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Patel A, Gulhati P. Molecular Landscape and Therapeutic Strategies against Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1551. [PMID: 38672633 PMCID: PMC11049251 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Although the overall incidence of CRC is decreasing, the incidence of young-onset CRC, characterized by a diagnosis of CRC before age 50, is increasing. Outcomes for CRC patients are improving, partly due to comprehensive molecular characterization of tumors and novel therapeutic strategies. Advances in genomic and transcriptomic analyses using blood- and tumor-tissue-based sequencing have facilitated identification of distinct tumor subtypes harboring unique biological characteristics and therapeutic vulnerabilities. These insights have led to the development and incorporation of targeted therapies and immunotherapy in CRC treatment. In this review, we discuss the molecular landscape and key oncogenes/tumor suppressors contributing to CRC tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. We also discuss personalized therapeutic strategies for subsets of CRC patients and provide an overview of evolving novel treatments being evaluated in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakash Patel
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Pat Gulhati
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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2
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Liang B, Wu Q, Wang Y, Shi Y, Sun F, Huang Q, Li G, Liu Y, Zhang S, Xu X, Yao G, Peng J, Zhai X, Wu J, Tan Y, Wu Z, Zhou R, Li S, Wu J, Yang M, Liao W, Shi M. Cdc42-driven endosomal cholesterol transport promotes collateral resistance in HER2-positive gastric cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 587:216702. [PMID: 38336288 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216702] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Resistance to trastuzumab and the poor efficacy of subsequent chemotherapy have become major challenges for HER2-positive gastric cancer (GC). As resistance evolves, tumor cells may acquire a new drug susceptibility profile, profoundly impacting the subsequent treatment selection and patient survival. However, the interplay between trastuzumab and other types of drugs in HER2-positive GC remains elusive. In our study, we utilized resistant cell lines and tissue specimens to map the drug susceptibility profile of trastuzumab-resistant GC, discovering that resistance to trastuzumab induces collateral resistance to commonly used chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, patients with collateral resistance distinguished by a 13-gene scoring model in HER2-positive GC cohorts are predicted to have a poor prognosis and may be sensitive to cholesterol-lowering drugs. Mechanistically, endosomal cholesterol transport is further confirmed to enrich cholesterol in the plasma membrane, contributing to collateral resistance through the Hedgehog-ABCB1 axis. As a driver for cholesterol, Cdc42 is activated by the formation of the NPC1-TβRI-Cdc42 complex to facilitate endosomal cholesterol transport. We demonstrated that inhibiting Cdc42 activation with ZCL278 reduces cholesterol levels in the plasma membrane and reverses collateral resistance between trastuzumab and chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our findings verify the phenomena and mechanism of collateral resistance between trastuzumab and chemotherapy, and propose a potential therapeutic target and strategy in the second-line treatment for trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bishan Liang
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qijing Wu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yawen Wang
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yulu Shi
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiong Huang
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guanjun Li
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yajing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Department of Medical Oncology, Breast Tumor Center, Phase I Clinical Trial Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, 516008, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guangyu Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Breast Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianjun Peng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 510060, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhai
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Oncology, The People's Hospital of Foshan, 528010, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yujing Tan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenzhen Wu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaowei Li
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wangjun Liao
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Shi
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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3
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Boublikova L, Novakova A, Simsa J, Lohynska R. Total neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer: the evidence and expectations. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 192:104196. [PMID: 37926376 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104196] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Current management of locally advanced rectal cancer achieves high cure rates, distant metastatic spread being the main cause of patients' death. Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) employs (chemo)radiotherapy and combined chemotherapy prior to surgery to improve the treatment outcomes. TNT has been shown to reduce significantly distant metastases, increase disease-free survival by 5 - 10% in 3 years, and finally also overall survival (≈ 5% in 7 years). It proved to double the rate of pathologic complete responses, making it an attractive strategy for non-operative management to avoid permanent colostomy in patients with distal tumors. In addition, it endorses adherence to the therapy due to better tolerance and, potentially, shortens its overall duration. A number of questions related to TNT remain currently unresolved including the indications, preferred radiotherapy and chemotherapy regimens, their sequence, timing of surgery, and role of adjuvant therapy. A stratified approach may be the optimal way to go.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Boublikova
- Department of Oncology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic; CLIP - Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital in Motol, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Alena Novakova
- Department of Oncology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaromir Simsa
- Department of Surgery, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radka Lohynska
- Department of Oncology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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4
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Ambrosini-Spaltro A, Rengucci C, Capelli L, Chiadini E, Calistri D, Bennati C, Cravero P, Limarzi F, Nosseir S, Panzacchi R, Valli M, Ulivi P, Rossi G. Clinicopathological Features of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma with BRAF Mutation. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:10019-10032. [PMID: 37999148 PMCID: PMC10670100 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30110728] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: BRAF mutations affect 4-5% of lung adenocarcinomas. This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological features of lung carcinomas with BRAF mutations, focusing on V600E vs. non-V600E and the presence of co-mutations. (2) Methods: All BRAF-mutated lung carcinomas were retrieved from a molecular diagnostic unit (the reference unit for four different hospitals). The samples were analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Statistical analyses included log-rank tests for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). (3) Results: In total, 60 BRAF-mutated lung carcinomas were retrieved: 24 (40.0%) with V600E and 36 (60.0%) with non-V600E mutations, and 21 (35.0%) with other co-mutations and 39 (65.0%) with only BRAF mutations. Survival data were available for 54/60 (90.0%) cases. Targeted therapy was documented in 11 cases. Patients with V600E mutations exhibited a better prognosis than patients with non-V600E mutations (p = 0.008 for OS, p = 0.018 for PFS); this was confirmed in PFS (p = 0.036) when considering only patients who received no targeted therapy. Patients with co-mutations displayed no prognostic difference compared to patients carrying only BRAF mutations (p = 0.590 for OS, p = 0.938 for PFS). (4) Conclusions: BRAF-mutated lung carcinomas with V600E (40.0%) had a better prognosis than those without V600E. Concomitant co-mutations (35.0%) did not affect the prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Rengucci
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (C.R.); (L.C.); (E.C.); (D.C.); (P.U.)
