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Hwang HW, Shin HT, An HY, Byun JW. Genomic progression for local invasion of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma from the superficial to the deep portion. Int J Cancer 2024; 155:532-544. [PMID: 38739001 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34952] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer. While many treatments exist, our understanding of its genomic progression, especially from the epidermis to the deep dermis, remains limited. This study aims to identify genetic mutations associated with the progression of cSCC into the deep dermis, providing insights into its aggressive behavior and high-risk features. We performed high-depth whole-exome sequencing on 12 cSCC tissues, along with paired normal tissues from six patients, using microdissection techniques. The mutational analysis focused on identifying alterations enriched during cSCC progression. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, immunohistochemical assays, and external single-cell RNA data were utilized for validation. A total of 8863 non-synonymous somatic mutations were identified in 4092 genes across the superficial and deep portions of cSCCs. Analysis of deep portion mutations revealed a significant correlation with gene ontology biological processes, particularly cell junction organization, and cell-cell adhesion. Clonal mutations in these processes were more prevalent in the deep portions, indicating their impact on the cSCC mutation landscape. Genetic evolution analysis identified 29 causal genes associated with dermal invasion in cSCC. We highlight somatic mutations in cSCC, revealing heterogeneity between superficial and deep regions. Altered genes in cell junction organization and cell-cell adhesion emerged as pivotal in dermal invasion. We identified 29 causal genes primarily in deep tumor regions. Our findings emphasize analyzing multiple tumor regions to capture varied mutational landscapes. These insights advance our understanding of cSCC progression, emphasizing genetic and cellular changes during tumor evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Won Hwang
- Department of Dermatology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Tae Shin
- Department of Dermatology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Controlling Intercellular Communication (RCIC), Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Young An
- Department of Dermatology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Byun
- Department of Dermatology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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2
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Paganelli A, Zaffonato M, Donati B, Torricelli F, Manicardi V, Lai M, Spadafora M, Piana S, Ciarrocchi A, Longo C. Molecular and Histopathological Characterization of Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Case-Control Study. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2233. [PMID: 38927938 PMCID: PMC11202054 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122233] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A subset of patients affected by cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) can exhibit locally invasive or metastatic tumors. Different staging classification systems are currently in use for cSCC. However, precise patient risk stratification has yet to be reached in clinical practice. The study aims to identify specific histological and molecular parameters characterizing metastatic cSCC. METHODS Patients affected by metastatic and non-metastatic cSCC (controls) were included in the present study and matched for clinical and histological characteristics. Skin samples from primary tumors were revised for several histological parameters and also underwent gene expression profiling with a commercially available panel testing 770 different genes. RESULTS In total, 48 subjects were enrolled in the study (24 cases, 24 controls); 67 genes were found to be differentially expressed between metastatic and non-metastatic cSCC. Most such genes were involved in immune regulation, skin integrity, angiogenesis, cell migration and proliferation. CONCLUSION The combination of histological and molecular profiles of cSCCs allows the identification of features specific to metastatic cSCC, with potential implications for more precise patient risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Paganelli
- Dermatology Unit, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Marco Zaffonato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy;
| | - Benedetta Donati
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (B.D.); (F.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Federica Torricelli
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (B.D.); (F.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Veronica Manicardi
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (B.D.); (F.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Michela Lai
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy; (M.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Marco Spadafora
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy; (M.L.); (M.S.)
