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Habib JR, Rompen IF, Javed AA, Grewal M, Kinny-Köster B, Andel PCM, Hewitt DB, Sacks GD, Besselink MG, van Santvoort HC, Daamen LA, Loos M, He J, Büchler MW, Wolfgang CL, Molenaar IQ. Outcomes in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm-derived pancreatic cancer differ from PanIN-derived pancreatic cancer. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024. [PMID: 39086101 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN)-derived pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) management is generally extrapolated from pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN)-derived PDAC guidelines. However, these are biologically divergent, and heterogeneity further exists between tubular and colloid subtypes. METHODS Consecutive upfront surgery patients with PanIN-derived and IPMN-derived PDAC were retrospectively identified from international centers (2000-2019). One-to-one propensity score matching for clinicopathologic factors generated three cohorts: IPMN-derived versus PanIN-derived PDAC, tubular IPMN-derived versus PanIN-derived PDAC, and tubular versus colloid IPMN-derived PDAC. Overall survival (OS) was compared using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Multivariable Cox regression determined corresponding hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS The median OS (mOS) in 2350 PanIN-derived and 700 IPMN-derived PDAC patients was 23.0 and 43.1 months (P < 0.001), respectively. PanIN-derived PDAC had worse T-stage, CA19-9, grade, and nodal status. Tubular subtype had worse T-stage, CA19-9, grade, nodal status, and R1 margins, with a mOS of 33.7 versus 94.1 months (P < 0.001) in colloid. Matched (n = 495), PanIN-derived and IPMN-derived PDAC had mOSs of 30.6 and 42.8 months (P < 0.001), respectively. In matched (n = 341) PanIN-derived and tubular IPMN-derived PDAC, mOS remained poorer (27.7 vs 37.4, P < 0.001). Matched tubular and colloid cancers (n = 112) had similar OS (P = 0.55). On multivariable Cox regression, PanIN-derived PDAC was associated with worse OS than IPMN-derived (HR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.44-1.90) and tubular IPMN-derived (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.32-1.77) PDAC. Colloid and tubular subtype was not associated with OS (P = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS PanIN-derived PDAC has worse survival than IPMN-derived PDAC supporting distinct outcomes. Although more indolent, colloid IPMN-derived PDAC has similar survival to tubular after risk adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Habib
- Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Surgery, Regional Academic Cancer Center Utrecht, UMC Utrecht Cancer Center and St. Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingmar F Rompen
- Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ammar A Javed
- Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mahip Grewal
- Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Paul C M Andel
- Department of Surgery, Regional Academic Cancer Center Utrecht, UMC Utrecht Cancer Center and St. Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - D Brock Hewitt
- Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Greg D Sacks
- Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marc G Besselink
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hjalmar C van Santvoort
- Department of Surgery, Regional Academic Cancer Center Utrecht, UMC Utrecht Cancer Center and St. Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lois A Daamen
- Department of Surgery, Regional Academic Cancer Center Utrecht, UMC Utrecht Cancer Center and St. Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Imaging and Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Loos
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jin He
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - I Quintus Molenaar
- Department of Surgery, Regional Academic Cancer Center Utrecht, UMC Utrecht Cancer Center and St. Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Gupta A, De Jesus-Acosta A, Le D, Pishvaian M, Zaidi N, Zheng L, Laheru D. Clinical outcomes of liposomal irinotecan in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer previously treated with conventional irinotecan: A meta-analysis of real-world evidence. Cancer 2024. [PMID: 38985839 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35479] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pivotal clinical trials supported survival benefits of liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI) plus fluorouracil/leucovorin in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who previously received gemcitabine-based therapy. There are concerns about the benefits of nal-IRI in patients who received FOLFIRINOX (combined fluorouracil, leucovorin, IRI, and oxaliplatin) because of potential cross-resistance to IRI. The objective of this meta-analysis was to characterize the impact of the previous receipt of IRI on the outcomes of nal-IRI regimens in patients with advanced PDAC. METHODS Real-world studies evaluating the outcomes of nal-IRI in patients who had prior IRI exposure published up to April 2023 were searched using electronic databases. The meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model to estimate pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Eight studies (n = 1368 patients) were included. The pooled median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.02 months (95% CI, 1.43-2.57 months), and the median overall survival (OS) was 4.26 months (95% CI, 3.03-5.39 months). Patients with prior IRI exposure had PFS (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.94-1.47; p = .17) and OS (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.95-1.42; p = .16) comparable to patients without prior IRI exposure. Likewise, patients who had progressive disease on conventional IRI had PFS (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 0.73-3.08; p = .24) and OS (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 0.68-4.27; p = .26) with nal-IRI comparable to patients who had no progressive disease. CONCLUSIONS Prior IRI exposure does not affect the survival outcomes of nal-IRI regimens in patients who have advanced PDAC. The selection of later lines of chemotherapy regimens should be based on the differential safety profile, patient status, the cost of treatment, and health-related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol Gupta
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ana De Jesus-Acosta
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dung Le
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael Pishvaian
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Neeha Zaidi
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel Laheru
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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3
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Xu Y, Song J, Gao J, Zhang H. Identification of Biomarkers Associated with Oxidative Stress and Immune Cells in Acute Pancreatitis. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:4077-4091. [PMID: 38948197 PMCID: PMC11214539 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s459044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Oxidative stress promotes disease progression by stimulating the humoral and cellular immune responses. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative stress and immune responses in acute pancreatitis (AP) have not been extensively studied. Patients and Methods We analyzed the GSE194331 dataset and oxidative stress-related genes (OSRGs). We identified differentially expressed immune cell-associated OSRGs (DE-ICA-OSRGs) by overlapping key module genes from weighted gene co-expression network analysis, OSRGs, and DEGs between AP and normal samples. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to investigate the functions of DE-ICA-OSRGs. We then filtered diagnostic genes using receiver operating characteristic curves and investigated their molecular mechanisms using single-gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). We also explored the correlation between diagnostic genes and differential immune cells. Finally, we constructed a transcription factor-microRNA-messenger RNA (TF-miRNA-mRNA) network of biomarkers. Results In this study, three DE-ICA-OSRGs (ARG1, NME8 and VNN1) were filtered by overlapping key module genes, OSRGs and DEGs. Functional enrichment results revealed that DE-ICA-OSRGs were involved in the cellular response to reactive oxygen species and arginine biosynthesis. Latterly, a total of two diagnostic genes (ARG1 and VNN1) were derived and their expression was higher in the AP group than in the normal group. The single-gene GSEA enrichment results revealed that diagnostic genes were mainly enriched in macroautophagy and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Correlation analysis revealed that CD8 T cells, resting memory T CD4 cells, and resting NK cells were negatively correlated with ARG1, and neutrophils were positively correlated with ARG1, which was consistent with that of VNN1. The TF-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network included 11 miRNAs, 2 mRNAs, 10 transcription factors (TFs), and 26 pairs of regulatory relationships, like NFKB1-has-miR-2909-VNN1. Conclusion In this study, two immune cell oxidative stress-related AP diagnostic genes (ARG1 and VNN1) were screened to offer a new reference for the diagnosis of patients with AP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongying People’s Hospital(Dongying Hospital of Shandong Provincial Hospital Group), Dongying, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongying People’s Hospital(Dongying Hospital of Shandong Provincial Hospital Group), Dongying, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongying People’s Hospital(Dongying Hospital of Shandong Provincial Hospital Group), Dongying, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongjing Zhang
- Community Health Service Center in Hekou District, Dongying, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
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Kantheti HS, Hale MA, Pal Choudhuri S, Huang H, Wang XD, Zolghadri Y, Innamorati G, Manikonda SPR, Reddy N, Reddy S, Kollipara RK, Lumani V, Girard L, Bezrukov Y, Demenkov P, MacDonald RJ, Brekken RA, Yu Y, Wilkie TM. Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers for Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6619. [PMID: 38928326 PMCID: PMC11204091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126619] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic markers are desperately needed for the early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). We describe sets of markers expressed in temporal order in mouse models during pancreatitis, PDA initiation and progression. Cell type specificity and the differential expression of PDA markers were identified by screening single cell (sc) RNAseq from tumor samples of a mouse model for PDA (KIC) at early and late stages of PDA progression compared to that of a normal pancreas. Candidate genes were identified from three sources: (1) an unsupervised screening of the genes preferentially expressed in mouse PDA tumors; (2) signaling pathways that drive PDA, including the Ras pathway, calcium signaling, and known cancer genes, or genes encoding proteins that were identified by differential mass spectrometry (MS) of mouse tumors and conditioned media from human cancer cell lines; and (3) genes whose expression is associated with poor or better prognoses (PAAD, oncolnc.org). The developmental progression of PDA was detected in the temporal order of gene expression in the cancer cells of the KIC mice. The earliest diagnostic markers were expressed in epithelial cancer cells in early-stage, but not late-stage, PDA tumors. Other early markers were expressed in the epithelium of both early- and late-state PDA tumors. Markers that were expressed somewhat later were first elevated in the epithelial cancer cells of the late-stage tumors, then in both epithelial and mesenchymal cells, or only in mesenchymal cells. Stromal markers were differentially expressed in early- and/or late-stage PDA neoplasia in fibroblast and hematopoietic cells (lymphocytes and/or macrophages) or broadly expressed in cancer and many stromal cell types. Pancreatitis is a risk factor for PDA in humans. Mouse models of pancreatitis, including caerulein treatment and the acinar-specific homozygous deletion of differentiation transcription factors (dTFs), were screened for the early expression of all PDA markers identified in the KIC neoplasia. Prognostic markers associated with a more rapid decline were identified and showed differential and cell-type-specific expression in PDA, predominately in late-stage epithelial and/or mesenchymal cancer cells. Select markers were validated by immunohistochemistry in mouse and human samples of a normal pancreas and those with early- and late-stage PDA. In total, we present 2165 individual diagnostic and prognostic markers for disease progression to be tested in humans from pancreatitis to late-stage PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Havish S. Kantheti
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (H.S.K.); (M.A.H.); (S.P.C.)
- Cancer Discovery (CanDisc) Group, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (Y.Z.)
- Texas A&M School of Engineering Medicine, 1020 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael A. Hale
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (H.S.K.); (M.A.H.); (S.P.C.)
- Cancer Discovery (CanDisc) Group, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (Y.Z.)
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Shreoshi Pal Choudhuri
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (H.S.K.); (M.A.H.); (S.P.C.)
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (H.H.); (L.G.); (R.A.B.)
| | - Huocong Huang
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (H.H.); (L.G.); (R.A.B.)
| | - Xu-dong Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, USA (Y.Y.)
| | - Yalda Zolghadri
- Cancer Discovery (CanDisc) Group, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (Y.Z.)
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
| | - Giulio Innamorati
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
| | | | - Naviya Reddy
- Cancer Discovery (CanDisc) Group, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (Y.Z.)
| | - Sarthak Reddy
- Cancer Discovery (CanDisc) Group, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (Y.Z.)
| | - Rahul K. Kollipara
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Valbona Lumani
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (H.S.K.); (M.A.H.); (S.P.C.)
- Cancer Discovery (CanDisc) Group, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (Y.Z.)
| | - Luc Girard
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (H.H.); (L.G.); (R.A.B.)
| | - Yakov Bezrukov
- Cogia AG, Poststr. 2-4, 60329 Frankfurt, Germany; (Y.B.)
| | - Pavel Demenkov
- Cogia AG, Poststr. 2-4, 60329 Frankfurt, Germany; (Y.B.)
| | - Raymond J. MacDonald
- Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rolf A. Brekken
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (H.H.); (L.G.); (R.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yonghao Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, USA (Y.Y.)
| | - Thomas M. Wilkie
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (H.S.K.); (M.A.H.); (S.P.C.)
- Cancer Discovery (CanDisc) Group, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (Y.Z.)
