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Colombino M, Casula M, Paliogiannis P, Manca A, Sini MC, Pisano M, Santeufemia DA, Cossu A, Palmieri G. Heterogeneous pathogenesis of melanoma: BRAF mutations and beyond. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 201:104435. [PMID: 38977143 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma pathogenesis, conventionally perceived as a linear accumulation of molecular changes, discloses substantial heterogeneity driven by non-linear biological processes, including the direct transformation of melanocyte stem cells. This heterogeneity manifests in diverse biological phenotypes and developmental states, influencing variable responses to treatments. Unveiling the aberrant mechanisms steering melanoma initiation, progression, and metastasis is imperative. Beyond mutations in oncogenic and tumor suppressor genes, the involvement of distinct molecular pathways assumes a pivotal role in melanoma pathogenesis. Ultraviolet (UV) radiations, a principal factor in melanoma etiology, categorizes melanomas based on cumulative sun damage (CSD). The genomic landscape of lesions correlates with UV exposure, impacting mutational load and spectrum of mutations. The World Health Organization's 2018 classification underscores the interplay between sun exposure and genomic characteristics, distinguishing melanomas associated with CSD from those unrelated to CSD. The classification elucidates molecular features such as tumor mutational burden and copy number alterations associated with different melanoma subtypes. The significance of the mutated BRAF gene and its pathway, notably BRAFV600 variants, in melanoma is paramount. BRAF mutations, prevalent across diverse cancer types, present therapeutic avenues, with clinical trials validating the efficacy of targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Additional driver mutations in oncogenes further characterize specific melanoma pathways, impacting tumor behavior. While histopathological examination remains pivotal, challenges persist in molecularly classifying melanocytic tumors. In this review, we went through all molecular characterization that aid in discriminating common and ambiguous lesions. Integration of highly sensitive molecular diagnostic tests into the diagnostic workflow becomes indispensable, particularly in instances where histology alone fails to achieve a conclusive diagnosis. A diagnostic algorithm based on different molecular features inferred by the various studies is here proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Colombino
- Unit of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Genetic Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy.
| | - Milena Casula
- Unit of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Genetic Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Manca
- Unit of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Genetic Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Sini
- Unit of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Genetic Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | - Marina Pisano
- Unit of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Genetic Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Cossu
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Palmieri
- Unit of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Genetic Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy; Immuno-Oncology & Targeted Cancer Biotherapies, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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2
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da Silva Gomes B, Cláudia Paiva-Santos A, Veiga F, Mascarenhas-Melo F. Beyond the adverse effects of the systemic route: Exploiting nanocarriers for the topical treatment of skin cancers. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 207:115197. [PMID: 38342240 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115197] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Skin cancer is a heterogeneous disease that can be divided into two main groups, melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. Conventional therapies for skin cancer have numerous systemic side effects and a high recurrence rate. Topical treatment is an alternative approach, but drug permeability remains a challenge. Therefore, nanocarriers appear as important nanotechnology tools that reduces both the side effects and improves clinical outcomes. This is why they are attracting growing interest. In this review, scientific articles on the use of nanocarriers for the topical treatment of skin cancer were collected. Despite the promising results of the presented nanocarriers and considering that some of them are already on the market, there is an urgent need for investment in the development of manufacturing methods, as well as of suitable toxicological and regulatory evaluations, since the conventional methods currently used to develop these nanocarriers-based products are more time-consuming and expensive than conventional products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz da Silva Gomes
- Laboratory of Development and Drug Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Sta. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Ana Cláudia Paiva-Santos
- Laboratory of Development and Drug Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Sta. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Azinhaga Sta. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Laboratory of Development and Drug Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Sta. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Azinhaga Sta. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo
- University of Coimbra, LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Azinhaga Sta. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Higher School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, Rua da Cadeia, 6300 - 307 Guarda, Portugal.
