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Molina-Peña R, Ferreira NH, Roy C, Roncali L, Najberg M, Avril S, Zarur M, Bourgeois W, Ferreirós A, Lucchi C, Cavallieri F, Hindré F, Tosi G, Biagini G, Valzania F, Berger F, Abal M, Rousseau A, Boury F, Alvarez-Lorenzo C, Garcion E. Implantable SDF-1α-loaded silk fibroin hyaluronic acid aerogel sponges as an instructive component of the glioblastoma ecosystem: Between chemoattraction and tumor shaping into resection cavities. Acta Biomater 2024; 173:261-282. [PMID: 37866725 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.10.022] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
In view of inevitable recurrences despite resection, glioblastoma (GB) is still an unmet clinical need. Dealing with the stromal-cell derived factor 1-alpha (SDF-1α)/CXCR4 axis as a hallmark of infiltrative GB tumors and with the resection cavity situation, the present study described the effects and relevance of a new engineered micro-nanostructured SF-HA-Hep aerogel sponges, made of silk fibroin (SF), hyaluronic acid (HA) and heparin (Hep) and loaded with SDF-1α, to interfere with the GB ecosystem and residual GB cells, attracting and confining them in a controlled area before elimination. 70 µm-pore sponges were designed as an implantable scaffold to trap GB cells. They presented shape memory and fit brain cavities. Histological results after implantation in brain immunocompetent Fischer rats revealed that SF-HA-Hep sponges are well tolerated for more than 3 months while moderately and reversibly colonized by immuno-inflammatory cells. The use of human U87MG GB cells overexpressing the CXCR4 receptor (U87MG-CXCR4+) and responding to SDF-1α allowed demonstrating directional GB cell attraction and colonization of the device in vitro and in vivo in orthotopic resection cavities in Nude rats. Not modifying global survival, aerogel sponge implantation strongly shaped U87MG-CXCR4+ tumors in cavities in contrast to random infiltrative growth in controls. Overall, those results support the interest of SF-HA-Hep sponges as modifiers of the GB ecosystem dynamics acting as "cell meeting rooms" and biocompatible niches whose properties deserve to be considered toward the development of new clinical procedures. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Brain tumor glioblastoma (GB) is one of the worst unmet clinical needs. To prevent the relapse in the resection cavity situation, new implantable biopolymer aerogel sponges loaded with a chemoattractant molecule were designed and preclinically tested as a prototype targeting the interaction between the initial tumor location and its attraction by the peritumoral environment. While not modifying global survival, biocompatible SDF1-loaded hyaluronic acid and silk fibroin sponges induce directional GB cell attraction and colonization in vitro and in rats in vivo. Interestingly, they strongly shaped GB tumors in contrast to random infiltrative growth in controls. These results provide original findings on application of exogenous engineered niches that shape tumors and serve as cell meeting rooms for further clinical developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Molina-Peña
- Univ Angers, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | | | - Charlotte Roy
- Univ Angers, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Loris Roncali
- Univ Angers, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Mathie Najberg
- Univ Angers, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Sylvie Avril
- Univ Angers, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Mariana Zarur
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, ID Farma (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, iMATUS, and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - William Bourgeois
- Inserm UMR1205, Brain Tech Lab, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital (CHUGA), Grenoble, 38000, France
| | - Alba Ferreirós
- NASASBIOTECH S.L., Cantón Grande nº 9, 15003, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Chiara Lucchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Cavallieri
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - François Hindré
- Univ Angers, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Giovani Tosi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Biagini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Franco Valzania
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - François Berger
- Inserm UMR1205, Brain Tech Lab, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital (CHUGA), Grenoble, 38000, France
| | - Miguel Abal
- NASASBIOTECH S.L., Cantón Grande nº 9, 15003, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Audrey Rousseau
- Univ Angers, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Frank Boury
- Univ Angers, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, ID Farma (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, iMATUS, and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Emmanuel Garcion
- Univ Angers, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France.