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Zhu J, Zhang K, Chen Y, Ge X, Wu J, Xu P, Yao J. Progress of single-cell RNA sequencing combined with spatial transcriptomics in tumour microenvironment and treatment of pancreatic cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:563. [PMID: 38867230 PMCID: PMC11167806 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05307-3] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, single-cell analyses have revealed the heterogeneity of the tumour microenvironment (TME) at the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic levels, further improving our understanding of the mechanisms of tumour development. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology allow analysis of the transcriptome at the single-cell level and have unprecedented potential for exploration of the characteristics involved in tumour development and progression. These techniques allow analysis of transcript sequences at higher resolution, thereby increasing our understanding of the diversity of cells found in the tumour microenvironment and how these cells interact in complex tumour tissue. Although scRNA-seq has emerged as an important tool for studying the tumour microenvironment in recent years, it cannot be used to analyse spatial information for cells. In this regard, spatial transcriptomics (ST) approaches allow researchers to understand the functions of individual cells in complex multicellular organisms by understanding their physical location in tissue sections. In particular, in related research on tumour heterogeneity, ST is an excellent complementary approach to scRNA-seq, constituting a new method for further exploration of tumour heterogeneity, and this approach can also provide unprecedented insight into the development of treatments for pancreatic cancer (PC). In this review, based on the methods of scRNA-seq and ST analyses, research progress on the tumour microenvironment and treatment of pancreatic cancer is further explained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xinyu Ge
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Junqing Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Jie Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Beč A, Persoons L, Daelemans D, Starčević K, Vianello R, Hranjec M. Biological activity and computational analysis of novel acrylonitrile derived benzazoles as potent antiproliferative agents for pancreatic adenocarcinoma with antioxidative properties. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107326. [PMID: 38653153 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107326] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Continuing our research into the anticancer properties of acrylonitriles, we present a study involving the design, synthesis, computational analysis, and biological assessment of novel acrylonitriles derived from methoxy, hydroxy, and N-substituted benzazole. Our aim was to examine how varying the number of methoxy and hydroxy groups, as well as the N-substituents on the benzimidazole core, influences their biological activity. The newly synthesized acrylonitriles exhibited strong and selective antiproliferative effects against the Capan-1 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line, with IC50 values ranging from 1.2 to 5.3 μM. Consequently, these compounds were further evaluated in three other pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines, while their impact on normal PBMC cells was also investigated to determine selectivity. Among these compounds, the monohydroxy-substituted benzimidazole derivative 27 emerged with the most profound and broad-spectrum anticancer antiproliferative activity being emerged as a promising lead candidate. Moreover, a majority of the acrylonitriles in this series exhibited significant antioxidative activity, surpassing that of the reference molecule BHT, as demonstrated by the FRAP assay (ranging from 3200 to 5235 mmolFe2+/mmolC). Computational analysis highlighted the prevalence of electron ionization in conferring antioxidant properties, with computed ionization energies correlating well with observed activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Beč
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Leentje Persoons
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Daelemans
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristina Starčević
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Vianello
- Laboratory for the Computational Design and Synthesis of Functional Materials, Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Marijana Hranjec
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Zhong P, Nakata K, Oyama K, Higashijima N, Sagara A, Date S, Luo H, Hayashi M, Kubo A, Wu C, He S, Yamamoto T, Koikawa K, Iwamoto C, Abe T, Ikenaga N, Ohuchida K, Morisaki T, Oda Y, Kuba K, Nakamura M. Blockade of histamine receptor H1 augments immune checkpoint therapy by enhancing MHC-I expression in pancreatic cancer cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:138. [PMID: 38715057 PMCID: PMC11077718 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03060-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has proven to be extremely effective at managing certain cancers, its efficacy in treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been limited. Therefore, enhancing the effect of ICB could improve the prognosis of PDAC. In this study, we focused on the histamine receptor H1 (HRH1) and investigated its impact on ICB therapy for PDAC. METHODS We assessed HRH1 expression in pancreatic cancer cell (PCC) specimens from PDAC patients through public data analysis and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The impact of HRH1 in PCCs was evaluated using HRH1 antagonists and small hairpin RNA (shRNA). Techniques including Western blot, flow cytometry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and microarray analyses were performed to identify the relationships between HRH1 and major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) expression in cancer cells. We combined HRH1 antagonism or knockdown with anti-programmed death receptor 1 (αPD-1) therapy in orthotopic models, employing IHC, immunofluorescence, and hematoxylin and eosin staining for assessment. RESULTS HRH1 expression in cancer cells was negatively correlated with HLA-ABC expression, CD8+ T cells, and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Our findings indicate that HRH1 blockade upregulates MHC-I expression in PCCs via cholesterol biosynthesis signaling. In the orthotopic model, the combined inhibition of HRH1 and αPD-1 blockade enhanced cytotoxic CD8+ T cell penetration and efficacy, overcoming resistance to ICB therapy. CONCLUSIONS HRH1 plays an immunosuppressive role in cancer cells. Consequently, HRH1 intervention may be a promising method to amplify the responsiveness of PDAC to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- PingShan Zhong
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kohei Nakata
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
- Department of Diagnostics and Therapeutics Endoscopy, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
- Department of Overseas Exchange Center, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Koki Oyama
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Higashijima
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Akiko Sagara
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Satomi Date
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - HaiZhen Luo
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masataka Hayashi
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kubo
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - ChenYi Wu
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shan He
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takeo Yamamoto
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Pathological Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Koikawa
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Chika Iwamoto
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Toshiya Abe
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Naoki Ikenaga
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kenoki Ohuchida
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takashi Morisaki
- Department of Cancer Immunotherapy, Fukuoka General Cancer Clinic, Fukuoka, 812-0018, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Pathological Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Keiji Kuba
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masafumi Nakamura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
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Sagini MN, Zepp M, Eyol E, Ali DM, Gromova S, Dahlmann M, Behrens D, Groeschel C, Tischmeier L, Hoffmann J, Berger MR, Forssmann WG. EPI-X4, a CXCR4 antagonist inhibits tumor growth in pancreatic cancer and lymphoma models. Peptides 2024; 175:171111. [PMID: 38036098 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous peptide inhibitor for CXCR4 (EPI-X4) is a CXCR4 antagonist with potential for cancer therapy. It is a processed fragment of serum albumin from the hemofiltrate of dialysis patients. This study reports the efficacy of fifteen EPI-X4 derivatives in pancreatic cancer and lymphoma models. In vitro, the peptides were investigated for antiproliferation (cytotoxicity) by MTT assay. The mRNA expression for CXCR4 and CXCL12 was determined by RT-PCR, chip array and RNA sequencing. Chip array analysis yielded 634 genes associated with CXCR4/CXCL12 signaling. About 21% of these genes correlated with metastasis in the context of cell motility, proliferation, and survival. Expression levels of these genes were altered in pancreatic cancer (36%), lymphoma models (53%) and in patients' data (58%). EPI-X4 derivatives failed to inhibit cell proliferation due to low expression of CXCR4 in vitro, but inhibited tumor growth in the bioassays with significant efficacy. In the pancreatic cancer model, EPI-X4a, f and k inhibited mean tumor growth by > 50% and even caused complete remissions. In the lymphoma model, EPI-X4b, n and p inhibited mean tumor growth by > 70% and caused stable disease. Given the non-toxic and non-immunogenic properties of EPI-X4, these findings underscore its status as a promising therapy of pancreatic cancer and lymphoma and warrant further studies. SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study examined the value of chemokine receptor CXCR4 as an antineoplastic target for the endogenous peptide inhibitor of CXCR4 (EPI-X4), a 12-meric peptide derived from serum albumin. EPI-X4 inhibits CXCR4 interaction with its natural ligand, CXCL12 (SDF1). Therefore, malignancies (including pancreatic cancer and lymphoma) that depend on the CXCR4/CXCL12 pathway for progression can be targeted with EPI-X4. Of 634 genes that were linked to the CXCR4/CXCL12 pathway, 21% were associated with metastasis. In cultured human Suit2-007 pancreatic cancer cells, CXCR4 showed low to undetectable expression, which was why EPI-X4 did not inhibit pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. These findings were different in vivo, where CXCR4 was highly expressed and EPI-X4 inhibited tumor growth in rodents harboring pancreatic cancer or lymphoma. In the pancreatic cancer model, EPI-X4 derivatives a, f and k caused complete remissions, while in lymphomas EPI-X4 derivatives b, n and p caused stable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micah N Sagini
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Zepp
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ergül Eyol
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Doaa M Ali
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Svetlana Gromova
- EPO, Experimental Pharmacology & Oncology Berlin-Buch GmbH, Germany
| | - Mathias Dahlmann
- EPO, Experimental Pharmacology & Oncology Berlin-Buch GmbH, Germany
| | - Diana Behrens
- EPO, Experimental Pharmacology & Oncology Berlin-Buch GmbH, Germany
| | - Christian Groeschel
- NeoPep Pharma GmbH & Co. KG., Hannover, Germany and Hannover Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, Germany
| | - Linus Tischmeier
- NeoPep Pharma GmbH & Co. KG., Hannover, Germany and Hannover Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, Germany
| | - Jens Hoffmann
- EPO, Experimental Pharmacology & Oncology Berlin-Buch GmbH, Germany
| | - Martin R Berger
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Wolf-Georg Forssmann
- NeoPep Pharma GmbH & Co. KG., Hannover, Germany and Hannover Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, Germany.
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9
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Rao J, Sinn M, Pelzer U, Riess H, Oettle H, Demir IE, Friess H, Jäger C, Steiger K, Muckenhuber A. KRT81 and HNF1A expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: investigation of predictive and prognostic value of immunohistochemistry-based subtyping. J Pathol Clin Res 2024; 10:e12377. [PMID: 38750616 PMCID: PMC11096282 DOI: 10.1002/2056-4538.12377] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Even after decades of research, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a highly lethal disease and responses to conventional treatments remain mostly poor. Subclassification of PDAC into distinct biological subtypes has been proposed by various groups to further improve patient outcome and reduce unnecessary side effects. Recently, an immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based subtyping method using cytokeratin-81 (KRT81) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1A (HNF1A) could recapitulate some of the previously established molecular subtyping methods, while providing significant prognostic and, to a limited degree, also predictive information. We refined the KRT81/HNF1A subtyping method to classify PDAC into three distinct biological subtypes. The prognostic value of the IHC-based method was investigated in two primary resected cohorts, which include 269 and 286 patients, respectively. In the second cohort, we also assessed the predictive effect for response to erlotinib + gemcitabine. In both PDAC cohorts, the new HNF1A-positive subtype was associated with the best survival, the KRT81-positive subtype with the worst, and the double-negative with an intermediate survival (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) in univariate and multivariate analyses. In the second cohort (CONKO-005), the IHC-based subtype was additionally found to have a potential predictive value for the erlotinib-based treatment effect. The revised IHC-based subtyping using KRT81 and HNF1A has prognostic significance for PDAC patients and may be of value in predicting treatment response to specific therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Rao
- Institute of PathologyTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
| | - Marianne Sinn
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Tumour Immunology, CONKO‐Study‐GroupCharité – University Medicine BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department of Internal Medicine IIUniversity Medical Center of Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Uwe Pelzer
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Tumour Immunology, CONKO‐Study‐GroupCharité – University Medicine BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Hanno Riess
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Tumour Immunology, CONKO‐Study‐GroupCharité – University Medicine BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Helmut Oettle
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Tumour Immunology, CONKO‐Study‐GroupCharité – University Medicine BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Ihsan E Demir
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of MedicineTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
- Else Kröner Clinician Scientist Professor for Translational Pancreatic SurgeryMunichGermany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of MedicineTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
| | - Carsten Jäger
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of MedicineTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of PathologyTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
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10
