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KAŠTELAN SNJEŽANA, PAVIČIĆ ANADIDOVIĆ, PAŠALIĆ DARIA, NIKUŠEVA-MARTIĆ TAMARA, ČANOVIĆ SAMIR, KOVAČEVIĆ PETRA, KONJEVODA SUZANA. Biological characteristics and clinical management of uveal and conjunctival melanoma. Oncol Res 2024; 32:1265-1285. [PMID: 39055896 PMCID: PMC11267116 DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.048437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Uveal and conjunctival melanomas are relatively rare tumors; nonetheless, they pose a significant risk of mortality for a large number of affected individuals. The pathogenesis of melanoma at different sites is very similar, however, the prognosis for patients with ocular melanoma remains unfavourable, primarily due to its distinctive genetic profile and tumor microenvironment. Regardless of considerable advances in understanding the genetic characteristics and biological behaviour, the treatment of uveal and conjunctival melanoma remains a formidable challenge. To enhance the prospect of success, collaborative efforts involving medical professionals and researchers in the fields of ocular biology and oncology are essential. Current data show a lack of well-designed randomized clinical trials and limited benefits in current forms of treatment for these tumors. Despite advancements in the development of effective melanoma therapeutic strategies, all current treatments for uveal melanoma (UM) and conjunctival melanoma (CoM) remain unsatisfactory, resulting in a poor long-term prognosis. Ongoing trials offer hope for positive outcomes in advanced and metastatic tumors. A more comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular abnormalities involved in the development and progression of ocular melanomas opens the way for the development of personalized therapy, with various potential therapeutic targets currently under consideration. Increased comprehension of the molecular pathogenesis of UM and CoM and their specificities may aid in the development of new and more effective systemic therapeutic agents, with the hope of improving the prognosis for patients with metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- SNJEŽANA KAŠTELAN
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | | | - DARIA PAŠALIĆ
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - TAMARA NIKUŠEVA-MARTIĆ
- Department of Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - SAMIR ČANOVIĆ
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zadar General Hospital, Zadar, 23000, Croatia
- Department of Health Studies, University of Zadar, Zadar, 23000, Croatia
| | - PETRA KOVAČEVIĆ
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, 21000, Croatia
| | - SUZANA KONJEVODA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zadar General Hospital, Zadar, 23000, Croatia
- Department of Health Studies, University of Zadar, Zadar, 23000, Croatia
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Chang E, Demirci H, Demirci FY. Genetic Aspects of Conjunctival Melanoma: A Review. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1668. [PMID: 37761808 PMCID: PMC10530751 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Conjunctival melanoma (CM) is a rare but aggressive cancer. Over the past decade, molecular studies using rapidly advancing technologies have increasingly improved our understanding of CM genetics. CMs are mainly characterized by dysregulated MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, driven by commonly mutated (BRAF, NRAS, NF1) or less commonly mutated (KIT, PTEN) genes. Another group of genes frequently mutated in CMs include TERT and ATRX, with known roles in telomere maintenance and chromatin remodeling/epigenetic regulation. Uveal melanoma-related genes (BAP1, SF3B1, GNAQ/11) can also be mutated in CMs, albeit infrequently. Additional CM-related mutated genes have increasingly been identified using more comprehensive genetic analyses, awaiting further confirmation in additional/larger studies. As a tumor arising in a partly sun-exposed mucosal tissue, CM exhibits a distinct genomic profile, including the frequent presence of an ultraviolet (UV) signature (and high mutational load) and also the common occurrence of large structural variations (distributed across the genome) in addition to specific gene mutations. The knowledge gained from CM genetic studies to date has led to new therapeutic avenues, including the use of targeted and/or immuno-therapies with promising outcomes in several cases. Accordingly, the implementation of tumor genetic testing into the routine clinical care of CM patients holds promise to further improve and personalize their treatments. Likewise, a growing knowledge of poor prognosis-associated genetic changes in CMs (NRAS, TERT, and uveal melanoma signature mutations and chromosome 10q deletions) may ultimately guide future strategies for prognostic testing to further improve clinical outcomes (by tailoring surveillance and considering prophylactic treatments in patients with high-risk primary tumors).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Hakan Demirci
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - F. Yesim Demirci
