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Wang L, Ge J, Han H, Jia Y, Qin Y. Crosstalk between the nervous system and tumor microenvironment: Functional aspects and potential therapeutic strategies. Cancer Lett 2024; 594:216986. [PMID: 38797233 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Recent advancements in understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) have highlighted the critical role of the nervous system in cancer progression. This review comprehensively examines how the nervous system influences various aspects of tumorigenesis, including growth, motility, immune response, angiogenesis, and the behavior of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We delineate the neurodevelopmental mechanisms associated with cancer, such as the secretion of neurotrophins and exosomes by cancer cells. Furthermore, we explore the emerging therapeutic strategy of targeting nerves associated with tumors. Evidence supporting this approach includes studies demonstrating direct tumor growth inhibition, enhanced efficacy of immunotherapy when combined with nervous system-modulating drugs, and the suppression of tumor blood vessel formation through nerve targeting. Finally, we discuss the current challenges in this field and emphasize the need for further exploration within cancer neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China
| | - Jingjing Ge
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, No. 651, Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Huiqiong Han
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China
| | - Yongxu Jia
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China
| | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China.
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Zhang H, Yang Y, Cao Y, Guan J. Effects of chronic stress on cancer development and the therapeutic prospects of adrenergic signaling regulation. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116609. [PMID: 38678960 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116609] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-term chronic stress is an important factor in the poor prognosis of cancer patients. Chronic stress reduces the tissue infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) by continuously activating the adrenergic signaling, inhibits antitumor immune response and tumor cell apoptosis while also inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor angiogenesis, promoting tumor invasion and metastasis. This review first summarizes how adrenergic signaling activates intracellular signaling by binding different adrenergic receptor (AR) heterodimers. Then, we focused on reviewing adrenergic signaling to regulate multiple functions of immune cells, including cell differentiation, migration, and cytokine secretion. In addition, the article discusses the mechanisms by which adrenergic signaling exerts pro-tumorigenic effects by acting directly on the tumor itself. It also highlights the use of adrenergic receptor modulators in cancer therapy, with particular emphasis on their potential role in immunotherapy. Finally, the article reviews the beneficial effects of stress intervention measures on cancer treatment. We think that enhancing the body's antitumor response by adjusting adrenergic signaling can enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) General Hospital, Beijing 100091, China; Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Yuwei Yang
- College of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of OTIR, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Yan Cao
- College of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of OTIR, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Jingzhi Guan
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China.
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Wu H, Deng M, Xue D, Guo R, Zhang C, Gao J, Li H. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for early and middle stage microsatellite high-instability and stable colorectal cancer: a review. Int J Colorectal Dis 2024; 39:83. [PMID: 38809459 PMCID: PMC11136714 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-024-04654-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) are important immune checkpoint molecules that contribute to tumor immune evasion. However, the main treatment modalities for patients with early and intermediate stage colorectal cancer (CRC) are surgery, and the role of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in these patients is not yet clear. Therefore, this study aims to review the treatment progress of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for early- and intermediate-stage microsatellite high-instability (MSI-H) and stable (MSS) colorectal cancer, in order to provide more options for patients with early- and intermediate-stage colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS A scoping review of clinical trial registries ( Clinicaltrials.gov and EU clinical trial registers) and PubMed/Medline database of trials on PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors for early and middle-stage MSI-H and MSS CRC was done up to March 2024. RESULTS A total of 19 trials related to early to mid-stage MSH-I or MSS CRC were included. Among them, 6 trials are in recruiting status, 3 trials are in active, not recruiting status, 3 trials are completed, 1 trial is terminated, and 1 trial is unknown. Of these, 9 trials involve MSI-H type CRC, and 10 trials involve MSS type CRC. Preclinical phase I/II trials are predominant, with only 3 clinical phase III trials. In trials related to MSI-H type CRC, 4 studies involve PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with neoadjuvant therapy, and 5 studies involve combination therapy. In trials related to MSS type CRC, 3 studies involve PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with targeted therapy, 2 studies involve PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy, 1 study involves PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor combined immunotherapy, 1 study involves PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with bacterial therapy, and 3 studies involve PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with comprehensive therapy. As for primary outcome measures, 4 trials select pathological complete response rates, 3 trials select progression-free survival rate, 3 trials select objective response rate, 3 trials select overall survival rate, 4 trials select disease-free survival rate, 1 trial selects clinical complete response rate, and 1 trial selects percentage of participants with a dose-limiting toxicity. CONCLUSION For early- and middle-stage MSI-H and MSS CRC, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have shown some therapeutic efficacy, as evidenced by phase I/II studies. However, contemporary trial designs exhibit heterogeneity, with relatively few inclusion criteria, the use of various drug combinations and regimens, and significant variations in reported endpoints. Nevertheless, more double-arm, multicenter, randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiming Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Min Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Dingwen Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Renkai Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chenyu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jiaqi Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Huiyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China.
