1
|
M Saini V, Oner E, Ward MP, Hurley S, Henderson BD, Lewis F, Finn SP, Fitzmaurice GJ, O'Leary JJ, O'Toole S, O'Driscoll L, Gately K. A comparative study of circulating tumor cell isolation and enumeration technologies in lung cancer. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 39105395 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13705] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have potential as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers in solid tumors. Despite Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of CTC devices in various cancers, the rarity and heterogeneity of CTCs in lung cancer make them technically challenging to isolate and analyze, hindering their clinical integration. Establishing a consensus through comparative analysis of different CTC systems is warranted. This study aimed to evaluate seven different CTC enrichment methods across five technologies using a standardized spike-in protocol: the CellMag™ (EpCAM-dependent enrichment), EasySep™ and RosetteSep™ (blood cell depletion), and the Parsortix® PR1 and the new design Parsortix® Prototype (PP) (size- and deformability-based enrichment). The Parsortix® systems were also evaluated for any differences in recovery rates between cell harvest versus in-cassette staining. Healthy donor blood (5 mL) was spiked with 100 fluorescently labeled EpCAMhigh H1975 cells, processed through each system, and the isolation efficiency was calculated. The CellMag™ had the highest recovery rate (70 ± 14%), followed by Parsortix® PR1 in-cassette staining, while the EasySep™ had the lowest recovery (18 ± 8%). Additional spike-in experiments were performed with EpCAMmoderate A549 and EpCAMlow H1299 cells using the CellMag™ and Parsortix® PR1 in-cassette staining. The recovery rate of CellMag™ significantly reduced to 35 ± 14% with A549 cells and 1 ± 1% with H1299 cells. However, the Parsortix® PR1 in-cassette staining showed cell phenotype-independent and consistent recovery rates among all lung cancer cell lines: H1975 (49 ± 2%), A549 (47 ± 10%), and H1299 (52 ± 10%). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the Parsortix® PR1 in-cassette staining method is capable of isolating heterogeneous single CTCs and cell clusters from patient samples. The Parsortix® PR1 in-cassette staining, capable of isolating different phenotypes of CTCs as either single cells or cell clusters with consistent recovery rates, is considered optimal for CTC enrichment for lung cancer, albeit needing further optimization and validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Volga M Saini
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ezgi Oner
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark P Ward
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinead Hurley
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brian David Henderson
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Faye Lewis
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen P Finn
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - John J O'Leary
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sharon O'Toole
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lorraine O'Driscoll
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathy Gately
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huangfu Y, Guo J, Zhao Y, Cao X, Han L. Linking EMT Status of Circulating Tumor Cells to Clinical Outcomes in Lung Cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2024; 16:325-336. [PMID: 38654718 PMCID: PMC11036334 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s449777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Lung cancer (LC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with its prognosis influenced by complex biological factors. Objective This study delves into the clinical relevance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and their Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) status in LC patients. Methods We enrolled 30 newly diagnosed LC patients and utilized the CanPatrol technique for the separation and categorization of CTCs from peripheral blood samples. Immunofluorescent staining identified epithelial (CK8/18/19, EpCAM), mesenchymal (Vimentin, Twist), and leukocyte (CD45) markers in these cells. Fluorescence microscopy analyzed the slides, and RECIST 1.1 criteria assessed treatment response. Spearman's method was used to correlate CTCs' EMT states with their count and clinical characteristics. Results Our findings reveal three distinct CTC groups: epithelial (E-CTCs), hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M-CTCs), and mesenchymal (M-CTCs). Significant statistical differences were observed in stages III-IV vs I-II, tumor sizes T3-T4 vs T1-T2, and in the presence or absence of distant metastasis and lymph node involvement. Notably, the count of E/M-CTCs was positively correlated with TNM staging, tumor size, lymph node, and distant metastasis. Changes in M-CTC count pre- and post-treatment closely mirrored disease progression and control, showing considerable consistency with RECIST criteria. Conclusion In conclusion, the EMT status of CTCs, especially E/M-CTCs, holds predictive value for LC staging, tumor size, and metastasis. Dynamic monitoring of M-CTCs can accurately reflect disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Huangfu
- Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianxin Guo
- Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuexia Cao
- Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Han
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ali AM, Raza A. scRNAseq and High-Throughput Spatial Analysis of Tumor and Normal Microenvironment in Solid Tumors Reveal a Possible Origin of Circulating Tumor Hybrid Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1444. [PMID: 38611120 PMCID: PMC11010995 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071444] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastatic cancer is a leading cause of death in cancer patients worldwide. While circulating hybrid cells (CHCs) are implicated in metastatic spread, studies documenting their tissue origin remain sparse, with limited candidate approaches using one-two markers. Utilizing high-throughput single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, we identified tumor hybrid cells (THCs) co-expressing epithelial and macrophage markers and expressing a distinct transcriptome. Rarely, normal tissue showed these cells (NHCs), but their transcriptome was easily distinguishable from THCs. THCs with unique transcriptomes were observed in breast and colon cancers, suggesting this to be a generalizable phenomenon across cancer types. This study establishes a framework for HC identification in large datasets, providing compelling evidence for their tissue residence and offering comprehensive transcriptomic characterization. Furthermore, it sheds light on their differential function and identifies pathways that could explain their newly acquired invasive capabilities. THCs should be considered as potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Mahmood Ali
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Edward P Evans MDS Center, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Azra Raza
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Edward P Evans MDS Center, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cordani M, Strippoli R, Trionfetti F, Barzegar Behrooz A, Rumio C, Velasco G, Ghavami S, Marcucci F. Immune checkpoints between epithelial-mesenchymal transition and autophagy: A conflicting triangle. Cancer Lett 2024; 585:216661. [PMID: 38309613 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Inhibitory immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules are pivotal in inhibiting innate and acquired antitumor immune responses, a mechanism frequently exploited by cancer cells to evade host immunity. These evasion strategies contribute to the complexity of cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. For this reason, ICP molecules have become targets for antitumor drugs, particularly monoclonal antibodies, collectively referred to as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), that counteract such cancer-associated immune suppression and restore antitumor immune responses. Over the last decade, however, it has become clear that tumor cell-associated ICPs can also induce tumor cell-intrinsic effects, in particular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy). Both of these processes have profound implications for cancer metastasis and drug responsiveness. This article reviews the positive or negative cross-talk that tumor cell-associated ICPs undergo with autophagy and EMT. We discuss that tumor cell-associated ICPs are upregulated in response to the same stimuli that induce EMT. Moreover, ICPs themselves, when overexpressed, become an EMT-inducing stimulus. As regards the cross-talk with autophagy, ICPs have been shown to either stimulate or inhibit autophagy, while autophagy itself can either up- or downregulate the expression of ICPs. This dynamic equilibrium also extends to the autophagy-apoptosis axis, further emphasizing the complexities of cellular responses. Eventually, we delve into the intricate balance between autophagy and apoptosis, elucidating its role in the broader interplay of cellular dynamics influenced by ICPs. In the final part of this article, we speculate about the driving forces underlying the contradictory outcomes of the reciprocal, inhibitory, or stimulatory effects between ICPs, EMT, and autophagy. A conclusive identification of these driving forces may allow to achieve improved antitumor effects when using combinations of ICIs and compounds acting on EMT and/or autophagy. Prospectively, this may translate into increased and/or broadened therapeutic efficacy compared to what is currently achieved with ICI-based clinical protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raffaele Strippoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases L., Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Trionfetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases L., Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Amir Barzegar Behrooz
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Cristiano Rumio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134 Milan, Italy
| | - Guillermo Velasco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, University of Technology in Katowice, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Fabrizio Marcucci
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134 Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Acheampong E, Allsopp RC, Page K, Wadsley MK, Beasley AB, Coombes RC, Shaw JA, Gray ES. Meta-Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cell PD-L1 Expression and the Association with Clinical Outcomes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Clin Chem 2024; 70:234-249. [PMID: 38175603 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has been suggested to provide prognostic information in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but consensus relative to treatment outcomes is lacking. We conducted the first comprehensive meta-analysis exploring its potential as a prognostic and predictive marker, and assessed the concordance between PD-L1 + CTCs and paired tumor tissue in NSCLC patients. METHOD A comprehensive search was applied to PubMed and EMBASE to identify 26 studies that evaluated PD-L1 + CTCs and their association with survival outcomes in 1236 NSCLC patients. RESULTS The meta-analysis estimated a mean PD-L1 + CTCs detection rate of 61% (95% CI, 49-72). Subgroup analysis based on treatment showed that PD-L1 + CTCs was not significantly associated with better overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.96, 95% CI, 0.35-2.65, P = 0.944), but was predictive of worse OS in those treated with other therapies (HR = 2.11, 95% CI, 1.32-3.36, P = 0.002). Similarly, PD-L1 + CTCs was not significantly associated with superior progressing free survival (PFS) in NSCLCs treated with ICIs (HR = 0.67, 95% CI, 0.41-1.09, P = 0.121), but was significantly associated with shorter PFS in patients treated with other therapies (HR = 1.91, 95% CI, 1.24-2.94, P = 0.001). The overall estimate for the concordance between PD-L1 expression on CTCs and tumor cells was 63% (95% CI, 44-80). CONCLUSION The average detection rate of PD-L1 + CTCs was comparable to the rate of PD-L1 expression in NSCLC tumors. There was a trend towards better PFS in ICI-treated NSCLC patients with PD-L1 + CTCs. Larger longitudinal studies on the association of PD-L1 + CTCs with clinical outcomes in NSCLC patients treated with ICIs are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Acheampong
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, Department of Genetic and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Precision Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca C Allsopp
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, Department of Genetic and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Precision Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Page
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, Department of Genetic and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Precision Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Marc K Wadsley
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, Department of Genetic and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Precision Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron B Beasley
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - R Charles Coombes
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith, Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqui A Shaw
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, Department of Genetic and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Precision Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Elin S Gray
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Deng Q, Jiang B, Yan H, Wu J, Cao Z. Circulating tumor cells in gastric cancer: developments and clinical applications. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4385-4399. [PMID: 37548815 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01158-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which are shed from primary tumor or metastatic sites into the bloodstream and subsequently seed into distant tissues, are considered as the precursors of metastases. Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly heterogeneous malignant tumor. With regard to the diagnosis of GC, secondary pathological biopsy is difficult, while invasive examination is harmful to patients. In recent years, CTCs have made great progress in tumor diagnosis, prognosis prediction, efficacy detection and treatment guidance, but the research on the role of CTCs in GC remains limited. The following sections review the landmark studies demonstrating the technical approaches of CTCs monitoring in the field of GC. Moreover, we highlight the clinical application of CTCs numbers and phenotypes in monitoring the therapeutic efficacy and judging patient prognosis by sequential blood analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Deng
