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Luo XX, Li SZ, Wang L, Luo AL, Qiu H, Yuan XL. Prognostic role of MUCIN family and its relationship with immune characteristics and tumor biology in diffuse-type gastric cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31403. [PMID: 38803848 PMCID: PMC11129101 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The main component of O-glycoproteins, mucin, is known to play important roles in physiological conditions and oncogenic processes, particularly correlated with poor prognosis in different carcinomas. Diffuse-type gastric cancer (DGC) has long been associated with genomic stability and unfavorable clinical outcomes. To investigate further, we obtained clinical information and the RNA-seq data of the TCGA-STAD cohort. Through the use of unsupervised clustering methods and GSEA, we identified two distinct clusters, characterized by higher and lower expression of MUC2 and MUC20, denoted as cluster 1 and cluster 2, respectively. Subsequently, employing CIBERSORT, it was determined that cluster 2 exhibited a higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) and a greater abundance of CD8+ T cells and activated CD4+ memory T cells, in addition to immune checkpoints (ICPs). On the other hand, cluster 1 showed a lower TIDE score estimation, indicating a higher probability of tumor immune escape. Furthermore, overexpression of MUC15 and MUC20 was confirmed through qPCR and Western blotting, and their specific roles in mediating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of GC cells (SNU484 and Hs746t) were validated via CCK-8 assay and wound healing assay in vitro. These findings highlight the potential prognostic value of MUC20 and offer insights into the prospects of immunotherapy for DGC by targeting MUC20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xiao Luo
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 30030, China
| | - Shi-Zhen Li
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 30030, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 30030, China
| | - Ai-Lin Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hong Qiu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 30030, China
| | - Xiang-Lin Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 30030, China
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2
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Ewongwo A, Hui C, Moding EJ. Opportunity in Complexity: Harnessing Molecular Biomarkers and Liquid Biopsies for Personalized Sarcoma Care. Semin Radiat Oncol 2024; 34:195-206. [PMID: 38508784 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Due to their rarity and complexity, sarcomas represent a substantial therapeutic challenge. However, the incredible diversity within and across sarcoma subtypes presents an opportunity for personalized care to maximize efficacy and limit toxicity. A deeper understanding of the molecular alterations that drive sarcoma development and treatment response has paved the way for molecular biomarkers to shape sarcoma treatment. Genetic, transcriptomic, and protein biomarkers have become critical tools for diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment selection in patients with sarcomas. In the future, emerging biomarkers like circulating tumor DNA analysis offer the potential to improve early detection, monitoring response to treatment, and identifying mechanisms of resistance to personalize sarcoma treatment. Here, we review the current state of molecular biomarkers for sarcomas and highlight opportunities and challenges for the implementation of new technologies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Ewongwo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Caressa Hui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Everett J Moding
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.; Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA..
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3
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Jumaniyazova E, Lokhonina A, Dzhalilova D, Kosyreva A, Fatkhudinov T. Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment of Soft Tissue Sarcomas. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5760. [PMID: 38136307 PMCID: PMC10741982 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245760] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are a rare heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms characterized by their aggressive course and poor response to treatment. This determines the relevance of research aimed at studying the pathogenesis of STSs. By now, it is known that STSs is characterized by complex relationships between the tumor cells and immune cells of the microenvironment. Dynamic interactions between tumor cells and components of the microenvironment enhance adaptation to changing environmental conditions, which provides the high aggressive potential of STSs and resistance to antitumor therapy. Today, active research is being conducted to find effective antitumor drugs and to evaluate the possibility of using therapy with immune cells of STS. The difficulty in assessing the efficacy of new antitumor options is primarily due to the high heterogeneity of this group of malignant neoplasms. Studying the role of immune cells in the microenvironment in the progression STSs and resistance to antitumor therapies will provide the discovery of new biomarkers of the disease and the prediction of response to immunotherapy. In addition, it will help to initially divide patients into subgroups of good and poor response to immunotherapy, thus avoiding wasting precious time in selecting the appropriate antitumor agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enar Jumaniyazova
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia (T.F.)
