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Aizaz M, Khan AS, Khan M, Musazade E, Yang G. Advancements in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes: Historical insights, contemporary milestones, and future directions in oncology therapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 202:104471. [PMID: 39117163 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104471] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are a subtype of immune cells that infiltrate and accumulate within tumors. Studies proved that TILs can be used as prognostic and predictive markers for cancer patients' responses to immunotherapy. This review explores the modern knowledge of TILs, the challenges and opportunities for utilizing TILs in cancer treatment, such as the rise of therapies under TIL circumstances, the identification of biomarkers for TIL activity, and methods used to isolate and expand TILs for therapeutic use. Ongoing clinical trials and promising results in different cancer types are highlighted, including melanoma, ovarian, and colorectal cancer. This also focuses on ongoing efforts to improve TIL-based therapies by identifying the specific subsets of TILs that are most effective in treating cancer and developing methods to increase the functionality and persistence of TILs in the tumor microenvironment. The article recapitulates the present state TILs therapy, ongoing research, and improvements to its potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Aizaz
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China.
| | | | - Maria Khan
- Center of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Peshawar, Pakistan.
| | - Elshan Musazade
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.
| | - Guiwen Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China.
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2
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Yu Z, Yang W, Zhang Q, Zheng M. Unveiling the impact of estrogen exposure on ovarian cancer: A comprehensive risk model and immune landscape analysis. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39252197 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2024.2402865] [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: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
This study examines the impact of estrogenic compounds like bisphenol A (BPA), estradiol (E2), and zearalenone (ZEA) on human ovarian cancer, focusing on constructing a risk model, conducting Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA), and evaluating immune infiltration. Differential gene expression analysis identified 980 shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in human ovarian cells exposed to BPA, E2, and ZEA, indicating disruptions in ribosome biogenesis and RNA processing. Using the Cancer Genome Atlas Ovarian Cancer (TCGA-OV) dataset, a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-based risk model was developed incorporating prognostic genes 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase Like (HPDL), Thy-1 Cell Surface Antigen (THY1), and Peptidase Inhibitor 3 (PI3). This model effectively stratified ovarian cancer patients into high-risk and low-risk categories, showing significant differences in overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free survival. GSVA analysis linked HPDL expression to pathways related to the cell cycle, DNA damage, and repair, while THY1 and PI3 were associated with apoptosis, hypoxia, and proliferation pathways. Immune infiltration analysis revealed distinct immune cell profiles for high and low expression groups of HPDL, THY1, and PI3, indicating their influence on the tumor microenvironment. The findings demonstrate that estrogenic compounds significantly alter gene expression and oncogenic pathways in ovarian cancer. The risk model integrating HPDL, THY1, and PI3 offers a strong prognostic tool, with GSVA and immune infiltration analyses providing insights into the interplay between these genes and the tumor microenvironment, suggesting potential targets for personalized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongna Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University
| | - Weili Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University
| | - Qinwei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University
| | - Mengyu Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University
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3
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Han GYQ, Alexander M, Gattozzi J, Day M, Kirsch E, Tafreshi N, Chalar R, Rahni S, Gossner G, Burke W, Damaghi M. Ecological and evolutionary dynamics to design and improve ovarian cancer treatment. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e70012. [PMID: 39210542 PMCID: PMC11362027 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.70012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer ecosystems are exceedingly complex, consisting of a high heterogeneity of cancer cells. Development of drugs such as poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, targeted therapies and immunotherapies offer more options for sequential or combined treatments. Nevertheless, mortality in metastatic ovarian cancer patients remains high because cancer cells consistently develop resistance to single and combination therapies, urging a need for treatment designs that target the evolvability of cancer cells. The evolutionary dynamics that lead to resistance emerge from the complex tumour microenvironment, the heterogeneous populations, and the individual cancer cell's plasticity. We propose that successful management of ovarian cancer requires consideration of the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of the disease. Here, we review current options and challenges in ovarian cancer treatment and discuss principles of tumour evolution. We conclude by proposing evolutionarily designed strategies for ovarian cancer, with the goal of integrating such principles with longitudinal, quantitative data to improve the treatment design and management of drug resistance. KEY POINTS/HIGHLIGHTS: Tumours are ecosystems in which cancer and non-cancer cells interact and evolve in complex and dynamic ways. Conventional therapies for ovarian cancer inevitably lead to the development of resistance because they fail to consider tumours' heterogeneity and cellular plasticity. Eco-evolutionarily designed therapies should consider cancer cell plasticity and patient-specific characteristics to improve clinical outcome and prevent relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Y. Q. Han