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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Pašalić D, Nikuševa-Martić T, Sekovanić A, Kaštelan S. Genetic and Epigenetic Features of Uveal Melanoma-An Overview and Clinical Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12807. [PMID: 37628989 PMCID: PMC10454135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is rare, but it is the most common primary intraocular malignancy among adults. This review represents the molecular, genetic, and immunobiological mechanisms involved in UM carcinogenesis and progression, as well as data about the association of chromosomal changes, genetic mutations, selective proteins, and biochemical biomarkers with the clinical implications of UM. Genetic analysis has the potential to identify patients with a high risk of UM metastasis, enabling management that is more effective and allowing for the follow-up of patients. Advancements in molecular characterization of UM offer opportunities to develop targeted therapeutic strategies by focusing on relevant signaling pathways. Changes in miRNA expression could be useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of UM, due to unique miRNA profiles in melanoma cells or tissue and its association with metastasis. Although liver function tests do not provide enough data on the prognosis of UM, due to the high frequency of liver metastasis, liver function tests (LFTs) might be useful indicators; however, the absence of rising LFT values cannot lead to the exclusion of liver metastases. Molecular analysis of tumor tissue will allow us to identify patients with the added benefit of new therapeutic agents and provide a better insight into melanoma pathogenesis and its biological behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Pašalić
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Tamara Nikuševa-Martić
- Department of Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ankica Sekovanić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Snježana Kaštelan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Liu X, Yue H, Jiang S, Kong L, Xu Y, Chen Y, Wang C, Wang Y, Zhu X, Kong Y, Zhang X, Qian J, Luo Z. Clinical features and prognosis of patients with metastatic ocular and orbital melanoma: A bi-institutional study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:16163-16172. [PMID: 37409486 PMCID: PMC10469730 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Metastatic ocular and orbital melanomas are extremely rare. The clinical characteristics and standard treatments for these patients are not fully established. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed patients with metastatic ocular and orbital melanoma from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University between January 2012 and May 2022. RESULTS Overall, 51 patients with metastatic ocular and orbital melanoma were included. The most common primary sites were uvea (73%), followed by conjunctiva (22%), lacrimal sac (4%), and orbit (2%). Patients with uveal melanoma (UM) had a significantly younger age (48 vs. 68 years, p < 0.001), higher incidence of liver metastases (89% vs. 9%, p<0.001), a lower incidence of lymph nodes metastases (16% vs. 46%, p = 0.043) and a lower incidence of BRAF mutation (0% vs. 55%, p<0.001) compared with patients with conjunctival melanoma (CM). The overall response rate of the first-line treatment was 18%. Three of the four patients with BRAF-mutated CM responded to dabrafenib and trametinib treatment. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of first-line treatment were 5.1 and 11.9 months, respectively. Among patients with liver metastases, liver-directed treatment was correlated with better patient PFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p < 0.001) after adjusting for number of metastatic sites and primary sites. CONCLUSION CM and UM have different characteristics. Patient with CM had a high incidence of BRAF mutation, and the treatment of BRAF and MEK inhibitors conferred clinical benefit. Liver directed therapies had a potential benefit in disease control in patients with liver metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of Head & Neck tumors and Neuroendocrine tumorsFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Han Yue
- Department of OphthalmologyEye & ENT Hospital of Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shiyu Jiang
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of LymphomaFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Lin Kong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion CenterFudan University Cancer HospitalShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of radiation oncologyShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation TherapyShanghaiChina
| | - Yu Xu
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Musculoskeletal OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Musculoskeletal OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Chunmeng Wang
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Musculoskeletal OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Radiation OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaoli Zhu
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of PathologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Yunyi Kong
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of PathologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of gastrointestinal medical oncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Jiang Qian
- Department of OphthalmologyEye & ENT Hospital of Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zhiguo Luo
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of gastrointestinal medical oncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
