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Shen X, Yan Z, Huang Y, Zhu Q, Zhang G, Ci H, Wu Q, Wu L. ALDH2 as an immunological and prognostic biomarker: Insights from pan-cancer analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37820. [PMID: 38640328 PMCID: PMC11030019 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037820] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) plays a critical role in safeguarding cells against acetaldehyde toxicity and is closely linked to human metabolism. Nevertheless, the involvement of ALDH2 in cancer remains enigmatic. This investigation seeks to comprehensively assess ALDH2's significance in pan-cancer. We conducted an all-encompassing analysis of pan-cancer utilizing multiple databases, including TCGA, linkedomicshs, UALCAN, and Kaplan-Meier plotter. We employed diverse algorithms such as EPIC, MCPCOUNTER, TIDTIMER, xCell, MCP-counter, CIBERSORT, quanTIseq, and EPIC to examine the connection between ALDH2 expression and immune cell infiltration. Single-cell sequencing analysis furnished insights into ALDH2's functional status in pan-cancer. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to validate ALDH2 expression in cancer tissues. In a comprehensive assessment, we observed that tumor tissues demonstrated diminished ALDH2 expression levels compared to normal tissues across 16 different cancer types. ALDH2 expression exhibited a significant positive correlation with the infiltration of immune cells, including CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, neutrophils, B cells, and macrophages, in various tumor types. Moreover, this study explored the association between ALDH2 and patient survival, examined the methylation patterns of ALDH2 in normal and primary tumor tissues, and delved into genetic variations and mutations of ALDH2 in tumors. The findings suggest that ALDH2 could serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer, closely linked to the tumor's immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Shen
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Ziyi Yan
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Yuanli Huang
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Guanghui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Hongfei Ci
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Ligao Wu
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
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Karseladze AI, Asaturova AV, Kiseleva IA, Badlaeva AS, Tregubova AV, Zaretsky AR, Uvarova EV, Zanelli M, Palicelli A. Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome with Bilateral Gonadal Sertoli Cell Lesions, Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor, and Paratesticular Leiomyoma: A Case Report and First Systematic Literature Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:929. [PMID: 38398243 PMCID: PMC10889606 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13040929] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a rare Mendelian disorder caused by mutations of the androgen receptor (AR) gene on the long arm of the X chromosome. As a result of the mutation, the receptor becomes resistant to androgens, and hence, karyotypically male patients (46,XY) carry a female phenotype. Their cryptorchid gonads are prone to the development of several types of tumors (germ cell, sex cord stromal, and others). Here, we report a 15-year-old female-looking patient with primary amenorrhea who underwent laparoscopic gonadectomy. Histologically, the patient's gonads showed Sertoli cell hamartomas (SCHs) and adenomas (SCAs) with areas of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs) and a left-sided paratesticular leiomyoma. Rudimentary Fallopian tubes were also present. The patient's karyotype was 46,XY without any evidence of aberrations. Molecular genetic analysis of the left gonad revealed two likely germline mutations-a pathogenic frameshift deletion in the AR gene (c.77delT) and a likely pathogenic missense variant in the RAC1 gene (p.A94V). Strikingly, no somatic mutations, fusions, or copy number variations were found. We also performed the first systematic literature review (PRISMA guidelines; screened databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science; ended on 7 December 2023) of the reported cases of patients with AIS showing benign or malignant Sertoli cell lesions/tumors in their gonads (n = 225; age: 4-84, mean 32 years), including Sertoli cell hyperplasia (1%), Sertoli cell nodules (6%), SCHs (31%), SCAs (36%), Sertoli cell tumors (SCTs) (16%), and SLCTs (4%). The few cases (n = 14, 6%; six SCAs, four SCTs, two SLCTs, and two SCHs) with available follow-up (2-49, mean 17 months) showed no evidence of disease (13/14, 93%) or died of other causes (1/14, 7%) despite the histological diagnosis. Smooth muscle lesions/proliferations were identified in 19 (8%) cases (including clearly reported rudimentary uterine remnants, 3 cases; leiomyomas, 4 cases). Rudimentary Fallopian tube(s) were described in nine (4%) cases. Conclusion: AIS may be associated with sex cord/stromal tumors and, rarely, mesenchymal tumors such as leiomyomas. True malignant sex cord tumors can arise in these patients. Larger series with longer follow-ups are needed to estimate the exact prognostic relevance of tumor histology in AIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apollon I. Karseladze
- Oncopathology Department, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Bldg. 4, Oparina Street, Moscow 117513, Russia
| | - Aleksandra V. Asaturova
- 1st Pathology Department, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Bldg. 4, Oparina Street, Moscow 117513, Russia
| | - Irina A. Kiseleva
- Pediatric Gynecology Department, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Bldg. 4, Oparina Street, Moscow 117513, Russia
| | - Alina S. Badlaeva
- 1st Pathology Department, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Bldg. 4, Oparina Street, Moscow 117513, Russia
| | - Anna V. Tregubova
- 1st Pathology Department, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Bldg. 4, Oparina Street, Moscow 117513, Russia
| | - Andrew R. Zaretsky
- Department of Molecular Technologies, Research Institute of Translational Medicine, N. I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Bldg. 1, Ostrovityanova Street, Moscow 117997, Russia;
| | - Elena V. Uvarova
- Pediatric Gynecology Department, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Bldg. 4, Oparina Street, Moscow 117513, Russia
| | - Magda Zanelli
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.Z.)
| | - Andrea Palicelli
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.Z.)