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Bikfalvi A, da Costa CA, Avril T, Barnier JV, Bauchet L, Brisson L, Cartron PF, Castel H, Chevet E, Chneiweiss H, Clavreul A, Constantin B, Coronas V, Daubon T, Dontenwill M, Ducray F, Enz-Werle N, Figarella-Branger D, Fournier I, Frenel JS, Gabut M, Galli T, Gavard J, Huberfeld G, Hugnot JP, Idbaih A, Junier MP, Mathivet T, Menei P, Meyronet D, Mirjolet C, Morin F, Mosser J, Moyal ECJ, Rousseau V, Salzet M, Sanson M, Seano G, Tabouret E, Tchoghandjian A, Turchi L, Vallette FM, Vats S, Verreault M, Virolle T. Challenges in glioblastoma research: focus on the tumor microenvironment. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:9-27. [PMID: 36400694 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most deadly type of malignant brain tumor, despite extensive molecular analyses of GBM cells. In recent years, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been recognized as an important player and therapeutic target in GBM. However, there is a need for a full and integrated understanding of the different cellular and molecular components involved in the GBM TME and their interactions for the development of more efficient therapies. In this review, we provide a comprehensive report of the GBM TME, which assembles the contributions of physicians and translational researchers working on brain tumor pathology and therapy in France. We propose a holistic view of the subject by delineating the specific features of the GBM TME at the cellular, molecular, and therapeutic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Bikfalvi
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, U1312 BRIC, Tumor and Vascular Biology Laboratory, F-33600, Pessac, France.
| | - Cristine Alves da Costa
- Côte d'Azur University, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Team "Laboratory of Excellence (LABEX) Distalz", F-06560 Nice, France
| | - Tony Avril
- Rennes University, Inserm U1242, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, F- 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Jean-Vianney Barnier
- Institute of Neuroscience Paris-Saclay, UMR9197, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Saclay, F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Luc Bauchet
- Montpellier University Medical Center, Department of Neurosurgery, INSERM U1191, F-34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Lucie Brisson
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, U1312 BRIC, Tumor and Vascular Biology Laboratory, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | | | - Hélène Castel
- Normandie University, INSERM U1239, DC2N, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Eric Chevet
- Rennes University, Inserm U1242, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, F- 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Hervé Chneiweiss
- Sorbonne University, CNRS UMR8246, Inserm U1130, IBPS-Neuroscience Paris Seine, F- 75005 Paris, France
| | - Anne Clavreul
- Angers University, CHU d'Angers, CRCINA, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Bruno Constantin
- Poitiers University, CNRS UMR 6041, Laboratory Channels & Connexins in Cancers and Cell Stemness, F-86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Valérie Coronas
- Poitiers University, CNRS UMR 6041, Laboratory Channels & Connexins in Cancers and Cell Stemness, F-86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Thomas Daubon
- Bordeaux University, CNRS, IBGC, UMR 5095, F-33 077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Monique Dontenwill
- Strasbourg University, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologie, UMR7021 CNRS, F-67401 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Francois Ducray
- Lyon I University, Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRCL) INSERM 1052&CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon 69008, France., F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Natacha Enz-Werle
- Strasbourg University, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologie, UMR7021 CNRS, F-67401 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Dominique Figarella-Branger
- Aix-Marseille University, Service d'Anatomie Pathologique et de Neuropathologie, Hôpital de la Timone, F-13385 Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Fournier
- Lille University, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1192, Laboratoire Protéomique, Réponse Inflammatoire et Spectrométrie de Masse (PRISM), F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Jean-Sébastien Frenel
- Normandie University, INSERM U1239, DC2N, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Mathieu Gabut
- Lyon I University, Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRCL) INSERM 1052&CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon 69008, France., F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Thierry Galli
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Membrane Traffic in Healthy & Diseased Brain, GHU PARIS Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Julie Gavard
- CRCI2NA, INSERM U1307, CNRS UMR6075, Nantes Universite, 44007 Nantes, France
| | - Gilles Huberfeld
- College de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris 75005, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Hugnot