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Liou GY, Byrd CJ, Storz P, Messex JK. Cytokine CCL9 Mediates Oncogenic KRAS-Induced Pancreatic Acinar-to-Ductal Metaplasia by Promoting Reactive Oxygen Species and Metalloproteinases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4726. [PMID: 38731942 PMCID: PMC11083758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094726] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) can originate from acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM). Pancreatic acini harboring oncogenic Kras mutations are transdifferentiated to a duct-like phenotype that further progresses to become pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions, giving rise to PDAC. Although ADM formation is frequently observed in KrasG12D transgenic mouse models of PDAC, the exact mechanisms of how oncogenic KrasG12D regulates this process remain an enigma. Herein, we revealed a new downstream target of oncogenic Kras, cytokine CCL9, during ADM formation. Higher levels of CCL9 and its receptors, CCR1 and CCR3, were detected in ADM regions of the pancreas in p48cre:KrasG12D mice and human PDAC patients. Knockdown of CCL9 in KrasG12D-expressed pancreatic acini reduced KrasG12D-induced ADM in a 3D organoid culture system. Moreover, exogenously added recombinant CCL9 and overexpression of CCL9 in primary pancreatic acini induced pancreatic ADM. We also showed that, functioning as a downstream target of KrasG12D, CCL9 promoted pancreatic ADM through upregulation of the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP14, MMP3 and MMP2. Blockade of MMPs via its generic inhibitor GM6001 or knockdown of specific MMP such as MMP14 and MMP3 decreased CCL9-induced pancreatic ADM. In p48cre:KrasG12D transgenic mice, blockade of CCL9 through its specific neutralizing antibody attenuated pancreatic ADM structures and PanIN lesion formation. Furthermore, it also diminished infiltrating macrophages and expression of MMP14, MMP3 and MMP2 in the ADM areas. Altogether, our results provide novel mechanistic insight into how oncogenic Kras enhances pancreatic ADM through its new downstream target molecule, CCL9, to initiate PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geou-Yarh Liou
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
| | - Crystal J. Byrd
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
| | - Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Justin K. Messex
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
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11
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Sun X, Song H, Sun X, Liao C, Wang G, Xu Y, Li L, Han Y, Xu C, Wang W, Cai S, Liang H, Yu H. A 15-Inflammation-Related Gene Signature Predicts the Prognosis of Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancer Invest 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38616304 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2024.2340577] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation promotes the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and PDAC-related inflammatory tumor microenvironment facilitates tumor growth and metastasis. Thus, we aimed to study the association between inflammatory response and prognosis in patients with PDAC. We conducted the whole transcriptomic sequencing using tissue samples collected from patients diagnosed with PDAC (n = 106) recruited from Shandong Cancer Hospital. We first constructed a prognostic signature using 15 inflammation-related genes in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort (n = 177) and further validated it in an independent International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) cohort (n = 90) and our in-house cohort. PDAC patients with a higher risk score had poorer overall survival (OS) (P < 0.001; HR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.94-4.70). The association between the prognostic signature and OS remained significant in the multivariable Cox regression adjusting for age, sex, alcohol exposure, diabetes, and stage (P < 0.001; HR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.73-4.89). This gene signature also robustly predicted prognosis in the ICGC cohort (P = 0.01; HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.14-3.30) and our cohort (P < 0.001; HR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.45-3.97). Immune subtype C3 (inflammatory) was enriched and CD8+ T cells were higher in patients with a lower risk score (P < 0.05). Furthermore, PDAC patients with higher risk scores were more sensitive to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and PARP inhibitors (P < 0.05). In sum, we identified a novel gene signature that was associated with inflammatory response for risk stratification, prognosis prediction, and therapy guidance in PDAC patients. Future studies are warranted to validate the clinical utility of the signature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hao Song
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoran Sun
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | | | | | - Yu Xu
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Leo Li
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yusheng Han
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Chunwei Xu
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wenxian Wang
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shangli Cai
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Hua Liang
- Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Hao Yu
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China
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12
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Cepni B, Tessonnier T, Dokic I, Brons S, Tawk B, Mairani A, Abdollahi A, Debus J, Herfarth K, Liermann J. Evaluation of Helium Ion Radiotherapy in Combination with Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Cancer In Vitro. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1497. [PMID: 38672579 PMCID: PMC11049166 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081497] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers. New treatment strategies are highly warranted. Particle radiotherapy could offer a way to overcome the radioresistant nature of pancreatic cancer because of its biological and physical characteristics. Within particles, helium ions represent an attractive therapy option to achieve the highest possible conformity while at the same time protecting the surrounding normal tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic efficacy of helium ion irradiation in pancreatic cancer in vitro. METHODS Human pancreatic cancer cell lines AsPC-1, BxPC-3 and Panc-1 were irradiated with photons and helium ions at various doses and treated with gemcitabine. Photon irradiation was performed with a biological cabin X-ray irradiator, and helium ion irradiation was performed with a spread-out Bragg peak using the raster scanning technique at the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT). The cytotoxic effect on pancreatic cancer cells was measured with clonogenic survival. The survival curves were compared to the predicted curves that were calculated via the modified microdosimetric kinetic model (mMKM). RESULTS The experimental relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of helium ion irradiation ranged from 1.0 to 1.7. The predicted survival curves obtained via mMKM calculations matched the experimental survival curves. Mainly additive cytotoxic effects were observed for the cell lines AsPC-1, BxPC-3 and Panc-1. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate the cytotoxic efficacy of helium ion radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer in vitro as well as the capability of mMKM calculation and its value for biological plan optimization in helium ion therapy for pancreatic cancer. A combined treatment of helium irradiation and chemotherapy with gemcitabine leads to mainly additive cytotoxic effects in pancreatic cancer cell lines. The data generated in this study may serve as the radiobiological basis for future experimental and clinical works using helium ion radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Cepni
- Heidelberg University School of Medicine, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.T.); (S.B.); (A.M.); (J.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Thomas Tessonnier
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.T.); (S.B.); (A.M.); (J.D.); (K.H.)
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (I.D.); (B.T.); (A.A.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ivana Dokic
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (I.D.); (B.T.); (A.A.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Brons
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.T.); (S.B.); (A.M.); (J.D.); (K.H.)
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bouchra Tawk
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (I.D.); (B.T.); (A.A.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Mairani
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.T.); (S.B.); (A.M.); (J.D.); (K.H.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amir Abdollahi
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (I.D.); (B.T.); (A.A.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Debus
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.T.); (S.B.); (A.M.); (J.D.); (K.H.)
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (I.D.); (B.T.); (A.A.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Herfarth
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.T.); (S.B.); (A.M.); (J.D.); (K.H.)
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jakob Liermann
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.T.); (S.B.); (A.M.); (J.D.); (K.H.)
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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13
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Rupp L, Dietsche I, Kießler M, Sommer U, Muckenhuber A, Steiger K, van Eijck CWF, Richter L, Istvanffy R, Jäger C, Friess H, van Eijck CHJ, Demir IE, Reyes CM, Schmitz M. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with suppression of the B cell-centered immune landscape in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1378190. [PMID: 38629072 PMCID: PMC11018975 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1378190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is typically diagnosed at advanced stages and associated with early distant metastasis and poor survival. Besides clinical factors, the tumor microenvironment (TME) emerged as a crucial determinant of patient survival and therapy response in many tumors, including PDAC. Thus, the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) is associated with longer survival in PDAC. Although neoadjuvant therapy (NeoTx) has improved the management of locally advanced tumors, detailed insight into its effect on various TME components is limited. While a remodeling towards a proinflammatory state was reported for PDAC-infiltrating T cells, the effect of NeoTx on B cell subsets, including plasma cells, and TLS formation is widely unclear. We thus investigated the frequency, composition, and spatial distribution of PDAC-infiltrating B cells in primary resected (PR) versus neoadjuvant-treated patients using a novel multiplex immunohistochemistry panel. The NeoTx group displayed significantly lower frequencies of pan B cells, GC B cells, plasmablasts, and plasma cells, accompanied by a reduced abundance of TLS. This finding was supported by bulk RNA-sequencing analysis of an independent fresh frozen tissue cohort, which revealed that major B cell pathways were downregulated in the NeoTx group. We further observed that plasma cells frequently formed aggregates that localized close to TLS and that TLS+ patients displayed significantly higher plasma cell frequencies compared to TLS- patients in the PR group. Additionally, high densities of CD20+ intratumoral B cells were significantly associated with longer overall survival in the PR group. While CD20+ B cells held no prognostic value for NeoTx patients, an increased frequency of proliferating CD20+Ki67+ B cells emerged as an independent prognostic factor for longer survival in the NeoTx group. These results indicate that NeoTx differentially affects PDAC-infiltrating immune cells and may have detrimental effects on the existing B cell landscape and the formation of TLS. Gaining further insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms is crucial to overcome the intrinsic immunotherapy resistance of PDAC and develop novel strategies to improve the long-term outcome of PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Rupp
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ina Dietsche
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maximilian Kießler
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Neural Influences in Cancer (NIC), International Research Consortium, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sommer
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexander Muckenhuber
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Casper W. F. van Eijck
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Center, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Leonard Richter
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rouzanna Istvanffy
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten Jäger
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Casper H. J. van Eijck
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Center, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ihsan Ekin Demir
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Neural Influences in Cancer (NIC), International Research Consortium, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of General Surgery, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Unit, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Else Kröner Clinician Scientist Professor for Translational Pancreatic Surgery, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carmen Mota Reyes
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Neural Influences in Cancer (NIC), International Research Consortium, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Schmitz
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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14
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Alseud K, Ostlund T, Durymanov M, Reineke J, Halaweish F. Synthesis and biological activity of 11-Oxygenated and heterocyclic estrone analogs in pancreatic cancer monolayers and 3D spheroids. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 103:117678. [PMID: 38489997 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117678] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC), representing over 90 % of pancreatic cancer diagnoses, is an aggressive disease with survivability among the worst of all cancers due to its difficulty in detection and its high metastatic properties. Current therapies for PDAC show limited success at extending life expectancies, primarily due to cancer resistance and lack of patient-specific targeted therapies. This work highlights the design and evaluation of estrone-derived analogs with both heterocyclic side-chain functionality and 11-oxygenated functionality for use in pancreatic cancer. First-round heterocyclic analogs show preliminary promise in AsPC-1 and Panc-1 cell lines, with IC50 values as low as 10.16 ± 0.83 µM. Their success, coupled with design choices from other studies, led to the synthesis of novel 11-hydroxyl and 11-keto estrone analogs that show potent in-vitro toxicity against various pancreatic cancer models. The three most cytotoxic analogs, KA1, KA2, and KA9 demonstrated low micromolar activities in both MTT and CellTiter assays in three pancreatic cancer cell lines: AsPC-1, Panc-1, and BxPC-3, as well as in a co-culture of Panc-1 and pancreatic stellate cells. IC50 values for KA9 (4.17 ± 0.90, 5.28 ± 1.87, and 5.70 ± 0.65 µM respectively) shows consistency in all cell lines tested. KA9 is also able to cause an increase in caspases 3 and 7 activity, key markers for apoptosis, at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Additional work was performed by generating 3D pancreatic cancer spheroids to better modulate the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, and KA9 continued to show the best IC50 values (21.0 and 24.3 µM) in both cell types tested. KA9 was also able to prevent the growth of spheroids whereas the standard chemotherapy, Gemcitabine, could not, suggesting that it may be a potent analog for future development of treatments. Molecular dynamic simulations were also performed to confirm biological findings and uncovered that KA9's preferential binding location is in the active site pocket of key proteins involved in cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Alseud
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57006, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Trevor Ostlund
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57006, USA
| | - Mikhail Durymanov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57006, USA
| | - Joshua Reineke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57006, USA
| | - Fathi Halaweish
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57006, USA.