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Yi J, Lin P, Li Q, Zhang A, Kong X. A new strategy for treating colorectal cancer: Regulating the influence of intestinal flora and oncolytic virus on interferon. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 30:254-274. [PMID: 37701850 PMCID: PMC10493895 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.08.010] [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: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) has the third highest incidence and the second highest mortality in the world, which seriously affects human health, while current treatments methods for CRC, including systemic therapy, preoperative radiotherapy, and surgical local excision, still have poor survival rates for patients with metastatic disease, making it critical to develop new strategies for treating CRC. In this article, we found that the gut microbiota can modulate the signaling pathways of cancer cells through direct contact with tumor cells, generate inflammatory responses and oxidative stress through interactions between the innate and adaptive immune systems, and produce diverse metabolic combinations to trigger specific immune responses and promote the initiation of systemic type I interferon (IFN-I) and anti-viral immunity. In addition, oncolytic virus-mediated immunotherapy for regulating oncolytic virus can directly lyse tumor cells, induce the immune activity of the body, interact with interferon, inhibit the anti-viral effect of IFN-I, and enhance the anti-tumor effect of IFN-II. Interferon plays an important role in the anti-tumor process. We put forward that exploring the effects of intestinal flora and oncolytic virus on interferon to treat CRC is a promising therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Peizhe Lin
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Qingbo Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xianbin Kong
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
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Lin Y, Liu Y, Gao Z, Jing D, Bi R, Cui X, Cao Q, Zhao Q, Gao R, Su Y, Liu S, Zhao M, Yang Y, Chen A, Dai B, Gao X. Beta-adrenergic receptor blocker propranolol triggers anti-tumor immunity and enhances irinotecan therapy in mice colorectal cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175718. [PMID: 37054937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with limited available medicines. While drug repurposing comes as a promising strategy for cancer treatment, we discovered that propranolol (Prop), a non-selective β1 and β2 adrenergic receptor blocker, significantly inhibited the development of subcutaneous CT26 CRC and AOM/DSS-induced CRC models. The RNA-seq analysis highlighted the activated immune pathways after Prop treatment, with GO analysis enriched in T-cell differentiation, leukocyte-mediated immunity, regulation of leukocyte-mediated cytotoxicity, and interferon-gamma production. Routine analyses of blood revealed a decrease in neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, a biomarker of systemic inflammation, and a prognostic indicator in the Prop-treated groups in both CRC models. Analysis of the tumor-infiltrating immune cells exhibited that Prop regressed the exhaustion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the CT26-derived graft models, which was further corroborated in the AOM/DSS-induced models. Furthermore, bioinformatic analysis fitted well with the experimental data, showing that β2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) was positively correlated with T-cell exhaustion signature in various tumors. The in vitro experiment showed no direct effect of Prop on CT26 cell viability, while T cells were activated with significantly-upregulated production of IFN-γ and Granzyme B. Consistently, Prop was unable to restrain CT26 tumor growth in nude mice. At last, the combination of Prop and the chemotherapeutic drug Irinotecan acted out the strongest inhibition in CT26 tumor progress. Collectively, we repurpose Prop as a promising and economical therapeutic drug for CRC treatment and highlight T-cell as its target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Lin
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, PR China
| | - Yiming Liu
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, PR China
| | - Zhenhua Gao
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Dongquan Jing
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, PR China
| | - Ran Bi
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, PR China
| | - Xinmeng Cui
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, PR China
| | - Qiuhua Cao
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, PR China
| | - Qixiang Zhao
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, PR China
| | - Rui Gao
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, PR China
| | - Yali Su
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, PR China
| | - Siliang Liu
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, PR China
| | - Mingrui Zhao
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, PR China
| | - Yong Yang
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, PR China
| | - Anqi Chen
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Beiying Dai
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, PR China.
| | - Xinghua Gao
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, PR China.
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Li Q, Oduro PK, Guo R, Li R, Leng L, Kong X, Wang Q, Yang L. Oncolytic Viruses: Immunotherapy Drugs for Gastrointestinal Malignant Tumors. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:921534. [PMID: 35719333 PMCID: PMC9203847 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.921534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virus therapy has advanced rapidly in recent years. Natural or transgenic viruses can target tumor cells and inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in various ways without interfering with normal cell and tissue function. Oncolytic viruses have a high level of specificity and are relatively safe. Malignant tumors in the digestive system continue to have a high incidence and mortality rate. Although existing treatment methods have achieved some curative effects, they still require further improvement due to side effects and a lack of specificity. Many studies have shown that oncolytic viruses can kill various tumor cells, including malignant tumors in the digestive system. This review discusses how oncolytic virus therapy improves malignant tumors in the digestive system from the point-of-view of basic and clinical studies. Also, the oncolytic virus anti-tumor mechanisms underpinning the therapeutic potential of oncolytic viruses are expounded. In all, we argue that oncolytic viruses might eventually provide therapeutic solutions to malignant tumors in the digestive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingbo Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Patrick Kwabena Oduro
- Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine & State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Guo
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruiqiao Li
- Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine & State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Ling Leng
- Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine & State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianbin Kong
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Xianbin Kong, ; Qilong Wang, ; Long Yang,
| | - Qilong Wang
- Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine & State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Xianbin Kong, ; Qilong Wang, ; Long Yang,
| | - Long Yang
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Xianbin Kong, ; Qilong Wang, ; Long Yang,
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