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haijiao Yan
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhenzhen Cao
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cui M, Wan Z, Yang J, Liao D, Yang Y, Xiang Y. Diagnostic value of programmed cell death-ligand 1 expression on circulating tumor cells in lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Biol Markers 2023; 38:159-166. [PMID: 37545433 DOI: 10.1177/03936155231192674] [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] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on circulating tumor cells offers a noninvasive method for the detection of PD-L1 expression in lung cancer, and could serve as a potential surrogate for cancer tissue. However, discrepant results make it difficult to apply PD-L1 on circulating tumor cells to clinical practice. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the diagnostic value of PD-L1 on circulating tumor cells in lung cancer. To identify the relationship between the expression of PD-L1 on circulating tumor cells and lung cancer, the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases were searched from inception to March 2023. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess the diagnostic performance of PD-L1. We also conducted subgroup and sensitivity analyses. A total of 11 studies including 472 lung cancer patients were included in our study. The overall performance in terms of pooled sensitivity and specificity was 0.72 (0.52-0.86) and 0.54 (0.25-0.81), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and area under the curve were 1.57 (0.87-2.84), 0.52 (0.30-0.90), and 0.70 (0.66-0.74), respectively. Deeks' funnel plot test indicated no publication bias. Our analysis demonstrated that positive PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) exhibited a moderate diagnostic value in lung cancer, and CTCs may serve as a feasible alternative tissue analysis for the detection of PD-L1 in lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Cui
- Laboratory Department, People's Hospital of Leshan, Leshan, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhiyong Wan
- Laboratory Department, People's Hospital of Leshan, Leshan, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Laboratory Department, People's Hospital of Leshan, Leshan, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Dan Liao
- Laboratory Department, People's Hospital of Leshan, Leshan, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Laboratory Department, People's Hospital of Leshan, Leshan, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yin Xiang
- Laboratory Department, People's Hospital of Leshan, Leshan, Sichuan Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jung HI, Ahn H, Oh MH, Yun J, Lee H, Bae SH, Kim YK, Kim SY, Baek MJ, Lee MS. Prognostic significance of programmed cell death-ligand 1 expression on immune cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition expression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Surg Treat Res 2023; 105:297-309. [PMID: 38023431 PMCID: PMC10648616 DOI: 10.4174/astr.2023.105.5.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been shown significant oncological improvements in several cancers. However, ICIs are still in their infancy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) have been known as prognostic factors in HCC. Therefore, we have focused on identifying the molecular mechanisms between each marker to evaluate a predictive role. Methods Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples were obtained from 166 patients with HCC who underwent surgery. The expression of PD-L1 and TILs and EMT marker were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis. Results The multivariate analysis showed that TIL expression (hazard ratio [HR], 0.483; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.269-0.866; P = 0.015) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. The prognostic factors for disease-free survival were EMT marker expression (HR, 1.565; 95% CI, 1.019-2.403; P = 0.005). Patients with high expression of TILs had significantly better survival compared to patients with low expression (P = 0.023). Patients who were TIL+/EMT- showed a significantly better prognosis than those who were TIL-/EMT+ (P = 0.049). Conclusion This study demonstrates that PD-L1 expression of TILs is closely associated with EMT marker expression in HCC. Clinical investigations using anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in patients with EMT-associated PD-L1 upregulation are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hae Il Jung
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Hyein Ahn
- Department of Pathology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Mee-Hye Oh
- Department of Pathology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - JongHyuk Yun
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Hyunyong Lee
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Sang Ho Bae
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Yung Kil Kim
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Sung Yong Kim
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Moo-Jun Baek
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Moon-Soo Lee
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cao W, Tang Q, Zeng J, Jin X, Zu L, Xu S. A Review of Biomarkers and Their Clinical Impact in Resected Early-Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4561. [PMID: 37760531 PMCID: PMC10526902 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The postoperative survival of early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients remains unsatisfactory. In this review, we examined the relevant literature to ascertain the prognostic effect of related indicators on early-stage NSCLC. The prognostic effects of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), C-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1), or tumour protein p53 (TP53) alterations in resected NSCLC remains debatable. Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) alterations indicate unfavourable outcomes in early-stage NSCLC. Meanwhile, adjuvant or neoadjuvant EGFR-targeted agents can substantially improve prognosis in early-stage NSCLC with EGFR alterations. Based on the summary of current studies, resected NSCLC patients with overexpression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) had worsening survival. Conversely, PD-L1 or PD-1 inhibitors can substantially improve patient survival. Considering blood biomarkers, perioperative peripheral venous circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and pulmonary venous CTCs predicted unfavourable prognoses and led to distant metastases. Similarly, patients with detectable perioperative circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) also had reduced survival. Moreover, patients with perioperatively elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the circulation predicted significantly worse survival outcomes. In the future, we will incorporate mutated genes, immune checkpoints, and blood-based biomarkers by applying artificial intelligence (AI) to construct prognostic models that predict patient survival accurately and guide individualised treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weibo Cao
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; (W.C.); (Q.T.); (J.Z.); (X.J.); (L.Z.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Quanying Tang
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; (W.C.); (Q.T.); (J.Z.); (X.J.); (L.Z.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Jingtong Zeng
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; (W.C.); (Q.T.); (J.Z.); (X.J.); (L.Z.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; (W.C.); (Q.T.); (J.Z.); (X.J.); (L.Z.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Lingling Zu
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; (W.C.); (Q.T.); (J.Z.); (X.J.); (L.Z.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Song Xu
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; (W.C.); (Q.T.); (J.Z.); (X.J.); (L.Z.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cucchiara F, Crucitta S, Petrini I, de Miguel Perez D, Ruglioni M, Pardini E, Rolfo C, Danesi R, Del Re M. Gene-network analysis predicts clinical response to immunotherapy in patients affected by NSCLC. Lung Cancer 2023; 183:107308. [PMID: 37473500 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2023.107308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Predictive biomarkers of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been extensively studied in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with controversial results. Recently, gene-network analysis emerged as a new tool to address tumor biology and behavior, representing a potential tool to evaluate response to therapies. METHODS Clinical data and genetic profiles of 644 advanced NSCLCs were retrieved from cBioPortal and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA); 243 ICI-treated NSCLCs were used to identify an immunotherapy response signatures via mutated gene network analysis and K-means unsupervised clustering. Signatures predictive values were tested in an external dataset of 242 cases and assessed versus a control group of 159 NSCLCs treated with standard chemotherapy. RESULTS At least two mutations in the coding sequence of genes belonging to the chromatin remodelling pathway (A signature), and/or at least two mutations of genes involved in cell-to-cell signalling pathways (B signature), showed positive prediction in ICI-treated advanced NSCLC. Signatures performed best when combined for patients undergoing first-line immunotherapy, and for those receiving combined ICIs. CONCLUSIONS Alterations in genes related to chromatin remodelling complexes and cell-to-cell crosstalk may force dysfunctional immune evasion, explaining susceptibility to immunotherapy. Therefore, exploring mutated gene networks could be valuable for determining essential biological interactions, contributing to treatment personalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Cucchiara
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Crucitta
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Iacopo Petrini
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Unit of General Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego de Miguel Perez
- Center for Thoracic Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Martina Ruglioni
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pardini
- Unit of General Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Christian Rolfo
- Center for Thoracic Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Romano Danesi
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Marzia Del Re
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Center for Thoracic Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Suvilesh KN, Manjunath Y, Pantel K, Kaifi JT. Preclinical models to study patient-derived circulating tumor cells and metastasis. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:355-371. [PMID: 36759267 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that are detached from the tumor can be precursors of metastasis. The majority of studies focus on enumeration of CTCs from patient blood to predict recurrence and therapy outcomes. Very few studies have managed to expand CTCs to investigate their functional dynamics with respect to genetic changes, tumorigenic potential, and response to drug treatment. A growing amount of evidence based on successful CTC expansion has revealed novel therapeutic targets that are associated with the process of metastasis. In this review, we summarize the successes, challenges, and limitations that collectively contribute to the better understanding of metastasis using patient-derived CTCs as blood-borne seeds of metastasis. The roadblocks and future avenues to move CTC-based scientific discoveries forward are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanve N Suvilesh
- Hugh E. Stephenson Jr., MD, Department of Surgery, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Yariswamy Manjunath
- Hugh E. Stephenson Jr., MD, Department of Surgery, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Institute for Tumor Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jussuf T Kaifi
- Hugh E. Stephenson Jr., MD, Department of Surgery, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA; Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Asante DB, Mohan GRKA, Acheampong E, Ziman M, Calapre L, Meniawy TM, Gray ES, Beasley AB. Genetic analysis of heterogeneous subsets of circulating tumour cells from high grade serous ovarian carcinoma patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2552. [PMID: 36781954 PMCID: PMC9925814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29416-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are heterogenous and contain genetic information from the tumour of origin. They bear specific intra- and extra-cellular protein markers aiding in their detection. However, since these markers may be shared with other rare cells in the blood, only genetic testing can confirm their malignancy. Herein, we analyse different CTC subsets using single cell whole genome DNA sequencing to validate their malignant origin. We randomly selected putative CTCs identified by immunostaining that were isolated from 4 patients with high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and one with benign cystadenoma. We specifically targeted CTCs positive for epithelial (CK/EpCAMpos), mesenchymal (vimentinpos), and pseudoendothelial (CK/EpCAMpos plus CD31pos) markers. We isolated these cells and performed whole genome amplification (WGA) and low-pass whole-genome sequencing (LP-WGS) for analysis of copy number alterations (CNA). Of the CK/EpCAMpos cells analysed from the HGSOC patients, 2 of 3 cells showed diverse chromosomal CNAs. However, the 4 pseudoendothelial cells (CK/EpCAMpos plus CD31pos) observed in the HGSOC cases did not carry any CNA. Lastly, two of the clusters of vimentin positive cells sequenced from those found in the benign cystadenoma case had CNA. Despite the low number of cells analysed, our results underscore the importance of genetic analysis of putative CTCs to confirm their neoplastic origin. In particular, it highlights the presence of a population of CK/EpCAMpos cells that are not tumour cells in patients with HGSOC, which otherwise would be counted as CTCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Du-Bois Asante
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
| | | | - Emmanuel Acheampong
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Melanie Ziman
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Leslie Calapre
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Tarek M Meniawy
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Elin S Gray
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia.