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15
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Henderson EA, Ivey A, Choi SJ, Santiago S, McNitt D, Liu TW, Lukomski S, Boone BA. Group A streptococcal collagen-like protein 1 restricts tumor growth in murine pancreatic adenocarcinoma and inhibits cancer-promoting neutrophil extracellular traps. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1363962. [PMID: 38515758 PMCID: PMC10955053 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1363962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal cancer associated with an immunosuppressive environment. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were initially described in the context of infection but have more recently been implicated in contributing to the tolerogenic immune response in PDAC. Thus, NETs are an attractive target for new therapeutic strategies. Group A Streptococcus (GAS) has developed defensive strategies to inhibit NETs. Methods In the present work, we propose utilizing intra-tumoral GAS injection to stimulate anti-tumor activity by inhibiting cancer-promoting NETs. Mice harboring Panc02 or KPC subcutaneous tumors injected with three different M-type GAS strains. Tumors and spleens were harvested at the endpoint of the experiments to assess bacterial colonization and systemic spread, while sera were analyzed for humoral responses toward the streptococcal antigens, especially the M1 and Scl1 proteins. Role of the streptococcal collagen-like protein 1 (Scl1) in anti-PDAC activity was assessed in vivo after intratumoral injection with M1 GAS wild-type, an isogenic mutant strain devoid of Scl1, or a complemented mutant strain with restored scl1 expression. In addition, recombinant Scl1 proteins were tested for NET inhibition using in vitro and ex vivo assays assessing NET production and myeloperoxidase activity. Results Injection of three different M-type GAS strains reduced subcutaneous pancreatic tumor volume compared to control in two different murine PDAC models. Limitation of tumor growth was dependent on Scl1, as isogenic mutant strain devoid of Scl1 did not reduce tumor size. We further show that Scl1 plays a role in localizing GAS to the tumor site, thereby limiting the systemic spread of bacteria and off-target effects. While mice did elicit a humoral immune response to GAS antigens, tested sera were weakly immunogenic toward Scl1 antigen following intra-tumoral treatment with Scl1-expressing GAS. M1 GAS inhibited NET formation when co-cultured with neutrophils while Scl1-devoid mutant strain did not. Recombinant Scl1 protein inhibited NETs ex vivo in a dose-dependent manner by suppressing myeloperoxidase activity. Discussion Altogether, we demonstrate that intra-tumoral GAS injections reduce PDAC growth, which is facilitated by Scl1, in part through inhibition of cancer promoting NETs. This work offers a novel strategy by which NETs can be targeted through Scl1 protein and potentiates its use as a cancer therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Henderson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Abby Ivey
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Soo Jeon Choi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Stell Santiago
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Dudley McNitt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Tracy W. Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Slawomir Lukomski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Brian A. Boone
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Department of Surgery, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
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16
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Sadozai H, Acharjee A, Kayani HZ, Gruber T, Gorczynski RM, Burke B. High hypoxia status in pancreatic cancer is associated with multiple hallmarks of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1360629. [PMID: 38510243 PMCID: PMC10951397 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1360629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common form of pancreatic cancer, is a particularly lethal disease that is often diagnosed late and is refractory to most forms of treatment. Tumour hypoxia is a key hallmark of PDAC and is purported to contribute to multiple facets of disease progression such as treatment resistance, increased invasiveness, metabolic reprogramming, and immunosuppression. Methods We used the Buffa gene signature as a hypoxia score to profile transcriptomics datasets from PDAC cases. We performed cell-type deconvolution and gene expression profiling approaches to compare the immunological phenotypes of cases with low and high hypoxia scores. We further supported our findings by qPCR analyses in PDAC cell lines cultured in hypoxic conditions. Results First, we demonstrated that this hypoxia score is associated with increased tumour grade and reduced survival suggesting that this score is correlated to disease progression. Subsequently, we compared the immune phenotypes of cases with high versus low hypoxia score expression (HypoxiaHI vs. HypoxiaLOW) to show that high hypoxia is associated with reduced levels of T cells, NK cells and dendritic cells (DC), including the crucial cDC1 subset. Concomitantly, immune-related gene expression profiling revealed that compared to HypoxiaLOW tumours, mRNA levels for multiple immunosuppressive molecules were notably elevated in HypoxiaHI cases. Using a Random Forest machine learning approach for variable selection, we identified LGALS3 (Galectin-3) as the top gene associated with high hypoxia status and confirmed its expression in hypoxic PDAC cell lines. Discussion In summary, we demonstrated novel associations between hypoxia and multiple immunosuppressive mediators in PDAC, highlighting avenues for improving PDAC immunotherapy by targeting these immune molecules in combination with hypoxia-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Sadozai
- Centre for Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Animesh Acharjee
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Hateem Z. Kayani
- Centre for Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Gruber
- Independent Scholar, National Coalition of Independent Scholars, Visp, Switzerland
| | | | - Bernard Burke
- Centre for Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
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17
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Wei Y, Zhu P. Long non-coding RNA TINCR suppresses growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by inhibiting Wnt/ β-catenin signaling pathway in human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells: Insights from in vitro and in vivo studies. ACTA PHARMACEUTICA (ZAGREB, CROATIA) 2024; 74:131-147. [PMID: 38554384 DOI: 10.2478/acph-2024-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in the development and progression of malignant tumors, particularly pancreatic cancer. In this study, the influence of the lncRNA TINCR on the behavior of human pancreatic cancer cells was investigated with the aim of deciphering its role in growth, migration, and invasion. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to investigate TINCR expression in pancreatic cancer cells. Ectopic expression of TINCR in PANC-1 cells was induced to evaluate the effects on cell viability and apoptosis, examining the apoptotic genes Bax and Bcl-2. Migration and invasion assays were used to measure the impact of TINCR on these cellular processes. In vivo studies using a xenograft mouse model examined the effects of TINCR on tumor growth, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. PANC-1 cells showed strikingly low TINCR expression compared to other pancreatic cancer cell lines. Ectopic TINCR expression reduced the viability of PANC-1 cells primarily by inducing apoptosis, as evidenced by increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 expression. Overexpression of TINCR significantly increased the percentage of apoptotic cells. It also decreased the migration and invasion ability of PANC-1 cells, as demonstrated in wound healing and transwell assays. In addition, overexpression of TINCR-suppressed proteins is associated with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in PANC-1 cells. In the xenograft mouse model, overexpression of TINCR inhibited tumor growth, EMT markers, and proteins associated with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This study sheds light on the tumour-suppressive role of TINCR in PANC-1 cells and suggests its potential as a therapeutic target. These results shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of TINCR on pancreatic cancer and offer promising opportunities for innovative therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes in this serious malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wei
- Department of Endoscopy Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute Shenyang, Liaoning Province China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Endoscopy Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute Shenyang, Liaoning Province China
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18
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Cenigaonandia-Campillo A, Garcia-Bautista A, Rio-Vilariño A, Cebrian A, Del Puerto L, Pellicer JA, Gabaldón JA, Pérez-Sánchez H, Carmena-Bargueño M, Meroño C, Traba J, Fernandez-Aceñero MJ, Baños-Herraiz N, Mozas-Vivar L, Núñez-Delicado E, Garcia-Foncillas J, Aguilera Ó. Vitamin-C-dependent downregulation of the citrate metabolism pathway potentiates pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma growth arrest. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38425123 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13616] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), metabolic rewiring and resistance to standard therapy are closely associated. PDAC cells show enormous requirements for glucose-derived citrate, the first rate-limiting metabolite in the synthesis of new lipids. Both the expression and activity of citrate synthase (CS) are extraordinarily upregulated in PDAC. However, no previous relationship between gemcitabine response and citrate metabolism has been documented in pancreatic cancer. Here, we report for the first time that pharmacological doses of vitamin C are capable of exerting an inhibitory action on the activity of CS, reducing glucose-derived citrate levels. Moreover, ascorbate targets citrate metabolism towards the de novo lipogenesis pathway, impairing fatty acid synthase (FASN) and ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) expression. Lowered citrate availability was found to be directly associated with diminished proliferation and, remarkably, enhanced gemcitabine response. Moreover, the deregulated citrate-derived lipogenic pathway correlated with a remarkable decrease in extracellular pH through inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and overall reduced glycolytic metabolism. Modulation of citric acid metabolism in highly chemoresistant pancreatic adenocarcinoma, through molecules such as vitamin C, could be considered as a future clinical option to improve patient response to standard chemotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Garcia-Bautista
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz-UAM (Madrid), Spain
| | - Anxo Rio-Vilariño
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz-UAM (Madrid), Spain
| | - Arancha Cebrian
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz-UAM (Madrid), Spain
| | - Laura Del Puerto
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz-UAM (Madrid), Spain
| | - José Antonio Pellicer
- Molecular Recognition and Encapsulation Research Group (REM), Health Sciences Department, Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), Spain
| | - José Antonio Gabaldón
- Molecular Recognition and Encapsulation Research Group (REM), Health Sciences Department, Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), Spain
| | - Horacio Pérez-Sánchez
- Bioinformatics and High-Performance Computing Research Group (BIO-HPC), Computer Engineering Department, Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), Spain
| | - Miguel Carmena-Bargueño
- Bioinformatics and High-Performance Computing Research Group (BIO-HPC), Computer Engineering Department, Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), Spain
| | - Carolina Meroño
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular-UAM (IUBM-UAM), Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Traba
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular-UAM (IUBM-UAM), Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Lorena Mozas-Vivar
- Preclinical programe START Madrid-FJD Hospital fundación Jiménez Díaz, Spain
| | - Estrella Núñez-Delicado
- Molecular Recognition and Encapsulation Research Group (REM), Health Sciences Department, Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), Spain
| | - Jesús Garcia-Foncillas
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz-UAM (Madrid), Spain
| | - Óscar Aguilera
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz-UAM (Madrid), Spain
- Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), Spain
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19
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Adem B, Bastos N, Ruivo CF, Sousa-Alves S, Dias C, Vieira PF, Batista IA, Cavadas B, Saur D, Machado JC, Cai D, Melo SA. Exosomes define a local and systemic communication network in healthy pancreas and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1496. [PMID: 38383468 PMCID: PMC10881969 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45753-7] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a lethal disease, requires a grasp of its biology for effective therapies. Exosomes, implicated in cancer, are poorly understood in living systems. Here we use the genetically engineered mouse model (ExoBow) to map the spatiotemporal distribution of exosomes from healthy and PDAC pancreas in vivo to determine their biological significance. We show that, within the PDAC microenvironment, cancer cells establish preferential communication routes through exosomes with cancer associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells. The latter being a conserved event in the healthy pancreas. Inhibiting exosomes secretion in both scenarios enhances angiogenesis, underscoring their contribution to vascularization and to cancer. Inter-organ communication is significantly increased in PDAC with specific organs as most frequent targets of exosomes communication occurring in health with the thymus, bone-marrow, brain, and intestines, and in PDAC with the kidneys, lungs and thymus. In sum, we find that exosomes mediate an organized intra- and inter- pancreas communication network with modulatory effects in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Adem
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Bastos
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carolina F Ruivo
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Sousa-Alves
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carolina Dias
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia F Vieira
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês A Batista
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Cavadas
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Dieter Saur
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - José C Machado
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- P.CCC Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal
| | - Dawen Cai
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Biophysics, LS&A, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sonia A Melo
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- P.CCC Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal.
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20
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Kpeglo D, Haddrick M, Knowles MA, Evans SD, Peyman SA. Modelling and breaking down the biophysical barriers to drug delivery in pancreatic cancer. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:854-868. [PMID: 38240720 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00660c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) stroma and its inherent biophysical barriers to drug delivery are central to therapeutic resistance. This makes PDAC the most prevalent pancreatic cancer with poor prognosis. The chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine is used against various solid tumours, including pancreatic cancer, but with only a modest effect on patient survival. The growing PDAC tumour mass with high densities of cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, i.e., collagen, results in high interstitial pressure, leading to vasculature collapse and a dense, hypoxic, mechanically stiff stroma with reduced interstitial flow, critical to drug delivery to cells. Despite this, most drug studies are performed on cellular models that neglect these biophysical barriers to drug delivery. Microfluidic technology offers a promising platform to emulate tumour biophysical characteristics with appropriate flow conditions and transport dynamics. We present a microfluidic PDAC culture model, encompassing the disease's biophysical barriers to therapeutics, to evaluate the use of the angiotensin II receptor blocker losartan, which has been found to have matrix-depleting properties, on improving gemcitabine efficacy. PDAC cells were seeded into our 5-channel microfluidic device for a 21-day culture to mimic the rigid, collagenous PDAC stroma with reduced interstitial flow, which is critical to drug delivery to the cancer cells, and for assessment with gemcitabine and losartan treatment. With losartan, our culture matrix was more porous with less collagen, resulting in increased hydraulic conductivity of the culture interstitial space and improved gemcitabine effect. We demonstrate the importance of modelling tumour biophysical barriers to successfully assess new drugs and delivery methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delanyo Kpeglo
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9 JT, UK.
| | - Malcolm Haddrick
- Medicines Discovery Catapult, Block 35, Mereside Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Margaret A Knowles
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's (LIMR), School of Medicine, University of Leeds, LS2 9 JT, UK
| | - Stephen D Evans
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9 JT, UK.
| | - Sally A Peyman
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9 JT, UK.