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Monica Alexander
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Julia Gattozzi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PharmacologyStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Marilyn Day
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyRenaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Elayna Kirsch
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyRenaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Raafat Chalar
- Stony Brook Cancer CenterRenaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Gabrielle Gossner
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyStony Brook University HospitalStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - William Burke
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyStony Brook University HospitalStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Mehdi Damaghi
- Stony Brook Cancer CenterRenaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
- Department of PathologyRenaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
- Department of Radiation OncologyRenaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
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4
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Wang ZB, Zhang X, Fang C, Liu XT, Liao QJ, Wu N, Wang J. Immunotherapy and the ovarian cancer microenvironment: Exploring potential strategies for enhanced treatment efficacy. Immunology 2024; 173:14-32. [PMID: 38618976 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13793] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite progress in cancer immunotherapy, ovarian cancer (OC) prognosis continues to be disappointing. Recent studies have shed light on how not just tumour cells, but also the complex tumour microenvironment, contribute to this unfavourable outcome of OC immunotherapy. The complexities of the immune microenvironment categorize OC as a 'cold tumour'. Nonetheless, understanding the precise mechanisms through which the microenvironment influences the effectiveness of OC immunotherapy remains an ongoing scientific endeavour. This review primarily aims to dissect the inherent characteristics and behaviours of diverse cells within the immune microenvironment, along with an exploration into its reprogramming and metabolic changes. It is expected that these insights will elucidate the operational dynamics of the immune microenvironment in OC and lay a theoretical groundwork for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy in OC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Bin Wang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Xiu Zhang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Chao Fang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Liu
- The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Qian-Jin Liao
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Nayiyuan Wu
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
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5
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Garlisi B, Lauks S, Aitken C, Ogilvie LM, Lockington C, Petrik D, Eichhorn JS, Petrik J. The Complex Tumor Microenvironment in Ovarian Cancer: Therapeutic Challenges and Opportunities. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:3826-3844. [PMID: 39057155 PMCID: PMC11275383 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31070283] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) in ovarian cancer (OC) has much greater complexity than previously understood. In response to aggressive pro-angiogenic stimulus, blood vessels form rapidly and are dysfunctional, resulting in poor perfusion, tissue hypoxia, and leakiness, which leads to increased interstitial fluid pressure (IFP). Decreased perfusion and high IFP significantly inhibit the uptake of therapies into the tumor. Within the TME, there are numerous inhibitor cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor association macrophages (TAMs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that secrete high numbers of immunosuppressive cytokines. This immunosuppressive environment is thought to contribute to the lack of success of immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment. This review discusses the components of the TME in OC, how these characteristics impede therapeutic efficacy, and some strategies to alleviate this inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jim Petrik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (B.G.); (S.L.); (C.A.); (L.M.O.); (C.L.); (D.P.); (J.S.E.)
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Muttiah B, Ng SL, Lokanathan Y, Ng MH, Law JX. Extracellular Vesicles in Breast Cancer: From Intercellular Communication to Therapeutic Opportunities. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:654. [PMID: 38794316 PMCID: PMC11125876 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050654] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, a multifaceted and heterogeneous disease, poses significant challenges in terms of understanding its intricate resistance mechanisms and devising effective therapeutic strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate landscape of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the context of breast cancer, highlighting their diverse subtypes, biogenesis, and roles in intercellular communication within the tumour microenvironment (TME). The discussion spans various aspects, from EVs and stromal cells in breast cancer to their influence on angiogenesis, immune response, and chemoresistance. The impact of EV production in different culture systems, including two dimensional (2D), three dimensional (3D), and organoid models, is explored. Furthermore, this review delves into the therapeutic potential of EVs in breast cancer, presenting emerging strategies such as engineered EVs for gene delivery, nanoplatforms for targeted chemotherapy, and disrupting tumour derived EVs as a treatment approach. Understanding these complex interactions of EV within the breast cancer milieu is crucial for identifying resistance mechanisms and developing new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barathan Muttiah
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (Y.L.); (M.H.N.)
| | - Sook Luan Ng
- Department of Craniofacial Diagnostics and Biosciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia;
| | - Yogeswaran Lokanathan
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (Y.L.); (M.H.N.)
| | - Min Hwei Ng
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (Y.L.); (M.H.N.)
| | - Jia Xian Law
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (Y.L.); (M.H.N.)