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3
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Thierauf JC, Kaluziak ST, Codd E, Dybel SN, Jobbagy S, Purohit R, Farahani AA, Dedeilia A, Naranbhai V, Hoang MP, Fisch AS, Ritterhouse L, Boland GM, Lennerz JK, Iafrate AJ. Prognostic biomarkers for survival in mucosal melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2023; 36:378-387. [PMID: 37390098 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13104] [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] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Mucosal melanoma (MM) is a rare subtype of melanoma with an aggressive clinical course. In cutaneous melanoma (CM), the absence of pigmentation and presence of NRAS/KRAS mutations are biomarkers indicating an aggressive clinical course with shorter overall survival. Similar data for MM are missing. We present the real-world outcome data in a cohort of genotyped MM patients and assessed the prognostic relevance of pigmentation- and NRAS/KRAS mutation status. We correlated pathological reports and clinical data with overall survival of patients with MM. Furthermore, we performed clinically integrated molecular genotyping and analyzed real world treatment regimens for covariates associated with clinical outcome. We identified 39 patients with available clinical and molecular data. Patients with amelanotic MM had a significantly shorter overall survival (p = .003). In addition, the presence of a NRAS or KRAS mutation was significantly associated with poor overall survival (NRAS or KRAS p = .024). Currently, it is unknown if the same prognostic relevance for the lack of pigmentation and RAS mutations in CM, exists in MM. Here we analyzed a cohort of MM for outcome measures and determined that two known prognostic biomarkers for CM are in fact novel prognosticators for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Thierauf
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital and Research Group Molecular Mechanisms of Head and Neck Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan T Kaluziak
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Marine Science Center, Northeastern University, Nahant, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth Codd
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stacy N Dybel
- Department of Pathology, Center for Integrated Diagnostics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Soma Jobbagy
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rashi Purohit
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alex A Farahani
- Department of Pathology, Center for Integrated Diagnostics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Vivek Naranbhai
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mai P Hoang
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adam S Fisch
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren Ritterhouse
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Genevieve M Boland
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jochen K Lennerz
- Department of Pathology, Center for Integrated Diagnostics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A John Iafrate
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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4
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Țăpoi DA, Gheorghișan-Gălățeanu AA, Dumitru AV, Ciongariu AM, Furtunescu AR, Marin A, Costache M. Primary Undifferentiated/Dedifferentiated Cutaneous Melanomas-A Review on Histological, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Features with Emphasis on Prognosis and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9985. [PMID: 37373134 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnosing cutaneous melanoma is usually straightforward based on these malignancies' histopathological and immunohistochemical features. Nevertheless, melanomas can imitate various other neoplasms, sometimes lacking the expression of conventional melanocytic markers and expressing non-melanocytic ones. Furthermore, divergent differentiation is more often encountered in metastatic melanomas and is still poorly described in primary cutaneous melanomas, and little is known about these patients' prognosis and therapeutic approach. Therefore, we reviewed the literature on undifferentiated/dedifferentiated cutaneous melanomas, and we discuss the histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular profiles of undifferentiated/dedifferentiated cutaneous melanomas to understand these peculiar lesions better and improve their diagnostic algorithm. In addition to this, we also discuss how different genetic mutations may influence prognosis and become potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Antonia Țăpoi
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ancuța-Augustina Gheorghișan-Gălățeanu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Vasile Dumitru
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Ciongariu
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Roxana Furtunescu
- Doctoral School, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Marin
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Costache
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
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5
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Wang QQ, Li YM, Qin G, Liu F, Xu YY. Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:1426-1433. [PMID: 36926119 PMCID: PMC10013115 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i6.1426] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is a rare malignant disease whose clinical and molecular pathological features, origin and pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment have not been elucidated.
CASE SUMMARY In this paper, we report a case of a 73-year-old male with PMME. The patient complained of progressive dysphagia accompanied by substantial weight loss. Gastroscopy revealed a purple black bulging-type mass in the lower esophagus with easy bleeding on contact and scattered satellite lesions in the stomach. Histopathological biopsy revealed melanocytes in the esophageal mucosa. Physical examination and multidisciplinary consultation led to diagnostic exclusion of melanoma originating in other organs, such as the skin. Through this case report and literature review, we aimed to describe the clinical and molecular pathological features of PMME and summarize possible pathways of pathogenesis as well as cutting-edge therapeutic advances.