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's (LIMR), School of Medicine, University of Leeds, LS2 9 JT, UK
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21
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Delle Cave D. Emerging Therapeutic Options in Pancreatic Cancer Management. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1929. [PMID: 38339207 PMCID: PMC10855952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031929] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a 5-year survival rate of <8% [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Delle Cave
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
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22
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Henderson EA, Ivey A, Choi S, Santiago S, McNitt D, Liu TW, Lukomski S, Boone BA. Group A Streptococcal Collagen-like Protein 1 Restricts Tumor Growth in Murine Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma and Inhibits Cancer-Promoting Neutrophil Extracellular Traps. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.17.576060. [PMID: 38293049 PMCID: PMC10827155 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.17.576060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal cancer associated with an immunosuppressive environment. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were initially described in the context of infection but have more recently been implicated in contributing to the tolerogenic immune response in PDAC. Thus, NETs are an attractive target for new therapeutic strategies. Group A Streptococcus (GAS) has developed defensive strategies to inhibit NETs. In the present work, we propose utilizing intra-tumoral GAS injection to stimulate anti-tumor activity by inhibiting cancer-promoting NETs. Injection of three different M-type GAS strains reduced subcutaneous pancreatic tumor volume compared to control in two different murine PDAC models. Limitation of tumor growth was dependent on streptococcal collagen-like protein 1 (Scl1), as isogenic mutant strain devoid of Scl1 did not reduce tumor size. We further show that Scl1 plays a role in localizing GAS to the tumor site, thereby limiting the systemic spread of bacteria and off-target effects. While mice did elicit a humoral immune response to GAS antigens, tested sera were negative toward Scl1 antigen following intra-tumoral treatment with Scl1-expressing GAS. M1 GAS inhibited NET formation when co-cultured with neutrophils while Scl1-devoid mutant strain did not. Recombinant Scl1 protein inhibited NETs ex vivo in a dose-dependent manner by suppressing myeloperoxidase activity. Altogether, we demonstrate that intra-tumoral GAS injections reduce PDAC growth, which is facilitated by Scl1, in part through inhibition of cancer promoting NETs. This work offers a novel strategy by which NETs can be targeted through Scl1 protein and potentiates its use as a cancer therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Henderson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Abby Ivey
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Soo Choi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Stell Santiago
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Dudley McNitt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Tracy W. Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Slawomir Lukomski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Brian A. Boone
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
- Department of Surgery, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
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23
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Yoo C, Lamarca A, Choi HJ, Vogel A, Pishvaian MJ, Goyal L, Ueno M, Märten A, Teufel M, Geng L, Morizane C. Brightline-2: a phase IIa/IIb trial of brigimadlin (BI 907828) in advanced biliary tract cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or other solid tumors. Future Oncol 2024; 20:1069-1077. [PMID: 38214149 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0963] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) is a key negative regulator of the tumor suppressor p53. Blocking the MDM2-p53 interaction, and restoring p53 function, is therefore a potential therapeutic strategy in MDM2-amplified, TP53 wild-type tumors. MDM2 is amplified in several tumor types, including biliary tract cancer (BTC), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), lung adenocarcinoma and bladder cancer, all of which have limited treatment options and poor patient outcomes. Brigimadlin (BI 907828) is a highly potent MDM2-p53 antagonist that has shown promising activity in preclinical and early-phase clinical studies. This manuscript describes the rationale and design of an ongoing phase IIa/IIb Brightline-2 trial evaluating brigimadlin as second-line treatment for patients with advanced/metastatic BTC, PDAC, lung adenocarcinoma, or bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhoon Yoo
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Angela Lamarca
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Hye Jin Choi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 0625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Toronto General Hospital, Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | | | - Lipika Goyal
- Stanford Cancer Center, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Makoto Ueno
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
| | - Angela Märten
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, 55218 Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Michael Teufel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, Ridgefield, CT 0687, USA
| | - Lijiang Geng
- Boehringer Ingelheim (China) Investment Co., Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Chigusa Morizane
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
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Hussain Z, Bertran T, Finetti P, Lohmann E, Mamessier E, Bidaut G, Bertucci F, Rego M, Tomasini R. Macrophages reprogramming driven by cancer-associated fibroblasts under FOLFIRINOX treatment correlates with shorter survival in pancreatic cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:1. [PMID: 38167013 PMCID: PMC10759487 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01388-7] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a clinically challenging cancer, mainly due to limited therapeutic options and the presence of a highly prominent tumor microenvironment (TME), facilitating tumor progression. The TME is predominated by heterogeneous populations of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), in constant communication with each other and with tumor cells, influencing many tumoral abilities such as therapeutic resistance. However how the crosstalk between CAFs and macrophages evolves following chemotherapeutic treatment remains poorly understood, limiting our capacity to halt therapeutic resistance. METHODS We combined biological characterization of macrophages indirectly cocultured with human PDAC CAFs, under FOLFIRINOX treatment, with mRNAseq analyses of such macrophages and evaluated the relevance of the specific gene expression signature in a large series of primary PDAC patients to search for correlation with overall survival (OS) after FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. RESULTS Firstly, we demonstrated that CAFs polarize naïve and M1 macrophages towards an M2-like phenotype with a specific increase of CD200R and CD209 M2 markers. Then, we demonstrated that CAFs counteract the pro-inflammatory phenotype induced by the FOLFIRINOX on Macrophages. Indeed, we highlighted that, under FOLFIRINOX, CAFs limit the FOLFIRINOX-induced cell death of macrophages and further reinforce their M2 phenotype as well as their immunosuppressive impact through specific chemokines production. Finally, we revealed that under FOLFIRINOX CAFs drive a specific macrophage gene expression signature involving SELENOP and GOS2 that correlates with shortened OS in FOLFIRINOX-treated PDAC patients. CONCLUSION Our study provides insight into the complex interactions between TME cells under FOLFIRINOX treatment. It suggests potential novel candidates that could be used as therapeutic targets in combination with FOLFIRINOX to prevent and alleviate TME influx on therapeutic resistance as well as biomarkers to predict FOLFIRINOX response in PDAC patients. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Hussain
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institute Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Thomas Bertran
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institute Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institute Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Eugenie Lohmann
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institute Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Mamessier
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institute Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Ghislain Bidaut
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institute Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - François Bertucci
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institute Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Moacyr Rego
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Richard Tomasini
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institute Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France.
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25
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Lee DH, Lee SS, Lee JM, Choi JY, Lee CH, Ha HI, Kang BK, Yu MH, Chang W, Park SJ. Pancreas CT assessment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma resectability: effect of tube voltage and slice thickness on image quality and diagnostic performance. Cancer Imaging 2023; 23:126. [PMID: 38111054 PMCID: PMC10729459 DOI: 10.1186/s40644-023-00637-9] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the resectability of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the evaluation of tumor vascular contact holds paramount significance. This study aimed to compare the image quality and diagnostic performance of high-resolution (HR) pancreas computed tomography (CT) using an 80 kVp tube voltage and a thin slice (1 mm) for assessing PDAC resectability, in comparison with the standard protocol CT using 120 kVp. METHODS This research constitutes a secondary analysis originating from a multicenter prospective study. All participants underwent both the standard protocol pancreas CT using 120 kVp with 3 mm slice thickness (ST) and HR-CT utilizing an 80 kVp tube voltage and 1 mm ST. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between parenchyma and tumor, along with the degree of enhancement of the abdominal aorta and main portal vein (MPV), were measured and subsequently compared. Additionally, the likelihood of margin-negative resection (R0) was evaluated using a five-point scale. The diagnostic performance of both CT protocols in predicting R0 resection was assessed through the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS A total of 69 patients (37 males and 32 females; median age, 66.5 years) were included in the study. The median CNR of PDAC was 10.4 in HR-CT, which was significantly higher than the 7.1 in the standard CT (P=0.006). Furthermore, HR-CT demonstrated notably higher median attenuation values for both the abdominal aorta (579.5 HU vs. 327.2 HU; P=0.002) and the MPV (263.0 HU vs. 175.6 HU; P=0.004) in comparison with standard CT. Following surgery, R0 resection was achieved in 51 patients. The pooled AUC for HR-CT in predicting R0 resection was 0.727, slightly exceeding the 0.699 of standard CT, albeit lacking a significant statistical distinction (P=0.128). CONCLUSION While HR pancreas CT using 80 kVp offered a notably greater degree of contrast enhancement in vessels and a higher CNR for PDAC compared to standard CT, its diagnostic performance in predicting R0 resection remained statistically comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Ho Lee
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Soo Lee
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong Min Lee
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
| | - Jin-Young Choi
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chang Hee Lee
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Guro Hospital, South Korea University Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hong Il Ha
- Department of Radiology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, South Korea
| | - Bo-Kyeong Kang
- Department of Radiology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mi Hye Yu
- Department of Radiology, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Won Chang
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sae Jin Park
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
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Canel M, Sławińska AD, Lonergan DW, Kallor AA, Upstill-Goddard R, Davidson C, von Kriegsheim A, Biankin AV, Byron A, Alfaro J, Serrels A. FAK suppresses antigen processing and presentation to promote immune evasion in pancreatic cancer. Gut 2023; 73:131-155. [PMID: 36977556 PMCID: PMC10715489 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immunotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has shown limited efficacy. Poor CD8 T-cell infiltration, low neoantigen load and a highly immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment contribute to this lack of response. Here, we aimed to further investigate the immunoregulatory function of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in PDAC, with specific emphasis on regulation of the type-II interferon response that is critical in promoting T-cell tumour recognition and effective immunosurveillance. DESIGN We combined CRISPR, proteogenomics and transcriptomics with mechanistic experiments using a KrasG12Dp53R172H mouse model of pancreatic cancer and validated findings using proteomic analysis of human patient-derived PDAC cell lines and analysis of publicly available human PDAC transcriptomics datasets. RESULTS Loss of PDAC cell-intrinsic FAK signalling promotes expression of the immunoproteasome and Major Histocompatibility Complex class-I (MHC-I), resulting in increased antigen diversity and antigen presentation by FAK-/- PDAC cells. Regulation of the immunoproteasome by FAK is a critical determinant of this response, optimising the physicochemical properties of the peptide repertoire for high affinity binding to MHC-I. Expression of these pathways can be further amplified in a STAT1-dependent manner via co-depletion of FAK and STAT3, resulting in extensive infiltration of tumour-reactive CD8 T-cells and further restraint of tumour growth. FAK-dependent regulation of antigen processing and presentation is conserved between mouse and human PDAC, but is lost in cells/tumours with an extreme squamous phenotype. CONCLUSION Therapies aimed at FAK degradation may unlock additional therapeutic benefit for the treatment of PDAC through increasing antigen diversity and promoting antigen presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Canel
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - David W Lonergan
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ashwin Adrian Kallor
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Rosie Upstill-Goddard
- The Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Catherine Davidson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alex von Kriegsheim
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew V Biankin
- The Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Adam Byron
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Javier Alfaro
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Alan Serrels
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Busato D, Capolla S, Durigutto P, Mossenta M, Bozzer S, Sblattero D, Macor P, Dal Bo M, Toffoli G. A novel complement-fixing IgM antibody targeting GPC1 as a useful immunotherapeutic strategy for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Transl Med 2023; 21:864. [PMID: 38017492 PMCID: PMC10685509 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04745-9] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive cancers with a very low survival rate at 5 years. The use of chemotherapeutic agents results in only modest prolongation of survival and is generally associated with the occurrence of toxicity effects. Antibody-based immunotherapy has been proposed for the treatment of PDAC, but its efficacy has so far proved limited. The proteoglycan glypican-1 (GPC1) may be a useful immunotherapeutic target because it is highly expressed on the surface of PDAC cells, whereas it is not expressed or is expressed at very low levels in benign neoplastic lesions, chronic pancreatitis, and normal adult tissues. Here, we developed and characterized a specific mouse IgM antibody (AT101) targeting GPC1. METHODS We developed a mouse monoclonal antibody of the IgM class directed against an epitope of GPC1 in close proximity to the cell membrane. For this purpose, a 46 amino acid long peptide of the C-terminal region was used to immunize mice by an in-vivo electroporation protocol followed by serum titer and hybridoma formation. RESULTS The ability of AT101 to bind the GPC1 protein was demonstrated by ELISA, and by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analysis in the GPC1-expressing "PDAC-like" BXPC3 cell line. In-vivo experiments in the BXPC3 xenograft model showed that AT101 was able to bind GPC1 on the cell surface and accumulate in the BXPC3 tumor masses. Ex-vivo analyses of BXPC3 tumor masses showed that AT101 was able to recruit immunological effectors (complement system components, NK cells, macrophages) to the tumor site and damage PDAC tumor tissue. In-vivo treatment with AT101 reduced tumor growth and prolonged survival of mice with BXPC3 tumor (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that AT101, an IgM specific for an epitope of GPC1 close to PDAC cell surface, is a promising immunotherapeutic agent for GPC1-expressing PDAC, being able to selectively activate the complement system and recruit effector cells in the tumor microenvironment, thus allowing to reduce tumor mass growth and improve survival in treated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Busato
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centro Di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) Di Aviano IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Capolla
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centro Di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) Di Aviano IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Paolo Durigutto
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Monica Mossenta
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centro Di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) Di Aviano IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Bozzer
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centro Di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) Di Aviano IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Daniele Sblattero
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paolo Macor
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Michele Dal Bo
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centro Di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) Di Aviano IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Toffoli
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centro Di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) Di Aviano IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
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Yoon AR, Hong J, Jung BK, Ahn HM, Zhang S, Yun CO. Oncolytic adenovirus as pancreatic cancer-targeted therapy: Where do we go from here? Cancer Lett 2023; 579:216456. [PMID: 37940067 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers with extremely high mortality rate, and the number of cases is expected to steadily increase with time. Pancreatic cancer is refractory to conventional cancer treatment options, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and commercialized immunotherapeutics, owing to its immunosuppressive and desmoplastic phenotype. Due to these reasons, development of an innovative treatment option that can overcome these challenges posed by the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME) is in an urgent need. The present review aims to summarize the evolution of oncolytic adenovirus (oAd) engineering and usage as therapeutics (either monotherapy or combination therapy) over the last decade to overcome these hurdles to instigate a potent antitumor effect against desmoplastic and immunosuppressive pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-Rum Yoon
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (HY-IBB), Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - JinWoo Hong
- GeneMedicine Co., Ltd., 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Kyeong Jung
- GeneMedicine Co., Ltd., 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Min Ahn
- GeneMedicine Co., Ltd., 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Songnam Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Yanbian University Hospital, Jilin, China
| | - Chae-Ok Yun
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (HY-IBB), Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; GeneMedicine Co., Ltd., 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Park J, Lim F, Prest M, Ferris JS, Aziz Z, Agyekum A, Wagner S, Gulati R, Hur C. Quantifying the potential benefits of early detection for pancreatic cancer through a counterfactual simulation modeling analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20028. [PMID: 37973858 PMCID: PMC10654404 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46751-3] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The benefits of cancer early detection depend on various factors, including cancer type, screening method performance, stage at diagnosis, and subsequent treatment. Although numerous studies have evaluated the effectiveness of screening interventions for identifying cancer at earlier stages, there is no quantitative analysis that studies the optimal early detection time interval that results in the greatest mortality benefit; such data could serve as a target and benchmark for cancer early detection strategies. In this study, we focus on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a cancer known for its lack of early symptoms. Consequently, it is most often detected at late stages when the 5-year survival rate is only 3%. We developed a PDAC population model that simulates an individual patient's age and stage at diagnosis, while replicating overall US cancer incidence and mortality rates. The model includes "cancer sojourn time," serving as a proxy for the speed of cancer progression, with shorter times indicating rapid progression and longer times indicating slower progression. In our PDAC model, our hypothesis was that earlier cancer detection, potentially through a hypothetical screening intervention in the counterfactual analysis, would yield reduced mortality as compared to a no-screening group. We found that the benefits of early detection, such as increased life-years gained, are greater when the sojourn time is shorter, reaching their maximum when identification is made 4-6 years prior to clinical diagnosis (e.g., when a symptomatic diagnosis is made). However, when early detection occurs even earlier, for example 6-10 years prior to clinical diagnosis, the benefits significantly diminish for shorter sojourn time cancers, and level off for longer sojourn time cancers. Our study clarifies the potential benefits of PDAC early detection that explicitly incorporates individual patient heterogeneity in cancer progression and identifies quantitative benchmarks for future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiheum Park
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Francesca Lim
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Matthew Prest
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Jennifer S Ferris
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Zainab Aziz
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Alice Agyekum
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Sophie Wagner
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Roman Gulati
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Chin Hur
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Avşar G, Pir P. An integrated study to decipher immunosuppressive cellular communication in the PDAC environment. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:56. [PMID: 37945567 PMCID: PMC10636193 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00320-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one the most aggressive cancers and characterized by a highly rigid and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The extensive cellular interactions are known to play key roles in the immune evasion, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. Here, we used the spatial transcriptomics, scRNA-seq, and bulk RNA-seq datasets to enhance the insights obtained from each to decipher the cellular communication in the TME. The complex crosstalk in PDAC samples was revealed by the single-cell and spatial transcriptomics profiles of the samples. We show that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the central cell types in the regulation of microenvironment in PDAC. They colocalize with the cancer cells and tumor-suppressor immune cells and take roles to provide an immunosuppressive environment. LGALS9 gene which is upregulated in PDAC tumor samples in comparison to healthy samples was also found to be upregulated in TAMs compared to tumor-suppressor immune cells in cancer samples. Additionally, LGALS9 was found to be the primary component in the crosstalk between TAMs and the other cells. The widespread expression of P4HB gene and its interaction with LGALS9 was also notable. Our findings point to a profound role of TAMs via LGALS9 and its interaction with P4HB that should be considered for further elucidation as target in the combinatory immunotherapies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülben Avşar
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey.