| | - Laura Capelli
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (C.R.); (L.C.); (E.C.); (D.C.); (P.U.)
| | - Elisa Chiadini
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (C.R.); (L.C.); (E.C.); (D.C.); (P.U.)
| | - Daniele Calistri
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (C.R.); (L.C.); (E.C.); (D.C.); (P.U.)
| | - Chiara Bennati
- Oncology Unit, Santa Maria Delle Croci Hospital, AUSL Romagna, 48121 Ravenna, Italy;
| | - Paola Cravero
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy;
| | - Francesco Limarzi
- Pathology Unit, Morgani-Pierantoni Hospital, AUSL Romagna, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
| | - Sofia Nosseir
- Pathology Unit, Santa Maria Delle Croci Hospital, AUSL Romagna, 48121 Ravenna, Italy;
| | | | - Mirca Valli
- Pathology Unit, Infermi Hospital, AUSL Romagna, 47923 Rimini, Italy;
| | - Paola Ulivi
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (C.R.); (L.C.); (E.C.); (D.C.); (P.U.)
| | - Giulio Rossi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Fondazione Poliambulanza, 25124 Brescia, Italy;
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5
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Sims D, Liman AK, Leung V, Hwang A, Means J, Liman AD. What We Have Learned About Combining a Ketogenic Diet and Chemoimmunotherapy: a Case Report and Review of Literature. Fed Pract 2023; 40:S98-S104. [PMID: 38021096 PMCID: PMC10681018 DOI: 10.12788/fp.0399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background A high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet has been reported in the literature as a treatment option for patients with cancer. Case Presentation A 69-year-old veteran was initially diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer and progressed to having liver, pancreatic, and omental lymph node involvement despite completing adjuvant FOLFOX (fluorouracil, leucovorin calcium, and oxaliplatin) after surgery. The patient was treated with FOLFIRI (fluorouracil, leucovorin calcium, and irinotecan hydrochloride) and bevacizumab, followed by encorafenib and cetuximab on progression. Subsequently, he received pembrolizumab but continued to progress. The patient was later placed on trifluridine/tipiracil and bevacizumab concurrent with a ketogenic diet. Positron emission tomography and carcinoembryonic antigen levels indicated disease stabilization for 10 months. On progression, the patient was transitioned to ipilumimab and nivolumab and continued to adhere to the ketogenic diet. The patient's disease has continued to remain stable for the past 1 year. His degree of ketosis was determined using the glucose ketone index. The patient continues to have a good quality of life during concurrent ketogenic diet and therapy. Conclusions This case supports the tolerability of the ketogenic diet along with chemotherapy and immunotherapy and should be considered as an adjunct to standard cancer treatment. In this report, we reviewed the latest literature about cellular mechanism of the ketogenic diet and the efficacy and relationship with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. We are about to open a ketogenic diet protocol at the Veterans Affairs Central California Health Care System in Fresno.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sims
- University of California San Francisco Fresno
| | - Agnes K Liman
- Veterans Affairs Central California Health Care Systems, Fresno
| | - Victoria Leung
- Veterans Affairs Central California Health Care Systems, Fresno
| | | | | | - Andrew D Liman
- University of California San Francisco Fresno
- Veterans Affairs Central California Health Care Systems, Fresno
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6
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Piringer G, Decker J, Trommet V, Kühr T, Heibl S, Dörfler K, Thaler J. Ongoing complete response after treatment cessation with dabrafenib, trametinib, and cetuximab as third-line treatment in a patient with advanced BRAF V600E mutated, microsatellite-stable colon cancer: A case report and literature review. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1166545. [PMID: 37213293 PMCID: PMC10196488 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1166545] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic BRAFV600E mutated colorectal cancer is associated with poor overall survival and modest effectiveness to standard therapies. Furthermore, survival is influenced by the microsatellite status. Patients with microsatellite-stable and BRAFV600E mutated colorectal cancer have the worst prognosis under the wide range of genetic subgroups in colorectal cancer. Herein, we present a patient case of an impressive therapeutic efficacy of dabrafenib, trametinib, and cetuximab as later-line therapy in a 52-year-old woman with advanced BRAFV600E mutated, microsatellite-stable colon cancer. This patient achieved a complete response after 1 year of triple therapy. Due to skin toxicity grade 3 and recurrent urinary tract infections due to mucosal toxicity, a therapy de-escalation to dabrafenib and trametinib was performed, and the double therapy was administered for further 41 months with ongoing complete response. For 1 year, the patient was off therapy and is still in complete remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gudrun Piringer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Wels-Grieskirchen Medical Hospital, Wels, Austria