CONCLUSION PMME is a rare malignancy of the esophagus with a poor prognosis. Clinicians should raise their awareness and be able to identify early lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yan-Mei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Geng Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ying-Ying Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
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6
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Current Trends in Mucosal Melanomas: An Overview. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051356. [PMID: 36900152 PMCID: PMC10000120 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary mucosal melanomas (MMs) are uncommon tumors originating from melanocytes located in the mucous membranes at various anatomic sites within the body. MM significantly differs from cutaneous melanoma (CM) regarding epidemiology, genetic profile, clinical presentation, and response to therapies. Despite these differences, that have important implications for both disease diagnosis and prognosis, MMs are usually treated in the same way as CM but exhibit a lower response rate to immunotherapy leading to a poorer survival rate. Furthermore, a high inter-patient variability can be observed in relation to therapeutic response. Recently, novel "omics" techniques have evidenced that MM lesions have different genomic, molecular, and metabolic landscapes as compared with CM lesions, thus explaining the heterogeneity of the response. Such specific molecular aspects might be useful to identify new biomarkers aimed at improving the diagnosis and selection of MM patients who could benefit from immunotherapy or targeted therapy. In this review, we have focused on relevant molecular and clinical advancements for the different MM subtypes in order to describe the updated knowledge relating to main diagnostic, clinical, and therapeutic implications as well as to provide hints on likely future directions.
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7
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Montazeri K, Pattanayak V, Sullivan RJ. Tebentafusp in the Treatment of Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: Patient Selection and Special Considerations. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:333-339. [PMID: 36785760 PMCID: PMC9921510 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s368954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare type of melanoma with distinct features from cutaneous melanoma, low response rates to immune checkpoint inhibition, and poor survival rates. Tebentafusp, a bispecific antibody engaging T cells with gp 100 on HLA-A*02:01, was recently approved by the FDA as the first drug of its class and the first treatment approved by the FDA to treat UM. In this review, we summarize the preclinical and clinical data on tebentafusp for UM. We additionally discuss patient selection and the relevant challenges. For the literature search, PubMed search and relevant articles presented at international conferences were used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamaneh Montazeri
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vikram Pattanayak
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryan J Sullivan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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8
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Pterostilbene-Mediated Inhibition of Cell Proliferation and Cell Death Induction in Amelanotic and Melanotic Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021115. [PMID: 36674631 PMCID: PMC9866175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the fastest-growing cancers worldwide. Treatment of advanced melanoma is very difficult; therefore, there is growing interest in the identification of new therapeutic agents. Pterostilbene is a natural stilbene that has been found to have several pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of pterostilbene on the proliferation and apoptosis of human melanoma cells. Proliferation of pterostilbene-treated amelanotic (C32) and melanotic (A2058) melanoma cells was determined by BRDU assay. Flow cytometric analyses were used to determine cell cycle progression, and further molecular investigations were performed using real-time RT-qPCR. The expression of the p21 protein and the DNA fragmentation assay were determined by the ELISA method. The results revealed that pterostilbene reduced the proliferation of both amelanotic and melanotic melanoma cells. Pterostilbene induced apoptosis in amelanotic C32 melanoma cells, and this effect was mediated by an increase in the expression of the BAX, CASP9, and CASP9 genes; induction of caspase 3 activity; and DNA degradation. Pterostilbene did not affect the activation of apoptosis in the A2058 cell line. It may be concluded that pterostilbene has anticancer potential against human melanoma cells; however, more studies are still needed to fully elucidate the effects of pterostilbene on amelanotic and melanotic melanoma cells.