- Skin Cancer Center, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Simonetta Piana
- Pathology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 40123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Alessia Ciarrocchi
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (B.D.); (F.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Caterina Longo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy;
- Skin Cancer Center, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Perry JR, Genenger B, Thind AS, Ashford B, Ranson M. PIK Your Poison: The Effects of Combining PI3K and CDK Inhibitors against Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:370. [PMID: 38254859 PMCID: PMC10814950 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020370] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a very common skin malignancy with poor prognosis for patients with locally advanced or metastatic cSCC (mcSCC). PI3K/AKT/mTOR and cell cycle signalling pathways are often dysregulated in mcSCC. A combination drug approach has been theorised to overcome the underwhelming clinical performance of targeted inhibitors as single agents. This study investigates the potential of targeted inhibition of the p110α-subunit of PI3K with PIK-75 or BGT226 (P13Ki), and of CDK1/2/5/9 with dinaciclib (CDKi) as single agents and in combination. The patient-derived mcSCC cell lines, UW-CSCC1 and UW-CSCC2, were used to assess cell viability, migration, cell signalling, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis. PIK-75, BGT226, and dinaciclib exhibited strong cytotoxic potency as single agents. Notably, the non-malignant HaCaT cell line was unaffected. In 2D cultures, PIK-75 synergistically enhanced the cytotoxic effects of dinaciclib in UW-CSCC2, but not UW-CSCC1. Interestingly, this pattern was reversed in 3D spheroid models. Despite the combination of PIK-75 and dinaciclib resulting in an increase in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and reduced cell motility, these differences were largely negligible compared to their single-agent counterpart. The differential responses between the cell lines correlated with driver gene mutation profiles. These findings suggest that personalised medicine approaches targeting PI3K and CDK pathways in combination may yield some benefit for mcSCC, and that more complex 3D models should be considered for drug responsiveness studies in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay R. Perry
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizon, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (B.G.); (A.S.T.)
| | - Benjamin Genenger
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizon, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (B.G.); (A.S.T.)
| | - Amarinder Singh Thind
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizon, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (B.G.); (A.S.T.)
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia;
| | - Bruce Ashford
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia;
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Marie Ranson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizon, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (B.G.); (A.S.T.)
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Yeo N, Genenger B, Aghmesheh M, Thind A, Napaki S, Perry J, Ashford B, Ranson M, Brungs D. Sex as a Predictor of Response to Immunotherapy in Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5026. [PMID: 37894393 PMCID: PMC10605413 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 3-5% of patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) develop advanced disease, accounting for roughly 1% of all cancer deaths in Australia. Immunotherapy has demonstrated significant clinical benefit in advanced CSCC in several key phase II studies; however, there are limited data for patients treated outside of clinical trials. This is particularly relevant in advanced CSCC, which is most often seen in elderly patients with significant comorbidities. Thus, we aim to describe our experience with immunotherapy in a cohort of patients with advanced CSCC in Australia. We retrospectively reviewed all advanced CSCC patients treated with immunotherapy within the Illawarra and Shoalhaven Local Health District. Among the 51 patients treated with immunotherapy, there was an objective response rate (ORR) of 53% and disease control rate (DCR) of 67%. Our most significant predictor of response was sex, with male patients more likely to have better responses compared to female patients (DCR 85% vs. 41%, p < 0.0001), as well as improved progression-free survival (HR 4.6, 95%CI 1.9-10.8, p = 0.0007) and overall survival (HR 3.0, 95%CI 1.3-7.1, p = 0.006). Differential expression analysis of 770 immune-related genes demonstrated an impaired CD8 T-cell response in female patients. Our observed ORR of 53% is similar to that described in current literature with durable responses seen in the majority of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Yeo
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), NSW Health, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
| | - Benjamin Genenger
- Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
| | | | - Amarinder Thind
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), NSW Health, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
| | - Sarbar Napaki
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
- Anatomical Pathology, Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
- Southern IML/Sonic Healthcare, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
| | - Jay Perry
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
| | - Bruce Ashford
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), NSW Health, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
| | - Marie Ranson
- Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
| | - Daniel Brungs
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), NSW Health, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
- Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