| | - Anastasiya Lokhonina
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dzhuliia Dzhalilova
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Kosyreva
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
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4
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Tufail M. Unlocking the potential of the tumor microenvironment for cancer therapy. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 251:154846. [PMID: 37837860 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) holds a crucial role in the progression of cancer. Epithelial-derived tumors share common traits in shaping the TME. The Warburg effect is a notable phenomenon wherein tumor cells exhibit resistance to apoptosis and an increased reliance on anaerobic glycolysis for energy production. Recognizing the pivotal role of the TME in controlling tumor growth and influencing responses to chemotherapy, researchers have focused on developing potential cancer treatment strategies. A wide array of therapies, including immunotherapies, antiangiogenic agents, interventions targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), and therapies directed at the extracellular matrix, have been under investigation and have demonstrated efficacy. Additionally, innovative techniques such as tumor tissue explants, "tumor-on-a-chip" models, and multicellular tumor spheres have been explored in laboratory research. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into the intricate cross-talk between cancer-associated signaling pathways and the TME in cancer progression, current therapeutic approaches targeting the TME, the immune landscape within solid tumors, the role of the viral TME, and cancer cell metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tufail
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
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5
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Leng D, Yang Z, Sun H, Song C, Huang C, Ip KU, Chen G, Deng CX, Zhang XD, Zhao Q. Comprehensive Analysis of Tumor Microenvironment Reveals Prognostic ceRNA Network Related to Immune Infiltration in Sarcoma. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:3986-4001. [PMID: 37527025 PMCID: PMC10543973 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sarcoma is the second most common solid tumor type in children and adolescents. The high level of tumor heterogeneity as well as aggressive behavior of sarcomas brings serious difficulties to developing effective therapeutic strategies for clinical application. Therefore, it is of great importance to identify accurate biomarkers for early detection and prognostic prediction of sarcomas. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In this study, we characterized three subtypes of sarcomas based on tumor immune infiltration levels (TIIL), and constructed a prognosis-related competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network to investigate molecular regulations in the sarcoma tumor microenvironment (TME). We further built a subnetwork consisting of mRNAs and lncRNAs that are targets of key miRNAs and strongly correlated with each other in the ceRNA network. After validation using public data and experiments in vivo and in vitro, we deeply dug the biological role of the miRNAs and lncRNAs in a subnetwork and their impact on TME. RESULTS Altogether, 5 miRNAs (hsa-mir-125b-2, hsa-mir-135a-1, hsa-mir92a-2, hsa-mir-181a-2, and hsa-mir-214), 3 lncRNAs (LINC00641, LINC01146, and LINC00892), and 10 mRNAs (AGO2, CXCL10, CD86, CASP1, IKZF1, CD27, CD247, CD69, CCR2, and CSF2RB) in the subnetwork were identified as vital regulators to shape the TME. On the basis of the systematic network, we identified that trichostatin A, a pan-HDAC inhibitor, could potentially regulate the TME of sarcoma, thereby inhibiting the tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS Our study identifies a ceRNA network as a promising biomarker for sarcoma. This system provides a more comprehensive understanding and a novel perspective of how ceRNAs are involved in shaping sarcoma TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongliang Leng
- CRDA, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
| | - Ziyi Yang
- CRDA, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
| | - Heng Sun
- CRDA, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Chengcheng Song
- CRDA, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, SAR, China
- Stat Key laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, SAR, China
| | - Ka U. Ip
- CRDA, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
| | - Guokai Chen
- CRDA, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, SAR, China
| | - Chu-Xia Deng
- CRDA, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, SAR, China
| | - Xiaohua Douglas Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Qi Zhao
- CRDA, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, SAR, China
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Ye H, Lu M, Tu C, Min L. Necroptosis in the sarcoma immune microenvironment: From biology to therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110603. [PMID: 37467689 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110603] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis resistance remains a major obstacle to treatment failure in sarcoma. Necroptosis is a caspase-independent programmed cell death, investigated as a novel strategy to eradicate anti-apoptotic tumor cells. The process is mediated by the receptor-interacting proteins kinase family and mixed lineage kinase domain-like proteins, which is morphologically similar to necrosis. Recent studies suggest that necroptosis in the tumor microenvironment has pro- or anti-tumor effects on immune response and cancer development. Necroptosis-related molecules display a remarkable value in prognosis prediction and therapeutic response evaluation of sarcoma. Furthermore, the induction of tumor necroptosis has been explored as a feasible therapeutic strategy against sarcoma and to synergize with immunotherapy. This review discusses the dual roles of necroptosis in the immune microenvironment and tumor progression, and explores the potential of necroptosis as a new target for sarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huali Ye