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7
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Tubridy EA, Eiva MA, Liu F, Omran DK, Gysler S, Brown EG, Roy AG, Zeng Y, Oh J, Cao Q, Gitto SB, Powell DJ. CD137+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes predicts ovarian cancer survival. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 184:74-82. [PMID: 38290413 PMCID: PMC11179985 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.01.029] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancy in the United States, and biomarkers of patient outcomes are limited. Data using immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis are mixed regarding whether and which tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) impact survival, and IHC does not adequately quantify rare cell populations, including CD137+ (4-1BB) tumor-reactive TILs. Our study investigates if a higher percentage of CD3+ CD137+ TILs is associated with improved overall survival (OS) in OC. METHODS Flow cytometry was performed on viably banked OC digests. Chart review and statistical analysis were performed. Forty-seven patients were included, 40 of whom were diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), papillary serous carcinoma, or undifferentiated histology. RESULTS A high percentage of CD3+ CD137+ TILs correlated with improved OS (n = 40, r = 0.48, P = 0.0016). Subjects were divided into CD3+ CD137+ TIL high and low groups by the median. Subjects with high CD3+CD137+ TIL frequencies (>9.6%) had longer OS (Wilcoxon rank-sum test; P = 0.0032) and improved OS (logrank test; P = 0.007). Differences in CD3+ or CD3+ CD8+ TILs did not impact survival. CD3+ CD137+ TILs were predictive of OS regardless of germline mutation or debulking status. Analysis of subgroups including late stage HGSOC and late stage HGSOC with primary optimal cytoreduction indicated CD3+ CD137+ TILs correlated with improved OS after adjusting for age and PARP inhibitor use (P = 0.034 and P = 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of CD3+ CD137+ TILs in digested OC specimens is associated with improved OS, while general TIL markers are not. CD137 has the potential to be a novel biomarker for survival in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Tubridy
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Monika A Eiva
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dalia K Omran
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Stefan Gysler
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Erica G Brown
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Allison G Roy
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yuyan Zeng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jinhee Oh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pennsylvania Hospital, 800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Quy Cao
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sarah B Gitto
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniel J Powell
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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8
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Cacciottola L, Camboni A, Gatti E, Marbaix E, Vignali M, Donnez J, Dolmans MM. Fertility potential and safety assessment of residual ovarian cortex in young women diagnosed with epithelial borderline and early-stage malignant ovarian tumors. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 183:15-24. [PMID: 38492474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.03.008] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the safety and quality of ovarian cortex surrounding epithelial ovarian tumors in women eligible for fertility-sparing surgery by identifying occult malignant lesions and characterizing the ovarian follicle pool. METHODS Multicentric retrospective study of 48 subjects (15-45 years), diagnosed with borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) or early-stage epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) and eligible for fertility-sparing surgery. Histological samples of ovarian cortex surrounding tumors were analyzed to characterize the follicle pool, find any occult malignant lesion using tumor-specific markers (cytokeratin 7 and mucin 1), and quantify tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) by CD3 and tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) by CD68. RESULTS Occult ovarian lesions were observed in 6 out of 45 cases investigated (14.6%), including one mucinous stage-I BOT (1/14), one serous stage-I BOT (1/13), 3 advanced-stage serous BOTs (3/11) and one early-stage serous EOC (1/7). Notably, follicle density was significantly lower in subjects diagnosed with ovarian tumors compared to controls (p < 0.001) and at a younger age. Significantly higher follicle atresia was encountered in the ovarian tumor group then in controls (20.1 ± 8.8% vs 9.2 ± 9.4%, p < 0.001) at all ages. Both TILs and TAMs were found in ovarian tumors irrespective of histotype, but no link was established with the status of the ovarian reserve. CONCLUSIONS Personalized counseling for fertility preservation is required in the event of BOTs and early-stage EOCs. Fertility-sparing surgery and adjuvant gamete preservation should be considered, balancing the oncological risks according to tumor stage and histotype and fertility potential, especially at a younger age.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Cacciottola
- Gynecology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Camboni
- Gynecology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Anatomopathology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - E Gatti
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - E Marbaix
- Department of Anatomopathology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium; Prof Emeritus, Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium
| | - M Vignali
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - J Donnez
