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Scimeca M, Bischof J, Bonfiglio R, Nale E, Iacovelli V, Carilli M, Vittori M, Agostini M, Rovella V, Servadei F, Giacobbi E, Candi E, Shi Y, Melino G, Mauriello A, Bove P. Molecular profiling of a bladder cancer with very high tumour mutational burden. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:202. [PMID: 38688924 PMCID: PMC11061316 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01883-x] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of urothelial bladder cancer is a notable global concern, as evidenced by the epidemiological data in terms of frequency, distribution, as well as mortality rates. Although numerous molecular alterations have been linked to the occurrence and progression of bladder cancer, currently there is a limited knowledge on the molecular signature able of accurately predicting clinical outcomes. In this report, we present a case of a pT3b high-grade infiltrating urothelial carcinoma with areas of squamous differentiation characterized by very high tumor mutational burden (TMB), with up-regulations of immune checkpoints. The high TMB, along with elevated expressions of PD-L1, PD-L2, and PD1, underscores the rationale for developing a personalized immunotherapy focused on the use of immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Additionally, molecular analysis revealed somatic mutations in several other cancer-related genes, including TP53, TP63 and NOTCH3. Mutations of TP53 and TP63 genes provide mechanistic insights on the molecular mechanisms underlying disease development and progression. Notably, the above-mentioned mutations and the elevated hypoxia score make the targeting of p53 and/or hypoxia related pathways a plausible personalized medicine option for this bladder cancer, particularly in combination with immunotherapy. Our data suggest a requirement for molecular profiling in bladder cancer to possibly select appropriate immune-checkpoint therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Julia Bischof
- Indivumed GmbH, Falkenried, 88 Building D, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Nale
- Indivumed GmbH, Falkenried, 88 Building D, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Valerio Iacovelli
- Urology Unit San Carlo di Nancy Hospital, GVM Care, 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Carilli
- Urology Unit San Carlo di Nancy Hospital, GVM Care, 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Vittori
- Urology Unit San Carlo di Nancy Hospital, GVM Care, 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Servadei
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Giacobbi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Pierluigi Bove
- Urology Unit San Carlo di Nancy Hospital, GVM Care, 00100, Rome, Italy.
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Zhu M, Rovella V, Scimeca M, Mauriello A, Shi Y, Bischof J, Woodsmith J, Anselmo A, Melino G, Tisone G, Agostini M. Genomic and transcriptomic profiling of hepatocellular carcinoma reveals a rare molecular subtype. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:10. [PMID: 38228856 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00850-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, occurring predominantly in patients with underlying chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Here, we describe a case of a 62-year-old man that was admitted to our hospital and diagnosed with HCC where the cancer has already metastasized to the retroperitoneum and peritoneum. In order to better characterize the HCC, both the cancerous liver tissue and the adjacent normal liver tissue of the patient were collected and subjected to a genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. Our patient carries a highly mutated HCC, which is characterized by both somatic mutation in the following genes ALK, CDK6, TP53, PGR. In addition, we observe several molecular alterations that are associated with potential therapy resistance, for example the expression of the organic-anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) family members B1 and B3, that mediate the transport of the anticancer drugs, has been found decreased. Overall, our molecular profiling potentially classify the patient with poor prognosis and possibly displaying resistance to pharmacological therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Zhu
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Julia Bischof
- Indivumed GmbH, Falkenried, 88 Building D, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Alessandro Anselmo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Tisone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Han Y, Rovella V, Smirnov A, Buonomo OC, Mauriello A, Perretta T, Shi Y, Woodmsith J, Bischof J, Melino G, Candi E, Bernassola F. A BRCA2 germline mutation and high expression of immune checkpoints in a TNBC patient. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:370. [PMID: 37813891 PMCID: PMC10562433 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01651-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of mammary carcinoma. Here, we describe a case of an 81-year-old female diagnosed with ductal triple negative breast cancer with a germline pathogenic variant in BReast CAncer gene2 (BRCA2). Genetic testing also revealed the presence of four somatic mutations in the ephrin type-A receptor 3 (EphA3), TP53, BRCA1-associated protein (BAP1), and MYB genes. The BRCA2, TP53, and BAP1 gene mutations are highly predictive of a defective homologous recombination repair system and subsequent chromosomal instability in this patient. Coherently, the patient displayed a strong homologous recombination deficiency signature and high tumor mutational burden status, which are generally associated with increased probability of immune neoantigens formation and presentation, and with tumor immunogenicity. Analysis of immune checkpoint revealed high expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), programmed cell death ligand 2 (PD-L2), programmed death 1 (PD1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA 4), suggesting that the patient might likely benefit from immunotherapies. Altogether, these findings support an unveiled link between BRCA2 inactivation, HR deficiency and increased expression of immune checkpoints in TNBC. This clinical case highlights the importance of screening TNBC patients for genetic mutations and TMB biomarkers in order to predict the potential efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyi Han