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Caksa S, Baqai U, Aplin AE. The future of targeted kinase inhibitors in melanoma. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108200. [PMID: 35513054 PMCID: PMC10187889 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment-producing cells of the body and its incidence is rising. Targeted inhibitors that act against kinases in the MAPK pathway are approved for BRAF-mutant metastatic cutaneous melanoma and increase patients' survival. Response to these therapies is limited by drug resistance and is less durable than with immune checkpoint inhibition. Conversely, rare melanoma subtypes have few therapeutic options for advanced disease and MAPK pathway targeting agents show minimal anti-tumor effects. Nevertheless, there is a future for targeted kinase inhibitors in melanoma: in new applications such as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy and in novel combinations with immunotherapies or other targeted therapies. Pre-clinical studies continue to identify tumor dependencies and their corresponding actionable drug targets, paving the way for rational targeted kinase inhibitor combinations as a personalized medicine approach for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Caksa
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Usman Baqai
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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Over-Detection of Melanoma-Suspect Lesions by a CE-Certified Smartphone App: Performance in Comparison to Dermatologists, 2D and 3D Convolutional Neural Networks in a Prospective Data Set of 1204 Pigmented Skin Lesions Involving Patients' Perception. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153829. [PMID: 35954491 PMCID: PMC9367531 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Early detection and resection of cutaneous melanoma are crucial for a good prognosis. However, visual distinction of early melanomas from benign nevi remains challenging. New artificial intelligence-based approaches for risk stratification of pigmented skin lesions provide screening methods for laypersons with increasing use of smartphone applications (apps). Our study aims to prospectively investigate the diagnostic accuracy of a CE-certified smartphone app, SkinVision®, in melanoma recognition. Based on classification into three different risk scores, the app provides a recommendation to consult a dermatologist. In addition, both patients’ and dermatologists’ perspectives towards AI-based mobile health apps were evaluated. We observed that the app classified a significantly higher number of lesions as high-risk than dermatologists, which would have led to a clinically harmful number of unnecessary excisions. The diagnostic performance of the app in dichotomous classification of 1204 pigmented skin lesions (risk classification for nevus vs. melanoma) remained below advertised rates with low sensitivity (41.3–83.3%) and specificity (60.0–82.9%). The confidence in the app was low among both patients and dermatologists, and no patient favored an assessment by the app alone. Although smartphone apps are a potential medium for increasing awareness of melanoma screening in the lay population, they should be evaluated for certification with prospective real-world evidence. Abstract The exponential increase in algorithm-based mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) for melanoma screening is a reaction to a growing market. However, the performance of available apps remains to be investigated. In this prospective study, we investigated the diagnostic accuracy of a class 1 CE-certified smartphone app in melanoma risk stratification and its patient and dermatologist satisfaction. Pigmented skin lesions ≥ 3 mm and any suspicious smaller lesions were assessed by the smartphone app SkinVision® (SkinVision® B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands, App-Version 6.8.1), 2D FotoFinder ATBM® master (FotoFinder ATBM® Systems GmbH, Bad Birnbach, Germany, Version 3.3.1.0), 3D Vectra® WB360 (Canfield Scientific, Parsippany, NJ, USA, Version 4.7.1) total body photography (TBP) devices, and dermatologists. The high-risk score of the smartphone app was compared with the two gold standards: histological diagnosis, or if not available, the combination of dermatologists’, 2D and 3D risk assessments. A total of 1204 lesions among 114 patients (mean age 59 years; 51% females (55 patients at high-risk for developing a melanoma, 59 melanoma patients)) were included. The smartphone app’s sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) varied between 41.3–83.3%, 60.0–82.9%, and 0.62–0.72% according to two study-defined reference standards. Additionally, all patients and dermatologists completed a newly created questionnaire for preference and trust of screening type. The smartphone app was rated as trustworthy by 36% (20/55) of patients at high-risk for melanoma, 49% (29/59) of melanoma patients, and 8.8% (10/114) of dermatologists. Most of the patients rated the 2D TBP imaging (93% (51/55) resp. 88% (52/59)) and the 3D TBP imaging (91% (50/55) resp. 90% (53/59)) as trustworthy. A skin cancer screening by combination of dermatologist and smartphone app was favored by only 1.8% (1/55) resp. 3.4% (2/59) of the patients; no patient preferred an assessment by a smartphone app alone. The diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice was not as reliable as previously advertised and the satisfaction with smartphone apps for melanoma risk stratification was scarce. MHealth apps might be a potential medium to increase awareness for melanoma screening in the lay population, but healthcare professionals and users should be alerted to the potential harm of over-detection and poor performance. In conclusion, we suggest further robust evidence-based evaluation before including market-approved apps in self-examination for public health benefits.