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Minxun Lu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chongqi Tu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Min
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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7
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Li L, Yang W, Jia D, Zheng S, Gao Y, Wang G. Establishment of a N1-methyladenosine-related risk signature for breast carcinoma by bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. Breast Cancer 2023:10.1007/s12282-023-01458-1. [PMID: 37178414 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-023-01458-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Breast carcinoma (BRCA) has resulted in a huge health burden globally. N1-methyladenosine (m1A) RNA methylation has been proven to play key roles in tumorigenesis. Nevertheless, the function of m1A RNA methylation-related genes in BRCA is indistinct. METHODS The RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), copy-number variation (CNV), single-nucleotide variant (SNV), and clinical data of BRCA were acquired via The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. In addition, the GSE20685 dataset, the external validation set, was acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. 10 m1A RNA methylation regulators were obtained from the previous literature, and further analyzed through differential expression analysis by rank-sum test, mutation by SNV data, and mutual correlation by Pearson Correlation Analysis. Furthermore, the differentially expressed m1A-related genes were selected through overlapping m1A-related module genes obtained by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in BRCA and DEGs between high- and low- m1A score subgroups. The m1A-related model genes in the risk signature were derived by univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses. In addition, a nomogram was built through univariate and multivariate Cox analyses. After that, the immune infiltration between the high- and low-risk groups was investigated through ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT. Finally, the expression trends of model genes in clinical BRCA samples were further confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (RT‒qPCR). RESULTS Eighty-five differentially expressed m1A-related genes were obtained. Among them, six genes were selected as prognostic biomarkers to build the risk model. The validation results of the risk model showed that its prediction was reliable. In addition, Cox independent prognosis analysis revealed that age, risk score, and stage were independent prognostic factors for BRCA. Moreover, 13 types of immune cells were different between the high- and low-risk groups and the immune checkpoint molecules TIGIT, IDO1, LAG3, ICOS, PDCD1LG2, PDCD1, CD27, and CD274 were significantly different between the two risk groups. Ultimately, RT-qPCR results confirmed that the model genes MEOX1, COL17A1, FREM1, TNN, and SLIT3 were significantly up-regulated in BRCA tissues versus normal tissues. CONCLUSIONS An m1A RNA methylation regulator-related prognostic model was constructed, and a nomogram based on the prognostic model was constructed to provide a theoretical reference for individual counseling and clinical preventive intervention in BRCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Li
- Department of Pathology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhui Yang
- Department of Digestive Oncology, Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030032, People's Republic of China
| | - Daqi Jia
- Department of Pathology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiqi Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhe Gao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550002, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guanghui Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550002, People's Republic of China.
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The First-In-Class Anti-AXL×CD3ε Pronectin™-Based Bispecific T-Cell Engager Is Active in Preclinical Models of Human Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcomas. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061647. [PMID: 36980534 PMCID: PMC10046451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are heterogeneous malignancies with limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. We developed an innovative immunotherapeutic agent, a first-in-class Pronectin™-based Bispecific T-Cell Engager (pAXL×CD3ε), for the targeting of AXL, a TAM family tyrosine kinase receptor highly expressed in sarcomas. AXL expression was first analyzed by flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and Western blot on a panel of sarcoma cell lines. The T-cell-mediated pAXL×CD3ε cytotoxicity against sarcoma cells was investigated by flow cytometry, luminescence assay, and fluorescent microscopy imaging. The activation and degranulation of T cells induced by pAXL×CD3ε were evaluated by flow cytometry. The antitumor activity induced by pAXL×CD3ε in combination with trabectedin was also investigated. In vivo activity studies of pAXL×CD3ε were performed in immunocompromised mice (NSG), engrafted with human sarcoma cells and reconstituted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors. Most sarcoma cells showed high expression of AXL. pAXL×CD3ε triggered T-lymphocyte activation and induced dose-dependent T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The combination of pAXL×CD3ε with trabectedin increased cytotoxicity. pAXL×CD3ε inhibited the in vivo growth of human sarcoma xenografts, increasing the survival of treated mice. Our data demonstrate the antitumor efficacy of pAXL×CD3ε against sarcoma cells, providing a translational framework for the clinical development of pAXL×CD3ε in the treatment of human sarcomas, aggressive and still-incurable malignancies.