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, 214000, Wuxi, China
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Artem Smirnov
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Oreste Claudio Buonomo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Perretta
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Policlinico Tor Vergata University, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | | | - Julia Bischof
- Indivumed GmbH, Falkenried, 88 Building D, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00100, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Bernassola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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Scimeca M, Rovella V, Palumbo V, Scioli MP, Bonfiglio R, Tor Centre, Melino G, Piacentini M, Frati L, Agostini M, Candi E, Mauriello A. Programmed Cell Death Pathways in Cholangiocarcinoma: Opportunities for Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3638. [PMID: 37509299 PMCID: PMC10377326 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143638] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly aggressive cancer arising from the bile ducts. The limited effectiveness of conventional therapies has prompted the search for new approaches to target this disease. Recent evidence suggests that distinct programmed cell death mechanisms, namely, apoptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis, play a critical role in the development and progression of cholangiocarcinoma. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the role of programmed cell death in cholangiocarcinoma and its potential implications for the development of novel therapies. Several studies have shown that the dysregulation of apoptotic signaling pathways contributes to cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis and resistance to treatment. Similarly, ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis, which are pro-inflammatory forms of cell death, have been implicated in promoting immune cell recruitment and activation, thus enhancing the antitumor immune response. Moreover, recent studies have suggested that targeting cell death pathways could sensitize cholangiocarcinoma cells to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In conclusion, programmed cell death represents a relevant molecular mechanism of pathogenesis in cholangiocarcinoma, and further research is needed to fully elucidate the underlying details and possibly identify therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Palumbo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Scioli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Frati
- Institute Pasteur Italy-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Via Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed S.p.A., Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Montanaro M, Agostini M, Anemona L, Bonanno E, Servadei F, Finazzi Agrò E, Asimakopoulos AD, Ganini C, Cipriani C, Signoretti M, Bove P, Rugolo F, Imperiali B, Melino G, Mauriello A, Scimeca M. ZNF750: A Novel Prognostic Biomarker in Metastatic Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076519. [PMID: 37047491 PMCID: PMC10095592 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among men in 2020. The clinical decision making for prostate cancer patients is based on the stratification of the patients according to both clinical and pathological parameters such as Gleason score and prostate-specific antigen levels. However, these tools still do not adequately predict patient outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ZNF750 could have a role in better stratifying patients, identifying those with a higher risk of metastasis and with the poorest prognosis. The data reported here revealed that ZNF750 protein levels are reduced in human prostate cancer samples, and this reduction is even higher in metastatic samples. Interestingly, nuclear positivity is significantly reduced in patients with metastatic prostate cancer, regardless of both Gleason score and grade group. More importantly, the bioinformatics analysis indicates that ZNF750 expression is positively correlated with better prognosis. Overall, our findings suggest that nuclear expression of ZNF750 may be a reliable prognostic biomarker for metastatic prostate cancer, which lays the foundation for the development of new biological therapies.
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Mutka M, Joensuu K, Eray M, Heikkilä P. Quantities of CD3+, CD8+ and CD56+ lymphocytes decline in breast cancer recurrences while CD4+ remain similar. Diagn Pathol 2023; 18:3. [PMID: 36627701 PMCID: PMC9830729 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-022-01278-5] [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: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Much is known about tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (Tils) in primary breast cancer, as this has been the focus of much research in recent years, but regarding recurrent breast cancer, only few studies have been done. Our aim was to compare the quantities of Tils in primary breast carcinomas and their corresponding recurrences and to analyze the differences in the tumor Tils compositions in correlations with recurrence-free times and the clinicopathology of the tumor. METHODS One hundred thirty-seven breast cancer patients self-paired for primary- tumor-recurrence were divided into three groups based on the length of the recurrence-free interval. H&E-staining and immunohistochemical staining with antiCD3, antiCD4, antiCD8 and antiCD56 were performed. Differences in Tils between primaries and recurrences, between the recurrence-free interval groups, and between different clinicopathologic parameters were statistically analyzed. RESULTS Fewer stromal CD3+, CD8+ and CD56+ lymphocytes were found at recurrences compared to the primaries. No significant change in the percentage of CD4+ stromal lymphocytes. ER-negative primaries, PR-negative or HER2-positive tumors had more Tils in some subgroups. Ductal primaries had more Tils than lobular primaries and G3 tumors had more Tils than lower-grade tumors. The corresponding differences at recurrences could either not be detected or they were reversed. The fastest recurring group had generally more Tils than the slower groups. CONCLUSIONS CD4+ cell numbers did not decline from primary to recurrence in contrast to all other subclasses of lymphocytes. The proportion of CD4+ cells was higher in recurrences than in primaries. Tumors with a higher grade and proliferation rate had higher percentages of Tils. HER2+ and hormone receptor negative tumors tended to have higher Tils scores. In recurrences these differences were not seen or they were reversed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna Mutka