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Dewaele S, Delhaye L, De Paepe B, Bogaert B, Martinez R, Anckaert J, Yigit N, Nuytens J, Van Coster R, Eyckerman S, Raemdonck K, Mestdagh P. mTOR Inhibition Enhances Delivery and Activity of Antisense Oligonucleotides in Uveal Melanoma Cells. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023; 33:248-264. [PMID: 37389884 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2023.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Owing to a lack of effective treatments, patients with metastatic disease have a median survival time of 6-12 months. We recently demonstrated that the Survival Associated Mitochondrial Melanoma Specific Oncogenic Non-coding RNA (SAMMSON) is essential for UM cell survival and that antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-mediated silencing of SAMMSON impaired cell viability and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. By screening a library of 2911 clinical stage compounds, we identified the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor GDC-0349 to synergize with SAMMSON inhibition in UM. Mechanistic studies revealed that mTOR inhibition enhanced uptake and reduced lysosomal accumulation of lipid complexed SAMMSON ASOs, improving SAMMSON knockdown and further decreasing UM cell viability. We found mTOR inhibition to also enhance target knockdown in other cancer cell lines as well as normal cells when combined with lipid nanoparticle complexed or encapsulated ASOs or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Our results are relevant to nucleic acid treatment in general and highlight the potential of mTOR inhibition to enhance ASO and siRNA-mediated target knockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanna Dewaele
- OncoRNALab, Center for Medical Genetics (CMGG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Louis Delhaye
- OncoRNALab, Center for Medical Genetics (CMGG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB-Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Boel De Paepe
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bram Bogaert
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ramiro Martinez
- OncoRNALab, Center for Medical Genetics (CMGG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jasper Anckaert
- OncoRNALab, Center for Medical Genetics (CMGG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nurten Yigit
- OncoRNALab, Center for Medical Genetics (CMGG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Justine Nuytens
- OncoRNALab, Center for Medical Genetics (CMGG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rudy Van Coster
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sven Eyckerman
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB-Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Mestdagh
- OncoRNALab, Center for Medical Genetics (CMGG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Yang L, Wang G, Shi H, Jia S, Ruan J, Cui R, Ge S. Methylation-driven gene DLL3 is a potential prognostic biomarker in ocular melanoma correlating with metastasis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:964902. [PMID: 36338696 PMCID: PMC9630341 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.964902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ocular melanoma is an aggressive malignancy with a high rate of metastasis and poor prognosis. Increasing evidence indicated that DNA methylation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of ocular melanoma. Hence, exploring new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers at the genetic level may be beneficial to the prognosis of patients with ocular melanoma. Methods We collected DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of human UM (uveal melanoma) and CM (conjunctival melanoma) samples from various datasets. We conducted differential methylation and expression analyses to screen the potential biomarkers. Correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationships between the expression level of DLL3 (delta-like protein 3) and the methylation level of its corresponding CpGs. We explored the prognostic and diagnostic value of DLL3 in UM and CM. Functional annotation and GSEA (gene set enrichment analysis) were applied to get insight into the possible biological roles of DLL3. A cohort of 60 ocular melanoma patients as well as UM and CM cell lines were used to validate our findings in bioinformatic analyses. Results We found that DLL3 was a methylation-driven gene correlating with UM metastasis. The CpGs of DLL3 are mainly located in the gene body and their methylation level positively correlated to DLL3 expression. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that DLL3 was an independent protective factor for UM patients. High DLL3 expression significantly prolonged the overall survival and disease-free survival of UM patients. DLL3 also showed a promising power to distinguish CM from normal tissues. Functional annotation exhibited that DLL3 may suppress UM progression through modulating immune activities and down-regulating various signaling pathways. External datasets, biospecimens, and cell lines further validated the aberrant expression and prognostic role of DLL3 in ocular melanoma. Conclusion Methylation-driven gene DLL3 could serve as a new potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in ocular melanoma. Our findings may contribute to improving the clinical outcomes of patients with UM or CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaoming Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanhan Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shichong Jia
