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Ju W, Cai HH, Zheng W, Li DM, Zhang W, Yang XH, Yan ZX. Cross‑talk between lymphangiogenesis and malignant melanoma cells: New opinions on tumour drainage and immunization (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 27:81. [PMID: 38249813 PMCID: PMC10797314 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma (MM) is a highly aggressive tumour that can easily metastasize through the lymphatic system at the early stages. Lymph node (LN) involvement and lymphatic vessel (LV) density (LVD) represent a harbinger of an adverse prognosis, indicating a strong link between the state of the lymphatic system and the advancement of MM. Permeable capillary lymphatic vessels are the optimal conduits for melanoma cell (MMC) invasion, and lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) can also release a variety of chemokines that actively attract MMCs expressing chemokine ligands through a gradient orientation. Moreover, due to the lower oxidative stress environment in the lymph compared with the blood circulation, MMCs are more likely to survive and colonize. The number of LVs surrounding MM is associated with tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), which is crucial for the effectiveness of immunotherapy. On the other hand, MMCs can release various endothelial growth factors such as VEGF-C/D-VEGFR3 to mediate LN education and promote lymphangiogenesis. Tumour-derived extracellular vesicles are also used to promote lymphangiogenesis and create a microenvironment that is more conducive to tumour progression. MM is surrounded by a large number of lymphocytes. However, both LECs and MMCs are highly plastic, playing multiple roles in evading immune surveillance. They achieve this by expressing inhibitory ligands or reducing antigen recognition. In recent years, tertiary lymphoid structures have been shown to be associated with response to anti-immune checkpoint therapy, which is often a positive prognostic feature in MM. The present review discusses the interaction between lymphangiogenesis and MM metastasis, and it was concluded that the relationship between LVD and TILs and patient prognosis is analogous to a dynamically tilted scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ju
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Fourth People's Hospital of Taizhou, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, P.R. China
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, P.R. China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Hua Cai
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, P.R. China
| | - De-Ming Li
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Fourth People's Hospital of Taizhou, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Fourth People's Hospital of Taizhou, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, P.R. China
| | - Xi-Hu Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Xin Yan
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, P.R. China
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Dakilah I, Harb A, Abu-Gharbieh E, El-Huneidi W, Taneera J, Hamoudi R, Semreen MH, Bustanji Y. Potential of CDC25 phosphatases in cancer research and treatment: key to precision medicine. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1324001. [PMID: 38313315 PMCID: PMC10834672 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1324001] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The global burden of cancer continues to rise, underscoring the urgency of developing more effective and precisely targeted therapies. This comprehensive review explores the confluence of precision medicine and CDC25 phosphatases in the context of cancer research. Precision medicine, alternatively referred to as customized medicine, aims to customize medical interventions by taking into account the genetic, genomic, and epigenetic characteristics of individual patients. The identification of particular genetic and molecular drivers driving cancer helps both diagnostic accuracy and treatment selection. Precision medicine utilizes sophisticated technology such as genome sequencing and bioinformatics to elucidate genetic differences that underlie the proliferation of cancer cells, hence facilitating the development of customized therapeutic interventions. CDC25 phosphatases, which play a crucial role in governing the progression of the cell cycle, have garnered significant attention as potential targets for cancer treatment. The dysregulation of CDC25 is a characteristic feature observed in various types of malignancies, hence classifying them as proto-oncogenes. The proteins in question, which operate as phosphatases, play a role in the activation of Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), so promoting the advancement of the cell cycle. CDC25 inhibitors demonstrate potential as therapeutic drugs for cancer treatment by specifically blocking the activity of CDKs and modulating the cell cycle in malignant cells. In brief, precision medicine presents a potentially fruitful option for augmenting cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment, with an emphasis on individualized care predicated upon patients' genetic and molecular profiles. The review highlights the significance of CDC25 phosphatases in the advancement of cancer and identifies them as promising candidates for therapeutic intervention. This statement underscores the significance of doing thorough molecular profiling in order to uncover the complex molecular characteristics of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibraheem Dakilah
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amani Harb
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Eman Abu-Gharbieh
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jalal Taneera
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed H Semreen
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasser Bustanji
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Guerra A, Betancourt-Mar JA, Llanos-Pérez JA, Mansilla R, Nieto-Villar JM. Metastasis Models: Thermodynamics and Complexity. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2745:45-75. [PMID: 38060179 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3577-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The thermodynamic formalism of nonequilibrium systems together with the theory of complex systems and systems biology offer an appropriate theoretical framework to explain the complexity observed at the macroscopic level in physiological phenomena. In turn, they allow the establishment of an appropriate conceptual and operational framework to address the study of phenomena such as the emergence and evolution of cancer.This chapter is organized as follows: In Subheading 1, an integrated vision of these disciplines is offered for the characterization of the emergence and evolution of cancer, seen as a nonlinear dynamic system, temporally and spatially self-organized out of thermodynamic equilibrium. The development of the various mathematical models and different techniques and approaches used in the characterization of cancer metastasis is presented in Subheading 2. Subheading 3 is devoted to the time course of cancer metastasis, with particular emphasis on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT henceforth) as well as chronotherapeutic treatments. In Subheading 4, models of the spatial evolution of cancer metastasis are presented. Finally, in Subheading 5, some conclusions and remarks are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Guerra
- Department of Chemical-Physics, A. Alzola Group of Thermodynamics of Complex Systems M.V. Lomonosov Chair, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Havana, Cuba
| | | | | | - R Mansilla
- Centro Peninsular en Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales (CEPHCIS), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mérida, Mexico
| | - J M Nieto-Villar
- Department of Chemical-Physics, A. Alzola Group of Thermodynamics of Complex Systems M.V. Lomonosov Chair, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Havana, Cuba.