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Andrieu C, McNamee N, Larkin AM, Maguire A, Menon R, Mueller-Eisert J, Horgan N, Kennedy S, Gullo G, Crown J, Walsh N. Clinical Impact of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) Response, DNA Damage Repair (DDR) Gene Mutations and Immune-Cell Infiltration in Metastatic Melanoma Subtypes. Med Sci (Basel) 2022; 10:26. [PMID: 35736346 PMCID: PMC9230974 DOI: 10.3390/medsci10020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular and histopathological analysis of melanoma subtypes has revealed distinct epidemiological, genetic, and clinical features. However, immunotherapy for advanced metastatic melanoma patients does not differ based on subtype. Response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has been shown to vary, therefore, predictive biomarkers are needed in the design of precision treatments. Targeted sequencing and histopathological analysis (CD8 and CD20 immunohistochemistry) were performed on subtypes of metastatic melanoma (cutaneous melanoma (CM, n = 10); head and neck melanoma (HNM, n = 7); uveal melanoma (UM, n = 4); acral lentiginous melanoma (AM, n = 1) and mucosal melanoma (MM, n = 1) treated with ICI). Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly associated with high CD8 expression (p = 0.025) and mutations in DNA damage repair (DDR) pathway genes (p = 0.012) in all subtypes but not with CD20 expression. Our study identified that immune cell infiltration and DDR gene mutations may have an impact in response to ICI treatment in metastatic melanoma but differs among subtypes. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the immune infiltration cells' role and DDR gene mutations in metastatic melanoma may identify prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Andrieu
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, D09 E432 Dublin, Ireland; (C.A.); (N.M.); (A.-M.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Niamh McNamee
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, D09 E432 Dublin, Ireland; (C.A.); (N.M.); (A.-M.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Anne-Marie Larkin
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, D09 E432 Dublin, Ireland; (C.A.); (N.M.); (A.-M.L.); (A.M.)
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology Sligo, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland
| | - Alanna Maguire
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, D09 E432 Dublin, Ireland; (C.A.); (N.M.); (A.-M.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Roopika Menon
- Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products GmbH, 50667 Cologne, Germany; (R.M.); (J.M.-E.)
| | - Judith Mueller-Eisert
- Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products GmbH, 50667 Cologne, Germany; (R.M.); (J.M.-E.)
| | - Noel Horgan
- Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Adelaide Road, D02 XK51 Dublin, Ireland; (N.H.); (S.K.)
| | - Susan Kennedy
- Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Adelaide Road, D02 XK51 Dublin, Ireland; (N.H.); (S.K.)
| | - Giuseppe Gullo
- Department of Medical Oncology, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, D04 T6F4 Dublin, Ireland; (G.G.); (J.C.)
| | - John Crown
- Department of Medical Oncology, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, D04 T6F4 Dublin, Ireland; (G.G.); (J.C.)
| | - Naomi Walsh
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, D09 E432 Dublin, Ireland; (C.A.); (N.M.); (A.-M.L.); (A.M.)
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12
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Abstract
Tebentafusp (tebentafusp-tebn; Kimmtrak®) is a first-in-class, bispecific gp100 peptide-HLA-A*02:01 directed T cell receptor (TCR) CD3 T cell engager being developed by Immunocore for the treatment of uveal melanoma and malignant melanoma. The TCR arm of tebentafusp binds to HLA-A*02:01-positive uveal melanoma cells and activates polyclonal T cells, through CD3, to release inflammatory cytokines and cytolytic proteins, resulting in the direct lysis of tumour cells. In January 2022, tebentafusp received its first approval in the USA for the treatment of HLA-A*02:01-positive adults with unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma, and in February 2022 received a Positive Opinion from the EU Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for the treatment of uveal melanoma. Tebentafusp is under regulatory review for the treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma in the UK, Australia and Canada. Clinical studies of tebentafusp are underway for uveal melanoma and cutaneous melanoma in several countries worldwide. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of tebentafusp leading to this first approval for unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohita Dhillon
- Springer Nature, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.