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Ruan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Ruan, ; Ran Cui, ; Shengfang Ge,
| | - Ran Cui
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Ruan, ; Ran Cui, ; Shengfang Ge,
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Ruan, ; Ran Cui, ; Shengfang Ge,
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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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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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Tagliaferri L, Lancellotta V, Fionda B, Mangoni M, Casà C, Di Stefani A, Pagliara MM, D’Aviero A, Schinzari G, Chiesa S, Mazzarella C, Manfrida S, Colloca GF, Marazzi F, Morganti AG, Blasi MA, Peris K, Tortora G, Valentini V. Immunotherapy and radiotherapy in melanoma: a multidisciplinary comprehensive review. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:1903827. [PMID: 33847208 PMCID: PMC9122308 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1903827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is an extremely aggressive tumor and is considered to be an extremely immunogenic tumor because compared to other cancers it usually presents a well-expressed lymphoid infiltration. The aim of this paper is to perform a multidisciplinary comprehensive review of the evidence available about the combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy for melanoma. Radiation, in fact, can increase tumor antigens visibility and promote priming of T cells but can also exert immunosuppressive action on tumor microenvironment. Combining radiotherapy with immunotherapy provides an opportunity to increase immunostimulatory potential of radiation. We therefore provide the latest clinical evidence about radiobiological rationale, radiotherapy techniques, timing, and role both in advanced and systemic disease (with a special focus on ocular melanoma and brain, liver, and bone metastases) with a particular attention also in geriatric patients. The combination of immunotherapy and radiotherapy seems to be a safe therapeutic option, supported by a clear biological rationale, even though the available data confirm that radiotherapy is employed more for metastatic than for non-metastatic disease. Such a combination shows promising results in terms of survival outcomes; however, further studies, hopefully prospective, are needed to confirm such evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Tagliaferri
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Valentina Lancellotta
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Bruno Fionda
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- CONTACT Bruno Fionda UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, Roma00168, Italy
| | - Monica Mangoni
- Sezione di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Sperimentali e Cliniche, Università di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Calogero Casà
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Stefani
- UOC Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze mediche e chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Monica Maria Pagliara
- UOC Oncologia Oculare, Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Invecchiamento, neurologiche ortopediche e della testa collo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea D’Aviero
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Schinzari
- UOC Oncologia Medica, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Silvia Chiesa
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Ciro Mazzarella
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Stefania Manfrida
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ferdinando Colloca
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Marazzi
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Giuseppe Morganti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale Settore Scientifico Disciplinare, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Blasi
- UOC Oncologia Oculare, Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Invecchiamento, neurologiche ortopediche e della testa collo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Ketty Peris
- UOC Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze mediche e chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- UOC Oncologia Medica, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Valentini
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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9
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Gallenga CE, Franco E, Adamo GG, Violanti SS, Tassinari P, Tognon M, Perri P. Genetic Basis and Molecular Mechanisms of Uveal Melanoma Metastasis: A Focus on Prognosis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:828112. [PMID: 35480119 PMCID: PMC9037634 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.828112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most frequently found primary intraocular tumor, although it accounts for only 5% of all melanomas. Despite novel systemic therapies, patient survival has remained poor. Indeed, almost half of UM patients develop metastases from micro-metastases which were undetectable at diagnosis. Genetic analysis is crucial for metastatic risk prediction, as well as for patient management and follow-up. Several prognostic parameters have been explored, including tumor location, basal dimension and thickness, histopathologic cell type, vascular mimicry patterns, and infiltrating lymphocytes. Herein, the Authors review the available literature concerning cytogenetic prognostic markers and biochemical pathways correlated to UM metastasis development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Franco
