical trials of immune checkpoint blockade-based combination therapies are under way. Vaccine therapy is a promising partner of combination therapies. We have developed a personalized peptide vaccination and conducted clinical trials of it in patients with various cancers. At the present time, we have only a limited number of biomarkers related to the prognosis of vaccine-treated patients. Thus, new biomarkers are urgently needed. METHODS In this study, we investigated the plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) integrity-a ratio of the necrotic tumor cell-derived long cfDNA fragments to the total dead cell-derived short cfDNA fragments from genomic Alu elements-in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer during treatment with the personalized peptide vaccination. RESULTS We found that (1) the cfDNA integrity was decreased after the first cycle of vaccination, and (2) the patients with high prevaccination cfDNA integrity survived longer than those with low prevaccination integrity (median survival time (MST): 17.9 versus 9.0 months, respectively; hazard ratio (HR): 0.58, p = .0049). A similar tendency was observed in postvaccination cfDNA integrity (MST: 16.4 vs 9.4 months; HR: 0.65, p = .024). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that cfDNA integrity is a possible prognostic biomarker in patients treated with the personalized peptide vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayoko Waki
- Cancer Vaccine Development Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan
| | - Kanako Yokomizo
- Cancer Vaccine Development Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan
| | - Koichi Yoshiyama
- Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Shinzo Takamori
- Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Nobukazu Komatsu
- Department of Immunology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Akira Yamada
- Cancer Vaccine Development Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan
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50
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Extracellular miRNAs as Predictive Biomarkers for Glypican-3-Derived Peptide Vaccine Therapy Response in Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030550. [PMID: 33535558 PMCID: PMC7867082 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) has been treated with surgery and chemotherapy; however, the prognosis remains poor because of chemoresistance. Therefore, immunotherapies are attracting attention, including the GPC3 peptide vaccine, which improves overall survival. However, the response rate is limited and there are no sufficient predictive biomarkers that can identify responders before treatment. Our purpose was to identify circulating serum miRNAs as predictive biomarkers for response to GPC3 peptide vaccine. Eighty-four patients in a phase II trial of a GPC3 peptide vaccine were enrolled and miRNA sequencing was performed on their serum samples. Candidate miRNAs were selected from a group of 14 patients for whom treatment was responsive and validated in an independent group of 10 patients for whom treatment was responsive. Three markedly upregulated miRNAs, miR-375-3p, miR-193a-5p, and miR-1228-5p, were identified, and the combination of those miRNAs demonstrated high value in the prediction of the response. The origin of these miRNAs was assessed by referring to OCCC tissue miRNA profiles, and they were not identified as cancer tissue-related miRNAs. Functional annotation analysis suggested that they were associated with interferon-related pathways. The miRNAs identified herein have great potential to allow the realization of liquid biopsy for predicting the immunotherapy response and precision medicine.
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