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Hu YD, Wu K, Liu YJ, Zhang Q, Shen H, Ji J, Fang D, Xi SY. LY6/PLAUR domain containing 3 (LYPD3) maintains melanoma cell stemness and mediates an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Biol Direct 2023; 18:72. [PMID: 37924160 PMCID: PMC10623712 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00424-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant melanoma is a highly heterogeneous skin cancer with the highest mortality rate among dermatological cancers. Catenins form functional networks in the nucleus to regulate gene expression and determine cell fate. Dysregulation of catenin expression correlates with the malignant characteristics of the tumor. We aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of catenins in melanoma and to further define the function of catenin-related molecular signaling in the tumor microenvironment. METHODS In this study, a bioinformatics approach combined with experimental validation was used to explore the potential tumor biology mechanisms of catenin-related signaling. RESULTS Melanoma patients can be divided into two catenin clusters. Patients defined by high Junction Plakoglobin (JUP), Plakophilin 1 (PKP1), Plakophilin 3 (PKP3) levels (C2) had shorter survival time than other patients (C1). We demonstrated that JUP regulates Anterior Gradient 2 (AGR2)/LY6/PLAUR Domain Containing 3 (LYPD3) to maintain melanoma stemness and promotes glycolysis. We also found that LYPD3 was co-expressed with S100A9 and associated with immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). CONCLUSION The JUP/AGR2/LYPD3 signaling axis plays an important role in the malignant features of melanoma. Targeting the JUP/AGR2/LYPD3 signaling axis can help develop promising drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Dou Hu
- Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, 215600, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Jie Liu
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Shen
- Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, 215600, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Ji
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Fang
- Zhenjiang Hospital of Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Song-Yang Xi
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- Zhenjiang Hospital of Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212000, People's Republic of China.
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Sitaru S, Budke A, Bertini R, Sperandio M. Therapeutic inhibition of CXCR1/2: where do we stand? Intern Emerg Med 2023; 18:1647-1664. [PMID: 37249756 PMCID: PMC10227827 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-023-03309-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mounting experimental evidence from in vitro and in vivo animal studies points to an essential role of the CXCL8-CXCR1/2 axis in neutrophils in the pathophysiology of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In addition, the pathogenetic involvement of neutrophils and the CXCL8-CXCR1/2 axis in cancer progression and metastasis is increasingly recognized. Consequently, therapeutic targeting of CXCR1/2 or CXCL8 has been intensively investigated in recent years using a wide array of in vitro and animal disease models. While a significant benefit for patients with unwanted neutrophil-mediated inflammatory conditions may be expected from a potential clinical use of inhibitors, their use in severe infections or sepsis might be problematic and should be carefully and thoroughly evaluated in animal models and clinical trials. Translating the approaches using inhibitors of the CXCL8-CXCR1/2 axis to cancer therapy is definitively a new and promising research avenue, which parallels the ongoing efforts to clearly define the involvement of neutrophils and the CXCL8-CXCR1/2 axis in neoplastic diseases. Our narrative review summarizes the current literature on the activation and inhibition of these receptors in neutrophils, key inhibitor classes for CXCR2 and the therapeutic relevance of CXCR2 inhibition focusing here on gastrointestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Sitaru
- Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Großhaderner Str. 9, Planegg-Martinsried, 82152, Munich, Germany
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Agnes Budke
- Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Großhaderner Str. 9, Planegg-Martinsried, 82152, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Markus Sperandio
- Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Großhaderner Str. 9, Planegg-Martinsried, 82152, Munich, Germany.
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Lepper A, Bitsch R, Özbay Kurt FG, Arkhypov I, Lasser S, Utikal J, Umansky V. Melanoma patients with immune-related adverse events after immune checkpoint inhibitors are characterized by a distinct immunological phenotype of circulating T cells and M-MDSCs. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2247303. [PMID: 37593676 PMCID: PMC10431726 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2247303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has improved the prognosis of melanoma patients. However, ICIs can cause an overactivation of the immune system followed by diverse immunological side effects known as immune-related adverse events (irAE). Currently, the toxicity of irAE is limiting the usage of ICIs. Here, we studied circulating monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) and T cells in course of irAE after the ICI therapy. Our longitudinal study involved 31 melanoma patients with and without adverse events during anti-PD-1 monotherapy or anti-CTLA-4/PD-1 combination therapy. Peripheral blood samples were analyzed before ICI start, during ICI treatment, at the time point of irAE and during immunosuppressive treatment to cure irAE. We observed an enhanced progression-free survival among patients with irAE. In patients with irAE, we found an upregulation of CD69 on CD8+ T cells and a decreased frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Moreover, lower frequencies of Tregs correlated with more severe side effects. Patients treated with immunomodulatory drugs after irAE manifestation tend to show an elevated number of M-MDSCs during an immunosuppressive therapy. We suggest that an activation of CD8+ T cells and the reduction of Treg frequencies could be responsible for the development of irAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Lepper
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rebekka Bitsch
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Feyza Gül Özbay Kurt
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ihor Arkhypov
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Samantha Lasser
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Viktor Umansky
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Ozbay Kurt FG, Lasser S, Arkhypov I, Utikal J, Umansky V. Enhancing immunotherapy response in melanoma: myeloid-derived suppressor cells as a therapeutic target. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e170762. [PMID: 37395271 DOI: 10.1172/jci170762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the remarkable success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in melanoma treatment, resistance to them remains a substantial clinical challenge. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represent a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells that can suppress antitumor immune responses mediated by T and natural killer cells and promote tumor growth. They are major contributors to ICI resistance and play a crucial role in creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Therefore, targeting MDSCs is considered a promising strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs. This Review describes the mechanism of MDSC-mediated immune suppression, preclinical and clinical studies on MDSC targeting, and potential strategies for inhibiting MDSC functions to improve melanoma immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feyza Gul Ozbay Kurt
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Samantha Lasser
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ihor Arkhypov
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Viktor Umansky
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Allegra A, Murdaca G, Mirabile G, Gangemi S. Redox Signaling Modulates Activity of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Patients. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051325. [PMID: 37238995 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although immunotherapy is already a staple of cancer care, many patients may not benefit from these cutting-edge treatments. A crucial field of research now focuses on figuring out how to improve treatment efficacy and assess the resistance mechanisms underlying this uneven response. For a good response, immune-based treatments, in particular immune checkpoint inhibitors, rely on a strong infiltration of T cells into the tumour microenvironment. The severe metabolic environment that immune cells must endure can drastically reduce effector activity. These immune dysregulation-related tumour-mediated perturbations include oxidative stress, which can encourage lipid peroxidation, ER stress, and T regulatory cells dysfunction. In this review, we have made an effort to characterize the status of immunological checkpoints, the degree of oxidative stress, and the part that latter plays in determining the therapeutic impact of immunological check point inhibitors in different neoplastic diseases. In the second section of the review, we will make an effort to assess new therapeutic possibilities that, by affecting redox signalling, may modify the effectiveness of immunological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Murdaca