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Leth JM, Newcombe EA, Grønnemose AL, Jørgensen JT, Qvist K, Clausen AS, Knudsen LBS, Kjaer A, Kragelund BB, Jørgensen TJD, Ploug M. Targeted imaging of uPAR expression in vivo with cyclic AE105 variants. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17248. [PMID: 37821532 PMCID: PMC10567728 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43934-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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive literature reports on the correlation between elevated levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and the severity of diseases with chronic inflammation including solid cancers. Molecular imaging is widely used as a non-invasive method to locate disease dissemination via full body scans and to stratify patients for targeted treatment. To date, the only imaging probe targeting uPAR that has reached clinical phase-II testing relies on a high-affinity 9-mer peptide (AE105), and several studies by positron emission tomography (PET) scanning or near-infra red (NIR) fluorescence imaging have validated its utility and specificity in vivo. While our previous studies focused on applying various reporter groups, the current study aims to improve uPAR-targeting properties of AE105. We successfully stabilized the small uPAR-targeting core of AE105 by constraining its conformational landscape by disulfide-mediated cyclization. Importantly, this modification mitigated the penalty on uPAR-affinity typically observed after conjugation to macrocyclic chelators. Cyclization did not impair tumor targeting efficiency of AE105 in vivo as assessed by PET imaging and a trend towards increased tracer uptake was observed. In future studies, we predict that this knowledge will aid development of new fluorescent AE105 derivatives with a view to optical imaging of uPAR to assist precision guided cancer surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Maja Leth
- Finsen Laboratory, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Estella Anne Newcombe
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- REPIN, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- The Linderstrøm Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Anne Louise Grønnemose
- Finsen Laboratory, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Jesper Tranekjær Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Katrine Qvist
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Anne Skovsbo Clausen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Line Bruhn Schneider Knudsen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Andreas Kjaer
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Birthe Brandt Kragelund
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- REPIN, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- The Linderstrøm Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | | | - Michael Ploug
- Finsen Laboratory, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
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6
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Kumar AA, Vine KL, Ranson M. Recent Advances in Targeting the Urokinase Plasminogen Activator with Nanotherapeutics. Mol Pharm 2023. [PMID: 37119285 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The aberrant proteolytic landscape of the tumor microenvironment is a key contributor of cancer progression. Overexpression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and/or its associated cell-surface receptor (uPAR) in tumor versus normal tissue is significantly associated with worse clinicopathological features and poorer patient survival across multiple cancer types. This is linked to mechanisms that facilitate tumor cell invasion and migration, via direct and downstream activation of various proteolytic processes that degrade the extracellular matrix─ultimately leading to metastasis. Targeting uPA has thus long been considered an attractive anticancer strategy. However, poor bioavailability of several uPA-selective small-molecule inhibitors has limited early clinical progress. Nanodelivery systems have emerged as an exciting method to enhance the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of existing chemotherapeutics, allowing increased circulation time, improved bioavailability, and targeted delivery to tumor tissue. Combining uPA inhibitors with nanoparticle-based delivery systems thus offers a remarkable opportunity to overcome existing PK challenges associated with conventional uPA inhibitors, while leveraging potent candidates into novel targeted nanotherapeutics for an improved anticancer response in uPA positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashna A Kumar
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Kara L Vine
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Marie Ranson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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7
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Masarwy R, Shilo S, Carmel Neiderman NN, Kampel L, Horowitz G, Muhanna N, Mansour J. The Prognostic Value and Clinical Utility of the 40-Gene Expression Profile (40-GEP) Test in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092456. [PMID: 37173922 PMCID: PMC10177351 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092456] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current tumor staging systems for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are considered inadequate and insufficient for evaluating the risk of metastasis and for identifying patients at high risk of cSCC. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the prognostic significance of a 40-gene expression profile (40-GEP) both independently and integrated with clinicopathologic risk factors and established staging systems (American Joint Committee on Cancer, eighth edition (AJCC8) and Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH)). METHODS Electronic databases, including PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, were systematically searched to identify cohort studies and randomized controlled trials on evaluations of the prediction value of 40-GEP in cSCC patients up to January 2023. The metastatic risk analysis of a given 40-GEP class combined with tumor stage and/or other clinicopathologic risk factors was based upon log hazard ratios (HRs) and their standard error (SE). Heterogeneity and subgroup analyses were performed, and data quality was assessed. RESULTS A total of 1019 patients from three cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis. The overall three-year metastatic-free survival rates were 92.4%, 78.9%, and 45.4% for class 1 (low risk), class 2A (Intermediate risk), and class 2B (high risk) 40-GEP, respectively, indicating a significant variation in survival rates between the risk classification groups. The pooled positive predictive value was significantly higher in class 2B when compared to AJCC8 or BWH. The subgroup analyses demonstrated significant superiority of integrating 40-GEP with clinicopathologic risk factors or AJCC8/BWH, especially for class 2B patients. CONCLUSIONS The integration of 40-GEP with staging systems can improve the identification of cSCC patients at high risk of metastasis, potentially leading to improved care and outcomes, especially in the high-risk class 2B group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razan Masarwy