- Prof Emeritus, Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium; Société de Recherche Pour l'Infertilité, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M M Dolmans
- Gynecology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Gynecology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
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Fanale D, Corsini LR, Bono M, Randazzo U, Barraco N, Brando C, Cancelliere D, Contino S, Giurintano A, Magrin L, Pedone E, Perez A, Piraino P, Pivetti A, Giovanni ED, Russo TDB, Prestifilippo O, Gennusa V, Pantuso G, Russo A, Bazan V. Clinical relevance of exosome-derived microRNAs in Ovarian Cancer: Looking for new tumor biological fingerprints. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 193:104220. [PMID: 38036154 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104220] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific tumor-derived extracellular vesicles, called exosomes, are considered as potential key players in cross-talk between immune system and tumor microenvironment in several solid tumors. Different studies highlighted the clinical relevance of exosomes in ovarian cancer (OC) for their role in early diagnosis, prognosis, chemoresistance, targeted therapy. The exosomes are nanosize vesicles carrying lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. In particular, exosomes shuttle a wide spectrum of microRNAs (miRNAs) able to induce phenotypic reprogramming of target cells, contributing to tumor progression. In this review, we will discuss the promising role of miRNAs shuttled by exosomes, called exosomal miRNAs (exo-miRNAs), as potential biomarkers for early detection, tumour progression and metastasis, prognosis, and response to therapy in OC women, in order to search for new potential biological fingerprints able to better characterize the evolution of this malignancy and provide a clinically relevant non-invasive approach useful for adopting, in future, personalized therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Fanale
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Lidia Rita Corsini
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Bono
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ugo Randazzo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Nadia Barraco
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Brando
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Cancelliere
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Silvia Contino
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ambra Giurintano
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Magrin
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Erika Pedone
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Perez
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Piraino
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessia Pivetti
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Emilia Di Giovanni
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Tancredi Didier Bazan Russo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ornella Prestifilippo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Gennusa
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianni Pantuso
- Division of General and Oncological Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Russo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Viviana Bazan
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Piroozkhah M, Gholinezhad Y, Piroozkhah M, Shams E, Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad E. The molecular mechanism of actions and clinical utilities of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in gastrointestinal cancers: a comprehensive review and future prospects toward personalized medicine. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1298891. [PMID: 38077386 PMCID: PMC10704251 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1298891] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers remain a significant global health burden, accounting for a substantial number of cases and deaths. Regrettably, the inadequacy of dependable biomarkers hinders the precise forecasting of patient prognosis and the selection of appropriate therapeutic sequencing for individuals with GI cancers, leading to suboptimal outcomes for numerous patients. The intricate interplay between tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has been shown to be a pivotal determinant of response to anti-cancer therapy and consequential clinical outcomes across a multitude of cancer types. Therefore, the assessment of TILs has garnered global interest as a promising prognostic biomarker in oncology, with the potential to improve clinical decision-making substantially. Moreover, recent discoveries in immunotherapy have progressively changed the landscape of cancer treatment and significantly prolonged the survival of patients with advanced cancers. Nonetheless, the response rate remains constrained within solid tumor sufferers, even when TIL landscapes appear comparable, which calls for the development of our understanding of cellular and molecular cross-talk between TIME and tumor. Hence, this comprehensive review encapsulates the extant literature elucidating the TILs' underlying molecular pathogenesis, prognostic significance, and their relevance in the realm of immunotherapy for patients afflicted by GI tract cancers. Within this review, we demonstrate that the type, density, and spatial distribution of distinct TIL subpopulations carries pivotal implications for the prediction of anti-cancer treatment responses and patient survival. Furthermore, this review underscores the indispensable role of TILs in modulating therapeutic responses within distinct molecular subtypes, such as those characterized by microsatellite stability or programmed cell death ligand-1 expression in GI tract cancers. The review concludes by outlining future directions in TIL-based personalized medicine, including integrating TIL-based approaches into existing treatment regimens and developing novel therapeutic strategies that exploit the unique properties of TILs and their potential as a promising avenue for personalized cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moein Piroozkhah