- Montpellier University, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS, INSERM, F-34094 Montpellier, France
| | - Ahmed Idbaih
- Sorbonne University, AP-HP, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpitaux Universitaires La Pitié Salpêtrière - Charles Foix, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Junier
- Sorbonne University, CNRS UMR8246, Inserm U1130, IBPS-Neuroscience Paris Seine, F- 75005 Paris, France
| | - Thomas Mathivet
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, U1312 BRIC, Tumor and Vascular Biology Laboratory, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | - Philippe Menei
- Angers University, CHU d'Angers, CRCINA, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - David Meyronet
- Institute of Neuropathology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, F-69008, Lyon, France
| | - Céline Mirjolet
- Centre Georges-François Leclerc, UNICANCER, Dijon, France. Inserm U1231, Equipe Cadir, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Fabrice Morin
- Normandie University, INSERM U1239, DC2N, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Jean Mosser
- Rennes University, Inserm U1242, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, F- 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Elisabeth Cohen-Jonathan Moyal
- Institut Claudius Regaud, NSERM 1037, CRCT Team RADOPT, Département de Radiothérapie, IUCT-Oncopole, F-31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Véronique Rousseau
- Institute of Neuroscience Paris-Saclay, UMR9197, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Saclay, F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Michel Salzet
- Lille University, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1192, Laboratoire Protéomique, Réponse Inflammatoire et Spectrométrie de Masse (PRISM), F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Marc Sanson
- Sorbonne University, AP-HP, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpitaux Universitaires La Pitié Salpêtrière - Charles Foix, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Giorgio Seano
- Curie Institute Research Center, Tumor Microenvironment Laboratory, PSL Research University, Inserm U1021, CNRS UMR3347, F-91898 Orsay, France
| | - Emeline Tabouret
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, F-13005 Marseille, France
| | - Aurélie Tchoghandjian
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, F-13005 Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Turchi
- Côte D'Azur University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Team INSERM "Cancer Stem Cell Plasticity and Functional Intra-tumor Heterogeneity", F-06108 Nice, France
| | - Francois M Vallette
- CRCI2NA, INSERM U1307, CNRS UMR6075, Nantes Universite, 44007 Nantes, France
| | - Somya Vats
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Membrane Traffic in Healthy & Diseased Brain, GHU PARIS Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Maité Verreault
- Sorbonne University, AP-HP, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpitaux Universitaires La Pitié Salpêtrière - Charles Foix, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Virolle
- Côte D'Azur University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Team INSERM "Cancer Stem Cell Plasticity and Functional Intra-tumor Heterogeneity", F-06108 Nice, France
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Rationally designed drug delivery systems for the local treatment of resected glioblastoma. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 177:113951. [PMID: 34461201 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a particularly aggressive brain cancer associated with high recurrence and poor prognosis. The standard of care, surgical resection followed by concomitant radio- and chemotherapy, leads to low survival rates. The local delivery of active agents within the tumor resection cavity has emerged as an attractive means to initiate oncological treatment immediately post-surgery. This complementary approach bypasses the blood-brain barrier, increases the local concentration at the tumor site while reducing or avoiding systemic side effects. This review will provide a global overview on the local treatment for GBM with an emphasis on the lessons learned from past clinical trials. The main parameters to be considered to rationally design fit-of-purpose biomaterials and develop drug delivery systems for local administration in the GBM resection cavity to prevent the tumor recurrence will be described. The intracavitary local treatment of GBM should i) use materials that facilitate translation to the clinic; ii) be characterized by easy GMP effective scaling up and easy-handling application by the neurosurgeons; iii) be adaptable to fill the tumor-resected niche, mold to the resection cavity or adhere to the exposed brain parenchyma; iv) be biocompatible and possess mechanical properties compatible with the brain; v) deliver a therapeutic dose of rationally-designed or repurposed drug compound(s) into the GBM infiltrative margin. Proof of concept with high translational potential will be provided. Finally, future perspectives to facilitate the clinical translation of the local perisurgical treatment of GBM will be discussed.