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Lazcano R, Barreto CM, Salazar R, Carapeto F, Traweek RS, Leung CH, Gite S, Mehta J, Ingram DR, Wani KM, Vu KAT, Parra ER, Lu W, Zhou J, Witt RG, Cope B, Thirasastr P, Lin HY, Scally CP, Conley AP, Ratan R, Livingston JA, Zarzour AM, Ludwig J, Araujo D, Ravi V, Patel S, Benjamin R, Wargo J, Wistuba II, Somaiah N, Roland CL, Keung EZ, Solis L, Wang WL, Lazar AJ, Nassif EF. The immune landscape of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1008484. [PMID: 36313661 PMCID: PMC9597628 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1008484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) can be associated with a relatively dense immune infiltration. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD1, anti-PDL1, and anti-CTLA4) are effective in 20% of UPS patients. We characterize the immune microenvironment of UPS and its association with oncologic outcomes. Material and methods Surgically resected UPS samples were stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the following: tumor-associated immune cells (CD3, CD8, CD163, CD20), immune checkpoints (stimulatory: OX40, ICOS; inhibitory: PD-L1, LAG3, IDO1, PD1), and the adenosine pathway (CD73, CD39). Sections were reviewed for the presence of lymphoid aggregates (LA). Clinical data were retrospectively obtained for all samples. The Wilcoxon rank-sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare distributions. Correlations between biomarkers were measured by Spearman correlation. Univariate and multivariate Cox models were used to identify biomarkers associated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Unsupervised clustering was performed, and Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests used for comparison of OS and DFS between immune clusters. Results Samples analyzed (n=105) included 46 primary tumors, 34 local recurrences, and 25 metastases. LA were found in 23% (n=10/43), 17% (n=4/24), and 30% (n=7/23) of primary, recurrent, and metastatic samples, respectively. In primary UPS, CD73 expression was significantly higher after preoperative radiation therapy (p=0.009). CD39 expression was significantly correlated with PD1 expression (primary: p=0.002, recurrent: p=0.004, metastatic: p=0.001), PD-L1 expression (primary: p=0.009), and CD3+ cell densities (primary: p=0.016, recurrent: p=0.043, metastatic: p=0.028). In recurrent tumors, there was a strong correlation between CD39 and CD73 (p=0.015), and both were also correlated with CD163+ cell densities (CD39 p=0.013; CD73 p<0.001). In multivariate analyses, higher densities of CD3+ and CD8+ cells (Cox Hazard Ratio [HR]=0.33; p=0.010) were independently associated with OS (CD3+, HR=0.19, p<0.001; CD8+, HR= 0.33, p=0.010) and DFS (CD3+, HR=0.34, p=0.018; CD8+, HR=0.34, p= 0.014). Unsupervised clustering of IHC values revealed three immunologically distinct clusters: immune high, intermediate, and low. In primary tumors, these clusters were significantly associated with OS (log-rank p<0.0001) and DFS (p<0.001). Conclusion We identified three immunologically distinct clusters of UPS Associated with OS and DFS. Our data support further investigations of combination anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and adenosine pathway inhibitors in UPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Lazcano
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Carmelia M. Barreto
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ruth Salazar
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Fernando Carapeto
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Raymond S. Traweek
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Cheuk H. Leung
- Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Swati Gite
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jay Mehta
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Davis R. Ingram
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Khalida M. Wani
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kim-Anh T. Vu
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Edwin R. Parra
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Wei Lu
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jianling Zhou
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Russell G. Witt
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Brandon Cope
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Prapassorn Thirasastr
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Heather Y. Lin
- Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Christopher P. Scally
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Anthony P. Conley
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ravin Ratan
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - J. Andrew Livingston
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alexandra M. Zarzour
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Joseph Ludwig
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Dejka Araujo
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Vinod Ravi
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shreyaskumar Patel
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robert Benjamin
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer Wargo
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ignacio I. Wistuba
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Neeta Somaiah
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Christina L. Roland
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Emily Z. Keung
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Luisa Solis
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Wei-Lien Wang
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alexander J. Lazar
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Elise F. Nassif
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Elise F. Nassif,