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Jörn Decker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Rohrbach, Rohrbach, Austria
| | - Vera Trommet
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Wels-Grieskirchen Medical Hospital, Wels, Austria
| | - Thomas Kühr
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Wels-Grieskirchen Medical Hospital, Wels, Austria
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Sonja Heibl
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Wels-Grieskirchen Medical Hospital, Wels, Austria
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Konrad Dörfler
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Josef Thaler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Wels-Grieskirchen Medical Hospital, Wels, Austria
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
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Car I, Dittmann A, Klobučar M, Grbčić P, Kraljević Pavelić S, Sedić M. Secretome Screening of BRAFV600E-Mutated Colon Cancer Cells Resistant to Vemurafenib. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040608. [PMID: 37106808 PMCID: PMC10136293 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) carrying BRAFV600E mutation have worse response to chemotherapy and poor prognosis. The BRAFV600E inhibitor vemurafenib has shown modest efficacy as monotherapy in BRAF-mutated mCRC due to the development of resistance. The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative proteomics profiling of the secretome from vemurafenib-sensitive vs. -resistant colon cancer cells harboring BRAFV600E mutation in order to identify specific secretory features potentially associated with changes in the resistant cells' phenotype. Towards this aim, we employed two complementary proteomics approaches including two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry and label-free quantitative LC-MS/MS analysis. Obtained results pointed to aberrant regulation of DNA replication and endoplasmic reticulum stress as the major secretome features associated with chemoresistant phenotype. Accordingly, two proteins implicated in these processes including RPA1 and HSPA5/GRP78 were discussed in more details in the context of biological networks and their importance as potential secretome targets for further functional and clinical evaluation. Expression patterns of RPA1 and HSPA5/GRP78 in tumor tissues from colon cancer patients were also found in additional in silico analyses to be associated with BRAFV600E mutation status, which opens the possibility to extrapolate our findings and their clinical implication to other solid tumors harboring BRAFV600E mutation, such as melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Car
- Centre for Applied Bioanthropology, Institute for Anthropological Research, Ljudevita Gaja 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Antje Dittmann
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, Y59 H38, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marko Klobučar
- Centre for Applied Bioanthropology, Institute for Anthropological Research, Ljudevita Gaja 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Petra Grbčić
- Faculty of Medicine, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka ul. 30, 52100 Pula, Croatia
| | | | - Mirela Sedić
- Centre for Applied Bioanthropology, Institute for Anthropological Research, Ljudevita Gaja 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Morimoto Y, Yamashita N, Hirose H, Fushimi A, Haratake N, Daimon T, Bhattacharya A, Ahmad R, Suzuki Y, Takahashi H, Kufe DW. MUC1-C is necessary for SHP2 activation and BRAF inhibitor resistance in BRAF(V600E) mutant colorectal cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 559:216116. [PMID: 36878307 PMCID: PMC10408991 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancers (CRCs) harboring the BRAF(V600E) mutation are associated with aggressive disease and resistance to BRAF inhibitors by feedback activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)→RAS→MAPK pathway. The oncogenic MUC1-C protein promotes progression of colitis to CRC; whereas there is no known involvement of MUC1-C in BRAF(V600E) CRCs. The present work demonstrates that MUC1 expression is significantly upregulated in BRAF(V600E) vs wild-type CRCs. We show that BRAF(V600E) CRC cells are dependent on MUC1-C for proliferation and BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) resistance. Mechanistically, MUC1-C integrates induction of MYC in driving cell cycle progression with activation of the SHP2 phosphotyrosine phosphatase, which enhances RTK-mediated RAS→ERK signaling. We demonstrate that targeting MUC1-C genetically and pharmacologically suppresses (i) activation of MYC, (ii) induction of the NOTCH1 stemness factor, and (iii) the capacity for self-renewal. We also show that MUC1-C associates with SHP2 and is required for SHP2 activation in driving BRAFi-induced feedback of ERK signaling. In this way, targeting MUC1-C in BRAFi-resistant BRAF(V600E) CRC tumors inhibits growth and sensitizes to BRAF inhibition. These findings demonstrate that MUC1-C is a target for the treatment of BRAF(V600E) CRCs and for reversing their resistance to BRAF inhibitors by suppressing the feedback MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nami Yamashita
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Haruka Hirose