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Lombard A, Digregorio M, Delcamp C, Rogister B, Piette C, Coppieters N. The Subventricular Zone, a Hideout for Adult and Pediatric High-Grade Glioma Stem Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 10:614930. [PMID: 33575218 PMCID: PMC7870981 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.614930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Both in adult and children, high-grade gliomas (WHO grades III and IV) account for a high proportion of death due to cancer. This poor prognosis is a direct consequence of tumor recurrences occurring within few months despite a multimodal therapy consisting of a surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There is increasing evidence that glioma stem cells (GSCs) contribute to tumor recurrences. In fact, GSCs can migrate out of the tumor mass and reach the subventricular zone (SVZ), a neurogenic niche persisting after birth. Once nested in the SVZ, GSCs can escape a surgical intervention and resist to treatments. The present review will define GSCs and describe their similarities with neural stem cells, residents of the SVZ. The architectural organization of the SVZ will be described both for humans and rodents. The migratory routes taken by GSCs to reach the SVZ and the signaling pathways involved in their migration will also be described hereafter. In addition, we will debate the advantages of the microenvironment provided by the SVZ for GSCs and how this could contribute to tumor recurrences. Finally, we will discuss the clinical relevance of the SVZ in adult GBM and pediatric HGG and the therapeutic advantages of targeting that neurogenic region in both clinical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Lombard
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, Groupement Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-Neurosciences Research Centre, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Neurosurgery, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marina Digregorio
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, Groupement Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-Neurosciences Research Centre, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Clément Delcamp
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, Groupement Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-Neurosciences Research Centre, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Bernard Rogister
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, Groupement Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-Neurosciences Research Centre, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Caroline Piette
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, Groupement Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-Neurosciences Research Centre, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Natacha Coppieters
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, Groupement Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-Neurosciences Research Centre, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Clavreul A, Menei P. Mesenchymal Stromal-Like Cells in the Glioma Microenvironment: What Are These Cells? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2628. [PMID: 32942567 PMCID: PMC7565954 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The glioma microenvironment is a critical regulator of tumor progression. It contains different cellular components such as blood vessels, immune cells, and neuroglial cells. It also contains non-cellular components, such as the extracellular matrix, extracellular vesicles, and cytokines, and has certain physicochemical properties, such as low pH, hypoxia, elevated interstitial pressure, and impaired perfusion. This review focuses on a particular type of cells recently identified in the glioma microenvironment: glioma-associated stromal cells (GASCs). This is just one of a number of names given to these mesenchymal stromal-like cells, which have phenotypic and functional properties similar to those of mesenchymal stem cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Their close proximity to blood vessels may provide a permissive environment, facilitating angiogenesis, invasion, and tumor growth. Additional studies are required to characterize these cells further and to analyze their role in tumor resistance and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Clavreul
- Département de Neurochirurgie, CHU, 49933 Angers, France;
- Université d’Angers, CHU d’Angers, CRCINA, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Philippe Menei
- Département de Neurochirurgie, CHU, 49933 Angers, France;
- Université d’Angers, CHU d’Angers, CRCINA, F-49000 Angers, France
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Garrett MC, O’Shea TM, Wollenberg AL, Bernstein AM, Hung D, Staarman B, Soto H, Deming TJ, Sofroniew MV, Kornblum HI. Injectable diblock copolypeptide hydrogel provides platform to deliver effective concentrations of paclitaxel to an intracranial xenograft model of glioblastoma. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0219632. [PMID: 32706829 PMCID: PMC7380637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surgical resection and systemic chemotherapy with temozolomide remain the mainstay for treatment of glioblastoma. However, many patients are not candidates for surgical resection given inaccessible tumor location or poor health status. Furthermore, despite being first line treatment, temozolomide has only limited efficacy. METHODS The development of injectable hydrogel-based carrier systems allows for the delivery of a wide range of chemotherapeutics that can achieve high local concentrations, thus potentially avoiding systemic side effects and wide-spread neurotoxicity. To test this modality in a realistic environment, we developed a diblock copolypeptide hydrogel (DCH) capable of carrying and releasing paclitaxel, a compound that we found to be highly potent against primary gliomasphere cells. RESULTS The DCH produced minimal tissue reactivity and was well tolerated in the immune-competent mouse brain. Paclitaxel-loaded hydrogel induced less tissue damage, cellular inflammation and reactive astrocytes than cremaphor-taxol (typical taxol-carrier) or hydrogel alone. In a deep subcortical xenograft model of glioblastoma in immunodeficient mice, injection of paclitaxel-loaded hydrogel led to local tumor control and improved survival. However, the tumor cells were highly migratory and were able to eventually escape the area of treatment. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest this technology may be ultimately applicable to patients with deep-seated inoperable tumors, but as currently formulated, complete tumor eradication would be highly unlikely. Future studies should focus on targeting the migratory potential of surviving cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Garrett