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, n. 6, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mirabile
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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Nahar S, Huang Y, Nagy BA, Zebala JA, Maeda DY, Rudloff U, Oppenheim JJ, Yang D. Regression and Eradication of Triple-Negative Breast Carcinoma in 4T1 Mouse Model by Combination Immunotherapies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082366. [PMID: 37190294 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast carcinoma (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive types of solid-organ cancers. While immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has significantly improved outcomes in certain types of solid-organ cancers, patients with immunologically cold TNBC are afforded only a modest gain in survival by the addition of ICB to systemic chemotherapy. Thus, it is urgently needed to develop novel effective therapeutic approaches for TNBC. Utilizing the 4T1 murine model of TNBC, we developed a novel combination immunotherapeutic regimen consisting of intratumoral delivery of high-mobility group nucleosome binding protein 1 (HMGN1), TLR2/6 ligand fibroblast-stimulating lipopeptide (FSL-1), TLR7/8 agonist (R848/resiquimod), and CTLA-4 blockade. We also investigated the effect of adding SX682, a small-molecule inhibitor of CXCR1/2 known to reduce MDSC trafficking to tumor microenvironment, to our therapeutic approach. 4T1-bearing mice responded with significant tumor regression and tumor elimination to our therapeutic combination regimen. Mice with complete tumor regressions did not recur and became long-term survivors. Treatment with HMGN1, FSL-1, R848, and anti-CTLA4 antibody increased the number of infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ effector/memory T cells in both tumors and draining lymph nodes and triggered the generation of 4T1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in the draining lymph nodes. Thus, we developed a potentially curative immunotherapeutic regimen consisting of HMGN1, FSL-1, R848, plus a checkpoint inhibitor for TNBC, which does not rely on the administration of chemotherapy, radiation, or exogenous tumor-associated antigen(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Saifun Nahar
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- Rare Tumor Initiative, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yue Huang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Bethany A Nagy
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | | | | | - Udo Rudloff
- Rare Tumor Initiative, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Joost J Oppenheim
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - De Yang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma with a Combination of Immunotherapies and Molecularly Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153779. [PMID: 35954441 PMCID: PMC9367420 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapies and molecularly targeted therapies have drastically changed the therapeutic approach for unresectable advanced or metastatic melanoma. The majority of melanoma patients have benefitted from these therapies; however, some patients acquire resistance to them. Novel combinations of immunotherapies and molecularly targeted therapies may be more efficient in treating these patients. In this review, we discuss various combination therapies under pre-clinical and clinical development which can reduce toxicity, enhance efficacy, and prevent recurrences in patients with metastatic melanoma. Abstract Melanoma possesses invasive metastatic growth patterns and is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer. In 2021, it is estimated that 7180 deaths were attributed to melanoma in the United States alone. Once melanoma metastasizes, traditional therapies are no longer effective. Instead, immunotherapies, such as ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, and nivolumab, are the treatment options for malignant melanoma. Several biomarkers involved in tumorigenesis have been identified as potential targets for molecularly targeted melanoma therapy, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Unfortunately, melanoma quickly acquires resistance to these molecularly targeted therapies. To bypass resistance, combination treatment with immunotherapies and single or multiple TKIs have been employed and have been shown to improve the prognosis of melanoma patients compared to monotherapy. This review discusses several combination therapies that target melanoma biomarkers, such as BRAF, MEK, RAS, c-KIT, VEGFR, c-MET and PI3K. Several of these regimens are already FDA-approved for treating metastatic melanoma, while others are still in clinical trials. Continued research into the causes of resistance and factors influencing the efficacy of these combination treatments, such as specific mutations in oncogenic proteins, may further improve the effectiveness of combination therapies, providing a better prognosis for melanoma patients.
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Ma X, Yu S, Zhao B, Bai W, Cui Y, Ni J, Lyu Q, Zhao J. Development and Validation of a Novel Ferroptosis-Related LncRNA Signature for Predicting Prognosis and the Immune Landscape Features in Uveal Melanoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:922315. [PMID: 35774794 PMCID: PMC9238413 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.922315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ferroptosis is a newly iron-dependent mode of programmed cell death that is involved in a variety of malignancies. But no research has shown a link between ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (FRLs) and uveal melanoma (UM). We aimed to develop a predictive model for UM and explore its potential function in relation to immune cell infiltration. Methods Identification of FRLs was performed using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and FerrDb databases. To develop a prognostic FRLs signature, univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used in training cohort. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to assess the reliability of the risk model. The immunological functions of FRLs signature were determined using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Immunological cell infiltration and immune treatment were studied using the ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and ssGSEA algorithms. Finally, in vitro assays were carried out to confirm the biological roles of FRLs with known primer sequences (LINC00963, PPP1R14B.AS1, and ZNF667.AS1). Results A five-genes novel FRLs signature was identified. The mean risk score generated by this signature was used to create two risk groups. The high-risk score UM patients had a lower overall survival rate. The area under the curve (AUC) of ROC and K-M analysis further validated the strong prediction capacity of the prognostic signature. Immune cells such as memory CD8 T cells, M1 macrophages, monocytes, and B cells showed a substantial difference between the two groups. GSEA enrichment results showed that the FRLs signature was linked to certain immune pathways. Moreover, UM patients with high-risk scores were highly susceptible to several chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin, imatinib, bortezomib, and pazopanib. Finally, the experimental validation confirmed that knockdown of three identified lncRNA (LINC00963, PPP1R14B.AS1, and ZNF667.AS1) suppressed the invasive ability of tumor cells in vitro. Conclusion The five-FRLs (AC104129.1, AC136475.3, LINC00963, PPP1R14B.AS1, and ZNF667.AS1) signature has effects on clinical survival prediction and selection of immunotherapies for UM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sejie Yu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Bai
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yubo Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University & The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinglan Ni
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qinghua Lyu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University & The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Qinghua Lyu, ; Jun Zhao,
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University & The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Qinghua Lyu, ; Jun Zhao,