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Li Z, Wei J, Zheng H, Gan X, Song M, Zhang Y, Kong L, Zhang C, Yang J, Jin Y. m 6A regulator-mediated methylation modification patterns and tumor immune microenvironment in sarcoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:330-353. [PMID: 34979500 PMCID: PMC8791212 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background: Studies have shown that the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification patterns are extensively involved in the development of multiple tumors. However, the association between the m6A regulator expression patterns and the sarcoma tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) remains unclear. Methods: We systematically evaluated the m6A regulator expression patterns in patients with sarcoma based on known 23 m6A regulators. Different m6A regulator expression patterns were analyzed using gene set variation analysis and a single-sample gene set enrichment analysis algorithm. According to the results of consensus clustering, we classified the patients into four different clusters. Next, we subjected the four clusters to differential genetic analysis and established m6A-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We then calculated the m6A-related DEGs score and constructed the m6A-related gene signature, named m6A score. Finally, the 259 sarcoma samples were divided into high- and low-m6A score groups. We further evaluated the TIME landscape between the high- and low-m6A score groups. Results: We identified four different m6A modification clusters and found that each cluster had unique metabolic and immunological characteristics. Based on the 19 prognosis-related DEGs, we calculated the principal component analysis scores for each patient with sarcoma and classified them into high- and low-m6A score groups. Conclusions: The m6A regulator expression patterns and complexity of the sarcoma TIME landscape are closely related to each other. Systematic evaluation of m6A regulator expression patterns and m6A scores in patients with sarcoma will enhance our understanding of TIME characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhehong Li
- Traumatology and Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei 067000, China
| | - Junqiang Wei
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei 067000, China
| | - Honghong Zheng
- General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei 067000, China
| | - Xintian Gan
- Traumatology and Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei 067000, China
| | - Mingze Song
- Traumatology and Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei 067000, China
| | - Yafang Zhang
- Traumatology and Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei 067000, China
| | - Lingwei Kong
- Traumatology and Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei 067000, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Jilong Yang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yu Jin
- Traumatology and Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei 067000, China
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11
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Li Z, Cai X, Zou W, Zhang J. CDKN2B-AS1 promotes the proliferation, clone formation, and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by regulating miR-98-5p/E2F2 axis. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:13406-13422. [PMID: 35035684 PMCID: PMC8748104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of CDKN2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1) on the proliferation, clone formation, and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells by regulating miR-98-5p/E2F transcription factor 2 (E2F2) axis. METHODS The expressions of CDKN2B-AS1, miR-98-5p, and E2F2 in NPC tissues and cell lines (SUNE-1, 5-8F, 6-10B, and HK-1) as well as in peritumoral normal tissues and cell line NP69 were determined by qRT-PCR. Subcellular localization of CDKN2B-AS1 was detected using the fluorescence in situ hybridization assay. The targeting relationships between CDKN2B-AS1 and miR-98-5p as well as between miR-98-5p and E2F2 were analyzed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation assay. The proliferation, clone formation and invasion of 5-8F cells were measured using the CCK-8 assay, Clone formation assay, and transwell assay, respectively. RESULTS CDKN2B-AS1 was highly expressed in NPC tissues and cells, whereas the expression of miR-98-5p decreased in the NPC tissues and cells. Silencing of CDKN2B-AS1 inhibited the proliferation, clone formation, and invasion of NPC cells (all P<0.05). CDKN2B-AS1 acted asceRNA of miR-98-5p, and miR-98-5p inhibitor could partially reverse the inhibitory effect of silencing CDKN2B-AS1 on NPC cells (all P<0.05). CDKN2B-AS1 upregulated E2F2 by inhibiting miR-98-5p, and the upregulation of E2F2 partially reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-98-5p overexpression on the NPC cells (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION CDKN2B-AS1, as a lncRNA, can regulate E2F2 by sponging miR-98-5p to promote the proliferation, clone formation, and invasion of NPC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwen Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Shanghai Tenth Peoples' Hospital, Tongji University Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Xiaojing Cai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Shanghai Tenth Peoples' Hospital, Tongji University Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Wentao Zou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Shanghai Tenth Peoples' Hospital, Tongji University Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Jiaxiong Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Shanghai Tenth Peoples' Hospital, Tongji University Shanghai 200072, China