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Timothy M. O’Shea
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Alexander L. Wollenberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Alexander M. Bernstein
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Derek Hung
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Brittany Staarman
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Horacio Soto
- Department of Neurosurgery David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Timothy J. Deming
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Michael V. Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Harley I. Kornblum
- Departments of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Pharmacology, Pediatrics and the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
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Haring AP, Thompson EG, Hernandez RD, Laheri S, Harrigan ME, Lear T, Sontheimer H, Johnson BN. 3D Printed Multiplexed Competitive Migration Assays with Spatially Programmable Release Sources. ADVANCED BIOSYSTEMS 2020; 4:e1900225. [PMID: 32293127 PMCID: PMC7687855 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Here, a 3D printed multiplexed competitive migration assay is reported for characterizing a chemotactic response in the presence of multiple spatially distributed chemoattractants. The utility of the assay is demonstrated by examining the chemotactic response of human glioblastoma cells to spatially opposing chemotactic gradients of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and bradykinin (BK). Competitive migration assays involving spatially opposing gradients of EGF and BK that are optimized in the absence of the second chemoattractant show that 46% more glioblastoma cells migrate toward EGF sources. The migration velocities of human glioblastoma cells toward EGF and BK sources are reduced by 7.6 ± 2.2% and 11.6 ± 6.3% relative to those found in the absence of the spatially opposing chemoattractant. This work provides new insight to the chemotactic response associated with glioblastoma-vasculature interactions and a versatile, user-friendly platform for characterizing the chemotactic response of cells in the presence of multiple spatially distributed chemoattractants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Haring
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Emily G Thompson
- Glial Biology in Health, Disease and Cancer Center, Carillion Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Raymundo D Hernandez
- Glial Biology in Health, Disease and Cancer Center, Carillion Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Sahil Laheri
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Megan E Harrigan
- Glial Biology in Health, Disease and Cancer Center, Carillion Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Taylor Lear
- Glial Biology in Health, Disease and Cancer Center, Carillion Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Harald Sontheimer
- Glial Biology in Health, Disease and Cancer Center, Carillion Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Blake N Johnson
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
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8
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Najberg M, Haji Mansor M, Boury F, Alvarez-Lorenzo C, Garcion E. Reversing the Tumor Target: Establishment of a Tumor Trap. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:887. [PMID: 31456685 PMCID: PMC6699082 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the tremendous progress made in the field of cancer therapy in recent years, certain solid tumors still cannot be successfully treated. Alongside classical treatments in the form of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, targeted treatments such as immunotherapy that cause fewer side effects emerge as new options in the clinics. However, these alternative treatments may not be useful for treating all types of cancers, especially for killing infiltrative and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Recent advances pursue the trapping of these cancer cells within a confined area to facilitate their removal for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. A good understanding of the mechanisms behind tumor cell migration may drive the design of traps that mimic natural tumor niches and guide the movement of the cancer cells. To bring this trapping idea into reality, strong efforts are being made to create structured materials that imitate myelinated fibers, blood vessels, or pre-metastatic niches and incorporate chemical cues such as chemoattractants or adhesive proteins. In this review, the different strategies used (or could be used) to trap tumor cells are described, and relevant examples of their performance are analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathie Najberg
- CRCINA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, R + D Pharma Group (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Muhammad Haji Mansor
- CRCINA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
- Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM), Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Frank Boury
- CRCINA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, R + D Pharma Group (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Emmanuel Garcion
- CRCINA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
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9