| | - Aaron B Beasley
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cohen EN, Jayachandran G, Gao H, Peabody P, McBride HB, Alvarez FD, Bravo PL, Qiao W, Liu S, Yao L, Lin SH, Reuben JM. Gene expression profiling of circulating tumor cells captured by MicroCavity Array is superior to enumeration in demonstrating therapy response in patients with newly diagnosed advanced and locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2023; 12:109-126. [PMID: 36762061 PMCID: PMC9903084 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-22-314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a promising non-invasive tool for monitoring therapy response. The only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved test is limited to enumeration of epithelial CTC without further characterization and is not approved for the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here we use a MicroCavity Array (MCA) system to capture CTC agnostic of epithelial markers for further molecular testing in NSCLC. Methods CTCs were enumerated by fluorescent microscopy as longitudinal sampling throughout disease management from 213 NSCLC patients. CTC-enriched samples from a subset of 127 patients were interrogated for gene expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using a customized pre-selected panel of 20 genes. Results At least 1 CTC was detected by enumeration in 53.8% of samples. Most patients had fewer than 5 CTCs (91%) and the highest observed count was 35 CTCs. Enumeration of single CTCs was not prognostic, although detection of CTC clusters at any time point was associated with increased risk of progression [hazard ratio (HR) 3.00, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-8.2, P=0.0318]. In contrast, 124 (97.6%) patients with samples interrogated for gene expression had at least 1 gene detectable in at least 1 sample, and 101 (79.5%) had at least one elevated epithelial gene in at least one timepoint. High expression of BCL2, CD274 [programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)], CDH1, EPCAM, FGFR1, FN1, KRT18, MET and MUC1 were associated with poor prognosis. Patients with CTCs positive for at least 3 epithelial genes at baseline all progressed within 10 months (HR 8.2, P<0.001, 95% CI: 3.2-21.1). BCL2, CD274 (PD-L1), EPCAM and MUC1 remained significant independent prognostic factors in multivariate, time-dependent analyses of progression and death. Conclusions The selective profile of CTC genes and identification of CTC clusters better correlated with prognosis than enumeration of enriched CTC in NSCLC patients in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan N. Cohen
- Department of Hematopathology Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gitanjali Jayachandran
- Department of Hematopathology Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hui Gao
- Department of Hematopathology Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Phillip Peabody
- Department of Hematopathology Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Heather B. McBride
- Department of Hematopathology Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Franklin D. Alvarez
- Department of Hematopathology Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pablo Lopez Bravo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wei Qiao
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Suyu Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luyang Yao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Steven H. Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James M. Reuben
- Department of Hematopathology Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pantel K, Alix-Panabières C. Crucial roles of circulating tumor cells in the metastatic cascade and tumor immune escape: biology and clinical translation. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005615. [PMID: 36517082 PMCID: PMC9756199 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-related deaths are mainly caused by metastatic spread of tumor cells from the primary lesion to distant sites via the blood circulation. Understanding the mechanisms of blood-borne tumor cell dissemination by the detection and molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of patients with cancer has opened a new avenue in cancer research. Recent technical advances have enabled a comprehensive analysis of the CTCs at the genome, transcriptome and protein level as well as first functional studies using patient-derived CTC cell lines. In this review, we describe and discuss how research on CTCs has yielded important insights into the biology of cancer metastasis and the response of patients with cancer to therapies directed against metastatic cells. Future investigations will show whether CTCs leaving their primary site are more vulnerable to attacks by immune effector cells and whether cancer cell dissemination might be the 'Achilles heel' of metastatic progression. Here, we focus on the lessons learned from CTC research on the biology of cancer metastasis in patients with particular emphasis on the interactions of CTCs with the immune system. Moreover, we describe and discuss briefly the potential and challenges for implementing CTCs into clinical decision-making including detection of minimal residual disease, monitoring efficacies of systemic therapies and identification of therapeutic targets and resistance mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Pantel
- Institute of Tumour Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany,European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany,Laboratory Detection of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Hospital Centre Montpellier, Montpellier, France,CREEC, MIVEGEC, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wankhede D, Grover S, Hofman P. Circulating Tumor Cells as a Predictive Biomarker in Resectable Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246112. [PMID: 36551601 PMCID: PMC9776809 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In breast, prostate, and other epithelial tumors, circulating tumor cells (CTC) in peripheral blood may predict survival. Our study evaluated the prognostic significance of baseline and postoperative CTC in patients with early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through a meta-analytic approach. Methods: Prospective studies comparing survival outcomes between positive (CTC+) and negative CTC (CTC−) patients were systematically searched. Primary outcomes were overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) with hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as the effect measure. Pooled HR determined the prognostic role under a fixed-effect or random-effect model depending on heterogeneity. Results: Eighteen studies with 1321 patients were eligible. CTC+ patients were associated with an increased risk of death (HR 3.53, 95% CI 2.51−4.95; p < 0.00001) and relapse (HR 2.97, 95% CI 2.08−4.22; p < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis results were consistent in different subsets, including time points (baseline and postoperative) and sources (peripheral and pulmonary vein) of blood collection, detection methods (label-free, label-dependent, and RT-PCR), and follow-up duration. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis revealed that CTC is a promising predictive biomarker for stratifying survival outcomes in patients with early-stage NSCLC. However, future studies are required to validate these findings and standardize detection methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Durgesh Wankhede
- Department of Surgical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
- Correspondence:
| | - Sandeep Grover
- Center for Human Genetics, Universitatsklinikum Giessen und Marburg—Standort Marburg, 35055 Marburg, Germany
| | - Paul Hofman
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, CHU Nice, FHU OncoAge, University Côte d’Azur, 06100 Nice, France
- Team 4, IRCAN, UMR 7284/U10181, FHU OncoAge, University Côte d’Azur, 06107 Nice, France
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank (BB-0033-00025), CHU Nice, FHU OncoAge, University Côte d’Azur, 06100 Nice, France
- European Liquid Biopsy Society, Martinistrasse 52 Building N27 Room 4.003, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pore AA, Bithi SS, Zeinali M, Navaid HB, Nagrath S, Layeequr Rahman R, Vanapalli SA. Phenotyping of rare circulating cells in the blood of non-metastatic breast cancer patients using microfluidic Labyrinth technology. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:064107. [PMID: 36536791 PMCID: PMC9759355 DOI: 10.1063/5.0129602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Label-free technologies for isolating rare circulating cells in breast cancer patients are widely available; however, they are mostly validated on metastatic patient blood samples. Given the need to use blood-based biomarkers to inform on disease progression and treatment decisions, it is important to validate these technologies in non-metastatic patient blood samples. In this study, we specifically focus on a recently established label-free microfluidic technology Labyrinth and assess its capabilities to phenotype a variety of rare circulating tumor cells indicative of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition as well as cancer-associated macrophage-like (CAML) cells. We specifically chose a patient cohort that is non-metastatic and selected to undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy to assess the performance of the Labyrinth technology. We enrolled 21 treatment naïve non-metastatic breast cancer patients of various disease stages. Our results indicate that (i) Labyrinth microfluidic technology is successfully able to isolate different phenotypes of CTCs despite the counts being low. (ii) Invasive phenotypes of CTCs such as transitioning CTCs and mesenchymal CTCs were found to be present in high numbers in stage III patients as compared to stage II patients. (iii) As the total load of CTCs increased, the mesenchymal CTCs were found to be increasing. (iv) Labyrinth was able to isolate CAMLs with the counts being higher in stage III patients as compared to stage II patients. Our study demonstrates the ability of the Labyrinth microfluidic technology to isolate rare cancer-associated cells from the blood of treatment naïve non-metastatic breast cancer patients, laying the foundation for tracking oncogenic spread and immune response in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adity A. Pore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA
| | - Swastika S. Bithi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA
| | - Mina Zeinali
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 79430, USA
| | - Hunaiz Bin Navaid
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA
| | - Sunitha Nagrath
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 79430, USA
| | | | - Siva A. Vanapalli
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Unver N, Tavukcuoglu E, Esendagli G. Tailored modulation of stemness and drug resistance marker characteristics in K-Ras mutant lung cancer cells via PD-L1 gene suppression. Life Sci 2022; 311:121171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
19
|
Zhou DH, Du QC, Fu Z, Wang XY, Zhou L, Wang J, Hu CK, Liu S, Li JM, Ma ML, Yu H. Development and validation of an epithelial–mesenchymal transition-related gene signature for predicting prognosis. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:9285-9302. [PMID: 36159424 PMCID: PMC9477694 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i26.9285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, there are many therapeutic methods for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), but the 5-year survival rate is still only 15% at later stages. Epithelial– mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been shown to be closely associated with local dissemination and subsequent metastasis of solid tumors. However, the role of EMT in the occurrence and development of LUAD remains unclear.
AIM To further elucidate the value of EMT-related genes in LUAD prognosis.
METHODS Univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to establish and validate a new EMT-related gene signature for predicting LUAD prognosis. The risk model was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, principal component analysis, and functional enrichment analysis and was used for nomogram construction. The potential structures of drugs to which LUAD is sensitive were discussed with respect to EMT-related genes in this model.
RESULTS Thirty-three differentially expressed genes related to EMT were found to be highly associated with overall survival (OS) by using univariate Cox regression analysis (log2FC ≥ 1, false discovery rate < 0.001). A prognostic signature of 7 EMT-associated genes was developed to divide patients into two risk groups by high or low risk scores. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that the OS of patients in the high-risk group was significantly poorer than that of patients in the low-risk group (P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score was an independent risk factor for OS (HR > 1, P < 0.05). The results of receiver operator characteristic curve analysis suggested that the 7-gene signature had a perfect ability to predict prognosis (all area under the curves > 0.5).