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ginevra Giovanna Adamo
- Department of Specialized Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, Sant’Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sara Silvia Violanti
- Department of Head and Neck, Section of Ophthalmology, San Paolo Hospital, Savona, Italy
| | - Paolo Tassinari
- Department of Specialized Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, Sant’Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Perri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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10
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van Poppelen NM, van Ipenburg JA, van den Bosch Q, Vaarwater J, Brands T, Eussen B, Magielsen F, Dubbink HJ, Paridaens D, Brosens E, Naus N, de Klein A, Kiliç E, Verdijk RM. Molecular Genetics of Conjunctival Melanoma and Prognostic Value of TERT Promoter Mutation Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115784. [PMID: 34071371 PMCID: PMC8198138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was exploration of the genetic background of conjunctival melanoma (CM) and correlation with recurrent and metastatic disease. Twenty-eight CM from the Rotterdam Ocular Melanoma Study group were collected and DNA was isolated from the formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue. Targeted next-generation sequencing was performed using a panel covering GNAQ, GNA11, EIF1AX, BAP1, BRAF, NRAS, c-KIT, PTEN, SF3B1, and TERT genes. Recurrences and metastasis were present in eight (29%) and nine (32%) CM cases, respectively. TERT promoter mutations were most common (54%), but BRAF (46%), NRAS (21%), BAP1 (18%), PTEN (14%), c-KIT (7%), and SF3B1 (4%) mutations were also observed. No mutations in GNAQ, GNA11, and EIF1AX were found. None of the mutations was significantly associated with recurrent disease. Presence of a TERT promoter mutation was associated with metastatic disease (p-value = 0.008). Based on our molecular findings, CM comprises a separate entity within melanoma, although there are overlapping molecular features with uveal melanoma, such as the presence of BAP1 and SF3B1 mutations. This warrants careful interpretation of molecular data, in the light of clinical findings. About three quarter of CM contain drug-targetable mutations, and TERT promoter mutations are correlated to metastatic disease in CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M. van Poppelen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (N.M.v.P.); (J.V.); (T.B.); (B.E.); (D.P.); (N.N.); (E.K.)
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (F.M.); (E.B.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Jolique A. van Ipenburg
- Department of Pathology, Section Ophthalmic Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (J.A.v.I.); (Q.v.d.B.); (H.J.D.)
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Quincy van den Bosch
- Department of Pathology, Section Ophthalmic Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (J.A.v.I.); (Q.v.d.B.); (H.J.D.)
| | - Jolanda Vaarwater
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (N.M.v.P.); (J.V.); (T.B.); (B.E.); (D.P.); (N.N.); (E.K.)
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (F.M.); (E.B.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Tom Brands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (N.M.v.P.); (J.V.); (T.B.); (B.E.); (D.P.); (N.N.); (E.K.)
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (F.M.); (E.B.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Bert Eussen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (N.M.v.P.); (J.V.); (T.B.); (B.E.); (D.P.); (N.N.); (E.K.)
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (F.M.); (E.B.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Frank Magielsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (F.M.); (E.B.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Hendrikus J. Dubbink
- Department of Pathology, Section Ophthalmic Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (J.A.v.I.); (Q.v.d.B.); (H.J.D.)
| | - Dion Paridaens
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (N.M.v.P.); (J.V.); (T.B.); (B.E.); (D.P.); (N.N.); (E.K.)
- Department of Ocular Oncology, The Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Schiedamse Vest 180, 3011 BH Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin Brosens
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (F.M.); (E.B.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Nicole Naus
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (N.M.v.P.); (J.V.); (T.B.); (B.E.); (D.P.); (N.N.); (E.K.)
| | - Annelies de Klein
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (F.M.); (E.B.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Emine Kiliç
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (N.M.v.P.); (J.V.); (T.B.); (B.E.); (D.P.); (N.N.); (E.K.)
| | - Robert M. Verdijk
- Department of Pathology, Section Ophthalmic Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (J.A.v.I.); (Q.v.d.B.); (H.J.D.)
