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Li Y, Apseloff G, Tweedle MF, Gao S, Lu ZR. Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of the Cancer-Targeting MRI Contrast Agent MT218 in Healthy Males. Invest Radiol 2024; 59:165-169. [PMID: 38015107 PMCID: PMC10987082 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000001031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of MT218, a peptide-targeted gadolinium-based contrast agent, in healthy males. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-ascending-dose study including 30 healthy male subjects. In each dose group (0.01, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.08 mmol/kg), 4 subjects received MT218 and 2 subjects received placebo (saline) in bolus injections. The highest dose group (0.08 mmol/kg) was assessed in 2 cohorts, 1 fasted and 1 nonfasted. Clinical laboratory tests, vital signs, and electrocardiograms were investigated. Gadolinium concentrations were measured in plasma samples collected before administration and over a 24-hour period postinjection, and in urine specimens collected until 22 days. A noncompartmental model was used for pharmacokinetic analysis. A clinical and biological safety follow-up was carried out for up to 6 months. RESULTS No clinically significant modifications in biochemistry, hematology, urinalysis, electrocardiogram parameters, or vital signs were reported at any time point for any treatment group. No serious adverse events were observed in any dose group. Transient dizziness, hyperhidrosis, and injection site coldness were the main adverse events reported in both the MT218 and placebo groups. The mean total apparent clearance decreased slightly with increasing dose, and the median plasma t 1/2 ranged from 1.7 hours in the 0.01 mmol/kg group to 2.7 hours in the 0.08 mmol/kg nonfasted group. MT218 was rapidly excreted via renal filtration with 42.9% to 52.8% of the injected dose measured in urine within the first hour after administration, and 92.5% to 117.3% in urine within 24 hours. No Gd was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in urine after 21 days. CONCLUSION Single intravenous administration of MT218 was safely tolerated in the healthy males. Its pharmacokinetic parameters and safety profile are well aligned with those of other gadolinium-based contrast agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Li
- Molecular Theranostics, LLC, Cleveland, OH 44114
| | - Glen Apseloff
- Ohio Clinical Trials, 1380 Edgehill Road, Columbus, OH 43212
| | - Michael F. Tweedle
- Wright Center of Innovation, Department of Radiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Songqi Gao
- Molecular Theranostics, LLC, Cleveland, OH 44114
| | - Zheng-Rong Lu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Barachini S, Pardini E, Burzi IS, Sardo Infirri G, Montali M, Petrini I. Molecular and Functional Key Features and Oncogenic Drivers in Thymic Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:166. [PMID: 38201593 PMCID: PMC10778094 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010166] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors, comprising thymic carcinomas and thymomas, are rare neoplasms. They differ in histology, prognosis, and association with autoimmune diseases such as myasthenia gravis. Thymomas, but not thymic carcinomas, often harbor GTF2I mutations. Mutations of CDKN2A, TP53, and CDKN2B are the most common thymic carcinomas. The acquisition of mutations in genes that control chromatin modifications and epigenetic regulation occurs in the advanced stages of thymic carcinomas. Anti-angiogenic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis have shown promising results for the treatment of unresectable tumors. Since thymic carcinomas are frankly aggressive tumors, this report presents insights into their oncogenic drivers, categorized under the established hallmarks of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Barachini
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pardini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Irene Sofia Burzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gisella Sardo Infirri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marina Montali
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Iacopo Petrini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Zhang X, Zhang P, Cong A, Feng Y, Chi H, Xia Z, Tang H. Unraveling molecular networks in thymic epithelial tumors: deciphering the unique signatures. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1264325. [PMID: 37849766 PMCID: PMC10577431 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1264325] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are a rare and diverse group of neoplasms characterized by distinct molecular signatures. This review delves into the complex molecular networks of TETs, highlighting key aspects such as chromosomal abnormalities, molecular subtypes, aberrant gene mutations and expressions, structural gene rearrangements, and epigenetic changes. Additionally, the influence of the dynamic tumor microenvironment on TET behavior and therapeutic responses is examined. A thorough understanding of these facets elucidates TET pathogenesis, offering avenues for enhancing diagnostic accuracy, refining prognostic assessments, and tailoring targeted therapeutic strategies. Our review underscores the importance of deciphering TETs' unique molecular signatures to advance personalized treatment paradigms and improve patient outcomes. We also discuss future research directions and anticipated challenges in this intriguing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pengpeng Zhang
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ansheng Cong
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanlong Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Chi
- School of Clinical Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhijia Xia
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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Barachini S, Biso L, Kolachalam S, Petrini I, Maggio R, Scarselli M, Longoni B. Mesenchymal Stem Cell in Pancreatic Islet Transplantation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051426. [PMID: 37239097 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051426] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic islet transplantation is a therapeutic option for achieving physiologic regulation of plasma glucose in Type 1 diabetic patients. At the same time, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated their potential in controlling graft rejection, the most fearsome complication in organ/tissue transplantation. MSCs can interact with innate and adaptive immune system cells either through direct cell-cell contact or through their secretome including exosomes. In this review, we discuss current findings regarding the graft microenvironment of pancreatic islet recipient patients and the crucial role of MSCs operation as cell managers able to control the immune system to prevent rejection and promote endogenous repair. We also discuss how challenging stressors, such as oxidative stress and impaired vasculogenesis, may jeopardize graft outcomes. In order to face these adverse conditions, we consider either hypoxia-exposure preconditioning of MSCs or human stem cells with angiogenic potential in organoids to overcome islets' lack of vasculature. Along with the shepherding of carbon nanotubes-loaded MSCs to the transplantation site by a magnetic field, these studies look forward to exploiting MSCs stemness and their immunomodulatory properties in pancreatic islet transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Barachini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Letizia Biso