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Shahaf Shilo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Narin Nard Carmel Neiderman
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Liyona Kampel
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Gilad Horowitz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Nidal Muhanna
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Jobran Mansour
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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8
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Tsang DA, Tam SYC, Oh CC. Molecular Alterations in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Immunocompetent and Immunosuppressed Hosts-A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061832. [PMID: 36980718 PMCID: PMC10046480 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061832] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The characterization of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) at the molecular level is lacking in the current literature due to the high mutational burden of this disease. Immunosuppressed patients afflicted with cSCC experience considerable morbidity and mortality. In this article, we review the molecular profile of cSCC among the immunosuppressed and immunocompetent populations at the genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, and proteometabolomic levels, as well as describing key differences in the tumor immune microenvironment between these two populations. We feature novel biomarkers from the recent literature which may serve as potential targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Ann Tsang
- Department of Dermatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
| | - Steve Y C Tam
- Education Resource Centre, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
| | - Choon Chiat Oh
- Department of Dermatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169608, Singapore
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9
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Adipose Tissue-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Contribute to Phenotypic Plasticity of Prostate Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021229. [PMID: 36674745 PMCID: PMC9864182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021229] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of male cancer deaths in the western world. Obesity significantly increases the risk of metastatic disease and is associated with a higher mortality rate. Systemic chronic inflammation can result from a variety of conditions, including obesity, where adipose tissue inflammation is a major contributor. Adipose tissue endothelial cells (EC) exposed to inflammation become dysfunctional and produce a secretome, including extracellular vesicles (EV), that can impact function of cells in distant tissues, including malignant cells. The aim of this study was to explore the potential role of EVs produced by obese adipose tissue and the ECs exposed to pro-inflammatory cytokines on prostate cancer phenotypic plasticity in vitro. We demonstrate that PC3ML metastatic prostate cancer cells exposed to EVs from adipose tissue ECs and to EVs from human adipose tissue total explants display reduced invasion and increased proliferation. The latter functional changes could be attributed to the EV miRNA cargo. We also show that the functional shift is TWIST1-dependent and is consistent with mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, which is key to establishment of secondary tumor growth. Understanding the complex effects of EVs on prostate cancer cells of different phenotypes is key before their intended use as therapeutics.
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10
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Chen K, Yong J, Zauner R, Wally V, Whitelock J, Sajinovic M, Kopecki Z, Liang K, Scott KF, Mellick AS. Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan 4 as a Marker for Aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225564. [PMID: 36428658 PMCID: PMC9688099 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225564] [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: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) is a cell surface proteoglycan that is currently under investigation as a marker of cancer malignancy, and as a potential target of anticancer drug treatment. CSPG4 acts as a driver of tumourigenesis by regulating turnover of the extracellular matrix (ECM) to promote tumour cell invasion, migration as well as inflammation and angiogenesis. While CSPG4 has been widely studied in certain malignancies, such as melanoma, evidence is emerging from global gene expression studies, which suggests a role for CSPG4 in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). While relatively treatable, lack of widely agreed upon diagnostic markers for SCCs is problematic, especially for clinicians managing certain patients, including those who are aged or infirm, as well as those with underlying conditions such as epidermolysis bullosa (EB), for which a delayed diagnosis is likely lethal. In this review, we have discussed the structure of CSPG4, and quantitatively analysed CSPG4 expression in the tissues and pathologies where it has been identified to determine the usefulness of CSPG4 expression as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in management of malignant SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Chen
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Joel Yong
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
| | - Roland Zauner
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology & Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Verena Wally
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology & Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - John Whitelock
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
| | - Mila Sajinovic
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - Zlatko Kopecki
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Kang Liang
