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Hiruta R, Saito K, Bakhit M, Fujii M. Current progress in genomics and targeted therapies for neurofibromatosis type 2. Fukushima J Med Sci 2023; 69:95-103. [PMID: 37468280 PMCID: PMC10480513 DOI: 10.5387/fms.2023-05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a multiple neoplasia syndrome, is a manifestation of an impaired expression of the merlin protein, exerting inhibitory effects on cell proliferation signals due to abnormalities of the NF2 gene located on chromosome 22. About half of patients inherit a germline mutation from a parent, and nearly 60% of de novo NF2 patients are estimated to have somatic mosaicism. The development of technical methods to detect NF2 gene mutation, including targeted deep sequencing from multiple tissues, improved the diagnostic rate of mosaic NF2. With improved understanding of genetics and pathogenesis, the diagnostic criteria for NF2 were updated to assist in identifying and diagnosing NF2 at an earlier stage. The understanding of cell signaling pathways interacting with merlin has led to the development of molecular-targeted therapies. Currently, several translational studies are searching for possible therapeutic agents targeting VEGF or VEGF receptors. Bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, is widely used in many clinical trials aiming for hearing improvement or tumor volume control. Currently, a randomized, double-masked trial to assess bevacizumab is underway. In this randomized control trial, 12 other Japanese institutions joined the principal investigators in the clinical trial originating at Fukushima Medical University. In this review, we will be discussing the latest research developments regarding NF2 pathophysiology, including molecular biology, diagnosis, and novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Hiruta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fukushima Medical University
| | - Kiyoshi Saito
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fukushima Rosai Hospital
| | | | - Masazumi Fujii
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fukushima Medical University
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Zhao F, Li SW, Zhang S, Li P, Zhao C, Zhao XB, Wang CH, Zhang J, Wang B, Liu PN. Phase II trial of icotinib in adult patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 and progressive vestibular schwannoma. J Neurosurg 2023; 138:1680-1687. [PMID: 36272122 DOI: 10.3171/2022.9.jns22699] [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: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome associated primarily with bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VSs). Conventional surgical or radiosurgical treatments for VS in NF2 usually result in high risks of hearing loss and facial nerve impairment, while there is no validated medical option to date. This single-institution phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of icotinib, an oral epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with NF2 and progressive VS. METHODS Icotinib was administered daily at 375 mg orally in a continuous 28-day course for up to 12 courses. The primary endpoint of the study was radiographic response assessed by brain MRI using 3D volumetric tumor analysis and defined as a ≥ 20% decrease in VS volume. Hearing function was evaluated as a secondary endpoint, with response defined as a statistically significant increase in word recognition scores. RESULTS Ten eligible patients with a mean age of 23.8 years were enrolled. One patient (10%) with bilateral tumors experienced an objective radiographic response (-23.58% and -22.01%). Three (43%) of 7 patients met the hearing response criteria. At 12 months, the estimated progression-free survival was 82.0% (95% CI 42.3%-95.5%) for volumetric progression and 69.2% (95% CI 37.3%-87.2%) for hearing progression. Common mild to moderate adverse events included rash (90%), diarrhea (50%), myalgia (20%), and nausea/gastrointestinal pain (20%). CONCLUSIONS Icotinib carries minor toxicity and is associated with radiographic and hearing responses in patients with NF2 and progressive VS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Zhao
- 1Departments of Neurosurgery
- 2Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University; and
| | | | | | - Peng Li
- 1Departments of Neurosurgery
| | - Chi Zhao
- 3Department of Neuro-Oncology, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Chun-Hong Wang
- 5Otolaryngology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University
| | - Jing Zhang
- 2Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University; and
| | - Bo Wang
- 1Departments of Neurosurgery
| | - Pi-Nan Liu
- 1Departments of Neurosurgery
- 2Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University; and
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Welling DB. Targeted Therapies in the Treatment of Vestibular Schwannomas: Current State and New Horizons. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2023; 56:543-556. [PMID: 37024334 DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2023.02.013] [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: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Vestibular schwannomas continue to cause hearing loss, facial nerve paralysis, imbalance, and tinnitus. These symptoms are compounded by germline neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene loss and multiple intracranial and spinal cord tumors associated with NF2-related schwannomatosis. The current treatments of observation, microsurgical resection, or stereotactic radiation may prevent catastrophic brainstem compression but are all associated with the loss of cranial nerve function, particularly hearing loss. Novel targeted treatment options to stop tumor progression include small molecule inhibitors, immunotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, radio-sensitizing and sclerosing agents, and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bradley Welling
- Harvard Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Massachusetts General Hospital.