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Wang B, Cheng D, Ma D, Chen R, Li D, Zhao W, Fang C, Ji M. Mutual regulation of PD-L1 immunosuppression between tumor-associated macrophages and tumor cells: a critical role for exosomes. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:21. [PMID: 38195554 PMCID: PMC10775441 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01473-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells primarily employ the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway to thwart the anti-tumor capabilities of T lymphocytes, inducing immunosuppression. This occurs through the direct interaction of PD-L1 with PD-1 on T lymphocyte surfaces. Recent research focusing on the tumor microenvironment has illuminated the pivotal role of immune cells, particularly tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), in facilitating PD-L1-mediated immunosuppression. Exosomes, characterized by their ability to convey information and be engulfed by cells, significantly contribute to promoting TAM involvement in establishing PD-L1-mediated immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment. Exosomes, characterized by their ability to convey information and be engulfed by cells, significantly contribute to promoting TAM involvement in establishing PD-L1-mediated immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment. In addition to receiving signals from tumor-derived exosomes that promote PD-L1 expression, TAMs also exert control over PD-L1 expression in tumor cells through the release of exosomes. This paper aims to summarize the mechanisms by which exosomes participate in this process, identify crucial factors that influence these mechanisms, and explore innovative strategies for inhibiting or reversing the tumor-promoting effects of TAMs by targeting exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banglu Wang
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Daoan Cheng
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Danyu Ma
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Dong Li
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Weiqing Zhao
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Cheng Fang
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Mei Ji
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China.
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Dai J, Dong X, Chen Y, Xue W, Wang Q, Shang F, Zhao Y, Li S, Gao Y, Wang Y. SPOP regulates the expression profiles and alternative splicing events in human hepatocytes. Open Life Sci 2023; 18:20220755. [PMID: 37941785 PMCID: PMC10628592 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0755] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Speckle type BTB/POZ protein (SPOP) may have cancer promoting or inhibiting effects. At present, the role of SPOP in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has rarely been studied. In this study, to investigate the effects of SPOP in HCC and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of its relationship with genes, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were classified through RNA sequencing. The gene ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional pathway analysis were used to further predict the function of DEGs after the overexpression of SPOP. The biological function of SPOP-regulated alternative splicing events in cells is comprehensively assessed. The Cancer Genome Atlas database and Gene Expression Omnibus dataset were performed to evaluate the correlation between SPOP and HCC progression. Due to SPOP overexpression, 56 DEGs in the HCC related pathway were further identified. The results showed that SPOP overexpression facilitated the cell proliferation and changed the gene expression profiles of human normal hepatocytes. SPOP-regulated alternative splicing events were involved in pathways associated with cellular processes, metabolism, environmental information procession, organismal systems, and so on. In conclusion, SPOP may potentially exhibit tumor-promoting effects, necessitating further investigations to unveil its molecular mechanisms comprehensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Dai
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, China
| | - Xiang Dong
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, China
- Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Science, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, China
| | - Wanying Xue
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, China
| | - Feifei Shang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, China
| | - Yunxia Zhao
- Department of Basic Medical College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Shujing Li
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, China
| | - Yu Gao
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, China
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Grypari IM, Tzelepi V, Gyftopoulos K. DNA Damage Repair Pathways in Prostate Cancer: A Narrative Review of Molecular Mechanisms, Emerging Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Precision Oncology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11418. [PMID: 37511177 PMCID: PMC10380086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411418] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) has a distinct molecular signature, including characteristic chromosomal translocations, gene deletions and defective DNA damage repair mechanisms. One crucial pathway involved is homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) and it is found in almost 20% of metastatic castrate-resistant PCa (mCRPC). Inherited/germline mutations are associated with a hereditary predisposition to early PCa development and aggressive behavior. BRCA2, ATM and CHECK2 are the most frequently HRD-mutated genes. BRCA2-mutated tumors have unfavorable clinical and pathological characteristics, such as intraductal carcinoma. PARP inhibitors, due to the induction of synthetic lethality, have been therapeutically approved for mCRPC with HRD alterations. Mutations are detected in metastatic tissue, while a liquid biopsy is utilized during follow-up, recognizing acquired resistance mechanisms. The mismatch repair (MMR) pathway is another DNA repair mechanism implicated in carcinogenesis, although only 5% of metastatic PCa is affected. It is associated with aggressive disease. PD-1 inhibitors have been used in MMR-deficient tumors; thus, the MMR status should be tested in all metastatic PCa cases. A surrogate marker of defective DNA repair mechanisms is the tumor mutational burden. PDL-1 expression and intratumoral lymphocytes have ambivalent predictive value. Few experimental molecules have been so far proposed as potential biomarkers. Future research may further elucidate the role of DNA damage pathways in PCa, revealing new therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna-Maria Grypari