CONCLUSION The EMT-associated gene signature classifier could be used as a feasible indicator for predicting OS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- De-Hua Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Qian-Cheng Du
- Department of Thoracic surgery, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zheng Fu
- Department of Thoracic surgery, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xin-Yu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Thoracic surgery, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Cheng-Kai Hu
- Department of Thoracic surgery, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Shun Liu
- Department of Thoracic surgery, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jun-Min Li
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Meng-Li Ma
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hua Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Huang Y, Hong W, Wei X. The molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of EMT in tumor progression and metastasis. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:129. [PMID: 36076302 PMCID: PMC9461252 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01347-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 124.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential process in normal embryonic development and tissue regeneration. However, aberrant reactivation of EMT is associated with malignant properties of tumor cells during cancer progression and metastasis, including promoted migration and invasiveness, increased tumor stemness, and enhanced resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. EMT is tightly regulated by a complex network which is orchestrated with several intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including multiple transcription factors, post-translational control, epigenetic modifications, and noncoding RNA-mediated regulation. In this review, we described the molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and the stages of tumorigenesis involved in the EMT process and discussed the dynamic non-binary process of EMT and its role in tumor metastasis. Finally, we summarized the challenges of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in EMT and proposed strategies for tumor therapy targeting EMT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhe Huang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weiqi Hong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
PD-L1/pS6 in Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) during Osimertinib Treatment in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081893. [PMID: 36009440 PMCID: PMC9405335 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The PD-1/PD-L1 axis provides CTCs an escape route from the immune system. Phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6 is implicated in the same pathway, following mTOR activation. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of PD-L1 and pS6 in CTCs from NSCLC patients under Osimertinib treatment at a single cell level. CTCs were isolated using ISET from NSCLC patients’ blood [37 at baseline, 25 after the 1st cycle, and 23 at the end of treatment (EOT)]. Staining was performed using immunofluorescence. Cytokeratin-positive (CK+) CTCs were detected in 62% of patients. CK+PD-L1+CD45− and CK+pS6+ phenotypes were detected in 38% and 41% of the patients at baseline, in 28% and 32% after 1st cycle, and in 30% and 35% at EOT, respectively. Spearman’s analysis revealed statistically significant correlations between PD-L1 and pS6 phenotypes at all time points. Survival analysis revealed that CK+pS6+ (p = 0.003) and CKlowpS6+ (p = 0.021) phenotypes after 1st cycle were related to significantly decreased one-year progression-free survival (PFS12m) and PFS, respectively. CK+PD-L1+CD45−phenotype at baseline and after 1st cycle showed a trend for decreased PFS12m. Increased expression of PD-L1/pS6 in CTCs of Osimertinib-treated NSCLC patients implies the activation of the corresponding pathway, which is potentially associated with poor clinical outcomes.
Collapse
|
22
|
Powering single-cell genomics to unravel circulating tumour cell subpopulations in non-small cell lung cancer patients. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 149:1941-1950. [PMID: 35896898 PMCID: PMC10097753 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04202-y] [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: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are attractive "liquid biopsy" candidates that could provide insights into the different phenotypes of tumours present within a patient. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CTCs is considered a critical step in tumour metastasis; however, it may confound traditional epithelial feature-based CTC isolation and detection. We applied single-cell copy number alteration (CNA) analysis for the identification of genomic alterations to confirm the neoplastic nature of circulating cells with only mesenchymal phenotypes. METHODS We isolated CTCs from blood samples collected from 46 NSCLC patients using the Parsortix system. Enriched cells were subjected to immunofluorescent staining for CTC identification using a multi-marker panel comprising both epithelial and mesenchymal markers. A subset of isolated CTCs was subjected to whole genome amplification (WGA) and low-pass whole-genome sequencing (LP-WGS) for the analysis of copy number alterations (CNAs). RESULTS CTCs were detected in 16/46 (34.8%) patients, inclusive of CK+/EpCAM+ CTCs (3/46, 6.5%) and Vim+ CTCs (13/46, 28.3%). Clusters of Vim+ cells were detected in 8 samples, which constitutes 50% of the total number of NSCLC patients with CTCs. No patients had detectable hybrid CK+/EpCAM+/Vim+ cells. All of the tested CK+/EpCAM+ CTCs and 7/8 Vim+ CTCs or CTC clusters carried CNAs confirming their neoplastic nature. Notably, the Vim+ cluster with no CNAs was characterised by spindle morphology and, therefore, defined as normal mesenchymal circulating cells. CONCLUSION Our results revealed that CK-negative, vimentin-expressing cells represent a large proportion of CTCs detected in NSCLC patients, which are likely missed by standard epithelial-marker-dependent CTC categorisation.
Collapse
|
23
|
Kapeleris J, Müller Bark J, Ranjit S, Irwin D, Hartel G, Warkiani ME, Leo P, O'Leary C, Ladwa R, O'Byrne K, Hughes BGM, Punyadeera C. Prognostic value of integrating circulating tumour cells and cell-free DNA in non-small cell lung cancer. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09971. [PMID: 35874074 PMCID: PMC9305346 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often presents at an incurable stage, and majority of patients will be considered for palliative treatment at some point in their disease. Despite recent advances, the prognosis remains poor, with a median overall survival of 12–18 months. Liquid biopsy-based biomarkers have emerged as potential candidates for predicting prognosis and response to therapy in NSCLC patients. This pilot study evaluated whether combining circulating tumour cells and clusters (CTCs) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) can predict progression-free survival (PFS) in NSCLC patients. Methods CTC and cfDNA/ctDNA from advanced stage NSCLC patients were measured at study entry (T0) and 3-months post-treatment (T1). CTCs were enriched using a spiral microfluidic chip and characterised by immunofluorescence. ctDNA was assessed using an UltraSEEK® Lung Panel. Kaplan-Meier plots were generated to investigate the contribution of the presence of CTC/CTC clusters and cfDNA for PFS. Cox proportional hazards analysis compared time to progression versus CTC/CTC cluster counts and cfDNA levels. Results Single CTCs were found in 14 out of 25 patients, while CTC clusters were found in 8 out of the 25 patients at T0. At T1, CTCs were found in 7 out of 18 patients, and CTC clusters in 1 out of the 18 patients. At T0, CTC presence and the combination of CTC cluster counts with cfDNA levels were associated with shorter PFS, p = 0.0261, p = 0.0022, respectively. Conclusions Combining CTC cluster counts and cfDNA levels could improve PFS assessment in NSCLC patients. Our results encourage further investigation on the combined effect of CTC/cfDNA as a prognostic biomarker in a large cohort of advanced stage NSCLC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kapeleris
- Queensland University of Technology, Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Juliana Müller Bark
- Queensland University of Technology, Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia.,Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Shanon Ranjit
- Queensland University of Technology, Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Darryl Irwin
- Agena Biosciences, Bowen Hills, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston Road, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Ultimo NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Leo
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia.,Australian Translational Genomics Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Connor O'Leary
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rahul Ladwa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kenneth O'Byrne
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brett G M Hughes
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chamindie Punyadeera
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia.,Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold-Coast, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kapeleris J, Ebrahimi Warkiani M, Kulasinghe A, Vela I, Kenny L, Ladwa R, O’Byrne K, Punyadeera C. Clinical Applications of Circulating Tumour Cells and Circulating Tumour DNA in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer-An Update. Front Oncol 2022; 12:859152. [PMID: 35372000 PMCID: PMC8965052 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.859152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite efforts to improve earlier diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), most patients present with advanced stage disease, which is often associated with poor survival outcomes with only 15% surviving for 5 years from their diagnosis. Tumour tissue biopsy is the current mainstream for cancer diagnosis and prognosis in many parts of the world. However, due to tumour heterogeneity and accessibility issues, liquid biopsy is emerging as a game changer for both cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Liquid biopsy is the analysis of tumour-derived biomarkers in body fluids, which has remarkable advantages over the use of traditional tumour biopsy. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) are two main derivatives of liquid biopsy. CTC enumeration and molecular analysis enable monitoring of cancer progression, recurrence, and treatment response earlier than traditional biopsy through a minimally invasive liquid biopsy approach. CTC-derived ex-vivo cultures are essential to understanding CTC biology and their role in metastasis, provide a means for personalized drug testing, and guide treatment selection. Just like CTCs, ctDNA provides opportunity for screening, monitoring, treatment evaluation, and disease surveillance. We present an updated review highlighting the prognostic and therapeutic significance of CTCs and ctDNA in NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kapeleris
- Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory, The Centre for Biomedical Technologies, The School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ian Vela
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Liz Kenny
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Central Integrated Regional Cancer Service, Queensland Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rahul Ladwa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Kenneth O’Byrne
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Chamindie Punyadeera
- Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory, The Centre for Biomedical Technologies, The School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Manjunath Y, Suvilesh KN, Mitchem JB, Avella Patino DM, Kimchi ET, Staveley-O'Carroll KF, Pantel K, Yi H, Li G, Harris PK, Chaudhuri AA, Kaifi JT. Circulating Tumor-Macrophage Fusion Cells and Circulating Tumor Cells Complement Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Screening in Patients With Suspicious Lung-RADS 4 Nodules. JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 6:e2100378. [PMID: 35417204 PMCID: PMC9012602 DOI: 10.1200/po.21.00378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening of high-risk patients decreases lung cancer-related mortality. However, high false-positive rates associated with LDCT result in unnecessary interventions. To distinguish non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from benign nodules, in the present study, we integrated cellular liquid biomarkers in patients with suspicious lung nodules (lung cancer screening reporting and data system [Lung-RADS] 4). METHODS Prospectively, 7.5 mL of blood was collected from 221 individuals (training set: 90 nonscreened NSCLC patients, 74 high-risk screening patients with no/benign nodules [Lung-RADS 1-3], and 20 never smokers; validation set: 37 patients with suspicious nodules [Lung-RADS 4]). Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), CTC clusters, and tumor-macrophage fusion (TMF) cells were identified by blinded analyses. Screening patients underwent a median of two LDCTs (range, 1-4) with a median surveillance time of 30 (range, 11-50) months. RESULTS In the validation set of 37 Lung-RADS 4 patients, all circulating cellular biomarker counts (P < .005; Wilcoxon test) and positivity rates were significantly higher in 23 biopsy-proven NSCLC patients (CTCs: 23 of 23 [100%], CTC clusters: 6 of 23 [26.1%], and TMF cells: 15 of 23 [65.2%]) than in 14 patients with biopsy-proven benign nodules (6 of 14 [42.9%], 0 of 14 [0%], and 2 of 14 [14.3%]). On the basis of cutoff values from the training set, logistic regression with receiver operating characteristic and area under the curve analyses demonstrated that CTCs (sensitivity: 0.870, specificity: 1.0, and area under the curve: 0.989) and TMF cells (0.652; 0.880; 0.790) complement LDCT in diagnosing NSCLC in Lung-RADS 4 patients. CONCLUSION Cellular liquid biomarkers have a potential to complement LDCT interpretation of suspicious Lung-RADS 4 nodules to distinguish NSCLC from benign lung nodules. A future prospective, large-scale, multicenter clinical trial should validate the role of cellular liquid biomarkers in improving diagnostic accuracy in high-risk patients with Lung-RADS 4 nodules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yariswamy Manjunath
- Department of Surgery, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO
| | - Kanve Nagaraj Suvilesh
- Department of Surgery, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
| | - Jonathan B. Mitchem
- Department of Surgery, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Diego M. Avella Patino
- Department of Surgery, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO
| | - Eric T. Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Kevin F. Staveley-O'Carroll
- Department of Surgery, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Institute for Tumor Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Huang Yi
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Genetics, and Computer Science and Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO
| | - Peter K. Harris
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Genetics, and Computer Science and Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Aadel A. Chaudhuri
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Genetics, and Computer Science and Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Jussuf T. Kaifi
- Department of Surgery, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Katsarou SD, Messaritakis I, Voumvouraki A, Kakavogiannis S, Κotsakis A, Alkahtani S, Stournaras C, Martin SS, Georgoulias V, Kallergi G. Detyrosinated α-Tubulin, Vimentin and PD-L1 in Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) Isolated from Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12020154. [PMID: 35207643 PMCID: PMC8875112 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Upregulation of Vimentin (VIM), alpha-Tubulin (TUB) and Detyrosinated tubulin (GLU) in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) derived from breast cancer patients is related to poor prognosis. In the current study we evaluated for the first time, these cytoskeletal proteins in sixty Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients’ CTCs (33 treatment-naïve and 27 pre-treated). Samples were isolated using the ISET platform and stained with a pancytokeratin (CK)/CD45/TUB, CK/GLU/VIM and CK/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) combination of antibodies. Subsequently, slides were analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. CTCs were detected in 86.7% of the patients. CTCs with TUB expression were identified in 65.4% (34/52) of the CK (+)-patients. GLU, VIM and PD-L1 were also evaluated. The frequency of the observed phenotypes was as follow: (CK+/GLU−/VIM−): 35.2%, (CK+/GLU+/VIM+): 63.0%, (CK+/GLU+/VIM−): 16.7%, (CK+/GLU−/VIM+): 72.2%, (CK+/PD-L1−): 75% and (CK+/PD-L1+): 55%. The OS was significantly decreased in patients with high GLU (3.8 vs. 7.9 months; p = 0.018) and/or high VIM (3.2 vs. 7.1 months; p = 0.029) expression in their CTCs. PD-L1 was also related to OS (3.4 vs. 7.21 months; p = 0.035). Moreover, TUB-high and TUB-low expression in CTCs inversely influenced patients’ OS as independent prognostic factors (p = 0.041 and p = 0.009). The current study revealed that TUB, GLU, VIM and PD-L1 were overexpressed in CTCs from NSCLC patients. Furthermore, the presence of GLU, VIM-positive and PD-L1 in CTCs is potentially related to patients’ outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridoula D. Katsarou
- Division of Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (S.D.K.); (S.K.)