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Riccardo F, Tarone L, Camerino M, Giacobino D, Iussich S, Barutello G, Arigoni M, Conti L, Bolli E, Quaglino E, Merighi IF, Morello E, Dentini A, Ferrone S, Buracco P, Cavallo F. Antigen mimicry as an effective strategy to induce CSPG4-targeted immunity in dogs with oral melanoma: a veterinary trial. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e004007. [PMID: 35580930 PMCID: PMC9114861 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer in humans. Conventional therapies have limited efficacy, and overall response is still unsatisfactory considering that immune checkpoint inhibitors induce lasting clinical responses only in a low percentage of patients. This has prompted us to develop a vaccination strategy employing the tumor antigen chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG)4 as a target. METHODS To overcome the host's unresponsiveness to the self-antigen CSPG4, we have taken advantage of the conservation of CSPG4 sequence through phylogenetic evolution, so we have used a vaccine, based on a chimeric DNA molecule encompassing both human (Hu) and dog (Do) portions of CSPG4 (HuDo-CSPG4). We have tested its safety and immunogenicity (primary objectives), along with its therapeutic efficacy (secondary outcome), in a prospective, non-randomized, veterinary clinical trial enrolling 80 client-owned dogs with surgically resected, CSPG4-positive, stage II-IV oral melanoma. RESULTS Vaccinated dogs developed anti-Do-CSPG4 and Hu-CSPG4 immune response. Interestingly, the antibody titer in vaccinated dogs was significantly associated with the overall survival. Our data suggest that there may be a contribution of the HuDo-CSPG4 vaccination to the improvement of survival of vaccinated dogs as compared with controls treated with conventional therapies alone. CONCLUSIONS HuDo-CSPG4 adjuvant vaccination was safe and immunogenic in dogs with oral melanoma, with potential beneficial effects on the course of the disease. Thanks to the power of naturally occurring canine tumors as predictive models for cancer immunotherapy response, these data may represent a basis for the translation of this approach to the treatment of human patients with CSPG4-positive melanoma subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lidia Tarone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Davide Giacobino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Selina Iussich
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maddalena Arigoni
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Quaglino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Irene Fiore Merighi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuela Morello
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paolo Buracco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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13
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Liu J, Zhang X, Ye T, Dong Y, Zhang W, Wu F, Bo H, Shao H, Zhang R, Shen H. Prognostic modeling of patients with metastatic melanoma based on tumor immune microenvironment characteristics. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2022; 19:1448-1470. [PMID: 35135212 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Most of the malignant melanomas are already in the middle and advanced stages when they are diagnosed, which is often accompanied by the metastasis and spread of other organs. Besides, the prognosis of patients is bleak. The characteristics of the local immune microenvironment in metastatic melanoma have important implications for both tumor progression and tumor treatment. In this study, data on patients with metastatic melanoma from the TCGA and GEO datasets were selected for immune, stromal, and estimate scores, and overlapping differentially expressed genes were screened. A nine-IRGs prognostic model (ALOX5AP, ARHGAP15, CCL8, FCER1G, GBP4, HCK, MMP9, RARRES2 and TRIM22) was established by univariate COX regression, LASSO and multivariate COX regression. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to test the predictive accuracy of the model. Immune infiltration was analyzed by using CIBERSORT and Xcell in high-risk and low-risk groups. The immune infiltration of the high-risk group was significantly lower than that of the low-risk group. Immune checkpoint analysis revealed that the expression of PDCD1, CTLA4, TIGIT, CD274, HAVR2 and LAG3 demonstrated the visible difference in groups with different levels of risk scores. WGCNA analysis found that the yellow-green module contained seven genes from the nine-IRG prognostic model, and the yellow-green module had the highest correlation with risk scores. The results of GO and KEGG suggested that the genes in the yellow-green module were mainly enriched in immune-related biological processes. Finally, the expression characteristics of ALOX5AP, ARHGAP15, CCL8, FCER1G, GBP4, HCK, MMP9, RARRES2 and TRIM22 were analyzed between metastatic melanoma and normal samples. Overall, a prognostic model for metastatic melanoma based on the tumor immune microenvironment characteristics was established, which left plenty of space for further studies. It could function well in helping people to understand characteristics of the immune microenvironment in metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Xuefang Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dongguan People's Hospital, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital of Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523059, China
| | - Ting Ye
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Yongjian Dong
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Fenglin Wu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Huaben Bo
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Hongwei Shao
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Han Shen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
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Simundza I, Krnic D, Juricic J, Benzon B, Simundza R, Stanicic IM, Capkun V, Vukojevic K, Glavina Durdov M. Expression of PD-L1 Is Associated with Inflammatory Microenvironment in Surgical Specimens of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11080767. [PMID: 34442411 PMCID: PMC8398962 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11080767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyse the expression of PD-L1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its correlation with immune microenvironment response (IMR), clinic-pathological parameters, and outcome. The sample included 76 male and 32 female patients who underwent surgical resection. The mean age of the males was 66 years, and that of the females was 64 years. Adenocarcinoma (ADC) was diagnosed in 68 (63%) cases, squamous cell carcinoma in 35 (32%) cases, and NSCLC (not otherwise specified) in 5 (5%) cases. Metastatic lymph nodes were found in 38 (36%) patients, 18 with N1 nodes and 20 with N2 nodes. PD-L1 expression was valuated as the percentage of positive cancer cells among all cancer cells. Gender, age, and histologic type were not associated with PD-L1 expression (all p > 0.05). The subtypes of ADC were associated with PD-L1 expression (p = 0.050). The papillary subtype was 4.3 times more common among PD-L1 negative than PD-L1 positive ADC; the solid subtype was 1.9 times more common among PD-L1 positive than PD-L1 negative ADC. IMR was predominantly strong in 19 cases, weak in 36, and absent in 53 cases. The median value of PD-L1 expression in cancer cells was positively correlated with IMR (p = 0.039). PD-L1 expression was not correlated with overall survival (p = 0.643). The patients with strong, inflammatory-like IMR had an average survival time that was 12 months longer than patients with absent/low IMR (LR = 2.8; p = 0.132). In conclusion, the papillary subtype was more commonly PD-L1 negative in comparison with other subtypes of ADC. Positive PD-L1 expression in tumour cells was connected with strong, inflammatory-like IMR. Patients with strong IMR tended to experience better outcomes. Further investigations are needed on larger-scale cohorts to elucidate the insights of this descriptive study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Simundza
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (I.S.); (D.K.); (J.J.)
| | - Dragan Krnic
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (I.S.); (D.K.); (J.J.)
| | - Josko Juricic
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (I.S.); (D.K.); (J.J.)
| | - Benjamin Benzon
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (B.B.); (V.C.)
| | - Rina Simundza
- Department of Gynaecology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Ivan Mario Stanicic
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Vesna Capkun
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (B.B.); (V.C.)
| | - Katarina Vukojevic
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (B.B.); (V.C.)
- Correspondence: (K.V.); (M.G.D.)
| | - Merica Glavina Durdov
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
- Correspondence: (K.V.); (M.G.D.)