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Gholinezhad
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mobin Piroozkhah
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Shams
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Machuca-Aguado J, Conde-Martín AF, Alvarez-Muñoz A, Rodríguez-Zarco E, Polo-Velasco A, Rueda-Ramos A, Rendón-García R, Ríos-Martin JJ, Idoate MA. Machine Learning Quantification of Intraepithelial Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes as a Significant Prognostic Factor in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinomas. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16060. [PMID: 38003250 PMCID: PMC10671555 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognostic and predictive role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has been demonstrated in various neoplasms. The few publications that have addressed this topic in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) have approached TIL quantification from a semiquantitative standpoint. Clinical correlation studies, therefore, need to be conducted based on more accurate TIL quantification. We created a machine learning system based on H&E-stained sections using 76 molecularly and clinically well-characterized advanced HGSOC. This system enabled immune cell classification. These immune parameters were subsequently correlated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFI). An intense colonization of the tumor cords by TILs was associated with a better prognosis. Moreover, the multivariate analysis showed that the intraephitelial (ie) TILs concentration was an independent and favorable prognostic factor both for OS (p = 0.02) and PFI (p = 0.001). A synergistic effect between complete surgical cytoreduction and high levels of ieTILs was evidenced, both in terms of OS (p = 0.0005) and PFI (p = 0.0008). We consider that digital analysis with machine learning provided a more accurate TIL quantification in HGSOC. It has been demonstrated that ieTILs quantification in H&E-stained slides is an independent prognostic parameter. It is possible that intraepithelial TIL quantification could help identify candidate patients for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Machuca-Aguado
- Department of Pathology, Virgen Macarena University Hospital & School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (J.M.-A.); (A.F.C.-M.); (A.A.-M.); (E.R.-Z.); (R.R.-G.); (J.J.R.-M.)
| | - Antonio Félix Conde-Martín
- Department of Pathology, Virgen Macarena University Hospital & School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (J.M.-A.); (A.F.C.-M.); (A.A.-M.); (E.R.-Z.); (R.R.-G.); (J.J.R.-M.)
| | - Alejandro Alvarez-Muñoz
- Department of Pathology, Virgen Macarena University Hospital & School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (J.M.-A.); (A.F.C.-M.); (A.A.-M.); (E.R.-Z.); (R.R.-G.); (J.J.R.-M.)
| | - Enrique Rodríguez-Zarco
- Department of Pathology, Virgen Macarena University Hospital & School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (J.M.-A.); (A.F.C.-M.); (A.A.-M.); (E.R.-Z.); (R.R.-G.); (J.J.R.-M.)
| | - Alfredo Polo-Velasco
- Gynecology Department, Virgen Macarena University Hospital & School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain;
| | - Antonio Rueda-Ramos
- Oncology Department, Virgen Macarena University Hospital & School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain;
| | - Rosa Rendón-García
- Department of Pathology, Virgen Macarena University Hospital & School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (J.M.-A.); (A.F.C.-M.); (A.A.-M.); (E.R.-Z.); (R.R.-G.); (J.J.R.-M.)
| | - Juan José Ríos-Martin
- Department of Pathology, Virgen Macarena University Hospital & School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (J.M.-A.); (A.F.C.-M.); (A.A.-M.); (E.R.-Z.); (R.R.-G.); (J.J.R.-M.)
| | - Miguel A. Idoate
- Department of Pathology, Virgen Macarena University Hospital & School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (J.M.-A.); (A.F.C.-M.); (A.A.-M.); (E.R.-Z.); (R.R.-G.); (J.J.R.-M.)
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12
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Wu M, Zhou S. Harnessing tumor immunogenomics: Tumor neoantigens in ovarian cancer and beyond. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189017. [PMID: 37935309 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189017] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a major cause of death among gynecological cancers due to its highly aggressive nature. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising avenue for ovarian cancer treatment, offering targeted approaches with reduced off-target effects. With the advent of next-generation sequencing, it has become possible to identify genomic alterations that can serve as potential targets for immunotherapy. Furthermore, immunogenomics research has revealed the importance of genetic alterations in shaping the cancer immune responses. However, the heterogeneity of immunogenicity and the low tumor mutation burden pose challenges for neoantigen-based immunotherapies. Further research is needed to identify neoantigen-specific tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and establish guidelines for patient inclusion criteria in TIL-based therapy. The study of neoantigens and their implications in ovarian cancer immunotherapy holds great promise, and efforts focused on personalized treatment strategies, refined neoantigen selection, and optimized therapeutic combinations will contribute to improving patient outcomes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengrui Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Shengtao Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, PR China.