- Department of Zoology, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (A.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Ippokratis Messaritakis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Anastasia Voumvouraki
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (A.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Stavros Kakavogiannis
- Division of Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (S.D.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Athanasios Κotsakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larisa, 41334 Larisa, Greece;
- Hellenic Oncology Research Group (HORG), 11526 Athens, Greece;
| | - Saad Alkahtani
- Department of Zoology, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (A.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Christos Stournaras
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (A.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Stuart S. Martin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | | | - Galatea Kallergi
- Division of Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (S.D.K.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-26-1096-9248
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Chelakkot C, Yang H, Shin YK. Relevance of Circulating Tumor Cells as Predictive Markers for Cancer Incidence and Relapse. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:75. [PMID: 35056131 PMCID: PMC8781286 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Shedding of cancer cells from the primary site or undetectable bone marrow region into the circulatory system, resulting in clinically overt metastasis or dissemination, is the hallmark of unfavorable invasive cancers. The shed cells remain in circulation until they extravasate to form a secondary metastatic lesion or undergo anoikis. The circulating tumor cells (CTCs) found as single cells or clusters carry a plethora of information, are acknowledged as potential biomarkers for predicting cancer prognosis and cancer progression, and are supposed to play key roles in determining tailored therapies for advanced diseases. With the advent of novel technologies that allow the precise isolation of CTCs, more and more clinical trials are focusing on the prognostic and predictive potential of CTCs. In this review, we summarize the role of CTCs as a predictive marker for cancer incidence, relapse, and response to therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaithanya Chelakkot
- Bio-MAX/N-Bio, Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08226, Korea
- Genobio Corp., Seoul 08394, Korea
| | - Hobin Yang
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08226, Korea
| | - Young Kee Shin
- Bio-MAX/N-Bio, Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08226, Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08226, Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08226, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Bravaccini S, Bronte G, Petracci E, Puccetti M, D'Arcangelo M, Ravaioli S, Tumedei MM, Maltoni R, Delmonte A, Cappuzzo F, Crinò L. The Expression of Programmed Death Ligand 1 and Vimentin in Resected Non-Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Interplay and Prognostic Effects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:772216. [PMID: 34917615 PMCID: PMC8669606 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.772216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an immune checkpoint with a role in cancer-related immune evasion. It is a target for cancer immunotherapy and its expression is detected for the use of some immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC). Vimentin is a key component of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenotype. Its expression has negative prognostic effects in NSCLC. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated PD-L1 and vimentin expression in tumor cells, immune infiltrate and PD-L1 positive immune infiltrate via immunohistochemistry in tissue samples from resected non-metastatic NSCLC patients. We explored the interplay between PD-L1 and vimentin expression through Spearman’s correlation test. We performed univariate analysis through the Cox models for demographic and clinico-pathological variables, and also for dichotomized biomarkers, i.e., PD-L1 and vimentin in tumor cells, both with 1 and 50% cutoffs. We used Kaplan-Meier method to estimate the overall survival, comparing both vimentin and PD-L1 positive patients with all the others. We found a weak positive correlation between PD-L1 and vimentin expressions in tumor cells (r = 0.25; p = 0.001). We also observed a statistically not significant trend towards a shorter overall survival in patients with both PD-L1 and vimentin expression >1% (HR = 1.36; 95% CI: 0.96–1.93, p = 0.087). In conclusion, these findings suggest that interplay between PD-L1 and vimentin may exist in non-metastatic NSCLC patients and the positivity of both markers in tumor tissue is associated with a trend towards a worse prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bravaccini
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bronte
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Petracci
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | | | | | - Sara Ravaioli
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Tumedei
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Roberta Maltoni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Angelo Delmonte
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | | | - Lucio Crinò
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Multi-Marker Immunofluorescent Staining and PD-L1 Detection on Circulating Tumour Cells from Ovarian Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246225. [PMID: 34944844 PMCID: PMC8699768 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) have the potential to serve as a rich source of information for cancer diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. To fully exploit this minimally invasive diagnostic resource requires techniques that aid in enriching heterogenous populations of CTCs and markers to efficiently characterise these cells as tumour derived. In the present study we eva-luated the microfluidic enrichment of CTCs and a multi-marker staining methodology for the identification of heterogeneous CTCs in ovarian cancer (OC) patients and evaluation of PD-L1 expression. We showed, for the first time, the existence of hybrid CTCs with an epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype and their association with PD-L1 in OC. Incorporation of this method in future clinical trials can help predict immunotherapy responsiveness in OC patients. Abstract Detection of ovarian cancer (OC) circulating tumour cells (CTCs) is primarily based on targeting epithelial markers, thus failing to detect mesenchymal tumour cells. More importantly, the immune checkpoint inhibitor marker PD-L1 has not been demonstrated on CTCs from OC patients. An antibody staining protocol was developed and tested using SKOV-3 and OVCA432 OC cell lines. We targeted epithelial (cytokeratin (CK) and EpCAM), mesenchymal (vimentin), and OC-specific (PAX8) markers for detection of CTCs, and CD45/16 and CD31 were used for the exclusion of white blood and vascular endothelial cells, respectively. PD-L1 was used for CTC characterisation. CTCs were enriched using the Parsortix™ system from 16 OC patients. Results revealed the presence of CTCs in 10 (63%) cases. CTCs were heterogeneous, with 113/157 (72%) cells positive for CK/EpCAM (epithelial marker), 58/157 (37%) positive for vimentin (mesenchymal marker), and 17/157 (11%) for both (hybrid). PAX8 was only found in 11/157 (7%) CTCs. In addition, 62/157 (39%) CTCs were positive for PD-L1. Positivity for PD-L1 was significantly associated with the hybrid phenotype when compared with the epithelial (p = 0.007) and mesenchymal (p = 0.0009) expressing CTCs. Characterisation of CTC phenotypes in relation to clinical outcomes is needed to provide insight into the role that epithelial to mesenchymal plasticity plays in OC and its relationship with PD-L1.
Collapse
|
30
|
Lin D, Shen L, Luo M, Zhang K, Li J, Yang Q, Zhu F, Zhou D, Zheng S, Chen Y, Zhou J. Circulating tumor cells: biology and clinical significance. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:404. [PMID: 34803167 PMCID: PMC8606574 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00817-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are tumor cells that have sloughed off the primary tumor and extravasate into and circulate in the blood. Understanding of the metastatic cascade of CTCs has tremendous potential for the identification of targets against cancer metastasis. Detecting these very rare CTCs among the massive blood cells is challenging. However, emerging technologies for CTCs detection have profoundly contributed to deepening investigation into the biology of CTCs and have facilitated their clinical application. Current technologies for the detection of CTCs are summarized herein, together with their advantages and disadvantages. The detection of CTCs is usually dependent on molecular markers, with the epithelial cell adhesion molecule being the most widely used, although molecular markers vary between different types of cancer. Properties associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stemness have been identified in CTCs, indicating their increased metastatic capacity. Only a small proportion of CTCs can survive and eventually initiate metastases, suggesting that an interaction and modulation between CTCs and the hostile blood microenvironment is essential for CTC metastasis. Single-cell sequencing of CTCs has been extensively investigated, and has enabled researchers to reveal the genome and transcriptome of CTCs. Herein, we also review the clinical applications of CTCs, especially for monitoring response to cancer treatment and in evaluating prognosis. Hence, CTCs have and will continue to contribute to providing significant insights into metastatic processes and will open new avenues for useful clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danfeng Lin
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lesang Shen
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Luo
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinfan Li
- Department of Pathology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Pathology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Zhu
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital of Zhuji, Shaoxing, China
| | - Shu Zheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiding Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jiaojiao Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) in NSCLC: From Prognosis to Therapy Design. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111879. [PMID: 34834295 PMCID: PMC8619417 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Designing optimal (neo)adjuvant therapy is a crucial aspect of the treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Standard methods of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy represent effective strategies for treatment. However, in some cases with high metastatic activity and high levels of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), the efficacy of standard treatment methods is insufficient and results in treatment failure and reduced patient survival. CTCs are seen not only as an isolated phenomenon but also a key inherent part of the formation of metastasis and a key factor in cancer death. This review discusses the impact of NSCLC therapy strategies based on a meta-analysis of clinical studies. In addition, possible therapeutic strategies for repression when standard methods fail, such as the administration of low-toxicity natural anticancer agents targeting these phenomena (curcumin and flavonoids), are also discussed. These strategies are presented in the context of key mechanisms of tumour biology with a strong influence on CTC spread and metastasis (mechanisms related to tumour-associated and -infiltrating cells, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and migration of cancer cells).