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15
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Shi X, Liu Y, Cheng S, Hu H, Zhang J, Wei M, Zhao L, Xin S. Cancer Stemness Associated With Prognosis and the Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:651622. [PMID: 34367952 PMCID: PMC8334864 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.651622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proven to influence drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis in tumors. Our study aimed to identify stemness-related prognostic biomarkers for new therapeutic strategies in adrenocortical carcinoma. Methods RNA-seq data and clinical characteristics were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The stemness indexes, mDNAsi and mRNAsi, were calculated to classify all samples into low-score and high-score groups. Two algorithms, based on the R language, ESTIMATE and single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) were used to assess the immune cell infiltration states of adrenocortical carcinoma patients. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to find genes that were related to the stemness of cancer. By bioinformatics methods, the correlations between biomarkers capable of predicting immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) responses and stemness of cancer were explored. Results High-mRNAsi predicted shorter overall survival (OS) and a higher metastatic trend in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) patients. Compared with the low-mRNAsi group, the high-mRNAsi group had a lower ImmuneScore and StromalScroe. Twenty-two stemness-related prognostic genes were obtained by WGCNA, which focused on the function of the cell cycle and cell mitosis. Immune cell infiltration, especially CD8+T cell, increased in the low-mRNAsi group compared with the high-mRNAsi group. Lower expression of PD-L1, CTLA-4, and TIGHT was evaluated in the high-mRNAsi group. Conclusions ACC patients with high-mRNAsi have poor prognosis and less immune cell infiltration. Combined with the finding of lower expression of CTLA-4, TIGHT, and PD-L1 in the high-mRNAsi group, we came to the conclusion that stemness index is a potential biomarker to predict the effectiveness of ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxi Shi
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuanlin Liu
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuai Cheng
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Haidi Hu
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Minjie Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shijie Xin
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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16
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Chanda M, Cohen MS. Advances in the discovery and development of melanoma drug therapies. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:1319-1347. [PMID: 34157926 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1942834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Therapeutic strategies for melanoma have evolved significantly over the last decade shifting from cytotoxic chemotherapies like dacarbazine to targeted therapies and immunotherapies including immune checkpoint inhibitors. These new drug therapies have improved overall as well as progression-free survival, lowering the mortality of this cancer for melanoma patients with advanced disease. Newer strategies incorporate combination therapies that harness synergies between mechanisms of anticancer efficacy as well as help overcome resistance issues of monotherapies, which remain a challenge. AREAS COVERED This review looks at each class of drug therapy for melanoma and provides an overview of the preclinical mechanism of action, the clinical efficacy data, and their applications in combination therapy regimens. NCCN treatment guidelines, safety, toxicity, and immune-related adverse events are also described as well as a note on cost. EXPERT OPINION Numerous ongoing trials continue to evaluate the role of novel therapies and combinations for this challenging disease and understanding their mechanism of action, risks, benefits, and treatment guidelines can help care providers and patients have a more comprehensive and tailored discussion of treatment options and expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Chanda
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mark S Cohen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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17
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Gérard A, Doyen J, Cremoni M, Bailly L, Zorzi K, Ruetsch-Chelli C, Brglez V, Picard-Gauci A, Troin L, Esnault VLM, Passeron T, Montaudié H, Seitz-Polski B. Baseline and early functional immune response is associated with subsequent clinical outcomes of PD-1 inhibition therapy in metastatic melanoma patients. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002512. [PMID: 34088741 PMCID: PMC8183201 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite significant progress with antiprogrammed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) therapy, a substantial fraction of metastatic melanoma patients show upfront therapy resistance. Biomarkers for outcome are missing and the association of baseline immune function and clinical outcome remains to be determined. We assessed the in vitro nonspecific stimulation of immune response at baseline and during anti-PD-1 therapy for metastatic melanoma. METHODS Previously untreated metastatic melanoma patients received nivolumab and radiotherapy as part of the multicentric phase II trial NIRVANA (NCT02799901). The levels of Th1, Th2 and Th17 cytokines on in vitro non-specific stimulation of innate and adaptive immune cells were measured in patient sera before treatment, and at week 2 and week 6 after the beginning of the treatment, and correlated with tumorous response, progression-free survival (PFS) and occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The results in melanoma patients were compared with those of a cohort of 9 sex and age-matched healthy donors. RESULTS Seventeen patients were enrolled in this ancillary study. Median follow-up was 16 months (2.2-28.4). The 12-month PFS rate was 67.7%. The incidence of irAEs of any grade was 58.8%. Without in vitro stimulation no differences in cytokines levels were observed between responders and non-responders. On in vitro stimulation, metastatic patients had lower Th1 cytokine levels than healthy donors at baseline for tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (1136 pg/mL vs 5558 pg/mL, p<0.0001; and 3894 pg/mL vs 17 129 pg/mL, p=0.02, respectively). Responders exhibited increasing cytokine levels from baseline to week 6. Non-responders had lower interleukin 17A (IL-17A) levels at baseline than responders (7 pg/mL vs 32 pg/mL, p=0.03), and lower IFN-γ levels at week 6 (3.3 ng/mL vs 14.5 ng/mL, p=0.03). A lower level of IL-17A at week 2 and a lower level of IFN-γ at week 6 correlated with worse PFS (p=0.04 and p=0.04 respectively). At baseline, patients who developed irAEs had higher IL-6 levels (19.3 ng/mL vs 9.2 ng/mL, p=0.03) and higher IL-17A levels (52.5 pg/mL vs 2.5 pg/mL, p=0.009) than those without irAEs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that cytokine levels after in vitro non-specific stimulation could be a promising biomarker to predict the outcome of PD-1 inhibition therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Gérard
- Kidney-Immunology-Transplantation institute, Côte d'Azur University, CHU Nice, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Jerome Doyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Centre Antoine-Lacassagne, Côte d'Azur University, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Marion Cremoni
- Kidney-Immunology-Transplantation institute, Côte d'Azur University, CHU Nice, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Laurent Bailly
- Department of Public Health, Côte d'Azur University, CHU Nice, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Kevin Zorzi
- Department of Immunology, Côte d'Azur University, CHU Nice, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.,UR2CA, Côte d'Azur University, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Caroline Ruetsch-Chelli
- Department of Immunology, Côte d'Azur University, CHU Nice, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.,INSERM U1065, C3M, Côte d'Azur University, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Vesna Brglez
- Department of Immunology, Côte d'Azur University, CHU Nice, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.,UR2CA, Côte d'Azur University, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Alexandra Picard-Gauci
- Department of Dermatology, Côte d'Azur University, CHU Nice, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Laura Troin
- Department of Dermatology, Côte d'Azur University, CHU Nice, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Vincent L M Esnault
- Kidney-Immunology-Transplantation institute, Côte d'Azur University, CHU Nice, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Thierry Passeron