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13
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Wu R, Jia Y, Li N, Lu X, Yao Z, Ma Y, Nie F. Evaluation of Breast Cancer Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes on Ultrasound Images Based on a Novel Multi-Cascade Residual U-Shaped Network. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2023; 49:2398-2406. [PMID: 37634979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breast cancer has become the leading cancer of the 21st century. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have emerged as effective biomarkers for predicting treatment response and prognosis in breast cancer. The work described here was aimed at designing a novel deep learning network to assess the levels of TILs in breast ultrasound images. METHODS We propose the Multi-Cascade Residual U-Shaped Network (MCRUNet), which incorporates a gray feature enhancement (GFE) module for image reconstruction and normalization to achieve data synergy. Additionally, multiple residual U-shaped (RSU) modules are cascaded as the backbone network to maximize the fusion of global and local features, with a focus on the tumor's location and surrounding regions. The development of MCRUNet is based on data from two hospitals and uses a publicly available ultrasound data set for transfer learning. RESULTS MCRUNet exhibits excellent performance in assessing TILs levels, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.8931, an accuracy of 85.71%, a sensitivity of 83.33%, a specificity of 88.64% and an F1 score of 86.54% in the test group. It outperforms six state-of-the-art networks in terms of performance. CONCLUSION The MCRUNet network based on breast ultrasound images of breast cancer patients holds promise for non-invasively predicting TILs levels and aiding personalized treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruichao Wu
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yingying Jia
- Ultrasound Medical Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Province Medical Engineering Research Center for Intelligence Ultrasound, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Ultrasonography, Lanzhou, China
| | - Nana Li
- Ultrasound Medical Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Province Medical Engineering Research Center for Intelligence Ultrasound, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Ultrasonography, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiangyu Lu
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zihuan Yao
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yide Ma
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Fang Nie
- Ultrasound Medical Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Province Medical Engineering Research Center for Intelligence Ultrasound, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Ultrasonography, Lanzhou, China
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14
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Yin M, Lu C, Zhou H, Liu Q, Yang J. Differential molecular pathway expression according to chemotherapeutic response in ovarian clear cell carcinoma. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:298. [PMID: 37270486 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02420-1] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a distinct entity from epithelial ovarian cancer. The prognosis of advanced and recurrent disease is very poor due to resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Our aim was to explore the molecular alterations among OCCC patients with different chemotherapeutic responses and to obtain insights into potential biomarkers. METHODS Twenty-four OCCC patients were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the relapse time after the first-line platinum-based chemotherapy: the platinum-sensitive group (PS) and the platinum-resistant group (PR). Gene expression profiling was performed using NanoString nCounter PanCancer Pathways Panel. RESULTS Gene expression analysis comparing PR vs. PS identified 32 differentially expressed genes: 17 upregulated genes and 15 downregulated genes. Most of these genes are involved in the PI3K, MAPK and Cell Cycle-Apoptosis pathways. In particular, eight genes are involved in two or all three pathways. CONCLUSION The dysregulated genes in the PI3K, MAPK, and Cell Cycle-Apoptosis pathways identified and postulated mechanisms could help to probe biomarkers of OCCC platinum sensitivity, providing a research basis for further exploration of targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric and Gynecologic Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chunli Lu
- Neurospine Center, Xuanwu Hospital, National Center for Neurological Disorders, China International Neuroscience Institute (CHINA-INI), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huimei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric and Gynecologic Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric and Gynecologic Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric and Gynecologic Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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15
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Fanale D, Brando C, Corsini LR, Cutaia S, Di Donna MC, Randazzo U, Filorizzo C, Lisanti C, Magrin L, Gurrera V, Romano R, Dimino A, Bazan Russo TD, Olive D, Vieni S, Pantuso G, Giordano A, Chiantera V, Russo A, Bazan V, Iovanna JL. Low plasma PD-L1 levels, early tumor onset and absence of peritoneal carcinomatosis improve prognosis of women with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:437. [PMID: 37179293 PMCID: PMC10183131 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10911-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most common subtype of ovarian cancer (OC) showing immunogenic potential is represented by the high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), which is characterized by the presence of tumor-infiltrating immune cells able to modulate immune response. Because several studies showed a close correlation between OC patient's clinical outcome and expression of programmed cell death protein-1 or its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1), the aim of our study was to investigate if plasma levels of immunomodulatory proteins may predict prognosis of advanced HGSOC women. PATIENTS AND METHODS Through specific ELISA tests, we analyzed plasma concentrations of PD-L1, PD-1, butyrophilin sub-family 3A/CD277 receptor (BTN3A1), pan-BTN3As, butyrophilin sub-family 2 member A1 (BTN2A1), and B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) in one hundred patients affected by advanced HGSOC, before surgery and therapy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate the survival curves, while univariate and