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12
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Roulleaux Dugage M, Nassif EF, Italiano A, Bahleda R. Improving Immunotherapy Efficacy in Soft-Tissue Sarcomas: A Biomarker Driven and Histotype Tailored Review. Front Immunol 2021; 12:775761. [PMID: 34925348 PMCID: PMC8678134 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.775761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-PD-(L)1 therapies yield a disappointing response rate of 15% across soft-tissue sarcomas, even if some subtypes benefit more than others. The proportions of TAMs and TILs in their tumor microenvironment are variable, and this heterogeneity correlates to histotype. Tumors with a richer CD8+ T cell, M1 macrophage, and CD20+ cells infiltrate have a better prognosis than those infiltrated by M0/M2 macrophages and a high immune checkpoint protein expression. PD-L1 and CD8+ infiltrate seem correlated to response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), but tertiary lymphoid structures have the best predictive value and have been validated prospectively. Trials for combination therapies are ongoing and focus on the association of ICI with chemotherapy, achieving encouraging results especially with pembrolizumab and doxorubicin at an early stage, or ICI with antiangiogenics. A synergy with oncolytic viruses is seen and intratumoral talimogene laherpavec yields an impressive 35% ORR when associated to pembrolizumab. Adoptive cellular therapies are also of great interest in tumors with a high expression of cancer-testis antigens (CTA), such as synovial sarcomas or myxoid round cell liposarcomas with an ORR ranging from 20 to 50%. It seems crucial to adapt the design of clinical trials to histology. Leiomyosarcomas are characterized by complex genomics but are poorly infiltrated by immune cells and do not benefit from ICI. They should be tested with PIK3CA/AKT inhibition, IDO blockade, or treatments aiming at increasing antigenicity (radiotherapy, PARP inhibitors). DDLPS are more infiltrated and have higher PD-L1 expression, but responses to ICI remain variable across clinical studies. Combinations with MDM2 antagonists or CDK4/6 inhibitors may improve responses for DDLPS. UPS harbor the highest copy number alterations (CNA) and mutation rates, with a rich immune infiltrate containing TLS. They have a promising 15-40% ORR to ICI. Trials for ICB should focus on immune-high UPS. Association of ICI with FGFR inhibitors warrants further exploration in the immune-low group of UPS. Finally translocation-related sarcomas are heterogeneous, and although synovial sarcomas a poorly infiltrated and have a poor response rate to ICI, ASPS largely benefit from ICB monotherapy or its association with antiangiogenics agents. Targeting specific neoantigens through vaccine or adoptive cellular therapies is probably the most promising approach in synovial sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Roulleaux Dugage
- Département d’Innovation Thérapeutique et des Essais Précoces (DITEP), Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Elise F. Nassif
- Département d’Innovation Thérapeutique et des Essais Précoces (DITEP), Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Antoine Italiano
- Département d’Innovation Thérapeutique et des Essais Précoces (DITEP), Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Département d’Oncologie Médicale, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Rastislav Bahleda
- Département d’Innovation Thérapeutique et des Essais Précoces (DITEP), Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
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Integrating multiple genomic imaging data for the study of lung metastasis in sarcomas using multi-dimensional constrained joint non-negative matrix factorization. Inf Sci (N Y) 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ins.2021.06.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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14
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Ozaniak A, Vachtenheim J, Lischke R, Bartunkova J, Strizova Z. Novel Insights into the Immunotherapy of Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Do We Need a Change of Perspective? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080935. [PMID: 34440139 PMCID: PMC8393686 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare mesenchymal tumors. With more than 80 histological subtypes of STSs, data regarding novel biomarkers of strong prognostic and therapeutic value are very limited. To date, the most important prognostic factor is the tumor grade, and approximately 50% of patients that are diagnosed with high-grade STSs die of metastatic disease within five years. Systemic chemotherapy represents the mainstay of metastatic STSs treatment for decades but induces response in only 15–35% of the patients, irrespective of the histological subtype. In the era of immunotherapy, deciphering the immune cell signatures within the STSs tumors may discriminate immunotherapy responders from non-responders and different immunotherapeutic approaches could be combined based on the predominant cell subpopulations infiltrating the STS tumors. Furthermore, understanding the immune diversity of the STS tumor microenvironment (TME) in different histological subtypes may provide a rationale for stratifying patients according to the TME immune parameters. In this review, we introduce the most important immune cell types infiltrating the STSs tumors and discuss different immunotherapies, as well as promising clinical trials, that would target these immune cells to enhance the antitumor immune responses and improve the prognosis of metastatic STSs patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Ozaniak
- Third Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.O.); (J.V.J.); (R.L.)