- Division of Systems Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Atsushi Fushimi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Naoki Haratake
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Rehan Ahmad
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yozo Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Donald W Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, HER2 and MSI Status in a Large Consecutive Series of Colorectal Carcinomas. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054868. [PMID: 36902296 PMCID: PMC10003572 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze clinical and regional factors influencing the distribution of actionable genetic alterations in a large consecutive series of colorectal carcinomas (CRCs). KRAS, NRAS and BRAF mutations, HER2 amplification and overexpression, and microsatellite instability (MSI) were tested in 8355 CRC samples. KRAS mutations were detected in 4137/8355 (49.5%) CRCs, with 3913 belonging to 10 common substitutions affecting codons 12/13/61/146, 174 being represented by 21 rare hot-spot variants, and 35 located outside the "hot" codons. KRAS Q61K substitution, which leads to the aberrant splicing of the gene, was accompanied by the second function-rescuing mutation in all 19 tumors analyzed. NRAS mutations were detected in 389/8355 (4.7%) CRCs (379 hot-spot and 10 non-hot-spot substitutions). BRAF mutations were identified in 556/8355 (6.7%) CRCs (codon 600: 510; codons 594-596: 38; codons 597-602: 8). The frequency of HER2 activation and MSI was 99/8008 (1.2%) and 432/8355 (5.2%), respectively. Some of the above events demonstrated differences in distribution according to patients' age and gender. In contrast to other genetic alterations, BRAF mutation frequencies were subject to geographic variation, with a relatively low incidence in areas with an apparently warmer climate (83/1726 (4.8%) in Southern Russia and North Caucasus vs. 473/6629 (7.1%) in other regions of Russia, p = 0.0007). The simultaneous presence of two drug targets, BRAF mutation and MSI, was observed in 117/8355 cases (1.4%). Combined alterations of two driver genes were detected in 28/8355 (0.3%) tumors (KRAS/NRAS: 8; KRAS/BRAF: 4; KRAS/HER2: 12; NRAS/HER2: 4). This study demonstrates that a substantial portion of RAS alterations is represented by atypical mutations, KRAS Q61K substitution is always accompanied by the second gene-rescuing mutation, BRAF mutation frequency is a subject to geographical variations, and a small fraction of CRCs has simultaneous alterations in more than one driver gene.
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10
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Morafraile EC, Saiz-Ladera C, Nieto-Jiménez C, Győrffy B, Nagy A, Velasco G, Pérez-Segura P, Ocaña A. Mapping Immune Correlates and Surfaceome Genes in BRAF Mutated Colorectal Cancers. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:2569-2581. [PMID: 36975409 PMCID: PMC10047091 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30030196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the impressive results obtained with immunotherapy in several cancer types, a significant fraction of patients remains unresponsive to these treatments. In colorectal cancer (CRC), B-RafV600 mutations have been identified in 8–15% of the patients. In this work we interrogated a public dataset to explore the surfaceome of these tumors and found that several genes, such as GP2, CLDN18, AQP5, TM4SF4, NTSR1, VNN1, and CD109, were upregulated. By performing gene set enrichment analysis, we also identified a striking upregulation of genes (CD74, LAG3, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DRB5, HLA-DMA, HLA-DMB, HLA-DPB1, HLA-DRA, HLA-DOA, FCGR2B, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DRB1, and HLA-DPA1) associated with antigen processing and presentation via MHC class II. Likewise, we found a strong correlation between PD1 and PD(L)1 expression and the presence of genes encoding for proteins involved in antigen presentation such as CD74, HLA-DPA1, and LAG3. Furthermore, a similar association was observed for the presence of dendritic cells and macrophages. Finally, a low but positive relationship was observed between tumor mutational burden and neoantigen load. Our findings support the idea that a therapeutic strategy based on the targeting of PD(L)1 together with other receptors also involved in immuno-modulation, such as LAG3, could help to improve current treatments against BRAF-mutated CRC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Cabañas Morafraile
- Center for Biological Research Margarita Salas (CIB-CSIC), Spanish National Research Council, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.C.M.); (A.O.)
| | - Cristina Saiz-Ladera
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Nieto-Jiménez
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
- TTK Lendület Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adam Nagy
- Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
- TTK Lendület Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Guillermo Velasco
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Pérez-Segura
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Ocaña
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Oncología (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.C.M.); (A.O.)