- INSERM U1065, C3M, Côte d'Azur University, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.,Department of Dermatology, Côte d'Azur University, CHU Nice, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Henri Montaudié
- INSERM U1065, C3M, Côte d'Azur University, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.,Department of Dermatology, Côte d'Azur University, CHU Nice, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Barbara Seitz-Polski
- Kidney-Immunology-Transplantation institute, Côte d'Azur University, CHU Nice, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France .,Department of Immunology, Côte d'Azur University, CHU Nice, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.,UR2CA, Côte d'Azur University, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
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Han D, van Akkooi ACJ, Straker RJ, Shannon AB, Karakousis GC, Wang L, Kim KB, Reintgen D. Current management of melanoma patients with nodal metastases. Clin Exp Metastasis 2021; 39:181-199. [PMID: 33961168 PMCID: PMC8102663 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-021-10099-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The management of melanoma patients with nodal metastases has undergone dramatic changes over the last decade. In the past, the standard of care for patients with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was a completion lymph node dissection (CLND), while patients with palpable macroscopic nodal disease underwent a therapeutic lymphadenectomy in cases with no evidence of systemic spread. However, studies have shown that SLN metastases present as a spectrum of disease, with certain SLN-based factors being prognostic of and correlated with outcomes. Furthermore, the results of key clinical trials demonstrate that CLND provides no survival benefit over nodal observation in positive SLN patients, while other clinical trials have shown that adjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy or targeted therapy after CLND is associated with a recurrence-free survival benefit. Given the efficacy of these systemic therapies in the adjuvant setting, these agents are now being evaluated and utilized as neoadjuvant treatments in patients with regionally-localized or resectable metastatic melanoma. Multiple options now exist to treat melanoma patients with nodal disease, and determining the best treatment course for a particular case requires an in-depth knowledge of current data and an informed discussion with the patient. This review will provide an overview of the various options for treating melanoma patients with nodal metastases and will discuss the data that supported the development of these treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale Han
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Mail Code: L619, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Alexander C J van Akkooi
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Richard J Straker
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adrienne B Shannon
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Giorgos C Karakousis
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lin Wang
- California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kevin B Kim
- California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Douglas Reintgen
- Department of Surgery, Morsani School of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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19
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Jandova J, Wondrak GT. Genomic GLO1 deletion modulates TXNIP expression, glucose metabolism, and redox homeostasis while accelerating human A375 malignant melanoma tumor growth. Redox Biol 2021; 39:101838. [PMID: 33360689 PMCID: PMC7772567 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Glyoxalase 1 (encoded by GLO1) is a glutathione-dependent enzyme detoxifying the glycolytic byproduct methylglyoxal (MG), an oncometabolite involved in metabolic reprogramming. Recently, we have demonstrated that GLO1 is overexpressed in human malignant melanoma cells and patient tumors and substantiated a novel role of GLO1 as a molecular determinant of invasion and metastasis in melanoma. Here, employing NanoString™ gene expression profiling (nCounter™ 'PanCancer Progression Panel'), we report that CRISPR/Cas 9-based GLO1 deletion from human A375 malignant melanoma cells alters glucose metabolism and redox homeostasis, observable together with acceleration of tumorigenesis. Nanostring™ analysis identified TXNIP (encoding thioredoxin-interacting protein), a master regulator of cellular energy metabolism and redox homeostasis, displaying the most pronounced expression change in response to GLO1 elimination, confirmed by RT-qPCR and immunoblot analysis. TXNIP was also upregulated in CRISPR/Cas9-engineered DU145 prostate carcinoma cells lacking GLO1, and treatment with MG or a pharmacological GLO1 inhibitor (TLSC702) mimicked GLO1_KO status, suggesting that GLO1 controls TXNIP expression through regulation of MG. GLO1_KO status was characterized by (i) altered oxidative stress response gene expression, (ii) attenuation of glucose uptake and metabolism with downregulation of gene expression (GLUT1, GFAT1, GFAT2, LDHA) and depletion of related key metabolites (glucose-6-phosphate, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine), and (iii) immune checkpoint modulation (PDL1). While confirming our earlier finding that GLO1 deletion limits invasion and metastasis with modulation of EMT-related genes (e.g. TGFBI, MMP9, ANGPTL4, TLR4, SERPINF1), we observed that GLO1_KO melanoma cells displayed a shortened population doubling time, cell cycle alteration with increased M-phase population, and enhanced anchorage-independent growth, a phenotype supported by expression analysis (CXCL8, CD24, IL1A, CDKN1A). Concordantly, an accelerated growth rate of GLO1_KO tumors, accompanied by TXNIP overexpression and metabolic reprogramming, was observable in a SCID mouse melanoma xenograft model, demonstrating that A375 melanoma tumor growth and metastasis can be dysregulated in opposing ways as a consequence of GLO1 elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Jandova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy and UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Georg T Wondrak
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy and UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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20
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The Functional Crosstalk between Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Regulatory T Cells within the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020210. [PMID: 33430105 PMCID: PMC7827203 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/1970] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy improved the therapeutic landscape for patients with advanced cancer diseases. However, many patients do not benefit from immunotherapy. The bidirectional crosstalk between myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells (Treg) contributes to immune evasion, limiting the success of immunotherapy by checkpoint inhibitors. This review aims to outline the current knowledge of the role and the immunosuppressive properties of MDSC and Treg within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, we will discuss the importance of the functional crosstalk between MDSC and Treg for immunosuppression, issuing particularly the role of cell adhesion molecules. Lastly, we will depict the impact of this interaction for cancer research and discuss several strategies aimed to target these pathways for tumor therapy. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have led to profound and durable tumor regression in some patients with metastatic cancer diseases. However, many patients still do not derive benefit from immunotherapy. Here, the accumulation of immunosuppressive cell populations within the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), and regulatory T cells (Treg), contributes to the development of immune resistance. MDSC and Treg expand systematically in tumor patients and inhibit T cell activation and T effector cell function. Numerous studies have shown that the immunosuppressive mechanisms exerted by those inhibitory cell populations comprise soluble immunomodulatory mediators and receptor interactions. The latter are also required for the crosstalk of MDSC and Treg, raising questions about the relevance of cell–cell contacts for the establishment of their inhibitory properties. This review aims to outline the current knowledge on the crosstalk between these two cell populations, issuing particularly the potential role of cell adhesion molecules. In this regard, we further discuss the relevance of β2 integrins, which are essential for the differentiation and function of leukocytes as well as for MDSC–Treg interaction. Lastly, we aim to describe the impact of such bidirectional crosstalk for basic and applied cancer research and discuss how the targeting of these pathways might pave the way for future approaches in immunotherapy.