- Department of Ocular Oncology, The Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Schiedamse Vest 180, 3011 BH Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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11
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Wang JZ, Lin V, Toumi E, Wang K, Zhu H, Conway RM, Madigan MC, Murray M, Cherepanoff S, Zhou F, Shu W. Development of new therapeutic options for the treatment of uveal melanoma. FEBS J 2021; 288:6226-6249. [PMID: 33838075 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Important cytogenetic and genetic risk factors for the development of UM include chromosome 3 monosomy, mutations in the guanine nucleotide-binding proteins GNAQ/GNA11, and loss of the BRACA1-associated protein 1 (BAP 1). Most primary UMs are treated conservatively with radiotherapy, but enucleation is necessary for large tumours. Despite the effectiveness of local control, up to 50% of UM patients develop metastasis for which there are no effective therapies. Attempts to utilise the targeted therapies that have been developed for the treatment of other cancers, including a range of signal transduction pathway inhibitors, have rarely produced significant outcomes in UM. Similarly, the application of immunotherapies that are effective in cutaneous melanoma to treat UM have also been disappointing. Other approaches that have been initiated involve proteasomal inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors which are approved for the treatment of other cancers. Nevertheless, there have been occasional positive outcomes from these treatments in UM. Moreover, combination approaches in UM have also yielded some positive developments. It would be valuable to identify how to apply such therapies efficiently in UM, potentially via individualised tumour profiling. It would also be important to characterise UM tumours to differentiate the potential drivers of progression from those in other types of cancers. The recent identification of novel kinases and metastatic genes in UM tumours makes the development of new UM-specific treatments feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janney Z Wang
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vivian Lin
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elsa Toumi
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ke Wang
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - R Max Conway
- Ocular Oncology Unit, Sydney Eye Hospital and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, NSW, Australia.,Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michele C Madigan
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Murray
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Svetlana Cherepanoff
- SydPath, Department of Anatomical Pathology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Fanfan Zhou
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wenying Shu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, China
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12
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Pilla L, Alberti A, Di Mauro P, Gemelli M, Cogliati V, Cazzaniga ME, Bidoli P, Maccalli C. Molecular and Immune Biomarkers for Cutaneous Melanoma: Current Status and Future Prospects. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3456. [PMID: 33233603 PMCID: PMC7699774 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in the genomic, molecular and immunological make-up of melanoma allowed the development of novel targeted therapy and of immunotherapy, leading to changes in the paradigm of therapeutic interventions and improvement of patients' overall survival. Nevertheless, the mechanisms regulating either the responsiveness or the resistance of melanoma patients to therapies are still mostly unknown. The development of either the combinations or of the sequential treatment of different agents has been investigated but without a strongly molecularly motivated rationale. The need for robust biomarkers to predict patients' responsiveness to defined therapies and for their stratification is still unmet. Progress in immunological assays and genomic techniques as long as improvement in designing and performing studies monitoring the expression of these markers along with the evolution of the disease allowed to identify candidate biomarkers. However, none of them achieved a definitive role in predicting patients' clinical outcomes. Along this line, the cross-talk of melanoma cells with tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the evolution of the disease and needs to be considered in light of the role of predictive biomarkers. The overview of the relationship between the molecular basis of melanoma and targeted therapies is provided in this review, highlighting the benefit for clinical responses and the limitations. Moreover, the role of different candidate biomarkers is described together with the technical approaches for their identification. The provided evidence shows that progress has been achieved in understanding the molecular basis of melanoma and in designing advanced therapeutic strategies. Nevertheless, the molecular determinants of melanoma and their role as biomarkers predicting patients' responsiveness to therapies warrant further investigation with the vision of developing more effective precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Pilla
- Division of Medical Oncology, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca School of Medicine, 20900 Monza, Italy; (P.D.M.); (M.G.); (V.C.); (M.E.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Andrea Alberti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Health Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Ospedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Pierluigi Di Mauro
- Division of Medical Oncology, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca School of Medicine, 20900 Monza, Italy; (P.D.M.); (M.G.); (V.C.); (M.E.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Maria Gemelli
- Division of Medical Oncology, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca School of Medicine, 20900 Monza, Italy; (P.D.M.); (M.G.); (V.C.); (M.E.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Viola Cogliati