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11
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Di Nunno V, Gatto L, Tosoni A, Bartolini S, Franceschi E. Implications of BRAF V600E mutation in gliomas: Molecular considerations, prognostic value and treatment evolution. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1067252. [PMID: 36686797 PMCID: PMC9846085 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1067252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are molecularly heterogeneous brain tumors responsible for the most years of life lost by any cancer. High-grade gliomas have a poor prognosis and despite multimodal treatment including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, exhibit a high recurrence rate. There is a need for new therapeutic approaches based on precision medicine informed by biomarker assessment and BRAF, a key regulator of MAPK signaling pathway, influencing cell differentiation, proliferation, migration and pro-tumorigenic activity, is emerging as a promising molecular target. V600E, is the most frequent BRAF alteration in gliomas, especially in pediatric low-grade astrocytomas, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, papillary craniopharyngioma, epithelioid glioblastoma and ganglioglioma. The possible application of BRAF-targeted therapy in gliomas is continuously growing and there is preliminary evidence of prolonged disease control obtained by BRAF inhibitors in tumors harboring BRAF V600E mutation. The possibility of introducing targeted therapies into the treatment algorithm represents a paradigm shift for patients with BRAF V600E mutant recurrent high-grade and low-grade glioma and BRAF routine testing should be considered in clinical practice. The focus of this review is to summarize the molecular landscape of BRAF across glioma subtypes and the novel therapeutic strategies for BRAF V600E mutated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lidia Gatto
- Department of Oncology, AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy,*Correspondence: Lidia Gatto,
| | - Alicia Tosoni
- Nervous System Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Bartolini
- Nervous System Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrico Franceschi
- Nervous System Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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12
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Ma X, Sun L. Construction and Validation of Protein Expression-related Prognostic Models in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. J Cancer 2023; 14:793-808. [PMID: 37056387 PMCID: PMC10088890 DOI: 10.7150/jca.81915] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To construct a prognostic evaluation model for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients using bioinformatics method and to screen potential drugs for ccRCC. Methods: ccRCC RNA sequencing data, clinical data, and protein expression data were downloaded from the TCGA database. Univariate Cox and Lasso regression analyses were performed on the combined data to screen out the proteins related to the prognosis, and they were included in a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. The patients were divided into high and low-risk groups for a survival difference analysis. The predictive power of the model was evaluated on the basis of overall survival, progression-free survival, independent prognostic, clinically relevant receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, C-index, principal component, and clinical data statistics analyses. GSEA enrichment and immune function correlation analyses were performed. The samples were divided into different subtypes based on the expression of the risk proteins, and survival analysis of the subtypes was performed. The risk-related protein and RNA sequencing data were analyzed to screen out sensitive drugs with significant differences between the high and low-risk groups. Results: A total of 469 ccRCC-related proteins were screened, of which 13 proteins with independent prognostic significance were screened by univariate Cox, Lasso, and multivariate Cox regression analyses to construct the prognostic model. The sensitivity and accuracy of the model in predicting the survival of patients with ccRCC were high (1 year: 0.811, 3 years: 0.783, 5 years: 0.777). The 13 proteins were closely related to immunity, and the model proteins were different between kidney and tumor tissues according to the HPA database. The samples were divided into three subtypes, and there were obvious clinical characteristics of the three subtypes in the grade and T, N and M stages. According to the IC50 values, CGP-60474, vinorelbine, doxorubicin, etoposide, FTI-277, JQ12, OSU-03012, pyrimethamine, and other drugs were more sensitive in the high-risk group. Conclusions: A prognostic model of protein expression in ccRCC was successfully constructed, which had good predictive ability for the prognosis of ccRCC patients. The ccRCC-related proteins in the model can be used as targets for studying the pathogenesis and targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Libin Sun
- ✉ Corresponding author: Libin Sun, Department of Urology, Affiliated First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 85 South Jiefang Rd, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030001, China. Tel: +86-15698579398; Email address:
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13
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Guerrero RM, Labajos VA, Ballena SL, Macha CA, Lezama MS, Roman CP, Beltran PM, Torrejon AF. Targeting BRAF V600E in metastatic colorectal cancer: where are we today? Ecancermedicalscience 2022; 16:1489. [PMID: 36819812 PMCID: PMC9934973 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2022.1489] [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: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most frequent cause of direct cancer death worldwide. The study of the molecular state of oncogenes has predictive and prognostic value in metastatic CRC (mCRC). The B-raf proto-oncogene (BRAF) gene mutation represents the 8%-12% of all mutations in mCRC. The BRAF V600E mutation, considered the most common alteration of BRAF, corresponds to a constitutive kinase with a high activating capacity of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway after a cascade of successive phosphorylations in the transcription of genes. BRAF V600E mutation is more prevalent in women, elderly, right-sided colon cancer and Caucasian population. Unfortunately, it is considered a poor predictive and prognosis biomarker. Patients with mCRC BRAF V600E mutated (BRAFm) are generally associated with poor response to chemotherapy and short progression-free survival and overall survival. Recently, randomised clinical trials have studied the combination of different chemotherapy regimens with angiogenic inhibitors in mCRC BRAFm. In addition, new anti-BRAF and immunotherapy agents have also been studied in this population, with positive results. The objective of this review is to acknowledge the biology and molecular pathway of BRAF, critically analyse the clinical trials and the therapy options published until today and evaluate the options of treatment according to the patient's clinical presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Motta Guerrero
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Surquillo 15038, Peru
- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8086-3513
| | - Veronica Arnao Labajos
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Surquillo 15038, Peru
- https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7079-1010
| | - Sophia Lozano Ballena
