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Liu Y, Fleishman JS, Wang H, Huo L. Pharmacologically Targeting Ferroptosis and Cuproptosis in Neuroblastoma. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04501-0. [PMID: 39331355 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04501-0] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a deadly pediatric cancer that originates from the neural crest and frequently develops in the abdomen or adrenal gland. Although multiple approaches, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, are recommended for treating neuroblastoma, the tumor will eventually develop resistance, leading to treatment failure and cancer relapse. Therefore, a firm understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance is vital for the development of new effective therapies. Recent research suggests that cancer-specific modifications to multiple subtypes of nonapoptotic regulated cell death (RCD), such as ferroptosis and cuproptosis, contribute to therapeutic resistance in neuroblastoma. Targeting these specific types of RCD may be viable novel targets for future drug discovery in the treatment of neuroblastoma. In this review, we summarize the core mechanisms by which the inability to properly execute ferroptosis and cuproptosis can enhance the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma. Therefore, we focus on emerging therapeutic compounds that can induce ferroptosis or cuproptosis, delineating their beneficial pharmacodynamic effects in neuroblastoma treatment. Cumulatively, we suggest that the pharmacological stimulation of ferroptosis and ferroptosis may be a novel and therapeutically viable strategy to target neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 100012, China.
| | - Joshua S Fleishman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Hongquan Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liang Huo
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 11004, China.
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2
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Zhang C, Huang T, Li L. Targeting cuproptosis for cancer therapy: mechanistic insights and clinical perspectives. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:68. [PMID: 39152464 PMCID: PMC11328505 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01589-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis is a newly identified form of cell death induced by excessive copper (Cu) accumulation within cells. Mechanistically, cuproptosis results from Cu-induced aggregation of dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase, correlated with the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle and the loss of iron-sulfur cluster proteins, ultimately resulting in proteotoxic stress and triggering cell death. Recently, cuproptosis has garnered significant interest in tumor research due to its potential as a crucial therapeutic strategy against cancer. In this review, we summarized the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis and its relationship with other types of cell death. Additionally, we reviewed the current drugs or strategies available to induce cuproptosis in tumor cells, including Cu ionophores, small compounds, and nanomedicine. Furthermore, we targeted cell metabolism and specific regulatory genes in cancer therapy to enhance tumor sensitivity to cuproptosis. Finally, we discussed the feasibility of targeting cuproptosis to overcome tumor chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance and suggested future research directions. This study suggested that targeting cuproptosis could open new avenues for developing tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenliang Zhang
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tingting Huang
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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Chen B, Liu J. Mechanisms associated with cuproptosis and implications for ovarian cancer. J Inorg Biochem 2024; 257:112578. [PMID: 38797108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2024.112578] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, a profoundly fatal gynecologic neoplasm, exerts a substantial economic strain on nations globally. The formidable challenge of its frequent relapse necessitates the exploration of novel cytotoxic agents, efficacious antineoplastic medications with minimal adverse effects, and strategies to surmount resistance to primary chemotherapeutic agents. These endeavors aim to supplement extant pharmacological interventions and elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying induced cytotoxicity, distinct from conventional therapeutic modalities. Recent scientific research has unveiled a novel form of cellular demise, known as copper-death, which is contingent upon the intracellular concentration of copper. Diverging from conventional mechanisms of cellular demise, copper-death exhibits a pronounced reliance on mitochondrial respiration, particularly the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Tumor cells manifest distinctive metabolic profiles and elevated copper levels in comparison to their normal counterparts. The advent of copper-death presents alluring possibilities for targeted therapeutic interventions within the realm of cancer treatment. Hence, the primary objective of this review is to present an overview of the proteins and intricate mechanisms associated with copper-induced cell death, while providing a comprehensive summary of the knowledge acquired regarding potential therapeutic approaches for ovarian cancer. These findings will serve as valuable references to facilitate the advancement of customized therapeutic interventions for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biqing Chen