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristiina Joensuu
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071University of Helsinki, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mine Eray
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Heikkilä
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland
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Chen M, Wang Z, Suo W, Bao Z, Quan H. Injectable Hydrogel for Synergetic Low Dose Radiotherapy, Chemodynamic Therapy and Photothermal Therapy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:757428. [PMID: 34881231 PMCID: PMC8645961 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.757428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Higher doses of radiotherapy (RT) are associated with resistance induction, therefore highly selective and controllable radiosensitizers are urgently needed. To address this issue, we developed a FeGA-based injectable hydrogel system (FH) that can be used in combination with low-dose radiation. Our FH can deliver FeGA directly to the tumor site via intratumoral injection, where it is a reservoir-based system to conserve FeGA. The photothermal properties of FeGA steadily dissolve FH under laser irradiation, and, simultaneously, FeGA reacts with a large amount of H2O2 in the cell to produce OH (Fenton reaction) which is highly toxic to mitochondria, rendering the cell inactive and reducing radiotherapy resistance. In vivo and in vitro studies suggest that combining the FH and NIR irradiation with RT (2Gy) can significantly reduce tumor proliferation without side effects such as inflammation. To conclude, this is the first study to achieve combined chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) in situ treatment, and the best therapeutic effect can be obtained with a low-dose radiation combination, thus expanding the prospects of FeGA-based tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weilong Suo
- Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Nanotechnology at Universities of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Zhirong Bao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Quan
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Abstract
Multiple studies have confirmed that speckle-type pox virus and zinc finger (POZ) protein (SPOP) functions as a substrate adaptor of cullin 3-based E3 ligase and has a crucial role in various cellular processes via specific targeting of proteins for ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Dysregulation of SPOP-mediated proteolysis might be involved in the development and progression of human prostate and kidney cancers. In prostate cancer, SPOP seems to function as a tumour suppressor by targeting several proteins, including androgen receptor (AR), steroid receptor coactivator 3 (SRC3) and BRD4, for degradation, whereas it might function as an oncoprotein in kidney cancer, for example, by targeting phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) for proteasomal degradation. In addition, nuclear SPOP targets AR for degradation and has a role as a tumour suppressor in prostate cancer; however, in kidney cancer, SPOP largely accumulates in the cytoplasm and fails to promote degradation of AR located in the nucleus, resulting in activation of AR-driven pathways and cancer progression. Owing to the context-dependent function of SPOP in human malignancies, further assessment of the molecular mechanisms involving SPOP in prostate and kidney cancers is needed to improve our understanding of its role in the development of these cancer types. Treatments that target SPOP might become therapeutic strategies in these malignancies in the future.
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Scimeca M, Urbano N, Bonfiglio R, Duggento A, Toschi N, Schillaci O, Bonanno E. Novel insights into breast cancer progression and metastasis: A multidisciplinary opportunity to transition from biology to clinical oncology. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2019; 1872:138-148. [PMID: 31348975 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
According to the most recent epidemiological studies, breast cancer shows the highest incidence and the second leading cause of death in women. Cancer progression and metastasis are the main events related to poor survival of breast cancer patients. This can be explained by the presence of highly resistant to chemo- and radiotherapy stem cells in many breast tumor tissues. In this context, numerous studies highlighted the possible involvement of epithelial to mesenchymal transition phenomenon as biological program to generate cancer stem cells, and thus participate to both metastatic and drug resistance process. Therefore, the comprehension of mechanisms (both cellular and molecular) involved in breast cancer occurrence and progression can lay the foundation for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutical protocols. In this review, we reported the most important findings in the field of breast cancer highlighting the most recent data concerning breast tumor biology, diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy; San Raffaele University, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Umberto Veronesi (FUV), Piazza Velasca 5, 20122 Milano (Mi), Italy.
| | | | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Andrea Duggento
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy; Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy; Neuromed Group, "Diagnostica Medica" and "Villa dei Platani", Avellino, Italy
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Schillaci O, Scimeca M, Toschi N, Bonfiglio R, Urbano N, Bonanno E. Combining Diagnostic Imaging and Pathology for Improving Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cancer. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2019; 2019:9429761. [PMID: 31354394 PMCID: PMC6636452 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9429761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the era of personalized medicine, the management of oncological patients requires a translational and multidisciplinary approach. During early phases of cancer development, biochemical alterations of cell metabolism occur much before the formation of detectable tumour masses. Current molecular imaging techniques, targeted to the study of molecular kinetics, employ molecular tracers capable of detecting cancer lesions with both high sensitivity and specificity while also providing essential information for both prognosis and therapy. On the contrary, complementary and crucial information is provided by histopathological examination and ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemistry. Thus, the successful collaboration between diagnostic imaging and anatomic pathology can represent a fundamental step in the "tortuous" but decisive path towards personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- University of San Raffaele, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Umberto Veronesi (FUV), Piazza Velasca 5, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | | | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed Lab, “Diagnostica Medica”, “Villa dei Platani”, Avellino, Italy
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11
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Scimeca M, Bonfiglio R, Urbano N, Cerroni C, Anemona L, Montanaro M, Fazi S, Schillaci O, Mauriello A, Bonanno E. Programmed death ligand 1 expression in prostate cancer cells is associated with deep changes of the tumor inflammatory infiltrate composition. Urol Oncol 2019; 37:297.e19-297.e31. [PMID: 30827759 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2019.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main aim of this study was to investigate the putative correlation between the composition of intratumoral inflammatory infiltrate and the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) by prostate cancer cells. In addition, we evaluated the correlation between the expression of PD-L1 and PTX3. METHODS We enrolled 100 patients from which we collected one surgical sample each. Paraffin serial sections were obtained to perform histological classifications and tissues microarray construction. Serial tissues microarray paraffin sections were also used for PD-L1 analysis and intratumoral inflammatory infiltrate characterization (CD4, CD8, CD57, CD3, PD1, PSGL-1, TIGIT, CD20, CD38, CD68, CD163, and PTX3) by immunohistochemistry . RESULTS Our result showed a significant increase of the number of both PD-L1 and PTX3 positive cells in prostate tumors respect to benign lesions. Inflammatory infiltrate of PD-L1 positive prostate cancer lesions was characterized by a decrease of both PD1 positive lymphocytes and tumor-infiltrated macrophages, mainly M2 subpopulation. Also, PTX3 expression showed an inverse correlation with the number of PD-L1 positive prostate cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS If confirmed, our data could be useful to predict the variations of the inflammatory population related to PD-L1 expression in prostate cancer. This can lay the foundation to establish therapeutic protocols able to inhibit the PD-L1 activity and, at the same time, to reactivate the antitumor inflammatory process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; San Raffaele University, Rome, Italy; OrchideaLab S.r.l., Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Cerroni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Anemona
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Montanaro
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Fazi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Orazio Schillaci
- San Raffaele University, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; "Diagnostica Medica" and "Villa dei Platani", Avellino, Italy.
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Schillaci O, Scimeca M, Trivigno D, Chiaravalloti A, Facchetti S, Anemona L, Bonfiglio R, Santeusanio G, Tancredi V, Bonanno E, Urbano N, Mauriello A. Prostate cancer and inflammation: A new molecular imaging challenge in the era of personalized medicine. Nucl Med Biol 2019; 68-69:66-79. [PMID: 30770226 DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between cancer and inflammation is one of the most important fields for both clinical and translational research. Despite numerous studies reported interesting and solid data about the prognostic value of the presence of inflammatory infiltrate in cancers, the biological role of inflammation in prostate cancer development is not yet fully clarified. The characterization of molecular pathways that connect altered inflammatory response and prostate cancer progression can provide the scientific rationale for the identification of new prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Specifically, the detection of infiltrating immune cells or related-cytokines by histology and/or by molecular imaging techniques could profoundly change the management of prostate cancer patients. In this context, the anatomic pathology and imaging diagnostic teamwork can provide a valuable support for the validation of new targets for diagnosis and therapy of prostate cancer lesions associated to the inflammatory infiltrate. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature about the role of molecular imaging technique and anatomic pathology in the study of the mutual interaction occurring between prostate cancer and inflammation. Specifically, we reported the more recent advances in molecular imaging and histological methods for the early detection of prostate lesions associated to the inflammatory infiltrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy; University of San Raffaele, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy.
| | - Donata Trivigno
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Agostino Chiaravalloti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Simone Facchetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Lucia Anemona
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Santeusanio
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- University of San Raffaele, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Urbano
- Nuclear Medicine, Policlinico "Tor Vergata", Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
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13
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Scimeca M, Urbano N, Bonfiglio R, Schillaci O, Bonanno E. Management of oncological patients in the digital era: anatomic pathology and nuclear medicine teamwork. Future Oncol 2018; 14:1013-1015. [PMID: 29623724 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2017-0698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine & Prevention, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele, Via di Val Cannuta 247, Rome 00166, Italy.,OrchideaLab S.r.l., Via del Grecale 6, Morlupo, Rome (RM) 000674, Italy
| | | | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Biomedicine & Prevention, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine & Prevention, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli 860777, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,IRCSS Neuromed Lab. 'Diagnostica Medica' & 'Villa dei Platani', Avellino 83100, Italy
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