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Autier L, Clavreul A, Cacicedo ML, Franconi F, Sindji L, Rousseau A, Perrot R, Montero-Menei CN, Castro GR, Menei P. A new glioblastoma cell trap for implantation after surgical resection. Acta Biomater 2019; 84:268-279. [PMID: 30465922 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is a highly infiltrative tumor, recurring, in 90% of cases, within a few centimeters of the surgical resection cavity, even with adjuvant chemo/radiotherapy. Residual GB cells left in the margins or infiltrating the brain parenchyma shelter behind the extremely fragile and sensitive brain tissue and may favor recurrence. Tools for eliminating these cells without damaging the brain microenvironment are urgently required. We propose a strategy involving the implantation, into the tumor bed after resection, of a scaffold to concentrate and trap these cells, to facilitate their destruction by targeted therapies, such as stereotactic radiosurgery. We used bacterial cellulose (BC), an easily synthesized and modifiable random nanofibrous biomaterial, to make the trap. We showed that the structure of BC membranes was ideal for trapping tumor cells and that BC implants were biocompatible with brain parenchyma. We also demonstrated the visibility of BC on magnetic resonance imaging, making it possible to follow its fate in clinical situations and to define the target volume for stereotactic radiosurgery more precisely. Furthermore, BC membranes can be loaded with chemoattractants, which were released and attracted tumor cells in vitro. This is of particular interest for trapping GB cells infiltrating tissues within a few centimeters of the resection cavity. Our data suggest that BC membranes could be a scaffold of choice for implantation after surgical resection to trap residual GB cells. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Glioblastoma is a highly infiltrative tumor, recurring, in 90% of cases, within a few centimeters of the surgical resection cavity, even with adjuvant chemo/radiotherapy. Residual tumor cells left in the margins or infiltrating the brain parenchyma shelter behind the extremely fragile and sensitive brain tissue and contribute to the risk of recurrence. Finding tools to eliminate these cells without damaging the brain microenvironment is a real challenge. We propose a strategy involving the implantation, into the walls of the surgical resection cavity, of a scaffold to concentrate and trap the residual tumor cells, to facilitate their destruction by targeted therapies, such as stereotactic radiosurgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lila Autier
- Département de Neurochirurgie, CHU, Angers, France; CRCINA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Université d'Angers, Angers, France; Département de Neurologie, CHU, Angers, France
| | - Anne Clavreul
- Département de Neurochirurgie, CHU, Angers, France; CRCINA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Université d'Angers, Angers, France.
| | - Maximiliano L Cacicedo
- Nanobiomaterials Lab, CINDEFI, School of Sciences, National University of La Plata-CONICET (CCT La Plata), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florence Franconi
- PRISM, Plate-forme de recherche en imagerie et spectroscopie multi-modales, PRISM-Icat, UNIV Angers, Angers, France; MINT, Micro & Nanomedecines Translationnelles, UNIV Angers, INSERM U1066, CNRS UMR 6021, Angers, France
| | - Laurence Sindji
- CRCINA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Audrey Rousseau
- CRCINA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Université d'Angers, Angers, France; Laboratoire Pathologie Cellulaire et Tissulaire, CHU, Angers, France
| | - Rodolphe Perrot
- SCIAM, Service Commun d'Imageries et d'Analyses Microscopiques, UNIV Angers, Angers, France
| | | | - Guillermo R Castro
- Nanobiomaterials Lab, CINDEFI, School of Sciences, National University of La Plata-CONICET (CCT La Plata), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Philippe Menei
- Département de Neurochirurgie, CHU, Angers, France; CRCINA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
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10
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Wion D, Appaix F, Burruss M, Berger F, van der Sanden B. Cancer research in need of a scientific revolution: Using 'paradigm shift' as a method of investigation. J Biosci 2016; 40:657-66. [PMID: 26333409 DOI: 10.1007/s12038-015-9543-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite important human and financial resources and considerable accumulation of scientific publications, patents, and clinical trials, cancer research has been slow in achieving a therapeutic revolution similar to the one that occurred in the last century for infectious diseases. It has been proposed that science proceeds not only by accumulating data but also through paradigm shifts. Here, we propose to use the concept of 'paradigm shift' as a method of investigation when dominant paradigms fail to achieve their promises. The first step in using the 'paradigm shift' method in cancer research requires identifying its founding paradigms. In this review, two of these founding paradigms will be discussed: (i) the reification of cancer as a tumour mass and (ii) the translation of the concepts issued from infectious disease in cancer research. We show how these founding paradigms can generate biases that lead to over-diagnosis and over-treatment and also hamper the development of curative cancer therapies. We apply the 'paradigm shift' method to produce perspective reversals consistent with current experimental evidence. The 'paradigm shift' method enlightens the existence of a tumour physiologic-prophylactic-pathologic continuum. It integrates the target/antitarget concept and that cancer is also an extracellular disease. The 'paradigm shift' method has immediate implications for cancer prevention and therapy. It could be a general method of investigation for other diseases awaiting therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Wion
- INSERM UA 01, Clinatec, Centre de Recherche Biomedicale Edmond J. Safra, CHU Michallon, Universite Joseph Fourier, CEA 17 rue des Martyrs, 38054, Grenoble Cedex, France,
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11