| | - Jiri Vachtenheim
- Third Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.O.); (J.V.J.); (R.L.)
| | - Robert Lischke
- Third Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.O.); (J.V.J.); (R.L.)
| | - Jirina Bartunkova
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Zuzana Strizova
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-604712471
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15
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Simon M, Mughal SS, Horak P, Uhrig S, Buchloh J, Aybey B, Stenzinger A, Glimm H, Fröhling S, Brors B, Imbusch CD. Deconvolution of sarcoma methylomes reveals varying degrees of immune cell infiltrates with association to genomic aberrations. J Transl Med 2021; 19:204. [PMID: 33980253 PMCID: PMC8117561 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02858-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal tumors for which response to immunotherapies is not well established. Therefore, it is important to risk-stratify and identify STS patients who will most likely benefit from these treatments. RESULTS To reveal shared and distinct methylation signatures present in STS, we performed unsupervised deconvolution of DNA methylation data from the TCGA sarcoma and an independent validation cohort. We showed that leiomyosarcoma can be subclassified into three distinct methylation groups. More importantly, we identified a component associated with tumor-infiltrating leukocytes, which suggests varying degrees of immune cell infiltration in STS subtypes and an association with prognosis. We further investigated the genomic alterations that may influence tumor infiltration by leukocytes including RB1 loss in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas and ELK3 amplification in dedifferentiated liposarcomas. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we have leveraged unsupervised methylation-based deconvolution to characterize the immune compartment and molecularly stratify subtypes in STS, which may benefit precision medicine in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malte Simon
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sadaf S Mughal
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Horak
- Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Uhrig
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Buchloh
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bogac Aybey
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Hanno Glimm
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, NCT Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Fröhling
- Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Brors
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Charles D Imbusch
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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16
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Will Next-Generation Immunotherapy Overcome the Intrinsic Diversity and Low Immunogenicity of Sarcomas to Improve Clinical Benefit? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113392. [PMID: 33207697 PMCID: PMC7697818 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are a rare type of a heterogeneous group of tumours arising from mesenchymal cells that form connective tissues. Surgery is the most common treatment for these tumours, but additional neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapies may be necessary. Unfortunately, a significant proportion of patients treated with conventional therapies will develop metastatic disease that is resistant to therapies. Currently, there is an urgent need to develop more effective and durable therapies for the treatment of sarcomas. In recent years immunotherapies have revolutionised the treatment of a variety of cancers by restoring patient anti-tumour immune responses or through the adoptive infusion of immune effectors able to kill and eliminate malignant cells. The clinicopathologic and genetic heterogeneity of sarcomas, together with the generally low burden of somatic mutations potentially generating neoantigens, are currently limited to broad application of immunotherapy for patients with sarcomas. Nevertheless, a better understanding of the microenvironmental factors hampering the efficacy of immunotherapy and the identification of new and suitable therapeutic targets may help to overcome current limitations. Moreover, the recent advances in the development of immunotherapies based on the direct exploitation or targeting of T cells and/or NK cells may offer new opportunities to improve the treatment of sarcomas, particularly those showing recurrence or resistance to standard of care treatments.
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