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13
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Rok J, Rzepka Z, Kowalska J, Banach K, Beberok A, Wrześniok D. The Anticancer Potential of Doxycycline and Minocycline-A Comparative Study on Amelanotic Melanoma Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020831. [PMID: 35055021 PMCID: PMC8775630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is still a serious medical problem. Relatively high mortality, a still-growing number of newly diagnosed cases, and insufficiently effective methods of therapy necessitate melanoma research. Tetracyclines are compounds with pleiotropic pharmacological properties. Previously published studies on melanotic melanoma cells ascertained that minocycline and doxycycline exerted an anti-melanoma effect. The purpose of the study was to assess the anti-melanoma potential and mechanisms of action of minocycline and doxycycline using A375 and C32 human amelanotic melanoma cell lines. The obtained results indicate that the tested drugs inhibited proliferation, decreased cell viability, and induced apoptosis in amelanotic melanoma cells. The treatment caused changes in the cell cycle profile and decreased the intracellular level of reduced thiols and mitochondrial membrane potential. The exposure of A375 and C32 cells to minocycline and doxycycline triggered the release of cytochrome c and activated initiator and effector caspases. The anti-melanoma effect of analyzed drugs appeared to be related to the up-regulation of ERK1/2 and MITF. Moreover, it was noticed that minocycline and doxycycline increased the level of LC3A/B, an autophagy marker, in A375 cells. In summary, the study showed the pleiotropic anti-cancer action of minocycline and doxycycline against amelanotic melanoma cells. Considering all results, it could be concluded that doxycycline was a more potent drug than minocycline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Rok
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-32-364-15-47
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14
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Anorectal and Genital Mucosal Melanoma: Diagnostic Challenges, Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Opportunities of Rare Melanomas. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10010150. [PMID: 35052829 PMCID: PMC8773579 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosal melanomas (MM) are rare tumors, being less than 2% of all diagnosed melanomas, comprising a variegated group of malignancies arising from melanocytes in virtually all mucosal epithelia, even if more frequently found in oral and sino-nasal cavities, ano-rectum and female genitalia (vulva and vagina). To date, there is no consensus about the optimal management strategy of MM. Furthermore, the clinical rationale of molecular tumor characterization regarding BRAF, KIT or NRAS, as well as the therapeutic value of immunotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy, has not yet been deeply explored and clearly established in MM. In this overview, focused on anorectal and genital MM as models of rare melanomas deserving of a multidisciplinary approach, we highlight the need of referring these patients to centers with experts in melanoma, anorectal and uro-genital cancers treatments. Taking into account the rarity, the poor outcomes and the lack of effective treatment options for MM, tailored research needs to be promptly promoted.
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15
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Hovander D, Allen J, Oda D, Moshiri AS. PRAME immunohistochemistry is useful in the diagnosis of oral malignant melanoma. Oral Oncol 2022; 124:105500. [PMID: 34452831 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2021.105500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While the incidence of cutaneous melanoma has dramatically increased in recent years, oral malignant melanoma (OMM) remains a rare form of noncutaneous melanoma with poor survival. PRAME (PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma) is reported to have diagnostic and some prognostic utility in cutaneous melanomas and some head and neck malignancies. We sought to explore the diagnostic utility of PRAME in OMM. METHODS A total of ten specimens from eight unique cases of OMM were identified from the Oral Pathology Biopsy Service (OPBS) at University of Washington School of Dentistry between 2005 and 2019. For all cases, standard histology and immunohistochemistry stains were performed, including a stain against PRAME. The diagnoses were reviewed and confirmed by two pathologists. Clinical and epidemiologic features were described. RESULTS Patient ages ranged from 55 to 82. The group consisted of five males and three females. All eight cases were located on the hard palate. Six cases represented invasive melanoma while two were early melanoma in situ. PRAME immunohistochemistry was successfully performed on seven of eight cases: six were positive (86%), one was negative (14%) and one case lacked sufficient tissue for staining. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that PRAME immunohistochemistry may be useful in the diagnosis of OMM, including early melanoma in situ. Further studies with clinical follow-up and a larger number of cases are needed to explore prognostic value as well as the ability to distinguish between benign, intermediate and malignant melanocytic proliferations of the oral cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hovander