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Cheng X, Yang F, Li Y, Cao Y, Zhang M, JI J, Bai Y, Li Q, Yu Q, Gao D. The crosstalk role of CDKN2A between tumor progression and cuproptosis resistance in colorectal cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:10512-10538. [PMID: 38888512 PMCID: PMC11236303 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205945] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cuproptosis is a type of cell death characterized by excessive copper-lipid reactions in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, resulting in protein toxicity stress and cell death. Although known as a cuproptosis inhibitor through CRISPR-Cas9 screening, the role of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) in cuproptosis resistance and its connection to tumor development remains unclear. METHODS In this study, we combined single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, pathological image analysis, TCGA multi-omics analysis and in vitro experimental validation to comprehensively investigate CDKN2A distribution, expression, epigenetic modification, regulation and genomic features in colorectal cancer cells. We further explored the associations between CDKN2A and cellular pathway, immune infiltration and spatial signal communication. RESULTS Our findings showed an increasing trend in cuproptosis in the trajectory of tumor progression, accompanied by an upward trend of CDKN2A. CDKN2A underwent transcriptional activation by MEF2D and via the SNHG7/miR-133b axis, upregulating glycolysis, copper metabolism and copper ion efflux. CDKN2A likely drives epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and progression by activating Wnt signaling. CDKN2A is associated with high genomic instability and sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy. Tumor regions expressing CDKN2A exhibit distinctive SPP1+ tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration and MMP7 enrichment, along with unique signaling crosstalk with adjacent areas. CONCLUSIONS CDKN2A mediates cuproptosis resistance through regulating glycolysis and copper homeostasis, accompanied by a malignant phenotype and pro-tumor niche. Radiation and chemotherapy are expected to potentially serve as therapeutic approaches for cuproptosis-resistant colorectal cancer with high CDKN2A expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xifu Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Famin Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yuanheng Li
- Queen Mary School, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yuke Cao
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jiameng JI
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yuxiao Bai
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Qiongfang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Dian Gao
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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Feng Y, Yang Z, Wang J, Zhao H. Cuproptosis: unveiling a new frontier in cancer biology and therapeutics. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:249. [PMID: 38693584 PMCID: PMC11064406 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01625-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Copper plays vital roles in numerous cellular processes and its imbalance can lead to oxidative stress and dysfunction. Recent research has unveiled a unique form of copper-induced cell death, termed cuproptosis, which differs from known cell death mechanisms. This process involves the interaction of copper with lipoylated tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, causing protein aggregation and cell death. Recently, a growing number of studies have explored the link between cuproptosis and cancer development. This review comprehensively examines the systemic and cellular metabolism of copper, including tumor-related signaling pathways influenced by copper. It delves into the discovery and mechanisms of cuproptosis and its connection to various cancers. Additionally, the review suggests potential cancer treatments using copper ionophores that induce cuproptosis, in combination with small molecule drugs, for precision therapy in specific cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Feng
- Department of Emergency, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266005, Shandong, China
| | - Zhibo Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, 3201 Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Hanzhong, 723000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianpeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266005, Shandong, China
| | - Hai Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266005, Shandong, China.
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Abdolmaleki S, Aliabadi A, Khaksar S. Unveiling the promising anticancer effect of copper-based compounds: a comprehensive review. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:213. [PMID: 38662225 PMCID: PMC11045632 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05641-5] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Copper is a necessary micronutrient for maintaining the well-being of the human body. The biological activity of organic ligands, especially their anticancer activity, is often enhanced when they coordinate with copper(I) and (II) ions. Copper and its compounds are capable of inducing tumor cell death through various mechanisms of action, including activation of apoptosis signaling pathways by reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibition of angiogenesis, induction of cuproptosis, and paraptosis. Some of the copper complexes are currently being evaluated in clinical trials for their ability to map tumor hypoxia in various cancers, including locally advanced rectal cancer and bulky tumors. Several studies have shown that copper nanoparticles can be used as effective agents in chemodynamic therapy, phototherapy, hyperthermia, and immunotherapy. Despite the promising anticancer activity of copper-based compounds, their use in clinical trials is subject to certain limitations. Elevated copper concentrations may promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis by affecting cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abdolmaleki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, The University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia.
| | - Alireza Aliabadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, School of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Samad Khaksar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, The University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia.