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Tumor Biology and Microenvironment of Vestibular Schwannoma-Relation to Tumor Growth and Hearing Loss. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010032. [PMID: 36672540 PMCID: PMC9856152 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010032] [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: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vestibular schwannoma is the most common benign neoplasm of the cerebellopontine angle. It arises from Schwann cells of the vestibular nerve. The first symptoms of vestibular schwannoma include hearing loss, tinnitus, and vestibular symptoms. In the event of further growth, cerebellar and brainstem symptoms, along with palsy of the adjacent cranial nerves, may be present. Although hearing impairment is present in 95% of patients diagnosed with vestibular schwannoma, most tumors do not progress in size or have low growth rates. However, the clinical picture has unpredictable dynamics, and there are currently no reliable predictors of the tumor's behavior. The etiology of the hearing loss in patients with vestibular schwannoma is unclear. Given the presence of hearing loss in patients with non-growing tumors, a purely mechanistic approach is insufficient. A possible explanation for this may be that the function of the auditory system may be affected by the paracrine activity of the tumor. Moreover, initiation of the development and growth progression of vestibular schwannomas is not yet clearly understood. Biallelic loss of the NF2 gene does not explain the occurrence in all patients; therefore, detection of gene expression abnormalities in cases of progressive growth is required. As in other areas of cancer research, the tumor microenvironment is coming to the forefront, also in vestibular schwannomas. In the paradigm of the tumor microenvironment, the stroma of the tumor actively influences the tumor's behavior. However, research in the area of vestibular schwannomas is at an early stage. Thus, knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis and interactions between cells present within the tumor is crucial for the diagnosis, prediction of tumor behavior, and targeted therapeutic interventions. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge in the field of molecular biology and tumor microenvironment of vestibular schwannomas, as well as their relationship to tumor growth and hearing loss.
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Lin J, Li SW, Zhang J, Chu FH, Li CZ, Bie ZX, Tang HL, Gao S, Li P, Liao MT, Xin TX, Zhao F, Liu PN, Ding X. Qu-Du-San-Jie decoction induces growth inhibition and vascular normalization in NF2-associated vestibular schwannoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:941854. [PMID: 36059985 PMCID: PMC9437245 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.941854] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare genetic syndrome that predisposes individuals to develop bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VSs) causing a high risk of life-threatening neurological complications. Traditional treatment options for NF2-associated VS usually cause neurological damage, and to date, there are no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for NF2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of Qu-Du-San-Jie (QDSJ) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, on NF2-associated VS and to investigate the potential underlying mechanisms.Methods: Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (UHPLC-MS) analysis was performed to identify the components of QDSJ and their targets. To determine the relationships between the putative targets of QDSJ and the differential genes of NF2-associated VS, the drug-disease crossover genes were screened using the UHPLC-MS data combined with our previous gene expression profiling data. The differentially expressed genes were imported into the STRING database to generate a PPI network. Differentially expressed gene targets and pathways were identified using GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. The in vitro and in vivo drug efficacy of QDSJ decoction was tested using a patient-derived schwannoma cell line and a patient-derived xenograft mouse model, respectively. H&E staining, immunochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the cell proliferation and tumor vessels.Results: A total of 133 compounds were identified in QDSJ decoction using UHPLC-MS analysis. Network pharmacology showed that the regulation of necroptosis, apoptosis, cell cycle, angiogenesis, adherens junction, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction could be associated with the efficacy of QDSJ in treating NF2-associated VS. Treatment with QDSJ induced necrotic cell death and apoptosis of schwannoma cells in vitro and suppressed the tumor growth in vivo. Histopathological analysis revealed areas of cell necrosis and enlarged tumor blood vessels in the QDSJ-treated tumors. The numbers of cells positive for Cyclin D1 and Ki-67 were significantly reduced in QDSJ-treated tumors compared to control tumors. Immunofluorescence staining of CD31 and αSMA showed a decreased number and density of tumor vessels and normalized vessel structure in QDSJ-treated tumors.Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that QDSJ decoction shows significant antitumor activity against NF2-associated schwannoma and is a possible candidate for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Wei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fu-Hao Chu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Spleen and Stomach Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute of Regulatory Science for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng-Ze Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Xu Bie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Han-Lu Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Gao
- School of Chinese Materia Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Meng-Ting Liao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tian-Xi Xin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fu Zhao
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Fu Zhao, ; Pi-Nan Liu, ; Xia Ding,
| | - Pi-Nan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Fu Zhao, ; Pi-Nan Liu, ; Xia Ding,
| | - Xia Ding
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Spleen and Stomach Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Fu Zhao, ; Pi-Nan Liu, ; Xia Ding,