- University of Washington School of Dentistry, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Joshua Allen
- University of Washington School of Dentistry, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Dolphine Oda
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Washington School of Dentistry, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ata S Moshiri
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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16
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Prognostic Values of G-Protein Mutations in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225749. [PMID: 34830903 PMCID: PMC8616238 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. More than 90% of UMs harbor mutually exclusive activating mutations in G-proteins. The mutations are early events in UM development and considered to be driver mutations in carcinogenesis. Even after treatment of primary uveal melanoma, up to 50% of patients subsequently develop recurrence, predominantly in the liver. GNAQ mutations are not reported to be correlated to survival, while the mutations in GNA11 are reported more frequently in metastatic UM. We investigated the correlation of survival after development of metastasis (Met-to-Death) of metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM) patients with GNA11 and GNAQ mutations. We identified that MUM with mutation patterns of Q209P vs. Q209L in GNA11 and GNAQ might predict survival of MUM patients. Abstract Uveal melanoma is the most common primary ocular malignancy in adults, characterized by gene mutations in G protein subunit alpha q (GNAQ) and G protein subunit alpha 11 (GNA11). Although they are considered to be driver mutations, their role in MUM remains elusive. We investigated key somatic mutations of MUM and their impact on patients’ survival after development of systemic metastasis (Met-to-Death). Metastatic lesions from 87 MUM patients were analyzed by next generation sequencing (NGS). GNA11 (41/87) and GNAQ (39/87) mutations were most predominantly seen in MUM. Most GNA11 mutations were Q209L (36/41), whereas GNAQ mutations comprised Q209L (14/39) and Q209P (21/39). Epigenetic pathway mutations BAP1 (42/66), SF3B1 (11/66), FBXW7 (2/87), PBRM1 (1/66), and SETD2 (1/66) were found. No specimen had the EIF1AX mutation. Interestingly, Met-to-Death was longer in patients with GNAQ Q209P compared to GNAQ/GNA11 Q209L mutations, suggesting the difference in mutation type in GNAQ/GNA11 might determine the prognosis of MUM. Structural alterations of the GNAQ/GNA11 protein and their impact on survival of MUM patients should be further investigated.
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A Novel Regimen for Treating Melanoma: MCL1 Inhibitors and Azacitidine. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080749. [PMID: 34451846 PMCID: PMC8399604 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although treatment options for melanoma patients have expanded in recent years with the approval of immunotherapy and targeted therapy, there is still an unmet need for new treatment options for patients that are ineligible for, or resistant to these therapies. BH3 mimetics, drugs that mimic the activity of pro-apoptotic BCL2 family proteins, have recently achieved remarkable success in the clinical setting. The combination of BH3 mimetic ABT-199 (venetoclax) plus azacitidine has shown substantial benefit in treating acute myelogenous leukemia. We evaluated the efficacy of various combinations of BH3 mimetic + azacitidine in fourteen human melanoma cell lines from cutaneous, mucosal, acral and uveal subtypes. Using a combination of cell viability assay, BCL2 family knockdown cell lines, live cell imaging, and sphere formation assay, we found that combining inhibition of MCL1, an anti-apoptotic BCL2 protein, with azacitidine had substantial pro-apoptotic effects in multiple melanoma cell lines. Specifically, this combination reduced cell viability, proliferation, sphere formation, and induced apoptosis. In addition, this combination is highly effective at reducing cell viability in rare mucosal and uveal subtypes. Overall, our data suggest this combination as a promising therapeutic option for some patients with melanoma and should be further explored in clinical trials.