multivariate analysis were performed using Cox proportional hazard regression models. RESULTS For each analyzed circulating biomarker, advanced HGSOC women were discriminated based on long (≥ 30 months) versus short progression-free survival (PFS < 30 months). The concentration cut-offs, obtained by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, allowed to observe that poor clinical outcome and median PFS ranging between 6 and 16 months were associated with higher baseline levels of PD-L1 (> 0.42 ng/mL), PD-1 (> 2.48 ng/mL), BTN3A1 (> 4.75 ng/mL), pan-BTN3As (> 13.06 ng/mL), BTN2A1 (> 5.59 ng/mL) and BTLA (> 2.78 ng/mL). Furthermore, a lower median PFS was associated with peritoneal carcinomatosis, age at diagnosis > 60 years or Body Mass Index (BMI) > 25. A multivariate analysis also suggested that plasma concentrations of PD-L1 ≤ 0.42 ng/mL (HR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.34 to 3.73; p = 0.002), age at diagnosis ≤ 60 years (HR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.70; p = 0.024) and absence of peritoneal carcinomatosis (HR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.23 to 2.85; p = 0.003) were significant prognostic marker for a longer PFS in advanced HGSOC patients. CONCLUSIONS The identification of high-risk HGSOC women could be improved through determination of the plasma PD-L1, PD-1, BTN3A1, pan-BTN3As, BTN2A1 and BTLA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Fanale
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90127, Italy.
| | - Chiara Brando
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Lidia Rita Corsini
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Sofia Cutaia
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | | | - Ugo Randazzo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Clarissa Filorizzo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Chiara Lisanti
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Luigi Magrin
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Vittorio Gurrera
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Raffaella Romano
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Palermo, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dimino
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | | | - Daniel Olive
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Salvatore Vieni
- Division of General and Oncological Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Gianni Pantuso
- Division of General and Oncological Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center of Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, PA, Philadelphia, 19122, USA
| | - Vito Chiantera
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Palermo, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Antonio Russo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90127, Italy.
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center of Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, PA, Philadelphia, 19122, USA.
| | - Viviana Bazan
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Juan Lucio Iovanna
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique Et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, 13288, France
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Zhao Z, Feng L, Peng X, Ma T, Tong R, Zhong L. Role of histone methyltransferase SETDB1 in regulation of tumourigenesis and immune response. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1073713. [PMID: 36582533 PMCID: PMC9793902 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1073713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations are implicated in tumour immune evasion and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) resistance. SET domain bifurcated histone methyltransferase 1 (SETDB1) is a histone lysine methyltransferase that catalyses histone H3K9 di- and tri-methylation on euchromatin, and growing evidence indicates that SETDB1 amplification and abnormal activation are significantly correlated with the unfavourable prognosis of multiple malignant tumours and contribute to tumourigenesis and progression, immune evasion and ICB resistance. The main underlying mechanism is H3K9me3 deposition by SETDB1 on tumour-suppressive genes, retrotransposons, and immune genes. SETDB1 targeting is a promising approach to cancer therapy, particularly immunotherapy, because of its regulatory effects on endogenous retroviruses. However, SETDB1-targeted therapy remains challenging due to potential side effects and the lack of antagonists with high selectivity and potency. Here, we review the role of SETDB1 in tumourigenesis and immune regulation and present the current challenges and future perspectives of SETDB1 targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Feng
- Department of Emergency, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuerun Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Tingnan Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Rongsheng Tong
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Lei Zhong,
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Polygenic Risk Scores Associated with Tumor Immune Infiltration in Common Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225571. [PMID: 36428664 PMCID: PMC9688863 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225571] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is largely unknown whether genetic susceptibility contributes to tumor immune infiltration in common cancers. We systematically investigated the association between polygenic risk scores (PRSs) and tumor immune infiltration in common cancers. First, we constructed a PRS for common cancers using the risk variants identified in previous genome-wide association studies. Then, we analyzed 139 immune traits predicted by previous studies by examining gene expression data in tumor tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We applied regression analyses to evaluate the associations between PRS and immune traits for each cancer overall and stratified by stage, including 2160 pathologically confirmed cases of breast, colorectal, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers in the White population. At a nominal (p < 0.05) significance level, we identified 31 significant associations between PRS and immune traits. In the analyses stratified by stage for breast, colorectal, lung adenocarcinoma, and lung squamous cell carcinoma, we identified 65 significant associations, including 56 associations that were undetected by the overall analysis. This study provides evidence for genetic risk factors affecting immune infiltration and provides novel insights into the role of genetic susceptibility in immune responses, underlying cancer development, prognosis, and the potential role of an early diagnostic or therapeutic targeting strategy.