- Hospital Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo, Chiclayo 14001, Peru
- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7868-6802
| | - Carlos Aliaga Macha
- Centro Oncológico ALIADA, San Isidro 15036, Peru
- https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0237-7058
| | - Miguel Sotelo Lezama
- Centro Oncológico ALIADA, San Isidro 15036, Peru
- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8861-9355
| | - Cristian Pacheco Roman
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Surquillo 15038, Peru
- https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2359-5126
| | - Paola Montenegro Beltran
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Surquillo 15038, Peru
- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1484-9537
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14
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Tran KB, Kolekar S, Wang Q, Shih JH, Buchanan CM, Deva S, Shepherd PR. Response to BRAF-targeted Therapy Is Enhanced by Cotargeting VEGFRs or WNT/β-Catenin Signaling in BRAF-mutant Colorectal Cancer Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1777-1787. [PMID: 36198029 PMCID: PMC9716247 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The fact that 10% of colorectal cancer tumors harbor BRAF V600E mutations suggested targeting BRAF as a potential therapy. However, BRAF inhibitors have only limited single-agent efficacy in this context. The potential for combination therapy has been shown by the BEACON trial where targeting the EGF receptor with cetuximab greatly increased efficacy of BRAF inhibitors in BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer. Therefore, we explored whether efficacy of the mutant BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib could be enhanced by cotargeting of either oncogenic WNT/β-catenin signaling or VEGFR signaling. We find the WNT/β-catenin inhibitors pyrvinium, ICG-001 and PKF118-310 attenuate growth of colorectal cancer cell lines in vitro with BRAF-mutant lines being relatively more sensitive. Pyrvinium combined with vemurafenib additively or synergistically attenuated growth of colorectal cancer cell lines in vitro. The selective and potent VEGFR inhibitor axitinib was most effective against BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer cell lines in vitro, but the addition of vemurafenib did not significantly increase these effects. When tested in vivo in animal tumor models, both pyrvinium and axitinib were able to significantly increase the ability of vemurafenib to attenuate tumor growth in xenografts of BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer cells. The magnitude of these effects was comparable with that induced by a combination of vemurafenib and cetuximab. This was associated with additive effects on release from tumor cells and tumor microenvironment cell types of substances that would normally aid tumor progression. Taken together, these preclinical data indicate that the efficacy of BRAF inhibitor therapy in colorectal cancer could be increased by cotargeting either WNT/β-catenin or VEGFRs with small-molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khanh B. Tran
- Department of Molecular Medicine. University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sharada Kolekar
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Center, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine. University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jen-Hsing Shih
- Department of Molecular Medicine. University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Christina M. Buchanan
- Department of Molecular Medicine. University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sanjeev Deva
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter R. Shepherd
- Department of Molecular Medicine. University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre, Auckland, New Zealand.,Auckland Cancer Society Research Center, University of Auckland, New Zealand.,Corresponding Author: Peter R. Shepherd, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1023, New Zealand. Phone: 649-373-7999; E-mail:
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15
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Dain Md Opo FA, Alsaiari AA, Rahman Molla MH, Ahmed Sumon MA, Yaghmour KA, Ahammad F, Mohammad F, Simal-Gandara J. Identification of novel natural drug candidates against BRAF mutated carcinoma; An integrative in-silico structure-based pharmacophore modeling and virtual screening process. Front Chem 2022; 10:986376. [PMID: 36267655 PMCID: PMC9577413 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.986376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The BRAF gene is responsible for transferring signals from outside of the cell to inside of the nucleus by converting a protein namely B-Raf through the RAS/MAPK pathway. This pathway contribute to cell division, proliferation, migration, and apoptotic cell death of human and animal. Mutation in this gene may cause the development of several cancers, including lung, skin, colon, and neuroblastoma. Currently, a few available drugs are being used that has developed by targeting the BRAF mutated protein, and due to the toxic side effects, patients suffer a lot during their treatment. Therefore this study aimed to identify potentially lead compounds that can target and block the expression of BRAF and subsequently inhibit the cancer. The hits were generated through the pharmacophore model-based virtual screening, molecular docking, pharmacohore model validation, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) analysis molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to find more suitable candidate against the overexpress BRAF gene. The pharmacophore based screening initially identified 14 k possible hits from online database which were further screened by ligand scout advance software to get hit compound. Based on molecular docking score of ZINC70454679 (-10.6 kcal/mol), ZINC253500968 (-9.4 kcal/mol), ZINC106887736 (-8.6 kcal/mol), and ZINC107434492 (-8.1 kcal/mol), pharmacophore feature and toxicity evaluation, we selected four possible lead compounds. The dynamic simulation with Schrodinger Maestro software was used to determine the stability of the potential lead candidates with target protein (PDB ID: 5VAM). The results showed that the newly obtained four compounds were more stable than the control ligand (Pub Chem ID: 90408826). The current results showed that the ZINC70454679, ZINC253500968, ZINC106887736, and ZINC107434492 compounds may be able to work against several cancers through targeting the BRAF overexpressed gene. To develop a novel drug candidate, however the evaluation of the web lab based experimental work are necessary to evaluate the efficiency of the each compound against the BRAF target gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. A. Dain Md Opo
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center (KFMRC), KAU, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahad Amer Alsaiari
- Clinical Laboratories, Science Department, College of Applied Medical Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Md Afsar Ahmed Sumon
- Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled A. Yaghmour
- Family Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Foysal Ahammad
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Foysal Ahammad, ; Farhan Mohammad, ; Jesus Simal-Gandara,
| | - Farhan Mohammad
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Foysal Ahammad, ; Farhan Mohammad, ; Jesus Simal-Gandara,
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo, Ourense, Spain
- *Correspondence: Foysal Ahammad, ; Farhan Mohammad, ; Jesus Simal-Gandara,
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16
