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Klieber N, Hildebrand LS, Faulhaber E, Symank J, Häck N, Härtl A, Fietkau R, Distel LV. Different Impacts of DNA-PK and mTOR Kinase Inhibitors in Combination with Ionizing Radiation on HNSCC and Normal Tissue Cells. Cells 2024; 13:304. [PMID: 38391917 PMCID: PMC10887161 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040304] [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: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite substantial advancements in understanding the pathomechanisms of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), effective therapy remains challenging. The application of kinase inhibitors (KIs) in HNSCC, specifically mTOR and DNA-PK inhibitors, can increase radiosensitivity and therefore presents a promising strategy when used simultaneously with ionizing radiation (IR) in cancer treatment. Our study focused on the selective DNA-PK-inhibitor AZD7648; the selective mTOR-inhibitor Sapanisertib; and CC-115, a dual inhibitor targeting both mTOR and DNA-PK. The impact of these KIs on HNSCC and normal tissue cells was assessed using various analytical methods including cell death studies, cell cycle analysis, real-time microscopy, colony-forming assays and immunohistochemical staining for γH2AX and downstream mTOR protein p-S6. We detected a strong inhibition of IR-induced DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, particularly in AZD7648-treated HNSCC, whereas normal tissue cells repaired DNA DSB more efficiently. Additionally, AZD7648 + IR treatment showed a synergistic decline in cell proliferation and clonogenicity, along with an elevated G2/M arrest and cell death in the majority of HNSCC cell lines. CC-115 + IR treatment led to an elevation in G2/M arrest, increased cell death, and a synergistic reduction in cell proliferation, though the effect was notably lower compared to the AZD7648 + IR- treated group. Sapanisertib led to a high cellular toxicity in both HNSCC and normal tissue cells, even in non-irradiated cells. Regarding cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis and necrosis, Sapanisertib + IR was beneficial only in HPV+ HNSCC. Overall, this study highlights the potential of AZD7648 as a radiosensitizing agent in advanced-stage HPV-positive and negative HNSCC, offering a promising therapeutic strategy. However, the dual mTOR/DNA-PK-I CC-115 did not provide a distinct advantage over the use of selective KIs in our investigations, suggesting limited benefits for its application in KI + IR therapy. Notably, the selective mTOR-inhibitor Sapanisertib was only beneficial in HPV+ HNSCC and should not be applied in HPV- cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Klieber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 27, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Laura S. Hildebrand
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 27, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva Faulhaber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 27, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Symank
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 27, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicole Häck
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 27, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Annamaria Härtl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 27, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rainer Fietkau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 27, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Luitpold V. Distel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 27, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Chen Y, Yang J, Jin H, Wen W, Xu Y, Zhang X, Wang Y. HtrA3: a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16237. [PMID: 37842043 PMCID: PMC10573296 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The dysregulation of the human high-temperature requirement A (HtrA) family of serine proteases is associated with many malignancies. However, there are few reports on HtrAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression, prognostic value, and biological functions of HtrAs in HNSCC. Methods The RNA-sequencing data and clinical data of HNSCC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The GSE30784 and GSE31056 datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used for further verification. This study explored the differential expression of HtrAs and assessed their potential impact on the prognosis of HNSCC patients using a survival module. Correlations between clinical characteristics and HtrA expression levels were then explored using a Wilcoxon rank sum test. A Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were performed using "clusterProfile" in the R software. A Pearson/Spearman correlation test was applied to analyze the relationship between HtrAs and immune infiltration level/checkpoint genes. Validation of HtrA expression levels were carried out by RT-PCR and western blot in human squamous carcinoma cell lines (Fadu and Cal-27) and human non-tumorigenic bronchial epithelium cells (BEAS-2B). Finally, through cell transfection, CCK-8, Ki-67 immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry assays, the effect of HtrA3 knockdown on the malignant biological behavior of HNSCC cells was explored. Results The gene expression levels of HtrAs were significantly upregulated and associated with patient age, TNM stage, clinical stage, and TP53 mutation status in the TCGA-HNSCC cohort. High expressions of HtrA1/3 were associated with shorter overall survival, shorter progress-free interval, and lower disease-specific survival in HNSCC. A nomogram for HtrAs was constructed and validated. HtrA-related genes were significantly enriched in the immune response and cell apoptosis pathway. In addition, the expression of HtrAs showed significant correlations with B cells, M cells, DC cell infiltration, and immune infiltration checkpoint (CD276, TNFRSF14). Validation of HtrA expression was carried out by RT-PCR and western blot. Results of in vitro experiments indicated that HtrA3 gene knockdown inhibits the proliferation of FaDu and Cal-27 cells while concurrently promoting apoptosis. Conclusions HtrA3 shows significant potential as both a prognostic marker and a promising therapeutic target for HNSCC, highlighting its relevance and importance in future research and potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hangbin Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Wen