- Turkish Academy of Sciences, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Pınar Pir
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey
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Ingle K, LaComb JF, Graves LM, Baines AT, Bialkowska AB. AUM302, a novel triple kinase PIM/PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, is a potent in vitro pancreatic cancer growth inhibitor. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294065. [PMID: 37943821 PMCID: PMC10635512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) being the most common subtype. Advanced stage diagnosis of PDAC is common, causing limited treatment opportunities. Gemcitabine is a frequently used chemotherapeutic agent which can be used as a monotherapy or in combination. However, tumors often develop resistance to gemcitabine. Previous studies show that the proto-oncogene PIM kinases (PIM1 and PIM3) are upregulated in PDAC compared to matched normal tissue and are related to chemoresistance and PDAC cell growth. The PIM kinases are also involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to promote cell survival. In this study, we evaluate the effect of the novel multikinase PIM/PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, AUM302, and commercially available PIM inhibitor, TP-3654. Using five human PDAC cell lines, we found AUM302 to be a potent inhibitor of cell proliferation, cell viability, cell cycle progression, and phosphoprotein expression, while TP-3654 was less effective. Significantly, AUM302 had a strong impact on the viability of gemcitabine-resistant PDAC cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that AUM302 exhibits antitumor activity in human PDAC cells and thus has the potential to be an effective drug for PDAC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komala Ingle
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Joseph F. LaComb
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Lee M. Graves
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Antonio T. Baines
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, College of Health & Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Agnieszka B. Bialkowska
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
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Fyfe J, Dye D, Razak NBA, Metharom P, Falasca M. Immune evasion on the nanoscale: Small extracellular vesicles in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma immunity. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 96:36-47. [PMID: 37748738 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.09.004] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a type of cancer alarmingly expanding in our modern societies that is still proving to be very challenging to counteract. This disease constitutes a quintessential example of the multiple interactions existing between the tumour and its surrounding microenvironment. In particular, PDAC is characterized by a very immunosuppressive environment that favours cancer growth and makes this cancer type very resistant to immunotherapy. The primary tumour releases many factors that influence both the microenvironment and the immune landscape. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), recently identified as indispensable entities ensuring cell-to-cell communication in both physiological and pathological processes, seem to play a pivotal function in ensuring the delivery of these factors to the tumour-surrounding tissues. In this review, we summarize the present understanding on the crosstalk among tumour cells and the cellular immune microenvironment emphasizing the pro-malignant role played by extracellular vesicles. We also discuss how a greater knowledge of the roles of EVs in tumour immune escape could be translated into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Fyfe
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute [1], Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Danielle Dye
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute [1], Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Norbaini Binti Abdol Razak
- Platelet Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute [1], Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Pat Metharom
- Platelet Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute [1], Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute [1], Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Via Volturno 39, 43125 Parma, Italy.
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Wittwer NL, Brown MP, Liapis V, Staudacher AH. Antibody drug conjugates: hitting the mark in pancreatic cancer? J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:280. [PMID: 37880707 PMCID: PMC10598980 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02868-x] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death, and the 5-year survival rate has only improved marginally over the last decade. Late detection of the disease means that in most cases the disease has advanced locally and/or metastasized, and curative surgery is not possible. Chemotherapy is still the first-line treatment however, this has only had a modest impact in improving survival, with associated toxicities. Therefore, there is an urgent need for targeted approaches to better treat pancreatic cancer, while minimizing treatment-induced side-effects. Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) are one treatment option that could fill this gap. Here, a monoclonal antibody is used to deliver extremely potent drugs directly to the tumor site to improve on-target killing while reducing off-target toxicity. In this paper, we review the current literature for ADC targets that have been examined in vivo for treating pancreatic cancer, summarize current and on-going clinical trials using ADCs to treat pancreatic cancer and discuss potential strategies to improve their therapeutic window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Wittwer
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Michael P Brown
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Vasilios Liapis
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Alexander H Staudacher
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
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Singh M, Jana BK, Pal P, Singha I, Rajkumari A, Chowrasia P, Nath V, Mazumder B. Nanoparticles in pancreatic cancer therapy: a detailed and elaborated review on patent literature. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:681-699. [PMID: 37991186 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2287520] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nanotechnology may open up new avenues for overcoming the challenges of pancreatic cancer therapy as a broad arsenal of anticancer medicines fail to realize their full therapeutic potential in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma due to the formation of multiple resistance mechanisms inside the tumor. Many studies have reported the successful use of various nano formulations in pancreatic cancer therapy. AREAS COVERED This review covers all the major nanotechnology-based patent litrature available on renowned patent data bases like Patentscope and Espacenet, through the time period of 2007-2022. This is an entirely patent centric review, and it includes both clinical and non-clinical data available on nanotechnology-based therapeutics and diagnostic tools for pancreatic cancer. EXPERT OPINION For the sake of understanding, the patents are categorized under various formulation-specific heads like metallic/non-metallic nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, carbon nanotubes, protein nanoparticles and liposomes. This distinguishes one specific nanoparticle type from another and makes this review a one-of-a-kind comprehensive patent compilation that has not been reported so far in the history of nanotechnological formulations in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohini Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Bani Kumar Jana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Paulami Pal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Ishita Singha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Ananya Rajkumari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Pinky Chowrasia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Venessa Nath
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Bhaskar Mazumder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
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Spitzer HV, Kemp Bohan PM, Carpenter EL, Adams AM, Chang SC, Grunkemeier G, Vreeland TJ, Tzeng CWD, Katz MHG, Nelson DW. Impact of Adherence to Operative Standards and Stage-Specific Guideline-Recommended Therapy in Nonmetastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:6662-6670. [PMID: 37330447 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-13758-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achieving optimal surgical outcomes in pancreatic adenocarcinoma requires a combination of both curative-intent resection to oncologic standards and stage-specific neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. This investigation sought to examine factors associated with receipt of standard-adherent surgery (SAS) and guideline-recommended therapy (GRT) and determine the impact of compliance on patient survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS From the 2006-2016 National Cancer Database, 21,304 patients underwent resection for nonmetastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. SAS was defined as pancreatic resection with negative margins and ≥ 15 lymph nodes examined. Stage-specific GRT was defined by current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Multivariable models were used to determine predictors of adherence to SAS and GRT and prognostic impact on overall survival. RESULTS Overall, SAS was achieved in 39% and GRT in 65% of patients, but only 30% received both SAS and GRT. Increasing age, minority race, uninsured status, and greater comorbidities were associated with a decreased odds of receiving both SAS and GRT (all p < 0.05). SAS (HR 0.79; CI 0.76-0.81; p < 0.001) and GRT (HR 0.67; CI 0.65-0.69; p < 0.001) were each independently associated with a survival advantage. Receipt of both SAS and GRT was associated with significant improvement in median OS compared with receiving neither (2.2 years vs 1.1 years; p < 0.001) which was independently associated with a 78% increased risk of death (HR 1.78; CI 1.70-1.86; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Despite survival benefits associated with adherence to operative standards and receipt of guideline-recommended therapy, compliance remains poor. Future efforts must be directed toward improved education and implementation efforts around both operative standards and therapy guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly V Spitzer
- Department of Surgery, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Fort Bliss, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Alexandra M Adams
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Gary Grunkemeier
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Timothy J Vreeland
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ching-Wei D Tzeng
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew H G Katz
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel W Nelson
- Department of Surgery, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Fort Bliss, TX, USA.
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Cammarota AL, Falco A, Basile A, Molino C, Chetta M, D’Angelo G, Marzullo L, De Marco M, Turco MC, Rosati A. Pancreatic Cancer-Secreted Proteins: Targeting Their Functions in Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4825. [PMID: 37835519 PMCID: PMC10571538 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194825] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a ravaging disease with a poor prognosis, requiring a more detailed understanding of its biology to foster the development of effective therapies. The unsatisfactory results of treatments targeting cell proliferation and its related mechanisms suggest a shift in focus towards the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we discuss the role of cancer-secreted proteins in the complex TME tumor-stroma crosstalk, shedding lights on druggable molecular targets for the development of innovative, safer and more efficient therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lisa Cammarota
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Schola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (A.L.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.M.); (M.C.T.)
| | - Antonia Falco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Schola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (A.L.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.M.); (M.C.T.)
| | - Anna Basile
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Schola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (A.L.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.M.); (M.C.T.)
| | - Carlo Molino
- General Surgery Unit, A.O.R.N. Cardarelli, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Chetta
- Medical and Laboratory Genetics Unit, A.O.R.N., Cardarelli, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Gianni D’Angelo
- Department of Computer Science, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
| | - Liberato Marzullo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Schola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (A.L.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.M.); (M.C.T.)
- FIBROSYS s.r.l., University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Margot De Marco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Schola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (A.L.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.M.); (M.C.T.)
- FIBROSYS s.r.l., University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Turco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Schola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (A.L.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.M.); (M.C.T.)
- FIBROSYS s.r.l., University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rosati
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Schola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (A.L.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.M.); (M.C.T.)