Collapse
|
32
|
Qian H, Zhang Y, Xu J, He J, Gao W. Progress and application of circulating tumor cells in non-small cell lung cancer. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2021; 22:72-84. [PMID: 34514090 PMCID: PMC8408556 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has the highest morbidity and mortality worldwide among malignant tumors. NSCLC is a great threat to health and well-being. Biopsy is the gold standard to diagnose lung cancer, but traditional biopsy methods cannot fully reflect the true condition of tumors. There is growing evidence that a single-point biopsy fails to reveal the complete landscape of the tumor due to intratumor heterogeneity, but it is impractical to complete multiple biopsies that are separated both spatially and temporally. Liquid biopsy heralds that a new era is coming. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are tumor cells that circulate in the peripheral blood after being shed from primary or metastatic tumors. CTCs constitute a considerable portion of a liquid biopsy, which contributes to the diagnosis, assessment of prognosis, and therapy of NSCLC. Herein, this review discusses the technologies for detection and enrichment of CTCs as well as clinical applications involving CTCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huizhu Qian
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Wen Gao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ouyang Y, Liu W, Zhang N, Yang X, Li J, Long S. Prognostic significance of programmed cell death-ligand 1 expression on circulating tumor cells in various cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Med 2021; 10:7021-7039. [PMID: 34423578 PMCID: PMC8525108 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prognostic significance of programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has been explored but is still in controversy. We performed, for the first time, a meta‐analysis to systematically evaluate its prognostic value in human cancers. Methods Literature databases were searched for eligible studies prior to June 30, 2021. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for the associations of pre‐treatment and post‐treatment PD‐L1+ CTCs with progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Subgroup analyses with regards to cancer type, treatment, CTC enrichment method, PD‐L1 detection method, cut‐off, and specifically the comparison model were performed. Results We included 30 eligible studies (32 cohorts, 1419 cancer patients) in our analysis. Pre‐treatment PD‐L1+ CTCs detected by immunofluorescence (IF) tended to predict better PFS (HR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.28–1.08, p = 0.084) and OS (HR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.36–1.04, p = 0.067) for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment, but were significantly associated with unfavorable survival for non‐ICI therapies (PFS: HR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.21–2.85, p = 0.005; OS: HR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.69–3.51, p < 0.001). Post‐treatment PD‐L1+ CTCs predicted markedly worse PFS and OS. The prognostic value was obviously modulated by comparison models. Among patients with detectable CTCs, PD‐L1+ individuals had comparable survival to PD‐L1− individuals, except ICI treatment for which PD‐L1+ may predict better PFS (HR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.17–1.06, p = 0.067). Patients with PD‐L1+ CTCs had worse survival prognosis compared to those without PD‐L1+ CTCs in overall analysis (PFS: HR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.59–2.77, p < 0.001; OS: HR = 2.55, 95% CI 1.70–3.81, p < 0.001) and in most subgroups. Conclusions Our analysis demonstrated that PD‐L1 positive expression on CTCs predicted better survival prognosis for ICI treatment but worse survival for other therapies, which thus can be potentially used as a prognostic marker of malignant tumor treatment. However, the prognostic value of PD‐L1+ CTCs for ICI treatment needs validation by more large‐scale studies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yushu Ouyang
- Department of Intervention, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wendao Liu
- Department of Intervention, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ningning Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Xiaobing Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinwei Li
- Department of Intervention, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shunqin Long
- Department of Oncology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Sinoquet L, Jacot W, Gauthier L, Pouderoux S, Viala M, Cayrefourcq L, Quantin X, Alix-Panabières C. Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1-Expressing Circulating Tumor Cells: A New Prognostic Biomarker in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Clin Chem 2021; 67:1503-1512. [PMID: 34355741 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvab131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), analysis of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is a potential alternative to overcome the problems linked to the tumor biopsy spatiotemporal heterogeneity. However, the prognostic significance of PD-L1-positive [PD-L1(+)] CTCs remains controversial. METHODS We prospectively evaluated the correlation with clinicopathological variables and prognostic value of PD-L1(+) CTCs, detected with the FDA-cleared CellSearch® system, in 54 patients with advanced NSCLC. RESULTS We detected CTCs and PD-L1(+) CTCs in 43.4% and 9.4% of patients with NSCLC. PD-L1 expression concordance between tumor tissue and CTCs was low (54%). The presence of PD-L1(+) CTC correlated with the absence of gene alterations in tumor tissue and with poor prognosis-related biological variables (anemia, hyponatremia, increased lactate dehydrogenase). In univariate analysis, absence of gene alterations, number of metastatic sites, prior systemic therapies, and presence of CTCs and PD-L1(+) CTCs were associated with worse overall survival, whereas PD-L1 expression in tumor tissue was not. In multivariate analysis, squamous cell carcinoma histology, number of prior systemic treatments, and the presence of CTC were significantly associated with overall survival. Survival was worse in patients with PD-L1(+) CTCs than in patients with PD-L1-negative CTC or without any CTC. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the presence of PD-L1(+) CTCs is associated with poor prognosis in patients with advanced NSCLC. Studies with larger samples are needed to confirm our results and to determine how PD-L1(+) CTC detection could help to predict the response or resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies.Clinical trial registration NCT02866149.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Léa Sinoquet
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut du Cancer Montpellier, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - William Jacot
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut du Cancer Montpellier, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France.,Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Ludovic Gauthier
- Biometrics Unit, Institut du Cancer Montpellier, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Stéphane Pouderoux
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut du Cancer Montpellier, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie Viala
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut du Cancer Montpellier, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Laure Cayrefourcq
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Centre of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Xavier Quantin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut du Cancer Montpellier, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France.,Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Centre of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hypoxia in Lung Cancer Management: A Translational Approach. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143421. [PMID: 34298636 PMCID: PMC8307602 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hypoxia is a common feature of lung cancers. Nonetheless, no guidelines have been established to integrate hypoxia-associated biomarkers in patient management. Here, we discuss the current knowledge and provide translational novel considerations regarding its clinical detection and targeting to improve the outcome of patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma of all stages. Abstract Lung cancer represents the first cause of death by cancer worldwide and remains a challenging public health issue. Hypoxia, as a relevant biomarker, has raised high expectations for clinical practice. Here, we review clinical and pathological features related to hypoxic lung tumours. Secondly, we expound on the main current techniques to evaluate hypoxic status in NSCLC focusing on positive emission tomography. We present existing alternative experimental approaches such as the examination of circulating markers and highlight the interest in non-invasive markers. Finally, we evaluate the relevance of investigating hypoxia in lung cancer management as a companion biomarker at various lung cancer stages. Hypoxia could support the identification of patients with higher risks of NSCLC. Moreover, the presence of hypoxia in treated tumours could help clinicians predict a worse prognosis for patients with resected NSCLC and may help identify patients who would benefit potentially from adjuvant therapies. Globally, the large quantity of translational data incites experimental and clinical studies to implement the characterisation of hypoxia in clinical NSCLC management.
Collapse
|
36
|
Kong D, Zhang W, Yang Z, Li G, Cheng S, Zhang K, Feng L. Correlation between PD-L1 expression ON CTCs and prognosis of patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1938476. [PMID: 34211802 PMCID: PMC8218685 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1938476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are considered to be related to the prognosis of cancer patients. CTC is a powerful indicator for recurrence or metastasis. The relationship, however, between the expression of programmed cell death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1) on CTCs in peripheral blood and the prognosis, is still controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate its prognostic value. A total of 20 articles were screened from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) and WanFang Database, and the Hazard Ratio (HR) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of each article were combined to study the relationship between PD-L1 expression on CTCs and prognosis. The expression of PD-L1 on CTCs in the peripheral blood of cancer patients is associated with poor prognosis. The pooled HRs for overall survival (OS) in cancer patients were 1.85 (95% CI, 1.29-2.66, P = .001). The pooled HRs for progression-free survival (PFS) in cancer patients were 1.50 (95% CI, 1.12-2.01; P = .007). This is the first meta-analysis to clarify the expression of PD-L1 on CTCs at baseline affects the prognosis of cancer patients. Patients with CTCs expressing PD-L1 had a shorter survival time than patients with CTCs not expressing PD-L1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Defeng Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhenrong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Guoliang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shujun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Kaitai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Tan J, Guo W, Yang S, Han D, Li H. The multiple roles and therapeutic potential of clusterin in non-small-cell lung cancer: a narrative review. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2021; 10:2683-2697. [PMID: 34295670 PMCID: PMC8264340 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-20-1298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, lung cancer is the most common form of cancer, with an estimated 2.09 million new cases and 1.76 million of death cause in 2018. It is categorized into two subtypes, small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although platinum-based chemotherapy or molecular targeted drugs is recommended for advanced stages of NSCLC patients, however, resistance to drug and chemotherapy are hindrances for patients to fully beneficial from these treatments. Clusterin (CLU), also known as apolipoprotein J, is a versatile chaperone molecule which produced by a wide array of tissues and found in most biologic fluids. There are studies reported high expression of CLU confers resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in different lung cancer cell lines. By silencing CLU using Custirsen (OGX-011), a second-generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that inhibits CLU production, not only could sensitized cells to chemo- and radiotherapy, also could decreased their metastatic potential. We will review here the extensive literature linking CLU to NSCLC, update the current state of research on CLU for better understanding of this unique protein and the development of more effective anti- CLU treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juofang Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Su Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dingpei Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hecheng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Clinical Relevance of Mesenchymal- and Stem-Associated Phenotypes in Circulating Tumor Cells Isolated from Lung Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092158. [PMID: 33947159 PMCID: PMC8124761 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lung cancer is the most frequent malignancy in the world. Most lung cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. To make matters worse, the survival of patients is very poor. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), albeit rare, have been portrayed as essential players in the progression of lung cancer. It is definitely not easy being a CTC. First, they escape from the primary tumor, then they travel in the bloodstream, have to survive really harsh conditions, and finally, they form metastases. The adoption of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition as well as cancer stem cell features has been suggested to allow CTCs to survive and metastasize. This review will focus on how these features can be used to estimate the prognosis of lung cancer patients. Abstract Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Among the types of lung cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is more common, while small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is less frequent yet more aggressive. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), albeit rare, have been portrayed as essential players in the progression of lung cancer. CTCs are considered to adopt an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and characteristics of cancer stem cells (CSCs). This EMT (or partial) phenotype affords these cells the ability to escape from the primary tumor, travel into the bloodstream, and survive extremely adverse conditions, before colonizing distant foci. Acquisition of CSC features, such as self-renewal, differentiation, and migratory potential, further reflect CTCs’ invasive potential. CSCs have been identified in lung cancer, and expression of EMT markers has previously been correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Thus far, a vast majority of studies have concentrated on CTC detection and enumeration as a prognostic tools of patients’ survival or for monitoring treatment efficacy. In this review, we highlight EMT and CSC markers in CTCs and focus on the clinical significance of these phenotypes in the progression of both non-small- and small-cell lung cancer.