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21
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Mazurkiewicz J, Simiczyjew A, Dratkiewicz E, Ziętek M, Matkowski R, Nowak D. Stromal Cells Present in the Melanoma Niche Affect Tumor Invasiveness and Its Resistance to Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E529. [PMID: 33430277 PMCID: PMC7825728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a highly metastatic type of cancer, which arises frequently from transformed pigment cells and melanocytes as a result of long-term UV radiation exposure. In recent years, the incidence of newly diagnosed melanoma patients reached 5% of all cancer cases. Despite the development of novel targeted therapies directed against melanoma-specific markers, patients' response to treatment is often weak or short-term due to a rapid acquisition of drug resistance. Among the factors affecting therapy effectiveness, elements of the tumor microenvironment play a major role. Melanoma niche encompasses adjacent cells, such as keratinocytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), adipocytes, and immune cells, as well as components of the extracellular matrix and tumor-specific physicochemical properties. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge concerning the influence of cancer-associated cells (keratinocytes, CAFs, adipocytes) on the process of melanomagenesis, tumor progression, invasiveness, and the emergence of drug resistance in melanoma. We also address how melanoma can alter the differentiation and activation status of cells present in the tumor microenvironment. Understanding these complex interactions between malignant and cancer-associated cells could improve the development of effective antitumor therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Mazurkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.S.); (E.D.); (D.N.)
| | - Aleksandra Simiczyjew
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.S.); (E.D.); (D.N.)
| | - Ewelina Dratkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.S.); (E.D.); (D.N.)
| | - Marcin Ziętek
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Matkowski
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.S.); (E.D.); (D.N.)
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22
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Gebhardt C, Simon SCS, Weber R, Gries M, Mun DH, Reinhard R, Holland-Letz T, Umansky V, Utikal J. Potential therapeutic effect of low-dose paclitaxel in melanoma patients resistant to immune checkpoint blockade: A pilot study. Cell Immunol 2020; 360:104274. [PMID: 33383383 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2020.104274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The low dose application of chemotherapeutic agents such as paclitaxel was previously shown to initiate anti-tumor activity by neutralizing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in melanoma mouse models. Here, we investigated immunomodulating effects of low-dose paclitaxel in 9 metastatic melanoma patients resistant to prior treatments. Three patients showed response to therapy (two partial responses and one stable disease). In responding patients, paclitaxel decreased the frequency and immunosuppressive pattern of MDSCs in the peripheral blood and skin metastases. Furthermore, paclitaxel modulated levels of inflammatory mediators in the serum. In addition, responders displayed enhanced frequencies of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells and their activity indicated by the upregulation of CD25 and TCR ζ-chain expression. Our study suggests that low-dose paclitaxel treatment could improve clinical outcome of some advanced melanoma patients by enhancing anti-tumor immunity and might be proposed for combined melanoma immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer Gebhardt
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Sonja C S Simon
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rebekka Weber
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mirko Gries
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dong Hun Mun
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Raphael Reinhard
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tim Holland-Letz
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Viktor Umansky
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
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23
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Is There a Place for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Vulvar Neoplasms? A State of the Art Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010190. [PMID: 33375467 PMCID: PMC7796178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvar cancer (VC) is a rare neoplasm, usually arising in postmenopausal women, although human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated VC usually develop in younger women. Incidences of VCs are rising in many countries. Surgery is the cornerstone of early-stage VC management, whereas therapies for advanced VC are multimodal and not standardized, combining chemotherapy and radiotherapy to avoid exenterative surgery. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are scarce due to the rarity of the disease and prognosis has not improved. Hence, new therapies are needed to improve the outcomes of these patients. In recent years, improved knowledge regarding the crosstalk between neoplastic and tumor cells has allowed researchers to develop a novel therapeutic approach exploiting these molecular interactions. Both the innate and adaptive immune systems play a key role in anti-tumor immunesurveillance. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated efficacy in multiple tumor types, improving survival rates and disease outcomes. In some gynecologic cancers (e.g., cervical cancer), many studies are showing promising results and a growing interest is emerging about the potential use of ICIs in VC. The aim of this manuscript is to summarize the latest developments in the field of VC immunoncology, to present the role of state-of-the-art ICIs in VC management and to discuss new potential immunotherapeutic approaches.
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24
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Ceci C, Atzori MG, Lacal PM, Graziani G. Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophages to Increase the Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Glimpse into Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Metastatic Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113401. [PMID: 33212945 PMCID: PMC7698460 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a promising therapeutic intervention for a variety of advanced/metastatic solid tumors, including melanoma, but in a large number of cases, patients fail to establish a sustained anti-tumor immunity and to achieve a long-lasting clinical benefit. Cells of the tumor micro-environment such as tumor-associated M2 macrophages (M2-TAMs) have been reported to limit the efficacy of immunotherapy, promoting tumor immune evasion and progression. Thus, strategies targeting M2-TAMs have been suggested to synergize with immune checkpoint blockade. This review recapitulates the molecular mechanisms by which M2-TAMs promote cancer immune evasion, with focus on the potential cross-talk between pharmacological interventions targeting M2-TAMs and ICIs for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ceci
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.A.)
| | - Maria Grazia Atzori
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.A.)
| | | | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-7259-6338
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25
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Simiczyjew A, Dratkiewicz E, Mazurkiewicz J, Ziętek M, Matkowski R, Nowak D. The Influence of Tumor Microenvironment on Immune Escape of Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8359. [PMID: 33171792 PMCID: PMC7664679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The low efficiency of currently-used anti-cancer therapies poses a serious challenge, especially in the case of malignant melanoma, a cancer characterized by elevated invasiveness and relatively high mortality rate. The role of the tumor microenvironment in the progression of melanoma and its acquisition of resistance to treatment seems to be the main focus of recent studies. One of the factors that, in normal conditions, aids the organism in its fight against the cancer and, following the malignant transformation, adapts to facilitate the development of the tumor is the immune system. A variety of cell types, i.e., T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic and natural killer cells, as well as neutrophils, support the growth and invasiveness of melanoma cells, utilizing a plethora of mechanisms, including secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules, induction of inhibitory receptors expression, or depletion of essential nutrients. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the processes regulated by tumor-associated cells that promote the immune escape of melanoma cells. The described mechanisms offer potential new targets for anti-cancer treatment and should be further studied to improve currently-employed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Simiczyjew
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Ewelina Dratkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Justyna Mazurkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Marcin Ziętek
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Matkowski
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
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26
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Brabo EP, Moraes AB, Neto LV. The role of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in advanced adrenocortical carcinoma revisited: review of literature. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:1531-1542. [PMID: 32468513 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01306-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare disease with few therapeutic options. There is an urgency of new effective therapeutic options for these patients. The role of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in advanced ACC patients is still unclear. METHODS We conducted a MEDLINE search using the following string: adrenocortical carcinoma and immunotherapy or checkpoint inhibitors. RESULTS We found four case series comprising 10 patients, and four prospective studies totaling 115 patients. The response rate (RR) in the group of 10 patients was 1 complete response, 3 partial response (PR), 4 stable disease (SD), and 2 progressive disease (PD). The median progression-free survival (mPFS) ranged from 2 to 31 months and the median overall survival (mOS) ranged from 4.3 to 31 months. The results in the 115 patients from prospective trials was variable, the PR ranged from 6 to 23%, the SD ranged from 18 to 50% and overall disease control rate ranged from 30 to 64%. The mPFS reported varied from 1.8 to 2.6 months while the mOS varied from 10.6 to 24.9 months. There were five patients with sustained response for more than 24 months. The most common treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) was the increase in liver enzymes. No treatment-related deaths were reported. Better results in terms of RR and survival were observed in studies that used pembrolizumab. No predictive biomarker of response was found up to now. CONCLUSION ICI, mainly pembrolizumab, is a potential therapeutic option, which is safe and associated with prolonged OS benefit, in selected patients with advanced ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- E P Brabo
- Oncology Unit and Neuroendocrine Section, Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 255 Professor Rodolpho Paulo Rocco Street, ground floor, University City, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-913, Brazil
| | - A B Moraes
- Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrine Unit, Medical School and Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 255 Professor Rodolpho Paulo Rocco Street, 9th floor, University City, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-913, Brazil
| | - L V Neto
- Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrine Unit, Medical School and Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 255 Professor Rodolpho Paulo Rocco Street, 9th floor, University City, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-913, Brazil.
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27
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Carrier X, Gaur S, Philipovskiy A. Tumor Lysis Syndrome After a Single Dose of Atezolizumab with Nab-Paclitaxel: A Case Report and Review of Literature. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2020; 21:e925248. [PMID: 32934194 PMCID: PMC7520132 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.925248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Patient: Female, 55-year-old Final Diagnosis: Metastatic breast cancer • tumor lysis syndrome Symptoms: Anorexia • lethargy • oliguria • weakness Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Oncology
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Carrier
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Sumit Gaur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Alexander Philipovskiy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
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28
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Myeloid Cell Modulation by Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176319. [PMID: 32878277 PMCID: PMC7504548 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EV) can carry proteins, RNA and DNA, thus serving as communication tools between cells. Tumor cells secrete EV, which can be taken up by surrounding cells in the tumor microenvironment as well as by cells in distant organs. Tumor-derived EV (TEV) contain factors induced by tumor-associated hypoxia such as heat shock proteins or a variety of microRNA (miRNA). The interaction of TEV with tumor and host cells can promote cancer angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Myeloid cells are widely presented in tissues, comprise the majority of immune cells and play an essential role in immune reactions and tissue remodeling. However, in cancer, the differentiation of myeloid cells and their functions are impaired, resulting in tumor promotion. Such alterations are due to chronic inflammatory conditions associated with cancer and are mediated by the tumor secretome, including TEV. A high capacity of myeloid cells to clear EV from circulation put them in the central position in EV-mediated formation of pre-metastatic niches. The exposure of myeloid cells to TEV could trigger numerous signaling pathways. Progenitors of myeloid cells alter their differentiation upon the contact with TEV, resulting in the generation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), inhibiting anti-tumor function of T and natural killer (NK) cells and promoting thereby tumor progression. Furthermore, TEV can augment MDSC immunosuppressive capacity. Different subsets of mature myeloid cells such as monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells (DC) and granulocytes take up TEV and acquire a protumorigenic phenotype. However, the delivery of tumor antigens to DC by TEV was shown to enhance their immunostimulatory capacity. The present review will discuss a diverse and complex EV-mediated crosstalk between tumor and myeloid cells in the context of the tumor type, TEV-associated cargo molecules and type of recipient cells.
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29
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Malaty S, Bastian CM, Ramirez-Cibes I, Shahlapour M, Dhillon W. Pembrolizumab-Induced Sarcoid-Like Reaction: FDG-PET Scan Interpretation in the Era of Immunotherapy. Cureus 2020; 12:e9449. [PMID: 32864271 PMCID: PMC7451088 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.9449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of malignant melanomas. Immunotherapy is associated with multi-system toxicities, which are referred to as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and CT is the preferred imaging modality to monitor disease progression in melanoma. FDG uptake by a sarcoid-like reaction (SLR) can mimic cancer progression, thereby posing a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. We present the case of a 39-year-old patient with malignant melanoma on immunotherapy who presented with PET scan findings of adenopathy with increased uptake. This case highlights the challenges in interpreting PET scan in the setting of an SLR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Malaty
- Internal Medicine, HonorHealth Medical Center, Scottsdale, USA
| | - Craig M Bastian
- Hematology and Oncology, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale, USA
| | - Ines Ramirez-Cibes
- Hematology and Oncology, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale, USA
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Yang T, Wei L, Ma X, Ke H. Columbamine suppresses proliferation and invasion of melanoma cell A375 via HSP90-mediated STAT3 activation. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2020; 41:99-104. [PMID: 32669028 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2020.1794003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The goal of this study is to explore the effects of columbamine in melanoma cells and the signaling pathway involved. METHODS Human melanoma cell line A375 cells were used in this study. Cell proliferative ability was detected by MTT assay and clone formation assay. Cell migration and invasion were measured by wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. Protein expression was examined by Western blotting. RESULTS Columbamine reduced cell proliferative ability and the number of clone spots in A375 cells. Western blotting results demonstrated that expression of cleaved caspase 3, an activated cell death protease, was upregulated by 20 and 50 µM of columbamine. Wound healing results showed that the scratch width was wider in cell treated with 20 and 50 µM of columbamine than that in cell treated with 0 and 10 µM of columbamine. Phosphorylation of STAT3 and expression of HSP90 was also repressed by columbamine in a concentration-dependent manner. Overexpression of HSP90 attenuated the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasion induced by columbamine. CONCLUSION Columbamine inhibited melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in A375 cells through inactivation of STAT3, which is mediated by HSP90.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Dermatovenerology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou City, China
| | - Liuliu Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou City, China
| | - Xiang Ma
- Department of Laboratory, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology Laboratory, Wuhan City, China
| | - Huan Ke
- Department of Dermatology, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology Laboratory, Wuhan City, China
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