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Wang D, Zhao X, Li S, Guo H, Li S, Yu D. The impact of LncRNA-SOX2-OT/let-7c-3p/SKP2 Axis on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression: Insights from bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. Cell Signal 2024; 115:111018. [PMID: 38110167 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111018] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND LncRNA SRY-box transcription factor 2 overlapping transcript (SOX2-OT) is linked to multiple cancers, but its specific role and mechanism in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain poorly understood. METHODS We harnessed clinical data and HNSCC transcriptome profiles from UCSC Xena, TCGA, and GEO databases. Employing various algorithms, we assessed the correlation between SOX2-OT expression and the HNSCC immune microenvironment. Differential expression analysis identified immune-enriched miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and mRNAs (DEmRNAs). Utilizing miRanda, miRWalk, and Cytoscape, we constructed a ceRNA network encompassing SOX2-OT, DEmiRNAs, and DEmRNAs. A Sankey diagram visualized pivotal SOX2-OT-miRNA-mRNA-pathways. Functional assays validated SOX2-OT silencing effects in HNSCC cells. Luciferase reporter assays verified SOX2-OT/let-7c-3p/SKP2 relationships. Additionally, a xenograft mouse model revealed SOX2-OT's impact on xenograft growth and lung metastasis. RESULTS SOX2-OT expression demonstrated a predominantly positive correlation with B lineage and VTCN1, while manifesting a negative correlation with Neutrophil and CD47 in HNSCC tissues. We discerned a ceRNA network comprising 65 DEmiRNAs and 116 DEmRNAs, while a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network revealed 97 protein nodes among DEmRNAs. Notably, the Sankey diagram spotlighted six key DEmRNAs intricately linked to the SOX2-OT-regulated DEmiRNAs immune-related pathway. Experimental assays established that SOX2-OT silencing exerted inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, migration, tumor growth, and lung metastasis within HNSCC cells, both in vitro and in vivo. We identified let-7c-3p as a target miRNA of SOX2-OT and SKP2 as a target mRNA of let-7c-3p. CONCLUSIONS Our study establishes the critical SOX2-OT/let-7c-3p/SKP2 axis as a pivotal regulator of HNSCC tumorigenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixian Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaonan Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, People's Republic of China.
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Liu WQ, Lin WR, Yan L, Xu WH, Yang J. Copper homeostasis and cuproptosis in cancer immunity and therapy. Immunol Rev 2024; 321:211-227. [PMID: 37715546 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Copper is an essential nutrient for maintaining enzyme activity and transcription factor function. Excess copper results in the aggregation of lipoylated dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), which correlates to the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, resulting in proteotoxic stress and eliciting a novel cell death modality: cuproptosis. Cuproptosis exerts an indispensable role in cancer progression, which is considered a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Cancer immunotherapy has gained extensive attention owing to breakthroughs in immune checkpoint blockade; furthermore, cuproptosis is strongly connected to the modulation of antitumor immunity. Thus, a thorough recognition concerning the mechanisms involved in the modulation of copper metabolism and cuproptosis may facilitate improvement in cancer management. This review outlines the cellular and molecular mechanisms and characteristics of cuproptosis and the links of the novel regulated cell death modality with human cancers. We also review the current knowledge on the complex effects of cuproptosis on antitumor immunity and immune response. Furthermore, potential agents that elicit cuproptosis pathways are summarized. Lastly, we discuss the influence of cuproptosis induction on the tumor microenvironment as well as the challenges of adding cuproptosis regulators to therapeutic strategies beyond traditional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Qing Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wan-Rong Lin
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Li Yan
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wen-Hao Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Xue L, Tang W, Zhou J, Xue J, Li Q, Ge X, Lin F, Zhao W, Guo Y. Next-generation sequencing identifies CDKN2A alterations as prognostic biomarkers in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma predominantly receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1276009. [PMID: 37936609 PMCID: PMC10627168 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1276009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and further probe the prognostic implications of CDKN2A mutations, particularly within a subset receiving immunotherapy. Methods In this retrospective single-center study, we evaluated the next-generation sequencing (NGS) data from Foundation Medicine (FM) for patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021. Patients were stratified based on CDKN2A loss-of-function (LOF) versus wild-type (WT) categorizations, with a focused subgroup analysis on those administered immunotherapy. Results The study encompassed 77 patients, of which 62 had undergone immunotherapy. The median duration of follow-up was 22.6 months. For the CDKN2A LOF group, the median overall survival (OS) was 16.5 months, contrasted with 30.0 months in the CDKN2A WT group (P=0.014). Notably, female gender (hazard ratio [HR]=4.526, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.934-10.180, P=0.0003) and CDKN2A LOF (HR=2.311, 95% CI: 1.156-4.748, P=0.019) emerged as independent risk factors for mortality in patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC. Within the immunotherapy subset, the median OS was 11.7 months for the CDKN2A LOF group, and 22.5 months for the CDKN2A WT group (P=0.017). Further, the female gender (HR=4.022, 95% CI: 1.417-10.710, P=0.006), CDKN2A LOF (HR=4.389, 95% CI: 1.782-11.460, P=0.002), and a combined positive score below 1 (HR=17.20, 95% CI: 4.134-79.550, P<0.0001) were identified as significant predictors of mortality among patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC receiving immunotherapy. Conclusion Alterations manifesting as LOF in the CDKN2A gene stand as robust indicators of unfavorable survival outcomes in HNSCC patients, including the subset that underwent immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ye Guo
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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