- Division of Medical Oncology, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca School of Medicine, 20900 Monza, Italy; (P.D.M.); (M.G.); (V.C.); (M.E.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Marina Elena Cazzaniga
- Division of Medical Oncology, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca School of Medicine, 20900 Monza, Italy; (P.D.M.); (M.G.); (V.C.); (M.E.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Paolo Bidoli
- Division of Medical Oncology, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca School of Medicine, 20900 Monza, Italy; (P.D.M.); (M.G.); (V.C.); (M.E.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Cristina Maccalli
- Laboratory of Immune and Biological Therapy, Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar;
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13
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van Ipenburg JA, Naus NC, Dubbink HJ, van Ginderdeuren R, Missotten GS, Paridaens D, Verdijk RM. Prognostic value of TERT promoter mutations in conjunctival melanomas in addition to clinicopathological features. Br J Ophthalmol 2020; 105:1454-1461. [PMID: 33127831 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-317405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the prognostic value of clinical, histopathological and molecular features and to relate different treatment modalities to clinical outcome in conjunctival melanomas (CM). METHODS Retrospective review of clinical, histopathological and BRAF V600E and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutation status and treatment modalities, correlated to recurrence and metastasis in 79 patients with CM, diagnosed between 1987 and 2015 in three tertiary referral centres in the Netherlands and Belgium. RESULTS Out of 78 evaluable patients, recurrences occurred in 16 patients and metastasis in 12 patients (median follow-up time 35 months (0-260 months)). Tumour thickness >2 mm, pT status, the presence of epithelioid cells, ulceration and mitoses was significantly correlated with metastasis (p value 0.046, 0.01, 0.02, 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). Furthermore, CM frequently harbour BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutations (29% and 43%, respectively). TERT promoter mutations were correlated to shorter metastasis-free survival (p value 0.002). No significant correlation was found for clinical parameters and metastatic disease. Palpebral, forniceal and caruncular melanomas were more prone to develop recurrences (p value: 0.03). Most CM were treated with excision with adjuvant therapy. CONCLUSION In line with the recommendations in the Eighth Edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging for CM, the pathology report should include information about pT status, tumour thickness, presence of epithelioid cells, ulceration and mitoses. Furthermore, information about the presence of a TERT promoter mutation and BRAF V600E mutation is of interest for therapeutic decision making. The presence of a TERT promoter mutation is correlated to metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N C Naus
- Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC, Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - H J Dubbink
- Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland,Netherlands
| | - R van Ginderdeuren
- Department of Ophthalmology and Pathology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - G S Missotten
- Ophthalmology, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven Gasthuisberg Campus Hospital Pharmacy, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - D Paridaens
- Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - R M Verdijk
- Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands /
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14
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Gkiala A, Palioura S. Conjunctival Melanoma: Update on Genetics, Epigenetics and Targeted Molecular and Immune-Based Therapies. Clin Ophthalmol 2020; 14:3137-3152. [PMID: 33116365 PMCID: PMC7553763 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s271569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To present the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of conjunctival melanoma (CM) and review the existing literature on targeted molecular inhibitors as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors for the management of locally advanced and metastatic disease. Methods A comprehensive review of the literature was performed using the keywords "conjunctival melanoma", "immune checkpoint inhibitors", "BRAF inhibitors", "MEK inhibitors", "CTLA4 inhibitors", "PD1 inhibitors", "c-KIT mutations", "BRAF mutations", "NRAS mutations", "dabrafenib", "trametinib", "vemurafenib", "ipilimumab", "pembrolizumab", and "nivolumab". A total of 250 articles were reviewed and 120 were included in this report. Results Mutations of mediators in the MAP kinase pathway, such as RAS, BRAF, MEK and ERK, and mutations of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway play a major role in the pathogenesis of conjunctival melanoma. In addition, alterations of c-KIT, NF1, TERT, chemokine receptors as well as chromosomal copy number alterations and micro RNAs are thought to have a causative association with CM development. Targeted molecular inhibitors, such as BRAF and MEK inhibitors, are currently being implemented in the therapy of BRAF-mutated CM. Furthermore, immune checkpoint PD-1 and CTLA4 inhibitors with favorable clinical outcomes in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma have increased recurrence-free survival and reduced metastatic spread in CM cases. Conclusion The complex molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development of CM can be targeted both by molecular inhibitors of oncogenic pathways as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors in order to halt progression of the disease and increase survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Gkiala
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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