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Wang L, Zhang G, Shen J, Shen Y, Cai G. Elevated CEA and CA 19-9 Levels within the Normal Ranges Increase the Likelihood of CRC Recurrence in the Chinese Han Population. Appl Bionics Biomech 2022; 2022:8666724. [PMID: 36245936 PMCID: PMC9553675 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8666724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to determine if variations in the expression profiles of CA 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) within the reference range could serve as possible biomarkers for postoperative CRC recurrence. Method This retrospective cohort investigation enrolled 2,596 cases of CRC that received curative surgery. Serum CEA/CA 19-9 were measured through chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Results During follow-up (median follow-up = 5.2 years), in total, 837 patients experienced recurrence. The fully adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were significantly higher, ≥1 standard deviation (±SD), in patients with upregulated CEA/CA 19-9 levels (HRCEA = 7.06; HRCA 19 - 9 = 3.98) than in those with downregulated CEA/CA 19-9 levels. The likelihood of recurrence remained consistently greater in cases of elevated CEA/CA 19-9 levels during sensitivity analyses. Conclusions The findings of this analysis showed that variations in CEA/CA 19-9 expression profiles within the reference range impact CRC recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lujia Wang
- Department of Anus and Intestine, Hangzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Guangkai Zhang
- Department of Anus and Intestine, Hangzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Jiafeng Shen
- Department of Anus and Intestine, Hangzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Yujiang Shen
- Department of Anus and Intestine, Hangzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Guojun Cai
- Department of Anus and Intestine, Hangzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
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17
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In silico high throughput screening and in vitro validation of a novel Raf/Mek dual inhibitor against colorectal carcinoma. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01197-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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18
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Wu CWK, Reid M, Leedham S, Lui RN. The emerging era of personalized medicine in advanced colorectal cancer. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 37:1411-1425. [PMID: 35815339 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a genetically heterogeneous disease with its pathogenesis often driven by varying genetic or epigenetic alterations. This has led to a substantial number of patients developing chemoresistance and treatment failure, resulting in a high mortality rate for advanced disease. Deep molecular analysis has allowed for the discovery of key intestinal signaling pathways which impacts colonic epithelial cell fate, and the integral role of the tumor microenvironment on cancer growth and dissemination. Through transitioning pre-clinical knowledge in research into clinical practice, many potential druggable targets within these pathways have been discovered in the hopes of overcoming the roadblocks encountered by conventional therapies. A personalized approach tailoring treatment according to the histopathological and molecular features of individual tumors can hopefully translate to better patient outcomes, and reduce the rate of recurrence in patients with advanced CRC. Herein, the latest understanding on the molecular science behind CRC tumorigenesis, and the potential treatment targets currently at the forefront of research are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia W K Wu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Madeleine Reid
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Simon Leedham
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rashid N Lui
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Clinical Oncology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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19
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Ge T, Zhang Y. Tanshinone IIA reverses oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer through microRNA-30b-5p/AVEN axis. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:1228-1240. [PMID: 35892081 PMCID: PMC9281591 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0512] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This research aims to explore the role of Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) and microRNA (miR)-30b-5p in chemoresistance of colorectal cancer (CRC). The expression levels of miR-30b-5p and apoptosis and caspase activation inhibitor (AVEN) was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. The cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry assays. The target relationship between miR-30b-5p and AVEN was confirmed by Dual-luciferase reporter assay. Transwell assay was performed to assess CRC cells’ metastasis. Western blot was carried out to measure the apoptosis-related protein. The results showed that miR-30b-5p was lowly expressed in oxaliplatin-resistance CRC cells SW480 (SW480/R) compared to SW480 cells. Overexpression of miR-30b-5p significantly suppressed the malignant biological behaviors of SW480/R cells and significantly promoted the sensitivity of SW480/R cells to oxaliplatin by down-regulated AVEN expression. Besides, Tan IIA treatment upregulated miR-30b-5p expression in SW480/R cells. Moreover, miR-30b-5p upregulation strengthened the promoting effect of Tan IIA on the sensitivity of SW480/R cells to oxaliplatin. In conclusion, Tan IIA and miR-30b-5p could reverse oxaliplatin resistance of CRC cells and may thus be potential treatment strategies for treating patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingrui Ge
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222002, P.R. China
| | - Yonggang Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222002, P.R. China
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20
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Kourie HR, Ibnshamsah F, Zouein J, Naim N, Abbasi S, Allahloubi N, Al-Naqqash M, Alolayan A, Alshehri A, Bitar N, Bounedjar A, Farsi AA, Shamsi HE, Ghali R, Jaafar H, Larbaoui B, Mahrous M, Mrabti H, Nweir AR, Oukkal M, Rasul K, Razavi M, Turfa R, Khatib S, Shamseddine A. The first Middle East and North Africa expert consensus recommendations for the management of advanced colorectal cancer. Future Oncol 2022; 18:2733-2744. [DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked as the third most prevalent and the second deadliest cancer worldwide. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the number of CRC cases increased over the past decades and will nearly double by 2030. The lack of clear MENA guidelines for the management of patients with CRC represents a step backwards in the fight against this burden. Therefore a panel of 24 MENA experts in the field of gastrointestinal oncology developed, using a Delphi process, the first consensus recommendations for the management of patients with advanced CRC. Forty-seven different statements were formulated in the areas of epidemiology, screening, biomarkers and treatment. These recommendations will guide, standardize and unify the management of this cancer in the MENA region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hampig R Kourie
- Department of Hematology–Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University of Beirut
| | - Fahad Ibnshamsah