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Shivakumar Kolachalam
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Aseptic Pharmacy, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W6 8RF, UK
| | - Iacopo Petrini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Maggio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Scarselli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Biancamaria Longoni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Maher J, Davies DM. CAR-Based Immunotherapy of Solid Tumours-A Survey of the Emerging Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1171. [PMID: 36831514 PMCID: PMC9953954 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041171] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with CAR T-cells has revolutionised the treatment of B-cell and plasma cell-derived cancers. However, solid tumours present a much greater challenge for treatment using CAR-engineered immune cells. In a partner review, we have surveyed data generated in clinical trials in which patients with solid tumours that expressed any of 30 discrete targets were treated with CAR-based immunotherapy. That exercise confirms that efficacy of this approach falls well behind that seen in haematological malignancies, while significant toxic events have also been reported. Here, we consider approximately 60 additional candidates for which such clinical data are not available yet, but where pre-clinical data have provided support for their advancement to clinical evaluation as CAR target antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Maher
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy’s Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, UK
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - David M. Davies
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
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Kuhn E, Pescia C, Mendogni P, Nosotti M, Ferrero S. Thymic Epithelial Tumors: An Evolving Field. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020314. [PMID: 36836670 PMCID: PMC9964105 DOI: 10.3390/life13020314] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite their rarity, thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) have attracted much interest over the years, leading to an impressive number of histological and staging classifications. At present, TETs are divided by the WHO classification into four main subtypes: type A, type AB, and type B thymomas (subdivided into B1, B2, and B3), and thymic carcinomas, going from the more indolent to the most aggressive ones. Among many debated staging proposals, the TNM and the Masaoka-Koga staging systems have been widely accepted and used in routine practice. The four-tiered histological classification is symmetrically mirrored by the molecular subgrouping of TETs, which identifies an A-like and an AB-like cluster, with frequent GTF2I and HRAS mutations; an intermediate B-like cluster, with a T-cell signaling profile; and a carcinoma-like cluster comprising thymic carcinomas with frequent CDKN2A and TP53 alterations and a high tumor molecular burden. Molecular investigations have opened the way to tailored therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting KIT, mTOR, and VEGFR, and immune-checkpoints that have been adopted as second-line systemic treatments. In this review, we discuss the crucial events that led to the current understanding of TETs, while disclosing the next steps in this intriguing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Kuhn
- S.C. Anatomia Patologica, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche ed Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-025-032-0564
| | - Carlo Pescia
- S.C. Anatomia Patologica, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche ed Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Mendogni
- S.C. Chirurgia Toracica e Trapianti di Polmone, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Mario Nosotti
- S.C. Chirurgia Toracica e Trapianti di Polmone, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Patofisiologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrero
- S.C. Anatomia Patologica, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche ed Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
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Agrafiotis AC, Siozopoulou V, Hendriks JMH, Pauwels P, Koljenovic S, Van Schil PE. Tumor Microenvironment in Thymic Epithelial Tumors: A Narrative Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246082. [PMID: 36551568 PMCID: PMC9775621 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246082] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and constantly changing entity. The TME consists of stromal cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and innate and adaptive immune cells. Cancer development and progression occurs through this interplay between the tumor and the adjacent stroma. Cancer cells are capable of modifying their microenvironment by secreting various message-carrying molecules, such as cytokines, chemokines, and other factors. This action causes a reprogramming of the neighboring cells, which are enabled to play a crucial role in tumor survival and progression. The study of TME has many clinical implications in terms of cancer therapeutics because many new drugs, such as antibodies, kinase inhibitors, and liposome formulations that can encapsulate anti-cancer drugs, can be developed. Although chemotherapy is considered the standard of treatment for advanced disease, recent research has brought to light immunotherapy as a possible systemic alternative. However, the complex structure and function of the thymus hinders its routine use in clinical practice. The aim of this review paper is to discuss the recent advances in the investigation of the unique characteristics of the TME of thymic epithelial tumors that could possibly lead to the development of novel promising therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolos C. Agrafiotis
- Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, B-2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Vasiliki Siozopoulou
- Laboratory of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, B-2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Jeroen M. H. Hendriks
- Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, B-2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Laboratory of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, B-2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Senada Koljenovic
- Laboratory of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, B-2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Paul E. Van Schil
- Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, B-2650 Edegem, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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