- Cytology Department, Aretaieion University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tzelepi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Kostis Gyftopoulos
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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Koufopoulos N, Ieronimaki AI, Zacharatou A, Gouloumis AR, Leventakou D, Boutas I, Dimas DT, Kontogeorgi A, Sitara K, Khaldi L, Zanelli M, Palicelli A. A Case of Prostatic Signet-Ring Cell-like Carcinoma with Pagetoid Spread and Intraductal Carcinoma and Long-Term Survival: PD-L1 and Mismatch Repair System Proteins (MMR) Immunohistochemical Evaluation with Systematic Literature Review. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1016. [PMID: 37374005 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13061016] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostatic adenocarcinoma (PA) is the second most common malignancy in men globally. Signet-ring cell-like adenocarcinoma (SRCC) is a very rare PA subtype, with around 200 cases reported in the English literature. Histologically, the tumor cells show a vacuole compressing the nucleus to the periphery. Pagetoid spread in acini and ducts is usually related to metastases from urothelial or colorectal carcinomas, less commonly associated with intraductal carcinoma (IC); histologically, the tumor cells grow between the acinar secretory and basal cell layers. To our knowledge, we report the first prostatic SRCC (Gleason score 10, stage pT3b) associated with IC and pagetoid spread to prostatic acini and seminal vesicles. To our systematic literature review (PRISMA guidelines), it is the first tested case for both PD-L1 (<1% of positive tumor cells, clone 22C3) and mismatch repair system proteins (MMR) (MLH1+/MSH2+/PMS2+/MSH6+). We found no SRCC previously tested for MMR, while only four previous cases showed high expression of another PD-L1 clone (28-8). Finally, we discussed the differential diagnoses of prostatic SRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nektarios Koufopoulos
- Second Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Argyro-Ioanna Ieronimaki
- Second Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Andriani Zacharatou
- Second Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Alina Roxana Gouloumis
- Second Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Danai Leventakou
- Second Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Boutas
- Breast Unit, Rea Maternity Hospital, P. Faliro, 17564 Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysios T Dimas
- Breast Unit, Athens Medical Center, Psychiko Clinic, 11525 Athens, Greece
| | - Adamantia Kontogeorgi
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Kyparissia Sitara
- Department of Internal Medicine, "Elpis" General Hospital of Athens, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | - Lubna Khaldi
- Pathology Department "Saint Savvas" Anti-Cancer Hospital, 10447 Athens, Greece
| | - Magda Zanelli
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Andrea Palicelli
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Maselli FM, Giuliani F, Laface C, Perrone M, Melaccio A, De Santis P, Santoro AN, Guarini C, Iaia ML, Fedele P. Immunotherapy in Prostate Cancer: State of Art and New Therapeutic Perspectives. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:5769-5794. [PMID: 37366915 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30060432] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common type of tumor in men. In the early stage of the disease, it is sensitive to androgen deprivation therapy. In patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), chemotherapy and second-generation androgen receptor therapy have led to increased survival. However, despite advances in the management of mHSPC, castration resistance is unavoidable and many patients develop metastatic castration-resistant disease (mCRPC). In the past few decades, immunotherapy has dramatically changed the oncology landscape and has increased the survival rate of many types of cancer. However, immunotherapy in prostate cancer has not yet given the revolutionary results it has in other types of tumors. Research into new treatments is very important for patients with mCRPC because of its poor prognosis. In this review, we focus on the reasons for the apparent intrinsic resistance of prostate cancer to immunotherapy, the possibilities for overcoming this resistance, and the clinical evidence and new therapeutic perspectives regarding immunotherapy in prostate cancer with a look toward the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carmelo Laface
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Martina Perrone
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Assunta Melaccio
- Medical Oncology, San Paolo Hospital, ASL Bari, 70123 Bari, Italy
| | - Pierluigi De Santis
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Guarini
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Iaia
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Palma Fedele
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