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Tamura R, Toda M. A Critical Overview of Targeted Therapies for Vestibular Schwannoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5462. [PMID: 35628268 PMCID: PMC9143502 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign tumor that originates from Schwann cells in the vestibular component. Surgical treatment for VS has gradually declined over the past few decades, especially for small tumors. Gamma knife radiosurgery has become an accepted treatment for VS, with a high rate of tumor control. For neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)-associated VS resistant to radiotherapy, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A/VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-targeted therapy (e.g., bevacizumab) may become the first-line therapy. Recently, a clinical trial using a VEGFR1/2 peptide vaccine was also conducted in patients with progressive NF2-associated schwannomas, which was the first immunotherapeutic approach for NF2 patients. Targeted therapies for the gene product of SH3PXD2A-HTRA1 fusion may be effective for sporadic VS. Several protein kinase inhibitors could be supportive to prevent tumor progression because merlin inhibits signaling by tyrosine receptor kinases and the activation of downstream pathways, including the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 pathways. Tumor-microenvironment-targeted therapy may be supportive for the mainstays of management. The tumor-associated macrophage is the major component of immunosuppressive cells in schwannomas. Here, we present a critical overview of targeted therapies for VS. Multimodal therapy is required to manage patients with refractory VS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Tamura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan;
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Current Understanding of Neurofibromatosis Type 1, 2, and Schwannomatosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115850. [PMID: 34072574 PMCID: PMC8198724 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a neurocutaneous syndrome characterized by the development of tumors of the central or peripheral nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, organs, skin, and bones. There are three types of NF: NF1 accounting for 96% of all cases, NF2 in 3%, and schwannomatosis (SWN) in <1%. The NF1 gene is located on chromosome 17q11.2, which encodes for a tumor suppressor protein, neurofibromin, that functions as a negative regulator of Ras/MAPK and PI3K/mTOR signaling pathways. The NF2 gene is identified on chromosome 22q12, which encodes for merlin, a tumor suppressor protein related to ezrin-radixin-moesin that modulates the activity of PI3K/AKT, Raf/MEK/ERK, and mTOR signaling pathways. In contrast, molecular insights on the different forms of SWN remain unclear. Inactivating mutations in the tumor suppressor genes SMARCB1 and LZTR1 are considered responsible for a majority of cases. Recently, treatment strategies to target specific genetic or molecular events involved in their tumorigenesis are developed. This study discusses molecular pathways and related targeted therapies for NF1, NF2, and SWN and reviews recent clinical trials which involve NF patients.
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Fujii M, Kobayakawa M, Saito K, Inano A, Morita A, Hasegawa M, Mukasa A, Mitsuhara T, Goto T, Yamaguchi S, Tamiya T, Nakatomi H, Oya S, Takahashi F, Sato T, Bakhit M. Rationale and Design of BeatNF2 Trial: A Clinical Trial to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Bevacizumab in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Related Vestibular Schwannoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:726-739. [PMID: 33572546 PMCID: PMC7985777 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28010071] [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: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare genetic hereditary disease characterized by multiple central nervous system tumors, most frequently bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VSs). No chemotherapeutic agents are available for clinical use, and surgery and radiotherapy are the only therapeutic options available now. Still, neither treatment option alleviates hearing loss in patients with NF2 and VS; they may even exacerbate it. However, bevacizumab has been reported to be effective in suppressing the tumor’s growth and has shown unprecedented efficacy in improving hearing. We describe a new ongoing and novel clinical trial, BeatNF2, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial to assess bevacizumab’s efficacy and safety in patients with NF2. The study’s primary endpoint is improved hearing function 24 weeks after the beginning of the treatment protocol. Abstract Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) causes bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VSs), leading to deafness. VS is treated by surgery or radiation, but neither treatments prevent hearing loss. Bevacizumab was found to be effective in suppressing the tumor’s growth and may help to improve hearing. We are conducting a randomized, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial to verify the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in NF2-related VS. The primary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of bevacizumab in improving hearing in the affected ear. One of the secondary objectives is to evaluate bevacizumab’s efficacy in rechallenge treatment in relapsed cases. Sixty patients will randomly receive either bevacizumab or a placebo and will be clinically observed for 48 weeks in the initial intervention phase. In the first half (24 weeks), they will receive either 5 mg/kg of bevacizumab or a placebo drug. In the second half, all patients will receive 5 mg/kg of bevacizumab. If hearing function deteriorated in a patient who had shown improvement during the first phase, a rechallenge dose with bevacizumab would be offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masazumi Fujii
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1247, Japan; (K.S.); (T.S.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-24-547-1268
| | - Masao Kobayakawa
- Medical Research Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1247, Japan; (M.K.); (A.I.)
| | - Kiyoshi Saito
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1247, Japan; (K.S.); (T.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Akihiro Inano
- Medical Research Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1247, Japan; (M.K.); (A.I.)
| | - Akio Morita
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan;
| | - Mitsuhiro Hasegawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan;
| | - Akitake Mukasa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan;
| | - Takafumi Mitsuhara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8511, Japan;
| | - Takeo Goto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka City University, Osaka 558-8585, Japan;
| | - Shigeru Yamaguchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan;
| | - Takashi Tamiya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kagawa University, Takamatsu 760-0016, Japan;
| | - Hirofumi Nakatomi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan;
| | - Soichi Oya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Saitama Medical Center, Kawagoe 350-8550, Japan;
| | - Fumiaki Takahashi
- Center for Liberal Arts and Sciences, Iwate Medical University, Morioka 020-0023, Japan;
| | - Taku Sato
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1247, Japan; (K.S.); (T.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Mudathir Bakhit
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1247, Japan; (K.S.); (T.S.); (M.B.)
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