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18
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Terai M, Kageyama K, Sugase T, Lam BQ, Alexeev V, Sato T. Orthotopic Human Metastatic Uveal Melanoma Xenograft Mouse Models: Applications for Understanding the Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Management of Metastatic Uveal Melanoma. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e110. [PMID: 33882197 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The propensity of uveal melanoma to metastasize to the liver hinders the accrual of micro-metastatic and end-stage disease tissue samples and restricts the investigation of metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM). Pre-clinical experimental animal models of MUM can help elucidate the pathophysiology of metastatic lesions and provide a tool for designing new therapeutic approaches for MUM. Here, we present an advanced model of hepatic metastases that enables quantitatively visualizing the development of individual hepatic tumor clones and estimating their growth kinetics and colonization efficiency. Similar to clinically observed liver metastases, these models enable the assessment of growth kinetics of the liver micro-metastases and the testing of therapeutic approaches for the treatment of MUM. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Experimental patient-derived xenograft mouse model of metastatic uveal melanoma Basic Protocol 2: Experimental liver micro-metastatic mouse model using splenic injection of metastatic uveal melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizue Terai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ken Kageyama
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Osaka City University, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahito Sugase
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita-shi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Bao Quoc Lam
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Vitali Alexeev
- Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Takami Sato
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Bobos M. Histopathologic classification and prognostic factors of melanoma: a 2021 update. Ital J Dermatol Venerol 2021; 156:300-321. [PMID: 33982546 DOI: 10.23736/s2784-8671.21.06958-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite the rapid recent advances in molecular analysis of tumors, which allow large-scale and high-resolution genomics, the "gold standard" for melanoma diagnosis continues to be histopathology, in conjunction with clinical characteristics and sometimes with important support of immunohistochemistry. Observations, where postulated that cutaneous melanomas may arise through two distinct pathways, discoveries such as that BRAFV600E mutations were mostly common in melanomas on sun-exposed skin with little solar elastosis and seminal works for melanoma progression and evolution set the groundwork for the new WHO Classification of Melanoma: a classification of melanoma that not only encompasses histologic but also clinical, epidemiologic, and genetic characteristics. The melanomas were divided into those etiologically related to sun exposure and those that are not, based on their mutational signatures, anatomic site, and epidemiology. On the basis of degree of associated solar elastosis melanomas on the sun exposed skin were further divided by the histopathologic degree of cumulative solar damage (CSD) of the surrounding skin, into low and high CSD. On the low-CSD group of melanomas are included superficial spreading melanomas, while the high-CSD melanomas encompasses lentigo maligna and desmoplastic melanomas. The "non-CSD" classification includes acral melanomas, some melanomas in congenital nevi, melanomas in blue nevi, Spitz melanomas, mucosal melanomas, and uveal melanomas. Nodular and nevoid melanoma may occur in any pathway. A group of intermediate tumors termed melanocytoma is proposed for tumors that in addition to mutations that activate the MAPK pathway, harbor multiple driver mutations, and they are either low-grade or high-grade, to indicate that they may carry a higher risk of malignant transformation. In this review a summary of the most recent WHO classification of melanoma is provided. A short analysis of essential histopathologic prognostic parameters is also provided. The new classification of melanoma discriminates distinct types of melanoma based on their clinicopathologic, and genomic characteristics. Undoubtedly, melanoma research will continue to evolve as new clinical, pathological, molecular data accumulates. The challenge of the forthcoming years is to better characterize the intermediate category of melanocytic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattheos Bobos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexandrian Campus, Sindos, Thessaloniki, Greece -
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3D-Printed Collagen Scaffolds Promote Maintenance of Cryopreserved Patients-Derived Melanoma Explants. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030589. [PMID: 33800001 PMCID: PMC8000141 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030589] [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: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) culture system with cryopreserved biospecimens could accelerate experimental research screening anticancer drugs, potentially reducing costs and time bench-to-beside. However, minimal research has explored the application of 3D bioprinting-based in vitro cancer models to cryopreserved biospecimens derived from patients with advanced melanoma. We investigated whether 3D-printed collagen scaffolds enable the propagation and maintenance of patient-derived melanoma explants (PDMEs). 3D-printed collagen scaffolds were fabricated with a 3DX bioprinter. After thawing, fragments from cryopreserved PDMEs (approximately 1–2 mm) were seeded onto the 3D-printed collagen scaffolds, and incubated for 7 to 21 days. The survival rate was determined with MTT and live and dead assays. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry staining was used to express the function of cryopreserved PDMEs. The results show that 3D-printed collagen scaffolds could improve the maintenance and survival rate of cryopreserved PDME more than 2D culture. MITF, Mel A, and S100 are well-known melanoma biomarkers. In agreement with these observations, 3D-printed collagen scaffolds retained the expression of melanoma biomarkers in cryopreserved PDME for 21 days. Our findings provide insight into the application of 3D-printed collagen scaffolds for closely mimicking the 3D architecture of melanoma and its microenvironment using cryopreserved biospecimens.
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