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Strati A, Markou A, Kyriakopoulou E, Lianidou E. Detection and Molecular Characterization of Circulating Tumour Cells: Challenges for the Clinical Setting. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072185. [PMID: 37046848 PMCID: PMC10092977 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072185] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, liquid biopsy has gained much attention as a powerful tool in personalized medicine since it enables monitoring cancer evolution and follow-up of cancer patients in real time. Through minimally invasive procedures, liquid biopsy provides important information through the analysis of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and circulating tumour-derived material, such as circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), circulating miRNAs (cfmiRNAs) and extracellular vehicles (EVs). CTC analysis has already had an important impact on the prognosis, detection of minimal residual disease (MRD), treatment selection and monitoring of cancer patients. Numerous clinical trials nowadays include a liquid biopsy arm. CTC analysis is now an exponentially expanding field in almost all types of solid cancers. Functional studies, mainly based on CTC-derived cell-lines and CTC-derived explants (CDx), provide important insights into the metastatic process. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest findings on the clinical significance of CTCs for the management of cancer patients, covering the last four years. This review focuses on providing a comprehensive overview of CTC analysis in breast, prostate and non-small-cell lung cancer. The unique potential of CTC single-cell analysis for understanding metastasis biology, and the importance of quality control and standardization of methodologies used in this field, is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areti Strati
- Analysis of Circulating Tumour Cells Lab, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Athina Markou
- Analysis of Circulating Tumour Cells Lab, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Evi Lianidou
- Analysis of Circulating Tumour Cells Lab, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
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9
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Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer: A Current Systematic Review and Patient Centric Perspectives. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041446. [PMID: 36835981 PMCID: PMC9966657 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide, making up 21% of all cancer cases. With 345,000 deaths per year owing to the disease, there is an urgent need to optimize prostate cancer care. This systematic review collated and synthesized findings of completed Phase III clinical trials administering immunotherapy; a current clinical trial index (2022) of all ongoing Phase I-III clinical trial records was also formulated. A total of four Phase III clinical trials with 3588 participants were included administering DCVAC, ipilimumab, personalized peptide vaccine, and the PROSTVAC vaccine. In this original research article, promising results were seen for ipilimumab intervention, with improved overall survival trends. A total of 68 ongoing trial records pooling in 7923 participants were included, spanning completion until June 2028. Immunotherapy is an emerging option for patients with prostate cancer, with immune checkpoint inhibitors and adjuvant therapies forming a large part of the emerging landscape. With various ongoing trials, the characteristics and premises of the prospective findings will be key in improving outcomes in the future.
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Assessing the Mechanism of Action of “Fructus Ligustri Lucidi-Cuscutae Semen” in Prostate Cancer Treatment Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7543619. [PMID: 36330452 PMCID: PMC9626213 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7543619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore the mechanism of action of “Fructus Ligustri Lucidi-Cuscutae Semen” in the treatment of prostate cancer using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods The active ingredients and targets of “Fructus Ligustri Lucidi-Cuscutae Semen” were obtained by searching the TCMSP and DrugBank databases. These were matched and corrected using the UniProt platform. A drug “active ingredient-target” network map was constructed using Cytoscape 3.8.0. Prostate cancer-related targets were acquired from GeneCards, Disgenet, DrugBank, and other databases. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network between the drug and prostate cancer was constructed with BioGenet; the crossover network of the two targets was extracted derive the key targets of “Fructus Ligustri Lucidi-Cuscutae Semen” for prostate cancer treatment. We used the Metascape platform for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of the key targets. AutoDockTools1.5.6 and PyMOL software were used to perform molecular docking. Results We obtained 13 active ingredients, 221 drug targets, 1511 prostate cancer targets (including 221 key targets), and 305 KEGG pathways from “Fructus Ligustri Lucidi-Cuscutae Semen.” Paclitaxel, quercetin, kaempferol, TP53, β-sitosterol, EGFR, and ESR1 in “Fructus Ligustri Lucidi-Cuscutae Semen” showed good docking activity. Conclusion “Fructus Ligustri Lucidi-Cuscutae Semen” is a valuable clinical guide for the treatment of prostate cancer with multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway characteristics.
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11
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Immunotherapy in Advanced Prostate Cancer-Light at the End of the Tunnel? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052569. [PMID: 35269712 PMCID: PMC8910587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapeutic treatment approaches are now an integral part of the treatment of many solid tumors. However, attempts to integrate immunotherapy into the treatment of prostate cancer have been disappointing so far. This is due to a highly immunosuppressive, “cold” tumor microenvironment, which is characterized, for example, by the absence of cytotoxic T cells, an increased number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells or regulatory T cells, a decreased number of tumor antigens, or a defect in antigen presentation. The consequence is a reduced efficacy of many established immunotherapeutic treatments such as checkpoint inhibitors. However, a growing understanding of the underlying mechanisms of tumor–immune system interactions raises hopes that immunotherapeutic strategies can be optimized in the future. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current status and future directions of immunotherapy development in prostate cancer. Background information on immune response and tumor microenvironment will help to better understand current therapeutic strategies under preclinical and clinical development.
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