Collapse
|
39
|
Taki M, Abiko K, Ukita M, Murakami R, Yamanoi K, Yamaguchi K, Hamanishi J, Baba T, Matsumura N, Mandai M. Tumor Immune Microenvironment during Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:4669-4679. [PMID: 33827891 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-4459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been shown to play a critical role in tumor development from initiation to metastasis. EMT could be regarded as a continuum, with intermediate hybrid epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes having high plasticity. Classical EMT is characterized by the phenotype change of epithelial cells to cells with mesenchymal properties, but EMT is also associated with multiple other molecular processes, including tumor immune evasion. Some previous studies have shown that EMT is associated with the cell number of immunosuppressive cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and the expression of immune checkpoints, such as programmed cell death-ligand 1, in several cancer types. At the molecular level, EMT transcriptional factors, including Snail, Zeb1, and Twist1, produce or attract immunosuppressive cells or promote the expression of immunosuppressive checkpoint molecules via chemokine production, leading to a tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. In turn, immunosuppressive factors induce EMT in tumor cells. This feedback loop between EMT and immunosuppression promotes tumor progression. For therapy directly targeting EMT has been challenging, the elucidation of the interactive regulation of EMT and immunosuppression is desirable for developing new therapeutic approaches in cancer. The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and immunotherapy targeting immunosuppressive cells could be a promising therapy for EMT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mana Taki
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Kaoru Abiko
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masayo Ukita
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Murakami
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koji Yamanoi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ken Yamaguchi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junzo Hamanishi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Baba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Morioka, Iwate, Japan
| | - Noriomi Matsumura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka-sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaki Mandai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Badia-Ramentol J, Linares J, Gómez-Llonin A, Calon A. Minimal Residual Disease, Metastasis and Immunity. Biomolecules 2021; 11:130. [PMID: 33498251 PMCID: PMC7909268 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Progression from localized to metastatic disease requires cancer cells spreading to distant organs through the bloodstream. Only a small proportion of these circulating tumor cells (CTCs) survives dissemination due to anoikis, shear forces and elimination by the immune system. However, all metastases originate from CTCs capable of surviving and extravasating into distant tissue to re-initiate a tumor. Metastasis initiation is not always immediate as disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) may enter a non-dividing state of cell dormancy. Cancer dormancy is a reversible condition that can be maintained for many years without being clinically detectable. Subsequently, late disease relapses are thought to be due to cancer cells ultimately escaping from dormant state. Cancer dormancy is usually associated with minimal residual disease (MRD), where DTCs persist after intended curative therapy. Thus, MRD is commonly regarded as an indicator of poor prognosis in all cancers. In this review, we examine the current understanding of MRD and immunity during cancer progression to metastasis and discuss clinical perspectives for oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alexandre Calon
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (J.B.-R.); (J.L.); (A.G.-L.)
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Shrestha R, Bridle KR, Crawford DHG, Jayachandran A. Immune checkpoint molecules are regulated by transforming growth factor (TGF)- β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:2466-2479. [PMID: 34104078 PMCID: PMC8176170 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.54239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer with a high mortality rate. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) confers cancer cells with immune evasive ability by modulating the expression of immune checkpoints in many cancers. Thus, the aim of our study is to examine the interplay between EMT and immune checkpoint molecules in HCC. A reversible EMT model was utilised with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 as an EMT inducer for HCC cell lines Hep3B and PLC/PRF/5. HCC cells were treated with TGF-β1 for 72 h and the EMT status and immune checkpoint expression were examined. In addition, the migratory ability of HCC cells were examined using wound healing and transwell migration assays in the reversible EMT model. siRNA-mediated knockdown of immune checkpoint molecule, B7-H3, was further utilised to validate the association between TGF-β1-mediated EMT and immune checkpoint expression in HCC. In addition, a web-based platform, SurvExpress, was utilised to evaluate the association between expression of TGF-β1 in combination with immune checkpoint molecules and overall survival in HCC patients. We observed induction of EMT upon treatment of HCC cells with TGF-β1 revealed by reduced expression of epithelial markers along with increased expression of mesenchymal markers. Withdrawal of TGF-β1 reversed the process of EMT with elevated expression of epithelial markers and reduced expression of mesenchymal markers. TGF-β1 treatment elevated the migratory potential of HCC cells which was reversed following reversal assay. Notably, during TGF-β1-induced EMT, there was upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules PD-L1 and B7-H3. However, the reversal of EMT decreased the expression of PD-L1 and B7-H3. In addition, TGF-β1 driven EMT was reversed following knockdown of B7-H3 in both HCC cells further validating the interplay between TGF-β1-mediated EMT and immune checkpoint expression in HCC. Furthermore, the coordinate expression of TGF-β1 with PD-L1 (p=0.01487) and B7-H3 (p=0.009687) was correlated with poor overall survival in 422 HCC patients. Our study has demonstrated a close association between TGF-β1-mediated EMT and regulation of immune checkpoints in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Shrestha
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kim R Bridle
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Darrell H G Crawford
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aparna Jayachandran
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Polioudaki H, Mala A, Gkimprixi E, Papadaki MA, Chantziou A, Tzardi M, Mavroudis D, Agelaki S, Theodoropoulos PA. Epithelial/Mesenchymal Characteristics and PD-L1 Co-Expression in CTCs of Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Eribulin: Correlation with Clinical Outcome. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123735. [PMID: 33322610 PMCID: PMC7764288 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the co-expression of PD-L1 and epithelial-mesenchymal markers in CTCs from metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients and to determine if there is any relationship with patients' outcome after eribulin treatment. Using cytospin preparations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MBC patients treated with eribulin and a combination of immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence, we quantified PD-L1, keratins and vimentin in single and cluster CTCs on days 1 and 8 of the first-treatment cycle. CTCs (n = 173) were found in 31 out of 38 patients. At baseline, the presence of cluster CTCs (p = 0.048), cluster mesenchymal CTCs (mCTCs) (p = 0.0003) or cluster PD-L1+mCTCs (p = 0.006) was associated with shorter overall survival (OS). In multivariate cox regression analysis, the detection of cluster mCTCs was the only parameter associated with increased risk of death (p = 0.024). On day 8 post-eribulin administration, PD-L1+mCTCs and especially single PD-L1+mCTCs decreased in 75% and 89% of patients, respectively. The detection of single PD-L1+mCTCs after eribulin treatment was correlated with shorter PFS (p = 0.047) and OS (p = 0.020). In conclusion, our study identified for the first time that cluster and single PD-L1+mCTCs subpopulations are of clinical significance in patients with MBC and highlighted the importance of CTC phenotyping during treatment with eribulin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hara Polioudaki
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (H.P.); (E.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Anastasia Mala
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (A.M.); (D.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Eleni Gkimprixi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (H.P.); (E.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Maria A. Papadaki
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Amanda Chantziou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (H.P.); (E.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Maria Tzardi
- Department of Pathology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Dimitris Mavroudis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (A.M.); (D.M.); (S.A.)
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Sofia Agelaki
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (A.M.); (D.M.); (S.A.)
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Panayiotis A. Theodoropoulos
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (H.P.); (E.G.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Liang B, Hu X, Ding Y, Liu M. Tumor-derived exosomes in the PD-1/PD-L1 axis: Significant regulators as well as promising clinical targets. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:4138-4151. [PMID: 33275291 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) is a negative coreceptor mainly expressed on the surface of activated T cells. The binding of PD-1 to its ligand PD-L1 significantly induces non-reactivity of T cells to maintain the balance of autoimmunity and immune tolerance. It is reported that tumor cells highly express PD-L1 to restrict cellular immune response, which is one of the most important mechanisms for tumor to mediate immune escape. Cancer immunotherapy targeting PD-1/PD-L1 has achieved remarkable success so far. Tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) are lipid bilayer vesicles released by tumor cells in an endosome-dependent manner, mediating communication between tumor cells and adjacent cells in the tumor microenvironment. Through signals transmitted by TEXs, tumor can alter the biological characteristics of these cells to promote tumor growth and metastasis. Recent studies have demonstrated that TEXs not only carry tumor-derived PD-L1, but are also closely related to PD-1/PD-L1 expression on target cells. The primary focus of this review will be on how TEXs regulate the PD-1/PD-L1 axis to promote tumor progression, and the promising clinical applications targeting TEXs and exosomal PD-L1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benhui Liang
- Department of Cell Biology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ximin Hu
- Department of Cell Biology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yinghe Ding
- Department of Cell Biology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mujun Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Okabe T, Togo S, Fujimoto Y, Watanabe J, Sumiyoshi I, Orimo A, Takahashi K. Mesenchymal Characteristics and Predictive Biomarkers on Circulating Tumor Cells for Therapeutic Strategy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3588. [PMID: 33266262 PMCID: PMC7761066 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis-related events are the primary cause of cancer-related deaths, and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have a pivotal role in metastatic relapse. CTCs include a variety of subtypes with different functional characteristics. Interestingly, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers expressed in CTCs are strongly associated with poor clinical outcome and related to the acquisition of circulating tumor stem cell (CTSC) features. Recent studies have revealed the existence of CTC clusters, also called circulating tumor microemboli (CTM), which have a high metastatic potential. In this review, we present current opinions regarding the clinical significance of CTCs and CTM with a mesenchymal phenotype as clinical surrogate markers, and we summarize the therapeutic strategy according to phenotype characterization of CTCs in various types of cancers for future precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Okabe
- Leading Center for the Development and Research of Cancer Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan;
| | - Shinsaku Togo
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine & Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (I.S.); (K.T.)