- FIBROSYS s.r.l., University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
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Park J, Sorrells JE, Chaney EJ, Abdelrahman AM, Yonkus JA, Leiting JL, Nelson H, Harrington JJ, Aksamitiene E, Marjanovic M, Groves PD, Bushell C, Truty MJ, Boppart SA. In vivo label-free optical signatures of chemotherapy response in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patient-derived xenografts. Commun Biol 2023; 6:980. [PMID: 37749184 PMCID: PMC10520051 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05368-y] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease often detected at later stages, necessitating swift and effective chemotherapy treatment. However, chemoresistance is common and its mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, label-free multi-modal nonlinear optical microscopy was applied to study microstructural and functional features of pancreatic tumors in vivo to monitor inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity and treatment response. Patient-derived xenografts with human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were implanted into mice and characterized over five weeks of intraperitoneal chemotherapy (FIRINOX or Gem/NabP) with known responsiveness/resistance. Resistant and responsive tumors exhibited a similar initial metabolic response, but by week 5 the resistant tumor deviated significantly from the responsive tumor, indicating that a representative response may take up to five weeks to appear. This biphasic metabolic response in a chemoresistant tumor reveals the possibility of intra-tumor spatiotemporal heterogeneity of drug responsiveness. These results, though limited by small sample size, suggest the possibility for further work characterizing chemoresistance mechanisms using nonlinear optical microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaena Park
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Janet E Sorrells
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Eric J Chaney
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Amro M Abdelrahman
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jennifer A Yonkus
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jennifer L Leiting
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Heidi Nelson
- Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, Cancer Programs, American College of Surgeons, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | | | - Edita Aksamitiene
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Marina Marjanovic
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- NIH/NIBIB Center for Label-free Imaging and Multiscale Biophotonics, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Peter D Groves
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Colleen Bushell
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Mark J Truty
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Stephen A Boppart
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- NIH/NIBIB Center for Label-free Imaging and Multiscale Biophotonics, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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Casarcia N, Rogers P, Guld E, Iyer S, Li Y, Burcher JT, DeLiberto LK, Banerjee S, Bishayee A. Phytochemicals for the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer: Current progress and future prospects. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 37740585 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16249] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, owing to its aggressive nature and suboptimal treatment options, emphasizing the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Emerging studies have exhibited promising results regarding the therapeutic utility of plant-derived compounds (phytochemicals) in pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the potential of phytochemicals in the treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was applied to collect articles for this review. Scholarly databases, including PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect, were queried for relevant studies using the following keywords: phytochemicals, phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, sulfur-containing compounds, in vitro, in vivo, clinical studies, pancreatic cancer, tumour, treatment and prevention. Aggregate results pooled from qualified studies indicate phytochemicals can inhibit pancreatic cancer cell growth or decrease tumour size and volume in animal models. These effects have been attributed to various mechanisms, such as increasing proapoptotic factors, decreasing antiapoptotic factors, or inducing cell death and cell cycle arrest. Notable signalling pathways modulated by phytochemicals include the rat sarcoma/mitogen activated protein kinase, wingless-related integration site/β-catenin and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signal transduction pathways. Clinically, phytochemicals have been found to increase survival while being well-tolerated and safe, though research is scarce. While these promising results have produced great interest in this field, further in-depth studies are required to characterize the anticancer activities of phytochemicals before they can be utilized to prevent or treat pancreatic cancer in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolette Casarcia
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, USA
| | - Patrick Rogers
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, USA
| | - Emma Guld
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, USA
| | - Samvit Iyer
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, USA
| | - Yutong Li
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, USA
| | - Jack T Burcher
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, USA
| | - Lindsay K DeLiberto
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, USA
| | - Sabyasachi Banerjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Gupta College of Technological Sciences, Asansol, India
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, USA
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Underwood PW, Herremans KM, Neal D, Riner AN, Nassour I, Hughes SJ, Trevino JG. Changing Practice Patterns and Improving Survival for Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4464. [PMID: 37760433 PMCID: PMC10526129 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184464] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, there have been many reported advances in the clinical management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We sought to evaluate changes in survival for patients diagnosed with PDAC between 2004 and 2017. The National Cancer Database was queried for patients diagnosed with PDAC between 2004 and 2017. There were 55,401 patients who underwent surgery and 109,477 patients who underwent non-surgical treatment for PDAC between 2004 and 2017. Patients were categorized into four groups by year of diagnosis. Median survival improved from 15.5 months to 25.3 months for patients treated with surgery between the years 2016 and 2017 compared with between 2004 and 2007 (p < 0.001). Median survival improved from 7.2 months to 10.1 months for patients treated without surgery during the same years (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, the hazard ratio for death was estimated to multiply by 0.975 per year for patients treated with surgery and 0.959 per year for patients treated without surgery (p < 0.001). This increase in survival in the setting of evolving care validates continued efforts aimed at improving survival for patients with this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick W. Underwood
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (P.W.U.); (K.M.H.); (D.N.); (A.N.R.); (I.N.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Kelly M. Herremans
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (P.W.U.); (K.M.H.); (D.N.); (A.N.R.); (I.N.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Dan Neal
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (P.W.U.); (K.M.H.); (D.N.); (A.N.R.); (I.N.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Andrea N. Riner
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (P.W.U.); (K.M.H.); (D.N.); (A.N.R.); (I.N.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Ibrahim Nassour
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (P.W.U.); (K.M.H.); (D.N.); (A.N.R.); (I.N.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Steven J. Hughes
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (P.W.U.); (K.M.H.); (D.N.); (A.N.R.); (I.N.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Jose G. Trevino
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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Samant C, Kale R, Bokare A, Verma M, Pai KSR, Bhonde M. PAK4 inhibition significantly potentiates Gemcitabine activity in PDAC cells via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin, p-ERK/MAPK and p-AKT/PI3K pathways. Biochem Biophys Rep 2023; 35:101544. [PMID: 37720313 PMCID: PMC10500449 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most difficult to treat cancers. Gemcitabine is still the standard of care treatment for PDAC but with modest survival benefit and well reported resistance. Here we explored potential of inhibiting p21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4), a downstream protein of KRAS oncogenic pathway, in combination with Gemcitabine in PDAC cells. PAK4 inhibition by KPT-9274 led to significant potentiation of Gemcitabine activity in PDAC cells, with an increase in apoptosis, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest. At molecular level, PAK4 inhibition dose dependently inhibited Gemcitabine-induced β-catenin, c-JUN and Ribonucleotide Reductase subunit 2 (RRM2) levels. PAK4 inhibition further inhibited levels of phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK); Gemcitabine-induced phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), phosphorylated and total c-Myc. These results suggest possible role of β-catenin, p-ERK and p-AKT, key effector proteins of Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK and PI3K pathways respectively, in sensitisation of Gemcitabine activity with PAK4 inhibition. Our data unravel probable molecular mechanisms behind combination of PAK4 inhibition with Gemcitabine to counter PDAC, which may be unequivocally proved further with knock down of PAK4. Our findings provide a strong rationale to exploit the combination therapy of Gemcitabine and PAK4 inhibitor for PDAC at pre-clinical and clinical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charudatt Samant
- Department of Pharmacology, Novel Drug Discovery and Development (NDDD), Lupin Limited, Survey No. 46A/47A, Village Nande, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ramesh Kale
- Department of Pharmacology, Novel Drug Discovery and Development (NDDD), Lupin Limited, Survey No. 46A/47A, Village Nande, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anand Bokare
- Department of Pharmacology, Novel Drug Discovery and Development (NDDD), Lupin Limited, Survey No. 46A/47A, Village Nande, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mahip Verma
- Department of Pharmacology, Novel Drug Discovery and Development (NDDD), Lupin Limited, Survey No. 46A/47A, Village Nande, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India
| | - K. Sreedhara Ranganath Pai
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Mandar Bhonde
- Department of Pharmacology, Novel Drug Discovery and Development (NDDD), Lupin Limited, Survey No. 46A/47A, Village Nande, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India
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Zhou X, Zhang P, Liu N, Zhang X, Lv H, Xu W, Huo M. Enhancing chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer through efficient and sustained tumor microenvironment remodeling with a fibroblast-targeted nanosystem. J Control Release 2023; 361:161-177. [PMID: 37536546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) carries a poor prognosis among all malignancies and poses great challenges to clinical drug accessibility due to the severely fibrotic and hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME). Therein, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are extremely abundant in PC, play a key role in forming the complex PC microenvironment. Therefore, a highly efficient TME reprogramming therapeutic paradigm that can specifically inhibit CAF function is urgently needed. Herein, we successfully developed a novel CAF-tailored nanosystem (Dex-GP-DOCA, DPD) loaded with a potent anti-fibrosis flavonoid compound (Quercetin, QUE), which possesses biological responsiveness to fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP-α), prolonged TME remodeling and enhancement of clinical chemotherapeutics. Specifically, DPD/QUE allowed for extracellular matrix (ECM) reduction, vessel normalization, hypoxia-induced drug resistance reversal, and blockade of Wnt16 paracrine in CAFs. More importantly, this chemotherapy conducive microenvironment persisted for at least 8 days following treatment with DPD/QUE. It should also be noted that the effective and prolonged microenvironment modulation induced by DPD/QUE significantly improved the chemotherapy sensitivity of Abraxane and gemcitabine, the first-line chemotherapeutic drugs for PC, with inhibition rates increasing from 37.5% and 40.0% to 87.5% and 85.2%, respectively. Overall, our CAFs-targeted nanosystem showed promising prospects for remodeling the TME and facilitating chemotherapy for refractory pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Pan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of clinical pharmacy, Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Hospital Affiliation with Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Lv
- Department of clinical pharmacy, Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Hospital Affiliation with Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of clinical pharmacy, Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Hospital Affiliation with Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China.
| | - Meirong Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
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Stuart CM, Kirsch MJ, Zhuang Y, Meguid CL, Sugawara T, Colborn KL, Messersmith W, Lieu C, Gleisner AL, Del Chiaro M, Schulick RD, Meguid RA. Pulmonary metastasectomy is associated with survival after lung-only recurrence in pancreatic cancer. Surgery 2023; 174:654-659. [PMID: 37391327 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2023.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After surgical resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, 14% of patients have lung-only recurrence. We hypothesize that in patients with isolated lung metastases from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, pulmonary metastasectomy offers a survival benefit with minimal additional morbidity after resection. METHODS This was a single-institution, retrospective study of patients who underwent definitive resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and later developed isolated lung metastases between 2009 and 2021. Patients were included if they carried a diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, underwent pancreatic resection with curative intent, and subsequently developed lung metastases. Patients were excluded if they developed multiple sites of recurrence. RESULTS We identified 39 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and isolated lung metastases, 14 of whom underwent pulmonary metastasectomy. During the study period, 31 (79%) patients died. Across all patients, there was an overall survival of 45.9 months, a disease-free interval of 22.8 months, and survival after recurrence of 22.5 months. Survival after recurrence was significantly longer in patients who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy than those who did not (30.8 months vs 18.6 months, P < .01). There was no difference in overall survival between groups. However, patients who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy were significantly more likely to be alive 3 years after their diagnosis (100.0% vs 64%, P = .02) and 2 years after recurrence (79% vs 32%, P < .01) than those in who did not undergo pulmonary metastasectomy. No mortalities occurred related to pulmonary metastasectomy, and procedure-related morbidity was 7%. CONCLUSION Patients who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy for isolated pulmonary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma metastases had significantly longer survival after recurrence and clinically meaningful survival benefit with minimal additional morbidity after pulmonary resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Stuart
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO; Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research Program, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.