- Adult Medical Oncology King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam, KSA
| | - Joseph Zouein
- Department of Hematology–Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University of Beirut
| | - Nabih Naim
- Department of Hematology–Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University of Beirut
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Humaid El Shamsi
- Department of Oncology, Burjeel Cancer Institute, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ramy Ghali
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Ain Shams University, Egypt
| | | | - Blaha Larbaoui
- Department of Medical Oncology Anti cancer center ‘Emir Abdel Kader’ Oran, Algeria
| | | | - Hind Mrabti
- Institut National d'oncologie, Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | | | - Mohamed Oukkal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beni Messous University Hospital, Algiers, Algeria
| | | | | | - Rim Turfa
- King Hussein Cancer Center KHCC, Jordan
| | | | - Ali Shamseddine
- Hematology–Oncology Division & Naef K Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
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21
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Bell PD, Pai RK. Immune Response in Colorectal Carcinoma: A Review of Its Significance as a Predictive and Prognostic Biomarker. Histopathology 2022; 81:696-714. [PMID: 35758208 DOI: 10.1111/his.14713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. There is significant prognostic heterogeneity in stage II and III tumours, necessitating the development of new biomarkers to better identify patients at risk of disease progression. Recently, the tumour immune environment, particularly the type and quantity of T lymphocytes, has been shown to be a useful biomarker in predicting prognosis for patients with colorectal carcinoma. In this review, the significance of the immune response in colorectal carcinoma, including its influence on prognosis and response to therapy, will be detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoenix D Bell
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Reetesh K Pai
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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22
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Immunotherapy as a Therapeutic Strategy for Gastrointestinal Cancer-Current Treatment Options and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126664. [PMID: 35743107 PMCID: PMC9224428 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer constitutes a highly lethal entity among malignancies in the last decades and is still a major challenge for cancer therapeutic options. Despite the current combinational treatment strategies, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies, the survival rates remain notably low for patients with advanced disease. A better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that influence tumor progression and the development of optimal therapeutic strategies for GI malignancies are urgently needed. Currently, the development and the assessment of the efficacy of immunotherapeutic agents in GI cancer are in the spotlight of several clinical trials. Thus, several new modalities and combinational treatments with other anti-neoplastic agents have been identified and evaluated for their efficiency in cancer management, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell transfer, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, cancer vaccines, and/or combinations thereof. Understanding the interrelation among the tumor microenvironment, cancer progression, and immune resistance is pivotal for the optimal therapeutic management of all gastrointestinal solid tumors. This review will shed light on the recent advances and future directions of immunotherapy for malignant tumors of the GI system.
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Abstract
B-Raf is a protein kinase participating to the regulation of many biological processes in cells. Several studies have demonstrated that this protein is frequently upregulated in human cancers, especially when it bears activating mutations. In the last years, few ATP-competitive inhibitors of B-Raf have been marketed for the treatment of melanoma and are currently under clinical evaluation on a variety of other types of cancer. Although the introduction of drugs targeting B-Raf has provided significant advances in cancer treatment, responses to ATP-competitive inhibitors remain limited, mainly due to selectivity issues, side effects, narrow therapeutic windows, and the insurgence of drug resistance. Impressive research efforts have been made so far towards the identification of novel ATP-competitive modulators with improved efficacy against cancers driven by mutant Raf monomers and dimers, some of them showing good promises. However, several limitations could still be envisioned for these compounds, according to literature data. Besides, increased attentions have arisen around approaches based on the design of allosteric modulators, polypharmacology, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and drug repurposing for the targeting of B-Raf proteins. The design of compounds acting through such innovative mechanisms is rather challenging. However, valuable therapeutic opportunities can be envisioned on these drugs, as they act through innovative mechanisms in which limitations typically observed for approved ATP-competitive B-Raf inhibitors are less prone to emerge. In this article, current approaches adopted for the design of non-ATP competitive inhibitors targeting B-Raf are described, discussing also on the possibilities, ligands acting through such innovative mechanisms could provide for the obtainment of more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pinzi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
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New Circulating Circular RNAs with Diagnostic and Prognostic Potential in Advanced Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413283. [PMID: 34948079 PMCID: PMC8706615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a group of special endogenous long non-coding RNAs which are highly stable in the circulation, and, thus, more suitable as new biomarkers of colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of our study was to explore the plasma expression levels of four circRNAs: has_circ_0001445, hsa_circ_0003028, hsa_circ_0007915 and hsa_circ_0008717 in patients with CRC and to evaluate their associations with clinicopathological characteristics and the clinical outcome of the patients. CircRNAs were extracted from patients’ plasma obtained prior to chemotherapy. Their expression levels were measured by qPCR and calculated applying the 2−ΔΔCt method. The levels of all four circRNAs were significantly increased in the plasma of CRC patients. At the optimal cut-off values hsa_circ_0001445 and hsa_circ_0007915 in plasma could significantly distinguish between patients with or without metastatic CRC with 92.56% sensitivity and 42.86% specificity, and with 86.07% sensitivity and 57.14% specificity, respectively. The mean overall survival (OS) of patients with high/intermediate expression of hsa_circ_0001445 was 30 months, significantly higher in comparison with the mean OS of the patients with low expression—20 months (log-rank test, p = 0.034). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the low levels of hsa_circ_0001445 were also associated with shorter survival (HR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.02–2.47, p = 0.040). A prognostic significance of hsa_circ_0001445 for patients with metastatic CRC was established.
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