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Yang KR, Mooney SM, Zarif JC, Coffey DS, Taichman RS, Pienta KJ. Niche inheritance: a cooperative pathway to enhance cancer cell fitness through ecosystem engineering. J Cell Biochem 2015; 115:1478-85. [PMID: 24700698 PMCID: PMC4143896 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells can be described as an invasive species that is able to establish itself in a new environment. The concept of niche construction can be utilized to describe the process by which cancer cells terraform their environment, thereby engineering an ecosystem that promotes the genetic fitness of the species. Ecological dispersion theory can then be utilized to describe and model the steps and barriers involved in a successful diaspora as the cancer cells leave the original host organ and migrate to new host organs to successfully establish a new metastatic community. These ecological concepts can be further utilized to define new diagnostic and therapeutic areas for lethal cancers. 115: 1478–1485, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberline R Yang
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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12
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De Vlieghere E, Verset L, Demetter P, Bracke M, De Wever O. Cancer-associated fibroblasts as target and tool in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. Virchows Arch 2015; 467:367-82. [PMID: 26259962 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-015-1818-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are drivers of tumour progression and are considered as a target and a tool in cancer diagnostic and therapeutic applications. An increased abundance of CAFs or CAF signatures are recognized as a bad prognostic marker in several cancer types. Tumour-environment biomimetics strongly improve our understanding of the communication between CAFs, cancer cells and other host cells. Several experimental drugs targeting CAFs are in clinical trials for multiple tumour entities; alternatively, CAFs can be exploited as a tool to characterize the functionality of circulating tumour cells or to capture them as a tool to prevent metastasis. The continuous interaction between tissue engineers, biomaterial experts and cancer researchers creates the possibility to biomimic the tumour-environment and provides new opportunities in cancer diagnostics and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elly De Vlieghere
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Radiation Oncology and Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laurine Verset
- Departments of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pieter Demetter
- Departments of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Bracke
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Radiation Oncology and Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Radiation Oncology and Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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13
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De Vlieghere E, Gremonprez F, Verset L, Mariën L, Jones CJ, De Craene B, Berx G, Descamps B, Vanhove C, Remon JP, Ceelen W, Demetter P, Bracke M, De Geest BG, De Wever O. Tumor-environment biomimetics delay peritoneal metastasis formation by deceiving and redirecting disseminated cancer cells. Biomaterials 2015; 54:148-57. [PMID: 25907048 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Peritoneal metastasis is life threatening and is the result of an extensive communication between disseminated cancer cells, mesothelial cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). CAFs secrete extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins creating a receptive environment for peritoneal implantation. Considering cancer as an ecosystem may provide opportunities to exploit CAFs to create biomimetic traps to deceive and redirect cancer cells. We have designed microparticles (MP) containing a CAF-derived ECM-surface that is intended to compete with natural niches. CAFs were encapsulated in alginate/gelatine beads (500-750 μm in diameter) functionalised with a polyelectrolyte coating (MP[CAF]). The encapsulated CAFs remain viable and metabolically active (≥35 days), when permanently encapsulated. CAF-derived ECM proteins are retained by the non-biodegradable coating. Adhesion experiments mimicking the environment of the peritoneal cavity show the selective capture of floating cancer cells from different tumor origins by MP[CAF] compared to control MP. MP[CAF] are distributed throughout the abdominal cavity without attachment to intestinal organs and without signs of inflammatory reaction. Intraperitoneal delivery of MP[CAF] and sequential removal redirects cancer cell adhesion from the surgical wound to the MP[CAF], delays peritoneal metastasis formation and prolongs animal survival. Our experiments suggest the use of a biomimetic trap based on tumor-environment interactions to delay peritoneal metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elly De Vlieghere
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Belgium
| | | | - Laurine Verset
- Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Lore Mariën
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Belgium
| | | | - Bram De Craene
- Unit of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Inflammation Research Center, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Berx
- Unit of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Inflammation Research Center, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Benedicte Descamps
- Department of Electronics and Information Systems, IBiTech, MEDISIP, INFINITY, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Christian Vanhove
- Department of Electronics and Information Systems, IBiTech, MEDISIP, INFINITY, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Jean-Paul Remon
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Wim Ceelen
- Department of Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
| | - Pieter Demetter
- Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Marc Bracke
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Bruno G De Geest
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Ghent University, Belgium.