| | - Michael J Kirsch
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Yaxu Zhuang
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research Program, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Cheryl L Meguid
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Toshitaka Sugawara
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Kathryn L Colborn
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research Program, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Wells Messersmith
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Christopher Lieu
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Ana L Gleisner
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Marco Del Chiaro
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Richard D Schulick
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Robert A Meguid
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO; Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research Program, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
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Zhang K, Chen Y, Zhu J, Ge X, Wu J, Xu P, Yao J. Advancement of single-cell sequencing for clinical diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1213136. [PMID: 37720505 PMCID: PMC10501729 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1213136] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing is a high-throughput technique that enables detection of genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic information at the individual cell level, offering significant advantages in detecting cellular heterogeneity, precise cell classification, and identifying rare subpopulations. The technique holds tremendous potential in improving the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Moreover, single-cell sequencing provides unique insights into the mechanisms of pancreatic cancer metastasis and cachexia, paving the way for developing novel preventive strategies. Overall, single-cell sequencing has immense potential in promoting early diagnosis, guiding personalized treatment, and preventing complications of pancreatic cancer. Emerging single-cell sequencing technologies will undoubtedly enhance our understanding of the complex biology of pancreatic cancer and pave the way for new directions in its clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Ge
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Junqing Wu
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Taylor IP, Lopez JA. Oncolytic adenoviruses and the treatment of pancreatic cancer: a review of clinical trials. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:8117-8129. [PMID: 37031291 PMCID: PMC10374677 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04735-w] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a common and difficult cancer to treat. Surgical resection and chemotherapy are standard of care and clinical outcomes remain poor. Oncolytic adenoviruses are a unique approach to the treatment of this challenging cancer, aiming to overcome the features of this disease that pose the key obstacles to standard therapies. This paper provides a detailed review of the clinical trials of conditionally-replicative adenoviruses in pancreatic cancer to date, with a brief summary of the past preclinical literature and future prospects of this therapy. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched from inception to December 23rd 2022 for clinical trials of conditionally-replicative adenoviruses used in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Primary features for review included patient demographics, treatment protocol including dose and administration route, adverse events, patient responses and survival rates. RESULTS The six published clinical trials suggest that objective clinical responses can be achieved with a tolerable level of side effects, even at high viral doses. The more clinically adaptable intravenous route of administration also appears to be as well tolerated as the more challenging intratumoural injections. CONCLUSION Published clinical trials provide data of the safety and some signs of oncolytic activity of conditionally-replicative adenoviruses in patients with pancreatic cancer. Importantly, on the latest trials, the easier intravenous route of administration seems to be well tolerated and safe, providing the opportunity for further clinical evaluation. It is hoped that the ongoing clinical trials will yield more promising results of this therapeutic approach against a currently intractable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel P. Taylor
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - J. Alejandro Lopez
- School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
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El-Tanani M, Nsairat H, Matalka II, Aljabali AAA, Mishra V, Mishra Y, Naikoo GA, Chava SR, Charbe NB, Tambuwala MM. Impact of exosome therapy on pancreatic cancer and its progression. Med Oncol 2023; 40:225. [PMID: 37405480 PMCID: PMC10322774 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02101-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive tumors, has a dismal prognosis because of the low rates of early identification, fast progression, difficulties following surgery, and the ineffectiveness of current oncologic therapies. There are no imaging techniques or biomarkers that can accurately identify, categorize, or predict the biological behavior of this tumor. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that play a crucial rule in the progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer. They have been verified to be potential biomarkers for pancreatic cancer management. Studying the role of exosomes in pancreatic cancer is substantial. Exosomes are secreted by most eukaryotic cells and participated in intercellular communication. The components of exosomes, including proteins, DNA, mRNA, microRNA, long non-coding RNA, circular RNA, etc., play a crucial role in regulating tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis in the process of cancer development, and can be used as a prognostic marker and/or grading basis for tumor patients. Hereby, in this concise review, we intend to summarize exosomes components and isolation, exosome secretion, function, importance of exosomes in the progression of pancreatic cancer and exosomal miRNAs as possible pancreatic cancer biomarkers. Finally, the application potential of exosomes in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, which provides theoretical supports for using exosomes to serve precise tumor treatment in the clinic, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed El-Tanani
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, 19328, Jordan.
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, West Yorkshire, UK.
- Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
| | - Hamdi Nsairat
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, 19328, Jordan
| | - Ismail I Matalka
- Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, P.O. Box 566, Irbid, 21163, Jordan
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, India
| | - Yachana Mishra
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, India
| | - Gowhar A Naikoo
- Department of Mathematics and Sciences, College of Arts and Applied Sciences, Dhofar University, PC 211, Salalah, Oman
| | | | - Nitin B Charbe
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, University of Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK.
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Namsolleck P, Kofler B, Moll GN. Galanin 2 Receptor: A Novel Target for a Subset of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10193. [PMID: 37373336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210193] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Galanin is a 30 amino acid peptide that stimulates three subtype receptors (GAL1-3R). M89b is a lanthionine-stabilized, C-terminally truncated galanin analog that specifically stimulates GAL2R. We investigated the potential of M89b as a therapeutic for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and assessed its safety. The anti-tumor activity of subcutaneously injected M89b on the growth of patient-derived xenografts of PDAC (PDAC-PDX) in mice was investigated. In addition, the safety of M89b was assessed in vitro using a multi-target panel to measure the off-target binding and modulation of enzyme activities. In a PDAC-PDX with a high GAL2R expression, M89b completely inhibited the growth of the tumor (p < 0.001), while in two PDAC-PDXs with low GAL2R expression, low or negligeable inhibition of tumor growth was measured, and in the PDX without GAL2R expression no influence on the tumor growth was observed. The M89b treatment of the GAL2R high-PDAC-PDX-bearing mice led to a reduction in the expression of RacGap1 (p < 0.05), PCNA (p < 0.01), and MMP13 (p < 0.05). In vitro studies involving a multi-target panel of pharmacologically relevant targets revealedexcellent safety of M89b. Our data indicated that GAL2R is a safe and valuable target for treating PDACs with high GAL2R expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Namsolleck
- Lanthio Pharma, 9727 DL Groningen, The Netherlands
- PCDA Pharma Consulting & Data Analytics, 9791 CH Ten Boer, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Kofler
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Muellner Hauptstr. 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gert N Moll
- Lanthio Pharma, 9727 DL Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Linnaeusborg, Nijenborg 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
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Ko AH, Kim KP, Siveke JT, Lopez CD, Lacy J, O’Reilly EM, Macarulla T, Manji GA, Lee J, Ajani J, Alsina Maqueda M, Rha SY, Lau J, Al-Sakaff N, Allen S, Lu D, Shemesh CS, Gan X, Cha E, Oh DY. Atezolizumab Plus PEGPH20 Versus Chemotherapy in Advanced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Gastric Cancer: MORPHEUS Phase Ib/II Umbrella Randomized Study Platform. Oncologist 2023; 28:553-e472. [PMID: 36940261 PMCID: PMC10243783 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The MORPHEUS platform comprises multiple open-label, randomized, phase Ib/II trials designed to identify early efficacy and safety signals of treatment combinations across cancers. Atezolizumab (anti-programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 [PD-L1]) was evaluated in combination with PEGylated recombinant human hyaluronidase (PEGPH20). METHODS In 2 randomized MORPHEUS trials, eligible patients with advanced, previously treated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) or gastric cancer (GC) received atezolizumab plus PEGPH20, or control treatment (mFOLFOX6 or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel [MORPHEUS-PDAC]; ramucirumab plus paclitaxel [MORPHEUS-GC]). Primary endpoints were objective response rates (ORR) per RECIST 1.1 and safety. RESULTS In MORPHEUS-PDAC, ORRs with atezolizumab plus PEGPH20 (n = 66) were 6.1% (95% CI, 1.68%-14.80%) vs. 2.4% (95% CI, 0.06%-12.57%) with chemotherapy (n = 42). In the respective arms, 65.2% and 61.9% had grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs); 4.5% and 2.4% had grade 5 AEs. In MORPHEUS-GC, confirmed ORRs with atezolizumab plus PEGPH20 (n = 13) were 0% (95% CI, 0%-24.7%) vs. 16.7% (95% CI, 2.1%-48.4%) with control (n = 12). Grade 3/4 AEs occurred in 30.8% and 75.0% of patients, respectively; no grade 5 AEs occurred. CONCLUSION Atezolizumab plus PEGPH20 showed limited clinical activity in patients with PDAC and none in patients with GC. The safety of atezolizumab plus PEGPH20 was consistent with each agent's known safety profile. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03193190 and NCT03281369).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Ko
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kyu-Pyo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jens T Siveke
- Department of Medical Oncology and Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK/DKFZ, partner site Essen), West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Charles D Lopez
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jill Lacy
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Eileen M O’Reilly
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Teresa Macarulla
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Unit, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gulam A Manji
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeeyun Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaffer Ajani
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Alsina Maqueda
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Unit, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sun-Young Rha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Janet Lau
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Simon Allen
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Danny Lu
- Hoffmann-La Roche Limited, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | | | - Xinxin Gan
- Product Development Safety, Roche (China) Holding Ltd, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Edward Cha
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Do-Youn Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Yu S, Luan Y, Tang S, Abazarikia A, Dong R, Caffrey TC, Hollingsworth MA, Oupicky D, Kim S. Uncovering Tumor-Promoting Roles of Activin A in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207010. [PMID: 37083240 PMCID: PMC10238186 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers with high incidence rates of metastasis and cachexia. High circulating activin A, a homodimer of inhibin βA subunits that are encoded by INHBA gene, predicts poor survival among PDAC patients. However, it still raises the question of whether activin A suppression renders favorable PDAC outcomes. Here, the authors demonstrate that activin A is abundantly detected in tumor and stromal cells on PDAC tissue microarray and mouse PDAC sections. In orthotopic male mice, activin A suppression, which is acquired by tumor-targeted Inhba siRNA using cholesterol-modified polymeric nanoparticles, retards tumor growth/metastasis and cachexia and improves survival when compared to scramble siRNA-treated group. Histologically, activin A suppression coincides with decreased expression of proliferation marker Ki67 but increased accumulation of α-SMAhigh fibroblasts and cytotoxic T cells in the tumors. In vitro data demonstrate that activin A promotes KPC cell proliferation and induces the downregulation of α-SMA and upregulation of IL-6 in pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) in the SMAD3-dependent mechanism. Moreover, conditioned media from activin A-stimulated PSC promoted KPC cell growth. Collectively, our data provide a mechanistic basis for tumor-promoting roles of activin A and support therapeutic potentials of tumor activin A suppression for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok‐Yeong Yu
- Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Yi Luan
- Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Siyuan Tang
- Center for Drug Delivery and NanomedicineDepartment of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Amirhossein Abazarikia
- Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Rosemary Dong
- Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Thomas C. Caffrey
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
- Fred & Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Michael A. Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
- Fred & Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - David Oupicky
- Center for Drug Delivery and NanomedicineDepartment of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
- Fred & Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - So‐Youn Kim
- Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
- Center for Drug Delivery and NanomedicineDepartment of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
- Fred & Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
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Thapa Magar TB, Lee J, Lee JH, Jeon J, Gurung P, Lim J, Kim YW. Novel Chlorin e6-Curcumin Derivatives as a Potential Photosensitizer: Synthesis, Characterization, and Anticancer Activity. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1577. [PMID: 37376026 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061577] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel series of chlorin e6-curcumin derivatives were designed and synthesized. All the synthesized compounds 16, 17, 18, and 19 were tested for their photodynamic treatment (PDT) efficacy against human pancreatic cancer cell lines: AsPC-1, MIA-PaCa-2, and PANC-1. The cellular uptake study was performed in the aforementioned cell lines using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). 17, among the synthesized compounds with IC50 values of 0.27, 0.42, and 0.21 µM against AsPC-1, MIA PaCa-2, and PANC-1 cell lines, respectively, demonstrated excellent cellular internalization capability and exhibited higher phototoxicity relative to the parent Ce6. The quantitative analyses using Annexin V-PI staining revealed that the 17-PDT-induced apoptosis was dose-dependent. In pancreatic cell lines, 17 reduced the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, and increased the pro-apoptotic protein, cytochrome C, which indicates the activation of intrinsic apoptosis, the primary cause of cancer cell death. Structure-activity relationship studies have shown that the incorporation of additional methyl ester moiety and conjugation to the enone moiety of curcumin enhances cellular uptake and PDT efficacy. Moreover, in vivo PDT testing in melanoma mouse models revealed that 17-PDT greatly reduced tumor growth. Therefore, 17 might be an effective photosensitizer for PDT anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jusuk Lee
- A&J Science Co., Ltd., Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Lee
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhee Jeon
- Dongsung Cancer Center, Dongsung Biopharmaceutical, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Pallavi Gurung
- Dongsung Cancer Center, Dongsung Biopharmaceutical, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Junmo Lim
- Dongsung Cancer Center, Dongsung Biopharmaceutical, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Wan Kim
- Dongsung Cancer Center, Dongsung Biopharmaceutical, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
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50
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Stouten I, van Montfoort N, Hawinkels LJAC. The Tango between Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) and Immune Cells in Affecting Immunotherapy Efficacy in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108707. [PMID: 37240052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of response to therapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients has contributed to PDAC having one of the lowest survival rates of all cancer types. The poor survival of PDAC patients urges the exploration of novel treatment strategies. Immunotherapy has shown promising results in several other cancer types, but it is still ineffective in PDAC. What sets PDAC apart from other cancer types is its tumour microenvironment (TME) with desmoplasia and low immune infiltration and activity. The most abundant cell type in the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), could be instrumental in why low immunotherapy responses are observed. CAF heterogeneity and interactions with components of the TME is an emerging field of research, where many paths are to be explored. Understanding CAF-immune cell interactions in the TME might pave the way to optimize immunotherapy efficacy for PDAC and related cancers with stromal abundance. In this review, we discuss recent discoveries on the functions and interactions of CAFs and how targeting CAFs might improve immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke Stouten
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nadine van Montfoort
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lukas J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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