- Department of Dermatology, Third People’s Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, China
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Roesch J, Oertel M, Wegen S, Trommer M, Schleifenbaum J, Hering D, Mäurer M, Knippen S, Dobiasch S, Waltenberger M, von der Grün J, Medenwald D, Süß C, Hoeck M, Käsmann L, Fleischmann DF, Rühle A, Nicolay NH, Fabian A, Löser A, Heß S, Tamaskovics B, Vinsensia M, Hecht M. Dose-escalated re-irradiation improves outcome in locally recurrent head and neck cancer - Results of a large multicenter analysis. Radiother Oncol 2023; 181:109380. [PMID: 36273736 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
To determine efficacy and prognostic parameters of definitive re-irradiation of locoregionally recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with locoregionally recurrent or second primary HNSCC undergoing re-irradiation with modern radiotherapy technique were eligible for this multicentric retrospective analysis. Main endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and locoregional control (LC). Univariate analyses were performed using the Kaplan Meier Method (log-rank). For multivariable analysis, Cox regression was used. RESULTS A total of 253 patients treated between 2009 and 2020 at 16 university hospitals in Germany were included. The median follow up was 27.4 months (range 0.5-130). The median OS and PFS were 13.2 (CI: 10.7 - 15.7) months and 7.9 (CI: 6.7 - 9.1) months, respectively, corresponding to two-year OS and PFS rates of 29 % and 19 %. Rates of locoregional progression and "in-field-failure" were 62 % and 51 % after two years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified good ECOG performance status and high radiation dose as independent prognostic parameters for OS. Doses above 50 Gy (EQD2) achieved longer median OS of 17.8 months (vs 11.7 months, p < 0.01) and longer PFS of 9.6 months (vs 6.8 months, p < 0.01). In addition, there was a trend for worse survival in patients with tracheostomy (multivariable, p = 0.061). Concomitant systemic therapy did not significantly impact PFS or OS. CONCLUSION Re-irradiation of locally recurrent or second primary HNSCC is efficient, especially if doses above 50 Gy (EQD2) are delivered. ECOG performance score was the strongest prognostic parameter for OS and PFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Roesch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Michael Oertel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Simone Wegen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maike Trommer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Schleifenbaum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dominik Hering
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Matthias Mäurer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Knippen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Sophie Dobiasch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Waltenberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens von der Grün
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Medenwald
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Christoph Süß
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hoeck
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Käsmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel F Fleischmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Rühle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nils H Nicolay
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Fabian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anastassia Löser
- Outpatient Center of the University Medical Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology) and Department of Oncology, Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with the Section Pneumology (Centre for Oncology), University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Heß
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, Julius-Maximilians-University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bálint Tamaskovics
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Düsseldorf University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Maria Vinsensia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Markus Hecht
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Effect of Citrate- and Gold-Stabilized Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Head and Neck Tumor Cell Lines during Combination Therapy with Ionizing Radiation. BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:bioengineering9120806. [PMID: 36551012 PMCID: PMC9774466 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9120806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. They are associated with alcohol and tobacco consumption, as well as infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV). Therapeutic options include radiochemotherapy, surgery or chemotherapy. Nanoparticles are becoming more and more important in medicine. They can be used diagnostically, but also therapeutically. In order to provide therapeutic alternatives in the treatment of HNSCC, the effect of citrate-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Citrate-SPIONs) and gold-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Au-SPIONs) in combination with ionizing irradiation (IR) on two HPV positive and two HPV negative HNSCC and healthy fibroblasts and keratinocytes cell lines were tested. Effects on apoptosis and necrosis were analyzed by using flow cytometry. Cell survival studies were performed with a colony formation assay. To better understand where the SPIONs interact, light microscopy images and immunofluorescence studies were performed. The HNSCC and healthy cell lines showed different responses to the investigated SPIONs. The cytotoxic effects of SPIONs, in combination with IR, are dependent on the type of SPIONs, the dose administered and the cell type treated. They are independent of HPV status. Reasons for the different cytotoxic effect are probably the different compositions of the SPIONs and the related different interaction of the SPIONs intracellularly and paramembranously, which lead to different strong formations of double strand breaks.
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