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Belgium.
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14
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Amend SR, Pienta KJ. Ecology meets cancer biology: the cancer swamp promotes the lethal cancer phenotype. Oncotarget 2015; 6:9669-78. [PMID: 25895024 PMCID: PMC4496388 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
As they grow, tumors fundamentally alter their microenvironment, disrupting the homeostasis of the host organ and eventually the patient as a whole. Lethality is the ultimate result of deregulated cell signaling and regulatory mechanisms as well as inappropriate host cell recruitment and activity that lead to the death of the patient. These processes have striking parallels to the framework of ecological biology: multiple interacting ecosystems (organ systems) within a larger biosphere (body), alterations in species stoichiometry (host cell types), resource cycling (cellular metabolism and cell-cell signaling), and ecosystem collapse (organ failure and death). In particular, as cancer cells generate their own niche within the tumor ecosystem, ecological engineering and autoeutrophication displace normal cell function and result in the creation of a hypoxic, acidic, and nutrient-poor environment. This "cancer swamp" has genetic and epigenetic effects at the local ecosystem level to promote metastasis and at the systemic host level to induce cytokine-mediated lethal syndromes, a major cause of death of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Amend
- Department of Urology, The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kenneth J. Pienta
- Department of Urology, The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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15
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Pienta KJ, Robertson BA, Coffey DS, Taichman RS. The cancer diaspora: Metastasis beyond the seed and soil hypothesis. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 19:5849-55. [PMID: 24100626 PMCID: PMC3835696 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-2158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Do cancer cells escape the confinement of their original habitat in the primary tumor or are they forced out by ecologic changes in their home niche? Describing metastasis in terms of a simple one-way migration of cells from the primary to the target organs is an insufficient concept to cover the nuances of cancer spread. A diaspora is the scattering of people away from an established homeland. To date, "diaspora" has been a uniquely human term used by social scientists; however, the application of the diaspora concept to metastasis may yield new biologic insights as well as therapeutic paradigms. The diaspora paradigm takes into account, and models, several variables including: the quality of the primary tumor microenvironment, the fitness of individual cancer cell migrants as well as migrant populations, the rate of bidirectional migration of cancer and host cells between cancer sites, and the quality of the target microenvironments to establish metastatic sites. Ecologic scientific principles can be applied to the cancer diaspora to develop new therapeutic strategies. For example, ecologic traps - habitats that lead to the extinction of a species - can be developed to attract cancer cells to a place where they can be better exposed to treatments or to cells of the immune system for improved antigen presentation. Merging the social science concept of diaspora with ecologic and population sciences concepts can inform the cancer field to understand the biology of tumorigenesis and metastasis and inspire new ideas for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth J. Pienta
- Corresponding author: Kenneth J. Pienta Departments of Oncology and Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287,
| | - Bruce A. Robertson
- Division of Science,Mathematics and Computing, Bard College, 30 Campus Drive, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York 12504
| | - Donald S. Coffey
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Departmemt of Urology, Departments of Oncology and Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Russell S. Taichman
- Department of Periodonics and Oral Medicine,University of Michigan School of, Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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