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
| | - Kieran Francis Scott
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Albert Sleiman Mellick
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
- Correspondence:
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11
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Thind AS, Ashford B, Strbenac D, Mitchell J, Lee J, Mueller SA, Minaei E, Perry JR, Ch’ng S, Iyer NG, Clark JR, Gupta R, Ranson M. Whole genome analysis reveals the genomic complexity in metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:919118. [PMID: 35982973 PMCID: PMC9379253 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.919118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a highly morbid disease requiring radical surgery and adjuvant therapy, which is associated with a poor prognosis. Yet, compared to other advanced malignancies, relatively little is known of the genomic landscape of metastatic CSCC. We have previously reported the mutational signatures and mutational patterns of CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) regions in metastatic CSCC. However, many other genomic components (indel signatures, non-coding drivers, and structural variants) of metastatic CSCC have not been reported. To this end, we performed whole genome sequencing on lymph node metastases and blood DNA from 25 CSCC patients with regional metastases of the head and neck. We designed a multifaceted computational analysis at the whole genome level to provide a more comprehensive perspective of the genomic landscape of metastatic CSCC. In the non-coding genome, 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) regions of EVC (48% of specimens), PPP1R1A (48% of specimens), and ABCA4 (20% of specimens) along with the tumor-suppressing long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC01003 (64% of specimens) were significantly functionally altered (Q-value < 0.05) and represent potential non-coding biomarkers of CSCC. Recurrent copy number loss in the tumor suppressor gene PTPRD was observed. Gene amplification was much less frequent, and few genes were recurrently amplified. Single nucleotide variants driver analyses from three tools confirmed TP53 and CDKN2A as recurrently mutated genes but also identified C9 as a potential novel driver in this disease. Furthermore, indel signature analysis highlighted the dominance of ID signature 13 (ID13) followed by ID8 and ID9. ID9 has previously been shown to have no association with skin melanoma, unlike ID13 and ID8, suggesting a novel pattern of indel variation in metastatic CSCC. The enrichment analysis of various genetically altered candidates shows enrichment of “TGF-beta regulation of extracellular matrix” and “cell cycle G1 to S check points.” These enriched terms are associated with genetic instability, cell proliferation, and migration as mechanisms of genomic drivers of metastatic CSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarinder Singh Thind
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Bruce Ashford
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Bruce Ashford,
| | - Dario Strbenac
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny Mitchell
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny Lee
- Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon A. Mueller
- Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zurich University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elahe Minaei
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Jay R. Perry
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Sydney Ch’ng
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - N. Gopalakrishna Iyer
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonathan R. Clark
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Royal Prince Alfred Institute of Academic Surgery, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ruta Gupta
- Anatomical Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marie Ranson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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12
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Genenger B, Perry JR, Ashford B, Ranson M. A tEMTing target? Clinical and experimental evidence for epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (a scoping systematic review). Discov Oncol 2022; 13:42. [PMID: 35666359 PMCID: PMC9170863 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00510-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a disease with globally rising incidence and poor prognosis for patients with advanced or metastatic disease. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a driver of metastasis in many carcinomas, and cSCC is no exception. We aimed to provide a systematic overview of the clinical and experimental evidence for EMT in cSCC, with critical appraisal of type and quality of the methodology used. We then used this information as rationale for potential drug targets against advanced and metastatic cSCC. All primary literature encompassing clinical and cell-based or xenograft experimental studies reporting on the role of EMT markers or related signalling pathways in the progression of cSCC were considered. A screen of 3443 search results yielded 86 eligible studies comprising 44 experimental studies, 22 clinical studies, and 20 studies integrating both. From the clinical studies a timeline illustrating the alteration of EMT markers and related signalling was evident based on clinical progression of the disease. The experimental studies reveal connections of EMT with a multitude of factors such as genetic disorders, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and matrix remodelling via matrix metalloproteinases and urokinase plasminogen activator. Additionally, EMT was found to be closely tied to environmental factors as well as to stemness in cSCC via NFκB and β-catenin. We conclude that the canonical EGFR, canonical TGF-βR, PI3K/AKT and NFκB signalling are the four signalling pillars that induce EMT in cSCC and could be valuable therapeutic targets. Despite the complexity, EMT markers and pathways are desirable biomarkers and drug targets for the treatment of advanced or metastatic cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Genenger
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jay R Perry
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Bruce Ashford
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Marie Ranson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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