- Research Institute for Diseases of Old Ages, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yuichi Fujimoto
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine & Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (I.S.); (K.T.)
- Research Institute for Diseases of Old Ages, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Junko Watanabe
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine & Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (I.S.); (K.T.)
- Research Institute for Diseases of Old Ages, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Issei Sumiyoshi
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine & Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (I.S.); (K.T.)
- Research Institute for Diseases of Old Ages, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Akira Orimo
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan;
| | - Kazuhisa Takahashi
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine & Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (I.S.); (K.T.)
- Research Institute for Diseases of Old Ages, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Circulating Giant Tumor-Macrophage Fusion Cells Are Independent Prognosticators in Patients With NSCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2020; 15:1460-1471. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2020.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
46
|
Rotoli D, Santana-Viera L, Ibba ML, Esposito CL, Catuogno S. Advances in Oligonucleotide Aptamers for NSCLC Targeting. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176075. [PMID: 32842557 PMCID: PMC7504093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer worldwide, with the highest incidence in developed countries. NSCLC patients often face resistance to currently available therapies, accounting for frequent relapses and poor prognosis. Indeed, despite great recent advancements in the field of NSCLC diagnosis and multimodal therapy, most patients are diagnosed at advanced metastatic stage, with a very low overall survival. Thus, the identification of new effective diagnostic and therapeutic options for NSCLC patients is a crucial challenge in oncology. A promising class of targeting molecules is represented by nucleic-acid aptamers, short single-stranded oligonucleotides that upon folding in particular three dimensional (3D) structures, serve as high affinity ligands towards disease-associated proteins. They are produced in vitro by SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment), a combinatorial chemistry procedure, representing an important tool for novel targetable biomarker discovery of both diagnostic and therapeutic interest. Aptamer-based approaches are promising options for NSCLC early diagnosis and targeted therapy and may overcome the key obstacles of currently used therapeutic modalities, such as the high toxicity and patients’ resistance. In this review, we highlight the most important applications of SELEX technology and aptamers for NSCLC handling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Rotoli
- Institute Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy; (D.R.); (L.S.-V.)
| | - Laura Santana-Viera
- Institute Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy; (D.R.); (L.S.-V.)
| | - Maria L. Ibba
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Carla L. Esposito
- Institute Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy; (D.R.); (L.S.-V.)
- Correspondence: (C.L.E.); (S.C.); Tel.: +39-081-3722343 (C.L.E. & S.C.)
| | - Silvia Catuogno
- Institute Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy; (D.R.); (L.S.-V.)
- Correspondence: (C.L.E.); (S.C.); Tel.: +39-081-3722343 (C.L.E. & S.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
He B, Lu Q, Lang J, Yu H, Peng C, Bing P, Li S, Zhou Q, Liang Y, Tian G. A New Method for CTC Images Recognition Based on Machine Learning. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:897. [PMID: 32850745 PMCID: PMC7423836 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) derived from primary tumors and/or metastatic tumors are markers for tumor prognosis, and can also be used to monitor therapeutic efficacy and tumor recurrence. Circulating tumor cells enrichment and screening can be automated, but the final counting of CTCs currently requires manual intervention. This not only requires the participation of experienced pathologists, but also easily causes artificial misjudgment. Medical image recognition based on machine learning can effectively reduce the workload and improve the level of automation. So, we use machine learning to identify CTCs. First, we collected the CTC test results of 600 patients. After immunofluorescence staining, each picture presented a positive CTC cell nucleus and several negative controls. The images of CTCs were then segmented by image denoising, image filtering, edge detection, image expansion and contraction techniques using python’s openCV scheme. Subsequently, traditional image recognition methods and machine learning were used to identify CTCs. Machine learning algorithms are implemented using convolutional neural network deep learning networks for training. We took 2300 cells from 600 patients for training and testing. About 1300 cells were used for training and the others were used for testing. The sensitivity and specificity of recognition reached 90.3 and 91.3%, respectively. We will further revise our models, hoping to achieve a higher sensitivity and specificity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binsheng He
- Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Qingqing Lu
- Geneis (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China.,Qingdao Geneis Institute of Big Data Mining and Precision Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Jidong Lang
- Geneis (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China.,Qingdao Geneis Institute of Big Data Mining and Precision Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Hai Yu
- Geneis (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Chao Peng
- Geneis (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Pingping Bing
- Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Shijun Li
- Department of Pathology, Chifeng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | - Qiliang Zhou
- Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuebin Liang
- Geneis (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China.,Qingdao Geneis Institute of Big Data Mining and Precision Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Geng Tian
- Geneis (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China.,Qingdao Geneis Institute of Big Data Mining and Precision Medicine, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Ancel J, Dewolf M, Deslée G, Nawrocky-Raby B, Dalstein V, Gilles C, Polette M. Clinical Impact of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Lung Cancer as a Biomarker Assisting in Therapeutic Decisions. Cells Tissues Organs 2020; 211:91-109. [PMID: 32750701 DOI: 10.1159/000510103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common solid cancers and represents the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Over the last decade, research on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lung cancer has gained increasing attention. Here, we review clinical and histological features of non-small-cell lung cancer associated with EMT. We then aimed to establish potential clinical implications of EMT in current therapeutic options, including surgery, radiation, targeted therapy against oncogenic drivers, and immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Ancel
- Inserm, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, P3Cell UMR-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, Reims, France.,Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Maison Blanche, CHU de Reims, Reims, France
| | - Maxime Dewolf
- Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Maison Blanche, CHU de Reims, Reims, France
| | - Gaëtan Deslée
- Inserm, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, P3Cell UMR-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, Reims, France.,Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Maison Blanche, CHU de Reims, Reims, France
| | - Béatrice Nawrocky-Raby
- Inserm, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, P3Cell UMR-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, Reims, France
| | - Véronique Dalstein
- Inserm, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, P3Cell UMR-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, Reims, France.,Laboratoire de Pathologie, Hôpital Maison Blanche, CHU de Reims, Reims, France
| | - Christine Gilles
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium,
| | - Myriam Polette
- Inserm, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, P3Cell UMR-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, Reims, France.,Laboratoire de Pathologie, Hôpital Maison Blanche, CHU de Reims, Reims, France
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Shi F, Xiao S, Miller KB, Zhao Y, Li Y, Gao Y, Chang H, Song Q, Qu C. Interactive Effects of PD-L1 Expression in Tumor and Immune Cells on Prognosis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A One-Center Retrospective Cohort Study. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:6565-6572. [PMID: 32694918 PMCID: PMC7340473 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s258332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The present study aimed to investigate the prognostic effect of PD-L1 expressing in tumor and immune cells among patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study by consecutively recruiting 142 patients. The clinicopathological features and PD-L1 expression on tumor and immune cells were independently evaluated by two pathologists. Results The median expression rate of PD-L1 was 5% and 30% in tumor and immune cells, respectively. Patients with higher expression of PD-L1 in tumor cells had shorter disease-free and overall survival, and the HRs were 1.52 for relapse (95% CI: 0.88, 2.60) and 1.48 for death (95% CI: 0.82, 2.69). There was no significant association between the PD-L1 expression in immune cells and survival. However, among the patients with PD-L1 expression rate ≤30% in immune cells, the high expression rate of PD-L1 in tumor cells was significantly associated with the relapse and death, with HRs of 2.51 (95% CI: 1.25, 5.06) and 3.51 (95% CI: 1.57, 7.85), respectively. Among patients with PD-L1 expression rate >30% in immune cells, the PD-L1 expression in tumor cells did not show any association with the disease-free and overall survival. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that the integration of PD-L1 expression in tumor and immune cells could be used to predict the relapse and survival among patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Shi
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Xiao
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Kaeli B Miller
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Yanjie Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuchen Li
- Sid Faithfull Brain Cancer Research Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Chang
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingkun Song
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medicine, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Therapeutic Vaccines, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenxu Qu
- Gruber Laboratory, University of Southern California, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Genna A, Vanwynsberghe AM, Villard AV, Pottier C, Ancel J, Polette M, Gilles C. EMT-Associated Heterogeneity in Circulating Tumor Cells: Sticky Friends on the Road to Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1632. [PMID: 32575608 PMCID: PMC7352430 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) generate hybrid phenotypes with an enhanced ability to adapt to diverse microenvironments encountered during the metastatic spread. Accordingly, EMTs play a crucial role in the biology of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and contribute to their heterogeneity. Here, we review major EMT-driven properties that may help hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal CTCs to survive in the bloodstream and accomplish early phases of metastatic colonization. We then discuss how interrogating EMT in CTCs as a companion biomarker could help refine cancer patient management, further supporting the relevance of CTCs in personalized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Genna
- GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, Pathology Tower, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.G.); (A.M.V.); (A.V.V.); (C.P.)
| | - Aline M. Vanwynsberghe
- GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, Pathology Tower, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.G.); (A.M.V.); (A.V.V.); (C.P.)
| | - Amélie V. Villard
- GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, Pathology Tower, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.G.); (A.M.V.); (A.V.V.); (C.P.)
| | - Charles Pottier
- GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, Pathology Tower, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.G.); (A.M.V.); (A.V.V.); (C.P.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Julien Ancel
- CHU (Centre Hopitalier Universitaire) de Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, Service de Pneumologie, 51092 Reims, France;
- INSERM, UMR (Unité Mixte de Recherche)-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51097 Reims, France;
| | - Myriam Polette
- INSERM, UMR (Unité Mixte de Recherche)-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51097 Reims, France;
- CHU de Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, Laboratoire de Pathologie, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Christine Gilles
- GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, Pathology Tower, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.G.); (A.M.V.); (A.V.V.); (C.P.)
| |
Collapse
|