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18
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Fanale D, Corsini LR, Brando C, Cutaia S, Di Donna MC, Filorizzo C, Lisanti MC, Randazzo U, Magrin L, Romano R, Bazan Russo TD, Olive D, Vieni S, Pantuso G, Chiantera V, Russo A, Bazan V, Iovanna JL. Can circulating PD-1, PD-L1, BTN3A1, pan-BTN3As, BTN2A1 and BTLA levels enhance prognostic power of CA125 in patients with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer? Front Oncol 2022; 12:946319. [PMID: 36212445 PMCID: PMC9532861 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.946319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common subtype of ovarian cancer (OC) is the high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), accounting for 70%–80% of all OC deaths. Although HGSOC is a potentially immunogenic tumor, clinical studies assessing the effectiveness of inhibitors of programmed death protein and its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1) in OC patients so far showed only response rates <15%. However, recent studies revealed an interesting prognostic role of plasma PD-1/PD-L1 and other circulating immunoregulatory molecules, such as the B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), butyrophilin sub-family 3A/CD277 receptors (BTN3A), and butyrophilin sub-family 2 member A1 (BTN2A1), in several solid tumors. Since evidence showed the prognostic relevance of pretreatment serum CA125 levels in OC, the aim of our study was to investigate if soluble forms of inhibitory immune checkpoints can enhance prognostic power of CA125 in advanced HGSOC women. Using specific ELISA tests, we examined the circulating PD-1, PD-L1, pan-BTN3As, BTN3A1, BTN2A1, and BTLA levels in 100 advanced HGSOC patients before treatment, correlating them with baseline serum CA125, age at diagnosis, body mass index (BMI), and peritoneal carcinomatosis. A multivariate analysis revealed that plasma BTN3A1 ≤4.75 ng/ml (HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.23–3.07; p=0.004), age at diagnosis ≤60 years (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.05–2.59; p=0.03) and absence of peritoneal carcinomatosis (HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.66–4.22; p<0.0001) were independent prognostic factors for a longer progression-free survival (PFS) (≥30 months) in advanced HGSOC women. However, further two-factor multivariate analyses highlighted that baseline serum CA125 levels >401 U/ml and each soluble protein above respective concentration cutoff were covariates associated with shorter PFS (<30 months) and unfavorable clinical outcome, suggesting that contemporary measurement of both biomarkers than CA125 only could strengthen prognostic power of serum CA125 in predicting PFS of advanced HGSOC women. Plasma PD-L1, PD-1, BTN3A1, pan-sBTN3As, BTN2A1, or BTLA levels could be helpful biomarkers to increase prognostic value of CA125.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Fanale
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lidia Rita Corsini
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Brando
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sofia Cutaia
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Clarissa Filorizzo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Lisanti
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ugo Randazzo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Magrin
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Romano
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Tancredi Didier Bazan Russo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniel Olive
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1068, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche (CNRS UMR) 7258 Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Salvatore Vieni
- Division of General and Oncological Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianni Pantuso
- Division of General and Oncological Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vito Chiantera
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Russo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Viviana Bazan, ; Antonio Russo,
| | - Viviana Bazan
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Viviana Bazan, ; Antonio Russo,
| | - Juan Lucio Iovanna
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1068, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche (CNRS UMR) 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
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